10 Things to Do in Northumberland

Here are my tips for ten things to do in Northumberland, in the north east of England.

Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Holy Island is reached by driving over a tidal causeway. Make sure that you check the tide times before you cross, as you don’t want to end up having to use the rescue tower.

The Rescue Tower on the causeway to Holy Island

You can visit Lindisfarne Castle which has a walled garden, and Lindisfarne Priory.

Looking toward Lindisfarne Castle

Get Mystical at the Duddo Stone Circle

We first visited the Duddo Stone Circle when the rapeseed was in full bloom, which made the walk over the stones very colourful.

Duddo Stone Circle rises above the rapeseed

The stones look larger than they are in reality from the distance.

Go Paddling at Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh Beach has beautiful golden sand, but it can be pretty chilly there if it’s windy.

Bamburgh Beach at low tide

It’s best to go at low tide as then you can sit on the exposed rocks to admire the views up to Bamburgh Castle and over to the Farne Islands.

Bamburgh Castle

Wander Around Norham Castle

It’s free to wander around the ruins of Norham Castle which sits in a defensive position above the River Tweed.

Bridge over the moat at Norham Castle

I was fortunate to have the place to myself when I visited.

Norham Castle

Kayak to the Farne Islands

If you’re fit and adventurous you could sea kayak out to the Farne Islands from Bamburgh beach. However, there’s also the option of getting a regular boat over from Seahouses. There’s a Sea Bird Sanctuary and a seal colony on the islands.

Longstone lighthouse on the Farne Islands by MGSpiller

Explore Cragside House & Gardens

Cragside House near Rothbury was the home of industrialist Lord Armstrong in the late 19th century.

Cragside House

I love the Formal Garden at Cragside House, especially when the dalhias or tulips are in blooom.

Dahlias at Cragside’s Formal Garden

Walk Along Hadrian’s Wall

The Romans built Hadrians Wall in the second century to defend the northern border of their territory. The wall isn’t that well preserved, being more obvious in some parts than others. There’s now a pathway alongside the wall.

Hadrian’s Wall

Admire the Murals at Chain Bridge Honey Farm

This is another free attraction in Northumberland. Strange as it my sound, the thing that I enjoyed most at the Honey Farm was the murals on the walls.

Mural of Berwick Quayside at Chain Bridge Honey Farm

Walk Around the Elizabethan Walls of Berwick upon Tweed

You can do a circular walk around the ramparts (defensive walls) in Berwick upon Tweed. You’ll get some great views over the Tweed Estuary, toward Spittal Beach and the pier.

The Tweed Estaury at low tide from the Walls

There’s usually a free art exhibition at the Granary, near the quayside.

The Berwick upon Tweed ramparts at the Quayside

Visit Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle has become more popular as Hogwarts in the filming of the first two Harry Potter movies. The other big attraction in the town is The Alnwick Garden but I wouldn’t recommend it, I didn’t think it was worth the entrance fee.

Looking up to Alnwick Castle from the bridge

Climb the Cheviots

As I’m not into hill walking I’ve never done this. I checked out the Cheviot Walks website and the shortest walk they list is almost six miles., with several well into the teens.

 The Cheviot Hills

If you have recommendations for things to do in Northumberland, please leave a comment.

 

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