Free Northumberland Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Northumberland with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Explore Northumberland’s castles, tidal coast, Roman frontier, dark skies and Cheviot landscapes through historic towns and open countryside.

Northumberland occupies England’s far north-east, stretching from the River Tyne and the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne to the Scottish border, and from the North Sea coast westwards into the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park. It is one of England’s least densely populated counties, with long distances between settlements, broad skies and a landscape that changes markedly from tidal islands and sandy beaches to heather moorland, wooded valleys and high border ridges.

My first-day picks

Check the official safe-crossing times before driving or walking to Holy Island, as the causeway is covered by the tide twice daily.
Allow extra time between inland attractions because Northumberland is spacious and rural, with relatively infrequent public transport in some districts.
Book boat trips to the Farne Islands well ahead during the warmer months, particularly if wildlife watching is a priority.
Carry waterproof layers and sturdy footwear for Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviot Hills, where weather can change quickly.
Use marked paths and observe seasonal access guidance around nesting seabirds, seals and other protected wildlife.
Plan evening travel carefully in rural areas, where buses are limited and many villages have no late public transport.

When is the best time to visit Northumberland?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C

8° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 0.5°C, High: 7.8°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 45 mm, High: 70.8 mm J

8° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 0.6°C, High: 8°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 35 mm, High: 56 mm F

11° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 1.9°C, High: 10.9°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 30 mm, High: 50.6 mm M

13° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 3.4°C, High: 13.2°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 25 mm, High: 48 mm A

17° Temperature Range for MayLow: 6.4°C, High: 16.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 30 mm, High: 60.8 mm M

Best 20° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 10°C, High: 19.8°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 40 mm, High: 71.2 mm J

Best 22° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 12.4°C, High: 21.9°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 45 mm, High: 76.4 mm J

Best 22° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 12.2°C, High: 21.7°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 45 mm, High: 75.6 mm A

19° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 9.8°C, High: 18.8°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 40 mm, High: 70.8 mm S

15° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 7°C, High: 14.9°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 50 mm, High: 80.8 mm O

10° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 3.1°C, High: 9.6°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 55 mm, High: 85.6 mm N

8° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 0.9°C, High: 7.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 50 mm, High: 80.8 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	8	58
February	8	46
March	11	40
April	13	37
May	17	45
June (best)	20	56
July (best)	22	61
August (best)	22	60
September	19	55
October	15	66
November	10	70
December	8	66

Getting to and around Northumberland

How to get there

Northumberland is served by the East Coast Main Line, with stations including Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth and several smaller stops linking the county with London, York, Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh. Newcastle International Airport is outside Northumberland but is the nearest major international gateway for much of the county; transfers continue by road, taxi or public transport. The A1 is the principal north-south road, while the A69 provides access towards Hadrian’s Wall and the western districts. Berwick-upon-Tweed is close to the Scottish border but remains in England and Northumberland.

Transportation

Rail is useful for Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth and the Tyne Valley, while buses connect some coastal settlements and market towns. Services are less frequent in the national park, the Cheviots and parts of the western county, so a car is practical for dispersed castles, Roman sites and rural walking routes. Taxis can be limited outside larger towns. The coast and Hadrian’s Wall can be explored through combinations of walking, seasonal buses and local transport, but check connections carefully before setting out. Rural lanes may be narrow, and walkers should allow for exposed terrain and changeable weather.

Top city travel guides in Northumberland

The cities of Northumberland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Northumberland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Northumberland Coast Explore Northumberland Coast in the United Kingdom for sandy beaches, castles, Holy Island, Farne Islands, wildlife, walks and heritage villages.

Best attractions in Northumberland

Northumberland’s attractions are dispersed across a large, lightly settled county, with several distinct travel landscapes rather than one concentrated visitor centre. The Northumberland coast combines sandy beaches, dunes, fishing villages and wildlife excursions to the Farne Islands, where seabirds and seals are major seasonal draws. Holy Island adds a tidal journey, a historic priory and a compact settlement shaped by centuries of religious and maritime history. Inland, Alnwick Castle and its gardens, Warkworth Castle and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle provide different perspectives on aristocratic power and medieval defence. Hadrian’s Wall is the county’s defining archaeological landscape, with Roman forts, frontier roads and walking routes extending through open countryside. Northumberland National Park offers hillwalking, cycling, reservoirs, forests and some of England’s darkest skies, while the Cheviot Hills provide more demanding upland routes. Hexham Abbey, Brinkburn Priory and smaller fortified churches broaden the heritage story beyond the major castles. Museums, galleries, farm attractions and market-town events add cultural depth, but opening arrangements and seasonal transport vary, so rural itineraries need advance planning.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle is Northumberland’s most recognisable coastal landmark, occupying a dramatic basalt outcrop above the beach and recalling the area’s importance to the medieval kingdom of Bernicia and later border history. Nearby Lindisfarne Priory represents the enduring religious significance of Holy Island, reached by a causeway whose access is governed by the tide. Alnwick Castle remains a powerful architectural symbol of the Percy family and the county’s aristocratic past, while Warkworth Castle commands a bend in the River Coquet from its elevated medieval site. Dunstanburgh Castle, reached on foot from Craster, is especially evocative as a ruined fortress set against the North Sea. In the west, Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort and the remains at Vindolanda mark the former edge of the Roman Empire and give the upland landscape its historical framework. Hexham Abbey, with its long ecclesiastical history, and the Cheviot Hills, including the distinctive summit of The Cheviot, add religious and natural landmarks to the county’s architectural and geographical profile.

Show more landmarks

Explore Northumberland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northumberland

Northumberland’s food reflects its coast, farms, uplands and market towns. Seafood is central in coastal communities, with Craster particularly associated with traditionally smoked kippers; local menus may also feature crab, lobster and other North Sea catches when available. Inland cooking draws on lamb, beef, game, seasonal vegetables and farmhouse produce, while village pubs, rural inns and cafés often provide the most direct introduction to regional ingredients. Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham and Morpeth offer the widest range of restaurants, from contemporary kitchens to bakeries and informal cafés. Farm shops and farmers’ markets are useful for Northumberland cheeses, preserves, bread, smoked foods and locally produced drinks. Lindisfarne mead is a distinctive visitor purchase associated with Holy Island, although it is best regarded as a speciality product rather than a universal feature of local dining. In the countryside, booking ahead is prudent because many establishments have limited capacity or seasonal schedules, and distances between settlements can make spontaneous evening dining difficult.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Northumberland

Evening life in Northumberland is centred more on traditional pubs, restaurants, breweries and live music than on a large nightclub scene. Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham and Morpeth have the broadest choice of pubs and bars, while coastal towns and villages offer seasonal seafront or harbour-side drinking and dining. Historic inns and village pubs provide settings for local ales, conversation and food, but opening patterns can be quieter in rural districts and late transport is limited. Some larger towns host live music, theatre performances and occasional arts events, while independent cafés and restaurants may create a more relaxed evening culture. The county’s dark skies and rural character also encourage non-alcoholic evening activities such as stargazing and night walks with suitable preparation. Visitors staying outside the main towns should arrange taxis or accommodation transport in advance rather than assuming that a regular late bus service will be available.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Northumberland

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Northumberland

Shopping in Northumberland is concentrated in market towns, coastal communities and independent rural businesses rather than large-scale retail districts. Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham and Morpeth combine everyday high-street shopping with bookshops, galleries, antiques, cafés and locally owned specialist stores. Coastal villages provide opportunities to buy artwork, photography, crafts and maritime-themed goods, while farm shops and food halls stock regional cheeses, preserves, smoked fish, baking, drinks and seasonal produce. Holy Island is associated with religious and island-inspired crafts as well as Lindisfarne mead, and the larger towns offer more practical choices for outdoor clothing and walking equipment. Markets and seasonal fairs vary by town and date, so check local arrangements before making a special journey. For distinctive souvenirs, locally produced food, handmade pottery, textiles, jewellery and prints generally provide a stronger connection with Northumberland than generic castle merchandise.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Northumberland, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Northumberland essentials

Currency and Payment

Northumberland uses the pound sterling, currency code GBP, as part of the United Kingdom. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in towns, accommodation, visitor attractions and most restaurants. Carry some cash for smaller rural businesses, honesty boxes, traditional stalls and places where mobile or card connections may be unreliable. Bank branches and cash machines are concentrated in larger settlements, so it is sensible to arrange cash before travelling into remote parts of the national park or the Cheviot Hills.

Safety

Northumberland is generally suitable for independent travel, but its open landscapes require sensible preparation. Coastal paths can be exposed, slippery or affected by erosion, while beaches, rocks and tidal areas demand care around changing sea conditions. Check the tide tables for Holy Island and avoid approaching cliff edges. On Hadrian’s Wall and in the Cheviots, carry navigation equipment, warm and waterproof clothing, food and water, particularly outside summer. Drive cautiously on narrow rural roads, watch for livestock and expect limited phone coverage in some upland areas.

Emergency Situations

Dial 999 or 112 in an emergency anywhere in Northumberland for police, fire and ambulance services. If calling from the coast, ask for the Coastguard when appropriate; on upland routes, explain your exact location and request assistance for a mountain or countryside incident. Grid references, named paths, nearby car parks and distinctive landmarks can help rescuers locate you. Do not rely solely on mobile coverage in remote areas, and tell someone your intended route when walking in the national park or Cheviot Hills.

Do's and Don'ts

Keep to marked paths where requested, close gates, control dogs near livestock and avoid disturbing nesting birds or seals. Treat historic ruins, archaeological remains and church interiors with care, and follow photography guidance in religious or privately managed sites. On the coast, do not climb unstable cliffs or cross tidal inlets without reliable local advice. In villages and rural communities, keep noise and parking considerate. English national customs such as queueing, modest tipping in restaurants and allowing passengers to leave public transport before boarding apply here as elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Local Tips

Divide the county into manageable areas rather than attempting the coast, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots from one base. Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham and Morpeth offer different perspectives on Northumberland’s history, while coastal villages provide access to beaches and wildlife sites. Check tide, weather and seasonal wildlife information before travelling. Local farm shops, markets, smokehouses and breweries are useful places to find regional produce, and dark-sky conditions are best experienced away from settlements on clear nights.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Hiya	[hee-yah]
Goodbye	Ta-ra	[tah-rah]
Yes	Aye	[eye]
No	Naa	[nah]
Please/You're welcome	Please / Nae bother	[pleez / nay boh-thur]
Thank you	Cheers	[cheerz]
Excuse me/Sorry	Excuse me / Sorry	[ex-kyoos mee / sor-ree]
How are you?	Howay?	[hoh-way]
Fine. And you?	Aye, am fine. And yersel'?	[eye, am fine. And yer-sell?]
Do you speak English?	D'ye speak English?	[d'ye speek in-glish]
I don't understand	Ah divn't understand	[ah div-nt un-der-stand]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Can ah see the menu, please?	[kan ah see thuh men-yoo, pleez?]
I don't eat meat	Ah divn't eat meat	[ah div-nt eet meet]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[cheerz]
I would like to pay, please	Can ah pay, please?	[kan ah pay, pleez?]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[help]
Go away!	Gerrout!	[ger-out]
Call the Police!	Call the Police!	[call thuh po-lees]
Call a doctor!	Call a doc!	[call a dock]
I'm lost	Ah'm lost	[ah'm lost]
I'm ill	Ah'm poorly	[ah'm poo-er-lee]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ah'd like to buy...	[ah'd like to buy...]
I'm just looking	Ah'm just lookin'	[ah'm just look-in']
How much is it?	How much is it?	[how much iz it?]
That's too expensive	That's too dear	[that's too deer]
Can you lower the price?	Can ye lower the price?	[kan ye loh-er thuh prys?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Wot time is it?	[wot tym iz it?]
It's one o'clock	It's one o'clock	[its wun uh-clock]
Half past (10)	Half past ten	[half past ten]
Morning	Mornin'	[mor-nin']
Afternoon	Aft'noon	[aft-noon]
Evening	Evenin'	[eev-nin']
Yesterday	Yest'day	[yest-day]
Today	T'day	[t'day]
Tomorrow	T'morrow	[t'mor-row]
1	One	[wun]
2	Two	[too]
3	Three	[three]
4	Four	[for]
5	Five	[five]
6	Six	[six]
7	Seven	[sev-en]
8	Eight	[ayt]
9	Nine	[nayn]
10	Ten	[ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Whe's the...?	[whe's thuh...?]
What's the address?	Wot's the address?	[wot's thuh ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Can ye show me (on the map)?	[kan ye shoh mee (on thuh map)?]
When's the next (bus)?	When's the next (bus)?	[wen's thuh next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)	A ticket (to ....)	[a tick-it (to....)]

History of Northumberland

Prehistoric Landscapes and Early Settlement

Northumberland contains evidence of settlement and ritual activity dating from prehistoric periods, including stone monuments, burial sites and later hillforts on prominent ridges. These remains reveal how communities used the county’s river valleys, uplands and coastal resources long before written records. Hillforts such as Yeavering Bell, associated with the Cheviot area, demonstrate the importance of defended elevated sites during the Iron Age. Much of this archaeological legacy survives as earthworks in open landscapes rather than as monumental ruins, making careful observation and informed walking especially rewarding.

The Roman Frontier and Hadrian’s Wall

The Roman conquest brought Northumberland into a militarised frontier zone. Hadrian’s Wall, begun in the second century, crossed the county from the Tyne valley towards the Solway coast, with forts, milecastles, turrets, roads and civilian settlements supporting the defensive system. Vindolanda, Housesteads and nearby frontier sites preserve different aspects of Roman military and daily life. The wall was not simply a single barrier: it controlled movement, displayed imperial power and connected soldiers and communities across the northern edge of Roman Britain.

The Kingdom of Northumbria

In the early medieval period, much of northern England formed part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, whose political and religious influence extended well beyond present county boundaries. The monastery at Lindisfarne, founded in the seventh century, became a major centre of Christian learning and manuscript culture. The later Viking attack on Lindisfarne in 793 entered European historical memory, although the community’s story continued afterwards. Churches, carved stones and archaeological sites across the county reflect the interaction of Christian, Anglo-Saxon and later Norse influences.

Medieval Castles and Border Warfare

For centuries, Northumberland’s location beside Scotland made it a contested frontier. Castles at Bamburgh, Alnwick, Berwick and elsewhere protected strategic routes and served as residences as well as military strongholds. The region experienced raids, sieges and shifting political control during the medieval conflicts between the English and Scottish crowns. Powerful families, notably the Percys of Northumberland, shaped local politics and architecture. Many surviving castles and fortified churches are best understood within this long period of insecurity rather than as isolated picturesque ruins.

Monasteries, Landholding and Religious Change

Medieval religious houses were important landowners, economic centres and cultural institutions. Lindisfarne Priory, Hexham Abbey and the remains of Brinkburn Priory illustrate different phases of Northumberland’s ecclesiastical history, from early Christian foundations to later Augustinian communities. Monasteries managed farms, fisheries and estates, while churches connected local communities to wider religious networks. The Dissolution of the Monasteries in the sixteenth century transformed this landscape, with buildings and lands passing into private hands and some religious sites becoming ruins or elements of later estates.

Border Estates and the Percy Legacy

From the later medieval period into the modern era, the Percy family became closely associated with Alnwick Castle and the title of Duke of Northumberland. Their influence extended through landholding, politics and patronage, helping shape the architecture and designed landscapes of central Northumberland. The county’s great houses and estates also reflect broader changes in British society, including agricultural improvement, estate management and the transformation of medieval fortresses into residences. Alnwick remains the clearest architectural expression of this enduring regional connection.

Coal, Ports and Industrial Change

Industrialisation influenced Northumberland’s southern and coastal districts through coal mining, quarrying, railways and port activity. The Tyne and Blyth areas became linked to wider networks of extraction and export, while smaller coastal communities maintained fishing and maritime trades. Industrial employment altered settlement patterns and connected rural districts to growing towns, although many collieries and associated industries later declined. Today, traces of this history survive in railway alignments, harbour structures, mining landscapes and the social memory of communities whose economies were once closely tied to coal.

Conservation and the Modern County

Twentieth-century economic change was accompanied by a growing emphasis on landscape and heritage conservation. Northumberland National Park, established in 1956, protects extensive upland scenery, while the Northumberland Coast and its islands are valued for habitats, geology and birdlife. Hadrian’s Wall and the region’s castles, abbeys and archaeological sites have become central to cultural tourism. The modern county therefore balances farming, forestry, conservation and tourism, with dark-sky recognition and protected coastal environments reinforcing Northumberland’s reputation for spacious, carefully managed landscapes.