If you’ve already explored popular road trip spots like the Lake District, Cornwall, or the Scottish Highlands, you’re probably itching for your next adventure, right? Well, after covering much of the UK myself, I have to say—Northumberland blew me away. Nestled in the North East of England, this underrated gem is filled with stunning natural beauty, rugged coastlines, and castles straight out of a fairytale.
After hearing so many of you rave about Northumberland, I had to see what all the fuss was about. So, as part of our new guidebook launch, (you can now purchase here) I set off on the road, and from the very first mile, I knew this place was something special. The North East grabs your attention, from the rolling hills of the North Pennines to the charming historic towns and breathtaking coastlines. I couldn’t resist pulling over constantly to snap photos and just take it all in.
So, why should the North East be your next road trip? For starters, it has everything you could ever want from a road trip: dramatic landscapes, charming coastal towns, and epic castles. I found myself winding through quiet country lanes one minute, then exploring wild, windswept beaches the next. And the best part? It feels untouched, like you’ve stumbled upon something only a few people know about.
But it’s not just the landscapes that make Northumberland shine, it’s the history. Every turn seemed to reveal a piece of the past, whether it was the majestic Bamburgh Castle towering over the coastline or the ancient Hadrian’s Wall stretching across the rolling hills. And the people? Some of the friendliest I’ve ever met.
There’s a unique charm to Northumberland. One minute I was spotting puffins on a boat trip to the Farne Islands, and the next I was tucking into some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had at a little coastal village. The sheer variety of experiences, from wildlife encounters to history-rich hikes, kept me constantly in awe.
Take the castles, for instance. Bamburgh Castle is something else, perched on a cliff overlooking golden sands, it’s hard not to feel like I’d stepped into a fantasy world. Additionally, don’t even get me started on Alnwick Castle. As a Harry Potter fan, seeing the filming location was pure magic, but even beyond that, the grandeur of the place left a lasting impression.
Then there’s the food. I indulged in some local favourites, from Craster Kippers to the infamous Chicken Parmo, and even treated myself to a Gregg’s sausage roll in its hometown, because how could I not? it’s a classic!
You can tailor your North East road trip to fit your schedule, whether it’s a long weekend or a full fortnight.
Long Weekend:
If you only have a few days, focus on a specific area like the North Pennines or Northumberland National Park. Plan around must-see highlights and soak in the scenery.
A Week:
With a week at your disposal, you’ll have time to explore more of Northumberland’s key locations and get a true sense of the region’s magic.
10 Days or More:
For a full, all-encompassing adventure, 10 days or longer will let you explore the entire North East, from the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems off the beaten track.
If you’d like to find out more about my recent trip around the North East, take a look at my latest video below:
Northumberland truly shines no matter the season. I went during the end of Summer/start of the shoulder season, and had some lovely weather. The summer is perfect for long days at the beach and hiking, while autumn transforms the region with golden hues, making it a dream for photographers. Winter, on the other hand, offers quiet, frost-covered castles and cosy evenings by the fire in traditional pubs. You can’t really go wrong whatever time you go, just be sure to check opening times during the quieter seasons.
I kicked off in Durham, a city bursting with history and culture. Durham Cathedral was a showstopper, and the cobbled streets made for a perfect starting point. From there, I ventured into the North Pennines, where wild landscapes and serene waterfalls greeted me at every turn. It felt like a peaceful escape, away from the usual tourist hotspots.
This was hands down one of the highlights of my trip despite getting soaking wet on one of my usual bad weather hikes (it’s becoming a pattern). The sense of tranquillity here is something you won’t find in many other places. I spent hours walking through the Cheviot Hills, exploring waterfalls and soaking in the untouched beauty. Also, of course, a stop at Hadrian’s Wall is a must. Walking along its ancient path felt surreal, like I was stepping back in time. There’s also some great museums nearby such as the Roman History Museum.
The Coast and North Northumberland: The coastal part of my trip was unforgettable. I explored castles like Bamburgh and the tidal island of Lindisfarne, which felt otherworldly. The beaches were surprisingly empty, golden sands stretching out as far as the eye could see. I even spotted dolphins whilst getting ready to film some content one morning, a moment that felt truly magical!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
