A guide to Northumberland and its attractions

Northumberland is one of the most beautiful areas of the UK. Located just south of the Scottish border, Northumberland’s windswept coastline, wildlife and majestic castles make it a wonderful place to visit for a romantic weekend or family holiday.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle, the ancestral seat of the Armstrong family, occupies a windswept spot on the Northumberland coastline. You can tour the castle and learn about the castle’s long and interesting past. There are more than 2,000 artefacts to see, plus some amazing views to enjoy from the castle ramparts.
Bamburgh is also the site of one of the best stretches of beach on this part of the Northumberland coastline. Miles and miles of sand, as far as the eye can see – on a fine, sunny day, Bamburgh beach is a great place to take the family, and if you have a four-legged friend, be sure to visit out of season so he can have a frolic on the sand.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle and gardens is a magical day out – literally if you are a Harry potter fan! The castle itself featured in the Harry Potter films, so you can have fun working out which bits you recognise. Alnwick Castle gardens are spectacular and you can quite easily spend a whole day wandering around the water features and enjoying a guided tour of the famous poison garden.

Holy Island

Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, is only a short trip across the causeway at low tide. Lindisfarne Priory was once an important centre of Christianity. Today, it is little more than a ruin, but nearby Lindisfarne Castle is an interesting attraction for visitors to explore. The village is also very picturesque, particularly in the summer.

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are a great place to visit if you are interested in wildlife. These beautiful rocky islands are home to 23 different species of birds, including puffins. The islands also have a grey seal colony. The Farne islands are located just off the coast of Northumberland and you can visit them on a boat trip out of Seahouses harbour. There is a visitor centre there and a boardwalk for easy access.

Cragside

Cragside in Rothbury, Morpeth, is an extraordinary Victorian House and Gardens. The fascinating house is crammed full of amazing gadgets, many of which are still working today, whilst the gardens are absolutely breath-taking. Kids will love exploring the labyrinth, which is a complex network of rhododendron paths and tunnels. You can also admire the largest rock garden in Europe.

Where to Stay in Northumberland

Northumberland has plenty of accommodation choices. There are lots of self-catering cottages available, or you can opt to stay at a hotel and enjoy a truly relaxing break. Warkworth House Hotel in Warkwarth is a top choice for pet owners who can’t bear to leave their best friend at home. St Aidan Hotel B&B near Seahouses is another favourite with visitors.

You can’t fail to have a good time when you visit Northumberland, but be sure to take your camera to capture the amazing views.