Best Landmarks in Northumberland

13 landmarks

1. 
   01
   Castle4.5★13,469 reviews

   Alnwick Castle

   Alnwick Castle stands as one of England's most impressive medieval fortresses, home to the Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. This 11th-century stronghold combines authentic medieval architecture with lavish Italian Renaissance State Rooms, offering visitors a rare glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life. Beyond its historical significance, the castle gained international fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter series, where visitors can experience broomstick-flying lessons in the very courtyards where the films were shot. With museums, interactive exhibits, guided tours, and seasonal activities, Alnwick Castle delivers a rich blend of heritage, entertainment, and cinematic magic.

   Daily 10:00–17:30Price level $$Time to spend 2–3.5 hrs

   66 min drive · 33 km·Alnwick NE66 1NQ

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2. 
   02
   Abbey4.7★1,840 reviews

   Hexham Abbey

   Hexham Abbey stands as one of Northumberland's most significant historical landmarks, welcoming over 120,000 visitors annually to its sacred grounds. Founded in 674 AD by Saint Wilfrid, this working church seamlessly blends Anglo-Saxon, Norman, and Gothic architecture across thirteen centuries of continuous worship. The free admission, combined with exceptional features like the 7th-century crypt, Roman stonework, and medieval treasures, makes it an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

   Daily 10:00–16:00Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs

   53 min drive · 26 km·Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3NB

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3. 
   03
   Historical landmark4.5★1,487 reviews

   Lanercost Priory

   A remarkably well-preserved medieval Augustinian priory founded in 1169 in the valley of the River Irthing, near Brampton in Cumbria. Built partly from stones salvaged from nearby Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost endured centuries of Scottish raids during the Wars of Independence and briefly served as a royal residence when King Edward I convalesced here in 1306–07. Today, English Heritage manages the atmospheric ruins while the priory church continues as an active parish church, creating a unique blend of monastic heritage and living worship.

   Sat–Sun 10:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1.5–3 hrs

   95 min drive · 48 km·Lanercost, Brampton CA8 2HQ

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4. 
   04
   Historical landmark4.8★373 reviews

   Sycamore Gap

   Sycamore Gap, nestled within Northumberland National Park near Hexham, is a dramatic dip along Hadrian's Wall famed for its iconic sycamore tree, known as the Robin Hood Tree. Though the original tree was felled in 2023, the site remains a poignant symbol of natural beauty and Roman heritage, offering stunning views, rich history, and a deeply atmospheric landscape that draws photographers, hikers, and history enthusiasts alike.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs

   59 min drive · 30 km·Northumberland National Park, Once Brewed, Hexham NE47 7AW

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5. 
   05
   Historical landmark4.6★146 reviews

   Winter's Gibbet

   Winter's Gibbet near Morpeth, Northumberland, is a haunting historical landmark marking the site where William Winter's body was displayed after his 1792 execution. This eerie gibbet recalls a brutal era of justice, with a replica wooden figure now standing where the original once hung, embodying centuries of local lore and morbid fascination.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   15 min walk · 1.1 km·Harwood, Morpeth NE61 4LE

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6. 
   06
   Historical landmark4.5★126 reviews

   Coxon's Tower

   Coxon's Tower is a historic medieval tower forming part of the famous fortified walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Originally built in the medieval period and extensively modified in the 16th and 18th centuries, it stands as one of the last two original towers on the town's ramparts. The tower offers captivating views over the River Tweed estuary and embodies centuries of military history at this strategic border town.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   124 min drive · 62 km·9 Palace St, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1HN

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7. 
   07
   Historical landmark4.6★92 reviews

   Lady's Well

   Lady's Well is a historic and atmospheric holy well located near the village of Holystone within Northumberland National Park, England. This large, shallow, arch-shaped spring pool is believed to have Roman origins built atop an even older sacred site. Surrounded by a peaceful grove of trees, it offers visitors a tranquil spot steeped in legend and natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters filtered through fine sand. The well is linked to early Christian saints and is part of a landscape rich in archaeological and natural heritage.

   Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   25 min drive · 12 km·Harbottle, Morpeth NE65 7AJ

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8. 
   08
   Historical landmark4.7★72 reviews

   The Drake Stone

   A colossal 2,000-tonne sandstone boulder perched atop a windswept ridge in Northumberland, the Drake Stone is a glacial erratic steeped in legend and mythology. This ancient landmark, said to possess healing powers and once revered by druids, rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across the Coquetdale valley, Harbottle village, and the surrounding moorland. The moderate circular walk to reach it takes approximately 2.5 hours and passes near the atmospheric ruins of Harbottle Castle.

   Time to spend 2–4 hrs

   29 min drive · 14 km·Northumberland National Park, Harbottle, Morpeth NE65 7BB

   Show on map The Drake Stone
9. 
   09
   Historical landmark4.5★76 reviews

   Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall

   Brunton Turret is one of the finest preserved turrets on Hadrian's Wall, standing 2.5 metres high near Chesters Roman Fort in Northumberland. Built around AD 122 by the Twentieth Legion under Emperor Hadrian's orders, this small stone structure once housed Roman soldiers who monitored the empire's northwestern frontier. The turret sits within a 69-metre section of the original wall, offering visitors a tangible connection to nearly 2,000 years of Roman military history. Free to visit and open year-round, it remains an essential stop along the Chesters Roman Trail.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   42 min drive · 21 km·Brunton Bank, Hexham NE46 4EJ

   Show on map Brunton Turret - Hadrian's Wall
10. 
    10
    Historical place4.5★29 reviews

    Morpeth Clock Tower

    The Morpeth Clock Tower, standing 60 feet tall in the heart of Morpeth’s Market Place, is a Grade II* listed medieval stone structure built between 1604 and 1634. Constructed from recycled stones likely sourced from Newminster Abbey, it features thick walls and a belfry added in 1706 to house six historic bells. The tower has served diverse roles, including a prison and meat store, and remains a cherished symbol of Morpeth’s heritage and community identity.

    Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

    50 min drive · 25 km·2-4 Oldgate, Morpeth NE61 1LT

    Show on map Morpeth Clock Tower
11. 
    11
    Historical landmark4.7★14 reviews

    Hotspur Tower

    Hotspur Tower, also known as Bondgate Tower, is a striking 15th-century gatehouse located in the heart of Alnwick, Northumberland. This historic landmark is famed for its association with Henry Percy, 'Harry Hotspur', a medieval knight immortalized by Shakespeare. The tower stands as a proud symbol of Alnwick's rich heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s medieval past through its preserved architecture and central location on Bondgate Within.

    Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

    66 min drive · 33 km·Bondgate Within, Alnwick NE66 1SX

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12. 
    12
    Historical landmark5.0★7 reviews

    Hunkleton stone

    The Hunkleton Stone is a striking glacial erratic resting on Newbiggin-by-the-Sea’s beach, a natural monument shaped by the last Ice Age. This massive rock, transported by ice rafts through ancient glacial waters, stands as a symbol of the town’s geological history and community resilience, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past and coastal charm.

    Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

    72 min drive · 36 km·Newbiggin-by-the-Sea NE64 6PD

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13. 
    13
    Salisbury House

    Salisbury House in Wallsend, located at 2 Buddle Street, stands as a distinctive historic building set on land once occupied by the Roman fort of Segedunum. This site reflects Wallsend's rich layered history, bridging Roman military heritage with the town’s industrial past. Though modern in appearance, Salisbury House connects visitors to centuries of local evolution, from ancient fortifications to the shipbuilding boom of the 19th and 20th centuries.

    Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

    85 min drive · 43 km·Salisbury House, 2 Buddle St, Wallsend NE28 6EH

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