When you’re England’s least densely populated county, it’s fair to say you have scenery in abundance. Northumberland has that and much more. A crisp coastline looks out to the North Sea in this north-eastern corner of England. The peaceful surroundings that play host to you on a present-day visit here mask the turbulent history the county’s land experienced as the frontier of Scotland and England. The remnants of this are seen in the abundance of castles and forts that dot the landscape, each with their own back story. They're best represented by the marvellous Hadrian’s Wall, a magnet for visitors far and wide. You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Northumberland. Let's take you through it all!
Northumberland’s beautiful coastline, castles, and historic sites make it a great escape for families, and it’s all within easy reach of Haven’s Haggerston Castle and Berwick holiday parks. In this guide, we explore the best things to do in Northumberlan
Northumberland offers dog-friendly days out, from walking Hadrian's Wall and Bamburgh's mile-long beach to Kielder Forest Park's 27-mile shoreline, plus castles, villages, and coastal trails that welcome dogs.
Filled with stunning landscapes and grand estates to explore, there are so many more events that Northumberland has to offer on your break to Berwick and Haggerston Castle.
Hadrian's Wall stretches over 70 miles across northern England, offering Roman forts, museums, and hiking trails. Visitors can explore well-preserved sites like Housesteads and Vindolanda, walk circular routes, and uncover 2,000 years of Roman history.
Northumberland is home to over 70 castles, spanning Norman fortresses and medieval ruins. Highlights include Alnwick Castle, the UK's second largest inhabited castle, and Chillingham Castle, famed for its ghost tours and haunted history.
Northumberland has eight exceptional walks, from the mystical Drake Stone at Harbottle to coastal paths near Haggerston Castle, taking in iron age hillforts, caves, forests and historic Berwick.
Northumberland's restaurants celebrate local produce, from Craster Lobster to Holy Island crab, including Alnwick Garden's Treehouse Restaurant and the Jolly Fisherman Inn.
Northumberland has ten stunning waterfalls, from the 21-metre High Force to the secluded Roughting Linn, offering gentle woodland strolls or challenging hikes with unique wildlife and scenery at each one.
The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are easily reached by boat from Seahouses Harbour. Golden Gate runs trips to land on or sail around the islands, where puffins, grey seals, and Arctic terns are all waiting to be spotted.
Eyemouth offers a fantastic range of dining options, from fresh seafood huts and award-winning fish and chips to cosy cafés and contemporary bistros. Many venues are dog-friendly, and several cater for vegans and those with gluten-free requirements.
Eyemouth packs in coastal walks, wildlife spotting, history, and family fun. Feed harbour seals by hand, explore the Gunsgreen House smuggling museum, discover the moving Eyemouth Disaster tapestry, and snorkel the crystal-clear waters of St. Abbs.
Seahouses boasts a fantastic range of eateries, from traditional fish and chip shops and cosy cafés to Italian, Indian, and gastropub cuisine. Several restaurants welcome dogs, and many offer gluten-free and vegan options throughout.
Seahouses is a lively Northumberland coastal village with plenty to offer — enjoy boat trips around the Farne Islands, buy smoked kippers from a 180-year-old smokehouse, walk scenic coastal paths, and try crazy golf or sea fishing.
Bamburgh boasts a fantastic range of dining options to suit every taste and budget, from the upscale Lord Crewe and fresh-catch seafood at The Potted Lobster, to cosy tea rooms, street food trailers, and inventive vegan gelato.
Bamburgh offers a brilliant mix of history, nature, and coastal adventure. Visit the iconic castle, explore the free Grace Darling Museum, walk scenic coastal trails, try a surf lesson, and unwind at the charming Copper Kettle Tearooms.
Berwick-upon-Tweed boasts a diverse food scene with nine great options to try, from cosy British cafes like The Riverside Cafe and Lowry's to bold flavours at Mavi Turkish restaurant and The Magna Tandoori Indian.
Berwick-upon-Tweed offers history, wildlife, and coastal scenery: walk the UK's only bastioned town walls, visit Paxton House, birdwatch at Cocklawburn Beach, and see Chain Bridge Honey Farm.
Berwick-upon-Tweed offers five walks of 3 to 5 miles, covering coastal clifftops, riverside estuary paths and historic town walls. Most routes welcome dogs and showcase Northumberland scenery.
Holy Island packs history, nature, and culture into one tiny Northumberland isle. Explore Lindisfarne Priory and Castle, browse craft shops, sample traditional mead, and enjoy scenic walks or unforgettable boat trips around the island.
Northumberland's best beaches include Bamburgh Castle Beach, Holy Island, Cheswick Sands and Embleton Bay, with golden sand, dramatic dunes, historic castles and wildlife along Britain's unspoiled coast.
Northumberland's 40-mile coastline has outstanding dog-friendly beaches. Warkworth, Seahouses, Rumbling Kern and Newton Haven welcome dogs year-round, with sandy stretches and clean waters.
Northumberland offers history, coastline and wild landscapes: visit Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Hadrian's Wall, or explore Berwick-upon-Tweed, all near Haven's Northumberland parks.