Things to do & places to visit in Northumberland, United Kingdom

Northumberland #28 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.56 based on 47.2k traveler reviews, of 39 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 8:05.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Cragside House and Gardens (3.594 reviews)
- Afternoon Visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Experience Britain's original smart home. Illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, this pioneering home was filled with Victorian gadgets for efficient modern living. With engineered lakes, foaming waterfalls and hillsides filled with rhododendrons, this 1000-acre fantasy mountain landscape was envisioned by inventor and arms manufacturer William Armstrong, alongside is wife Margaret. Wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths and tumbling cascades in the Rock Garden, and witness the changing seasons in the Formal Garden. You can also view the whole estate via the Carriage Drive where way-marked walks, hilltops lakes and wildlife are waiting to be discovered. See more..
5.0 Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours (2.365 reviews)
- A wonderful experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours

This was our second time out with Serenity. Last May and yesterday. The boats are super safe and comfortable with all the safety equipment explained before leaving harbour. The best time imo is May when all the birds are nesting. However we were not disappointed with all the wildlife we saw yesterday Capt Jimmy and his Mate Andrew gave an excellent running commentary all round the wonderful Farne Islands. Two hours very well spent just got £22 each. Excellent value We will return in the autumn Lastly take warm clothing and woolly hats and gloves. It can get chilly when the wind blows. See more..
5.0 The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (979 reviews)
- Fabulous Walks
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is among the finest landscape of the country. It was designated in 1958 and covers 39 miles of coast from Berwick to the Coquet Estuary. Within this stretch of coastline is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery - sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs and isolated islands. See more..
5.0 Falconry Days (703 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Bird Of Prey Centre with over 75 birds of prey from around the world located in the middle of Northumberlands National Park.Visitor centre open every day from 11am, picnic area, hot/cold drinks and light snacks. See more..
5.0 Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre (601 reviews)
- Not to be missed!
Monday: Nature & Wildlife Areas

Absolutely fantastic, both the birds of prey and the reptile show are well worth it, close and personal, great for all ages and a really good price. Staff were knowledgeable, kind and had lots of time for questions. Beautiful birds and cute creepy crawlies Will definitely be going again soon. See more..
5.0 St Aiden Beach (528 reviews)
- Leisurely Walk
Beaches

Lovely trip to Bamburgh. Normally on this coastal visit to the north east I head straight to the castle but today I got here early to enjoy a lovely walk along the beach. It is lovely I really enjoyed the peaceful nature and only being able to here the sounds of the waves crashing. There are a lot of dog walkers about which is nice to see and the beach is so vast you can easily spread out. I was so happy to see the lack of litter in this lovely piece of Northumberland. The water was cold but that didn’t stop me paddling to take in the experience. Loved it. I definitely recommend a visit if you want to relax in the area. It is not the easiest beach to access but crossing the small dunes was fun. See more..
5.0 Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre (462 reviews)
- Brilliant
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Officially licensed Birds of Prey Centre set in the heart of beautiful Kielder Water and Forest Park, the only place in Britain with dark sky status. See more..
5.0 Warkworth Beach (435 reviews)
- Walking from Warkworth
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

We were on a self guided walking weekend with HF and stayed at Alnmouth. One walk was from Warkworth to Alnmouth along the coastal path. We glanced up at the castle but didn’t go in. Another time perhaps. It was glorious weather, constant sunshine and so it was a wonderful day spent enjoying the coast, river views around warkworth and Alnmouth. We had to divert a little due to the high tide so walked through a caravan park for a while but it was fine. We went off piste a little to admire the view across the river towards Alnmouth but there was no way across so we backtracked leading onto a cycle path and back to Alnmouth. All the way we saw great views along beaches, of farm fields and very few people. See more..
5.0 KA adventure sports (275 reviews)
- Outstanding surfing experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Gear Rentals

We booked a two hour surfing lesson for our grandkids (11 and 9) online after having received useful advice from ka by phone. Ryan the instructor was very helpful when we arrived, putting the kids at ease and being very thorough in his explanations. In a mixed age group he was energetic and attentive particularly when the youngest got a little tired towards the end of the session. The grandkids are now much more confident in the water and can't wait to come back. I would thoroughly recommend Ryan and KA See more..
5.0 Pedal Power Cycling (232 reviews)
- Private transfer of people, bikes, dogs and luggage.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Bike Tours • Gear Rentals

We booked a private transfer for 5 bikes, 5 adults, 3 dogs and a dog trailer from Berwick on Tweed to Derby. Communication throughout was excellent, the driver was friendly and helpful and carefully loaded the bikes and luggage. The price was fair coming in at slightly less than it would have cost on the train but an awful lot easier! Thank you, great service. See more..
5.0 Allout Adventures (211 reviews)
- Just brilliant!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Shooting Ranges • Game & Entertainment Centers

A brilliant afternoon with Paul from AlloutAdventures! We had 5 kids ranging from 8yrs- 13yrs and they did the ‘ party’ option where they did shooting, archery, paintball and quads. Everyone at the centre was friendly and everything was straightforward and well planned. Paul who looked after our group of kids was particularly great and so patient we can’t thank him enough. Kids loved the activities and it was really excellent value for money. Thoroughly recommend this place for fantastic fun outdoors! See more..
5.0 Northside Surf School (191 reviews)
- Beginners' stand-up paddleboarding for the whole family
Monday: Surfing & Windsurfing • Water Sports • Stand Up Paddleboarding

John taught six of us in our family for complete beginners lessons in stand up paddleboarding. He was more than helpful at every step and all of us (including four children aged between 9 and 17) had a great time, managing to paddle a couple of miles up and back along the river. All kit was provided for and the wet suit was handy when I fell in a couple of times. It was a fantastic start to our last day and a great finish to a wonderful holiday in Amble. See more..
5.0 Twice Brewed Stargazing (191 reviews)
- Open your eyes to the beautiful Dark Skies of Northumberland!
Spent 2-3 hours Observatories & Planetariums

Located within Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park, Offering Stargazing events on their own, or with a package, dinner and also a Stayover option. We have a large array of telescopes ensuring each social bubble will have their own allocated telescope to use, guided by our passionate astronomers, when the weather is favourable you will explore the universe See more..
5.0 Alpaca Encounters (150 reviews)
- An extraordinary birthday treat!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

Encounter Alpacas as they graze in their paddocks. Mingle with them, feed them and walk them - if you want too. We make your visit bespoke for the size of party and what you want to get from it. Call us to discuss your visit 07984 458869 See more..
5.0 Ancient Britain (123 reviews)
- Captivating
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

Kevin was a simply brilliant tour guide, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and braved the driving sleet whilst dressed in the full Celtic regalia, we followed him around three sites on the six hour tour which was a great journey back into the Roman way of life, and the ensuing Borders buffer zone between England and Scotland. Hadrian's Wall is no longer a mystery to us. We took this package as part of a three night deal at Langley Castle, Kevin's tour we took on the second day, we were concerned that it might be called off, but Kevin braved the elements along with us, and after around thirty minutes of being a marauding Celt, he got into hiking mode and off we went to view parts of the wall and two of the Roman Settlements. I am fairly sure that George Martin spent a lot of time in this area, it really feels like the foundation for his Fire and Ice books. Book Kevin for an in depth history of the area and you will not regret it. See more..
5.0 Ferny Rigg Alpacas (89 reviews)
- "Fantastic"
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

A fun relaxing stroll in the country with a furry dinosaur who is guaranteed to make you smile. Come and walk one of our wonderful Alpacas in the Upper North Tyne Valley situated in the Northumberland National park. The beautiful countryside is within sight of the Kielder Dam just outside the village of Falstone, close to Bellingham. Booking essential. We also have two holiday cottages at the farm too, these are called Ferny Rigg Byre and Merry Burn Barn. Bookable through cottages.com See more..
5.0 NE Surf (71 reviews)
- Surf's up dude choose NE surf
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Gear Rentals

Great communication and lovely people. My 5 children ages 12 to 21 all had great fun and learned to surf standing up in two hours from never having picked a surf board up. All equipment required was provided and included in the price and Emily managed to arrange good weather too :-) We went on our last day of our trip to Northumberland but wished we'd done it earlier in the week so we could have done the improvers course. The instructing style was jovial and fantastic, engaging all ages. Front foot forward guys ... See more..
5.0 Cragside House and Gardens (3.594 reviews)
- Afternoon Visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Experience Britain's original smart home. Illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, this pioneering home was filled with Victorian gadgets for efficient modern living. With engineered lakes, foaming waterfalls and hillsides filled with rhododendrons, this 1000-acre fantasy mountain landscape was envisioned by inventor and arms manufacturer William Armstrong, alongside is wife Margaret. Wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths and tumbling cascades in the Rock Garden, and witness the changing seasons in the Formal Garden. You can also view the whole estate via the Carriage Drive where way-marked walks, hilltops lakes and wildlife are waiting to be discovered. See more..
4.5 Alnwick Castle (5.698 reviews)
- Beautifully restored castle in a great setting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

Alnwick Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, has witnessed battles, rebellions, tragedy and romance, and has been home to a variety of interesting people – from knight Harry Hotspur to Harry Potter! Enjoy a tour of the collections of art and furniture in the treasure-filled State Rooms, or join our 'Alnwick On Location' guided tour to find out about the Castle’s starring film roles including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and most recently, Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves. Join our resident wizarding professors and prefects for a broomstick training lesson on the very spot of Harry’s first lesson. Learn medieval crafts and skills in Artisans Courtyard, before putting your skills to the test when facing the beast that lies within Dragon Quest! With so much to see and do, you may need more than one day so when you buy your ticket for the day, you can visit free for the year whenever the castle is open to the public. See our website for full details. See more..
4.5 Bamburgh Castle (4.056 reviews)
- Uhtred of Bebbanburg Tour with Rob was Fantastic!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

The King of Castles, a fortification has dominated this site since Anglo-Saxon times when it was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria. The current structure with Keep, curtain walls, towers and ramparts dates from the 1500's to the Victorian restructuring of Lord Armstrong. There are fourteen rooms open to the public including the spectacular Kings Hall, with over 3000 items of artwork, furniture, china and porcelain. The separate Armstrong and Aviation Artifacts museum gives visitors a glimpse into the creativity and industrial genius of Lord Armstrong, with a look at the aviation legacy created by his company after his death. The cafeteria serves great, fresh food and then a wander around the battlements completes a great day out. See more..
4.5 Lindisfarne Priory (2.613 reviews)
- Anglo-Saxon history inside English Heritage museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ahead of your visit please make sure to check our website for full opening times, as they vary depending on the tide times. English Heritage is a Charitable Trust taking care of over 400 historic sites throughout England. Lindisfarne Priory is one of these very precious sites. A substantial site where almost 1400 years ago St. Aidan, brought here by King Oswald, chose Lindisfarne to build his church and bring Christianity to the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. Follow those years through our museum and exhibition and then walk through St. Mary's churchyard to the dramatic ruins where you can walk in the footsteps of the monks who inhabited this 12C Priory and monastic buildings. Hours of opening may vary due to the tides. For your own safety please check the tide times carefully. See more..
4.5 Vindolanda (2.409 reviews)
- Visit Roman Britain
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. The recently fully refurbished on site museum provides a breathtaking exploration of the Trust's ongoing discoveries and accounts of Roman life. There are no other places on earth where it is possible to experience Roman Britain, Hadrian's Wall and history coming to life before your very eyes all in one space! Come and explore it for yourself and find out why Vindolanda is treasured worldwide. See more..
4.5 Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall (1.684 reviews)
- Well worth the hike
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

The parking lot, cafe and restrooms are located right off the road. One must take a path, along sheep grazing in the field, uphill to the visitor center, where one pays for admission. We are Royal Oak members who work in conjunction with the National Trust, so we did not need to pay the entrance fee. When we did process our membership cards for admittance, we were told to watch a film in the back and look through the museum. As it was close to closing time, we did not spend much time doing either, but headed up to the wall to admire the views. I must admit, it is quite spectacular. The only downside in my opinion, is the huge colorful building that has been erected at the top for all to see. Although I understand the reason for its construction, I do not feel that the modern colorful panels on the building reflect the historical nature of the grounds. I found it more to be an eyesore. That being said, if one can get past the building, one can imagine what life would have been in this area back in the day when the Romans built and occupied the fort. Such a treasure that this area has been preserved for generations to enjoy. See more..
4.5 Dunstanburgh Castle (1.488 reviews)
- Cool castle. Lovely stroll.
Monday: Castles

The castle wasn’t open when I visited but that didn’t matter because you don’t need to go in to appreciate the beauty of it. I parked at Craster Quarry car park. I paid for 3 hours and walked down to Embleton Bay and back plus chilling time and photo taking time so that should give you an idea of how much time you think you’ll need as the parking is quite pricey and unless you plan on doing a super long coastal walk three hours is sufficient. See more..
4.5 Wallington Hall (1.315 reviews)
- Outstanding Venue
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

It was obvious when we walked from the parking lot that this place would not disappoint. The house stands magnificently overlooking a vast piece of property. One is able to tour the house, of which the interior is simply remarkable. There are many paths to walk on the property to take in the beauty of the surrounds. We are Royal Oak members, so we only needed to show our paid membership cards to enter, so I am unaware of the entry cost. But, I'm certain that this National Trust Property would be worth whatever entrance fee is charged. There is a lovely cafe that serves a variety of refreshment, so we were able to enjoy a cuppa with a fresh made scone served with clotted cream and jam. Honestly, it doesn't get much better than this. See more..
4.5 Warkworth Castle & Hermitage (1.284 reviews)
- Simply amazing
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Wow, I never tire of visiting this castle, it has so much to see and is a stunning site to approach. You can see for miles around and have a beautiful view out to sea. I’ve visited here many times and always spot some different mason marks or carvings. Make sure you look for the original Angel of the North whilst you are there! The staff are always welcoming and very knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you have. It’s an English heritage site and again a membership is a very good investment for whilst visiting in Northumberland. There is ample car parking and a small toilet block if needed. The gift shop is small but always with a look whilst there. A must visit whilst in the area! See more..
4.5 Hexham Abbey (1.092 reviews)
- Very impressive
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

This former medieval abbey was built late in the 7th century. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Northumberland, welcoming over 120,000 visitors per year. With interactive mobile phone guides and welcoming stewards, plus a visitor center, Cafe and gift shop, it is a fully immersive experience for young and old. See more..
4.5 Roman Army Museum (1.032 reviews)
- Fantastic displays & good show - stop here prior to Vindolanda to provide background/context
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome's military accomplishments in Britain. See more..
4.5 Kielder Observatory (1.007 reviews)
- Aurora Night - but with no actual star gazing!! :-(
Monday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Observatories & Planetariums

The Kielder Observatory is a centre for public outreach in the science of astronomy and physics. It serves to promote the universe to our guests, enabling people from all walks of life and levels of interest to access the visual splendour of the cosmos. With a superb array of telescopes and instrumentation to explore the depths of space. Expert tuition awaits the visitors who come along and take part in our featured events, sit in complete comfort in our classroom next to the log burning fire and let us take you on a tour of the universe. See more..
4.5 The Elizabethan Town Walls (853 reviews)
- A must visit if you're in Northumbria
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Fabulously preserved walls with easy access. We joined the walk at the end of Woolmarket and the route was well signposted with lots of information boards. The paths were level and well kept and there was no litter. From this vantage point you could see into the flanking bastions and get an idea of the fields of fire of the guns as well as the defences. We walked the route over an afternoon and then early morning but a couple of hours would be plenty to take it all in. See more..