Top Things to Do in Northumberland: England’s Wild and Majestic North

A Deep Dive into the Untamed Beauty, Culture, and Secrets of Northumberland

Northumberland doesn’t whisper; it speaks in wind and wave, in ruined castles perched on cliffs, in vast skies over empty beaches. It’s a place that feels somehow older than time—a northern frontier rich with stories, staggering beauty, and a sense of quiet defiance. If you're seeking something more soulful than crowded cities and curated tourist traps, this is where your compass should point.

Here’s a carefully curated guide to the top things to do in Northumberland—experiences that go beyond the obvious, rooted in the land’s rugged heart and deep past.

Walk the Wild Spine of Hadrian’s Wall

This is not just a wall; it’s a statement. Stretching 73 miles coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall is a jaw-dropping feat of Roman engineering and a walk through the ancient soul of Britain. The most iconic section lies between Chollerford and Birdoswald—clifftop paths, sweeping views, and the best-preserved milecastles. For full immersion, hike a stretch at dawn. There’s a silence that feels sacred.

Explore the Mysteries of Lindisfarne, the Holy Island

Twice a day, Lindisfarne becomes an island—cut off by tides that erase the road. This tidal island is a place of wild spirituality, where monks once copied the Lindisfarne Gospels by candlelight. Visit Lindisfarne Castle, stroll through wind-beaten dunes, and time your journey carefully or you’ll be spending the night. It’s more than scenic—it’s mythic.

Roam the Ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle

If drama had a postcode, it would be Dunstanburgh. This 14th-century fortress looms over the coast like something out of gothic legend. Reach it via a windswept walk from Craster—a tiny fishing village that also happens to be the birthplace of Northumberland’s famous smoked kippers. You’ll earn your views, and they’ll stay with you.

Stargaze in Europe’s Largest Dark Sky Park

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park form the largest protected dark sky area in Europe. Here, the night doesn’t end at sunset—it begins. Visit Kielder Observatory for a guided tour of the cosmos, or just pull off the road, lie back, and watch the universe unfold. On a clear night, it’s sublime.

Get Lost in Alnwick Garden (and its Poison Garden)

Alnwick Castle may get the headlines (yes, parts of Harry Potter were filmed there), but the real magic lies in the gardens. Think treehouse restaurants suspended in the air, tranquil water sculptures, and the infamous Poison Garden—home to plants so dangerous they’re kept under lock and key. It’s not your average botanic stroll.

Ride the Waves at Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh might just be the most cinematic beach in England. Wide golden sands, surfable waves, and that jaw-dropping backdrop: Bamburgh Castle rising like a stone ship from the dunes. Take a surf lesson, fly a kite, or just walk until the sea swallows the horizon. It’s raw and invigorating.

Discover Warkworth: The Castle, the Hermitage, the Quiet

Warkworth is often overshadowed by its flashier cousins, but therein lies its charm. The castle is stately, lesser crowded, and steeped in Percy family history. Take a boat ride upriver to find the Warkworth Hermitage—carved directly into the rock and accessible only by water. It’s peaceful, strange, and very Northumbrian.

Visit Cragside: Victorian Innovation in the Woods

Tucked into a forest near Rothbury, Cragside is no ordinary stately home. It was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity and is packed with eccentric engineering, dramatic interiors, and science-meets-art beauty. Outside, landscaped woodlands and lakes give it an almost Alpine vibe. Nerdy? A bit. Magical? Absolutely.

Unwind in the Cheviot Hills

Sometimes, the best thing to do is... almost nothing. The Cheviots are soft, rolling, and often deserted—perfect for a meditative hike. Follow old drover routes, pause by lonely stone walls, and breathe air that feels ancient. Pack your own picnic and don’t expect signal. That's the point.

Take the Boat to the Farne Islands

Seabirds, seals, puffins—and a fair chance of spotting dolphins. The Farne Islands are a short boat ride from Seahouses and offer a front-row seat to Northumberland’s coastal wildlife spectacle. You can land on some islands during breeding season, but even circling them by boat is unforgettable.

Feel the Stillness at Brinkburn Priory

Hidden in a wooded bend of the River Coquet, Brinkburn Priory is one of those places that feels like a secret. The 12th-century architecture is almost untouched, the acoustics are haunting, and there’s a hush that settles the moment you arrive. Bring a journal. Or just listen.

Why Northumberland Isn’t Just a Place, It’s a Mood

There’s something ineffable about Northumberland. It’s not flashy, but it’s vast. It doesn’t beg for attention, but once you notice it, you don’t stop. Whether it’s the tides of Lindisfarne or the winds over the Cheviots, the silence of the priory or the explosion of stars above Kielder—Northumberland gives you space. To wander. To wonder. To just be.

So go. Stand on the edge of a cliff, let the wind slap your cheeks, and feel what it’s like to be part of something older, wilder, and far more enduring than anything you left behind.