Top 10 things to do in Northumberland
Northumberland is England’s emptiest county: castles on rocky coast, Hadrian’s Wall, dark skies and empty beaches. It is a great place for walkers and history lovers.
- 1
Alnwick Castle
📍 AlnwickCastle, familiesA castle that doubles as a film location, with state rooms and a Harry Potter link.
- 2
Alnwick Garden
📍 AlnwickGardensA modern garden next to the castle, with a large treehouse restaurant.
- 3
Bamburgh Castle
📍 BamburghCastle, beachA huge castle on a rock above a golden beach.
- 4
Lindisfarne Holy Island
📍 Holy IslandHistory, tidalA tidal island with a priory and castle. You must check the causeway times.
- 5
Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads
📍 Near HexhamHistory, walksA well-preserved Roman fort on a ridge with views.
- 6
Cragside
📍 Near RothburyHouse, gardensA Victorian house, the first in the world lit by hydroelectricity, in big grounds.
- 7
Dunstanburgh Castle
📍 CrasterHistory, walkA ruined castle on the coast, reached by a scenic walk from Craster.
- 8
Kielder Water and Forest
📍 KielderNature, starsEngland’s largest forest and reservoir, with a dark sky observatory.
- 9
Berwick-upon-Tweed
📍 BerwickTown, wallsA border town with Elizabethan walls and a view over the Tweed.
- 10
Farne Islands
📍 SeahousesWildlife, boatA seabird colony with puffins and grey seals reached by boat trip.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.