Let’s be honest, Northumberland has been the UK’s best-kept secret for far too long. While most people are off chasing the crowds in the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland has quietly stayed under the radar, waiting for explorers like you and me to uncover its magic. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s so close to Scotland, or maybe people just haven’t realized what they’re missing yet. Either way, that just means more stunning landscapes, peaceful beaches, and fairy-tale castles for us to enjoy!
In my Road Trip Northumberland & North East Guidebook, I’ve put together everything you need to plan the ultimate adventure. Trust me, with its dramatic waterfalls, charming villages, and wild coastlines, this place is the real deal.
So here’s my top 10 must-visit spots in Northumberland. Believe me you’ll be wanting to pack your bags before you finish reading…
Tynemouth is packed with history and seaside attractions, making it a favourite for travellers. The village has its own aquarium where you can see harbour seals, blacktip reef sharks, and even ‘sexy shrimp’ (yes, really!). Tynemouth was the first place in the world to create a volunteer life brigade. Today, you can visit the small but fascinating museum dedicated to their efforts. If you’re there on the weekend, don’t miss Tynemouth Market. It’s full of unique stalls and some seriously delicious street food! For parking, Tynemouth train station offers spots for just £1.50 per day.
No trip to Durham is complete without a visit to its stunning cathedral! Dating back to 1093, it’s one of the oldest in England, and it’s breathtaking both inside and out. Plus, Harry Potter fans will have a field day—scenes from the movies were filmed here, including Professor McGonagall’s transfiguration class and Ron’s famous slug-eating moment!For an extra adventure, climb the 325 steps to the top of the central tower for incredible views (totally worth the £7.50).
While you’re in town, don’t miss Durham Castle! Originally built as a fortress, it’s now part of Durham University, and a guided tour is the best way to uncover its 1,000-year history. Tours are just £5 and packed with cool stories—trust me, it’s fascinating!
Now, this one’s a true hidden gem! Tucked away in Kielder Forest, Hindhope Linn is like something out of a fairy tale. Imagine Shrek’s swamp but with Bali jungle vibes—lush greenery everywhere and a stunning waterfall as the centrepiece. It’s so peaceful, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own secret spot.
To find it, park up at Blakehopeburnhaugh (yes, that’s a mouthful, but trust me I’ve not made it up!) and follow the forest path past the farm. There’s a tiny sign that’ll lead you into the woods—just keep an ear out for the sound of rushing water. Plus, don’t forget to keep an eye out for red squirrels! This place is made for that perfect Instagram shot, so get your camera ready.
The Cheviot is Northumberland’s highest point, standing tall at 2,674 feet. On a clear day, you can supposedly see all the way to the Lake District and even Edinburgh. Fun fact: 390 million years ago, this was an active volcano! There’s also a bit of WWII history here—remains of a B-17 bomber can still be found near the top. Plenty of walking routes take you through the area, and if you fancy staying the night, there are campervan-friendly car parks for just £7.
As for Hen Hole, it’s a wild, rugged gorge filled with waterfalls. You’ll need to park at Mounthooly Bunkhouse (get a permit online before you go—only 12 per day!). If you don’t snag one, it’s an 8km hike from Hethpool, but totally worth it. The trail can get super boggy, so make sure to wear proper boots. On my visit, I got soaked but loved the isolation and wild scenery.
Kielder Water and Forest hold some impressive titles—England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe! It’s a true adventure playground for all ages. Whether you’re into cycling, walking, wildlife spotting, or enjoying award-winning outdoor art, Kielder has it all. Stargazers, this is also one of England’s best dark sky zones!
There are car parks around the forest, and a £5 day ticket lets you park anywhere. Don’t miss the Bird of Prey Centre, home to one of the largest bird collections in northern England. It’s open year-round, and for £8.50 (adults), you’ll get up-close encounters and learn about their conservation efforts. For something extra special, book a ‘Photography Day’ or ‘Hawk Walk’—worth every penny!
Fancy a scenic drive? Kielder’s 12-mile toll road is one of the highest in England, climbing over 1,500 feet. It’s £5 to access, but the views are spectacular! Just be prepared for a rough surface and no phone signal, so download maps offline before you go.
Harry Potter fans, grab your broomsticks—it’s time for a flying lesson at Alnwick Castle! This stunning 11th-century castle has been home to the Dukes of Northumberland for over 700 years. Its grand design made it the perfect backdrop for scenes in the first two Harry Potter films, including Harry’s famous flying lesson and the path to Hagrid’s hut!
The castle reopens in late March and tickets are £20.50 for adults and £10.80 for kids (book online for the best price!). There’s a dedicated car park about a mile from the castle for £3.50 per day. This place is a must-visit for Potterheads and history lovers.
Hadrian’s Wall marches 73 miles coast-to-coast, built to protect the Roman Empire’s wild north-west frontier. Once the boundary between Roman Britannia and Caledonia, it’s packed with over 20 amazing sites, from museums to ancient forts and stunning views. You can tackle the entire 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path or explore manageable sections.
To dive into Roman life, don’t miss the Roman Army Museum, right on the wall. It’s filled with interactive displays, ancient artifacts, and an epic film that showcases the wall’s history. If you visit in summer, join the ‘Roman Army Summer School’ or help excavate the nearby Roman fort of Magna! Parking is free, and if you buy tickets online, you’ll save some cash. You can even grab a combo ticket for nearby Vindolanda!
If you’re a fan of Netflix’s The Witcher, you’ll recognize Low Force! It’s a series of stunning cascades on the River Tees. I recommend parking at Bowlees Visitor Centre. From there, cross the field to Wynch Bridge and follow the trail to the waterfall. For the best views, take a right before the bridge—trust me on this one!
Feeling adventurous? Keep walking to discover Holwick Scar, a breathtaking rock formation over 295 million years old! It’s a fantastic route for dog owners, with plenty of spots for off-lead fun. Low Force is one of my favorite waterfalls in the North East!
Now, let’s talk about High Force, one of England’s most impressive waterfalls. It plunges an awe-inspiring 69 feet and is over 300 million years old! The easiest way to reach the falls is by parking at the High Force Hotel and buying a ticket. The route takes you through peaceful woodlands and child-friendly trails. Trust me, this waterfall is jaw-dropping and well worth the ticket price! You can also take the 4-5 mile Bowlees Geo Trail that loops from Low Force—perfect for a day out!
Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a pint-sized paradise filled with beautiful walks, cosy cafes, and historic attractions. This island is cut off from Northumberland due to changing tides, so check crossing times before you go!
Holy Island is rich in religious history, home to St. Cuthbert, known for his healing powers. Also, don’t miss Lindisfarne Priory, the centre of Christianity during Anglo Saxon times. For a tasty pick-me-up, I can recommend Pilgrim’s Coffee House and Roastery for fresh coffee and delicious treats!
Additionally, Lindisfarne Castle is a must-visit, perched high on a hill overlooking the North Sea. Open from March to early November, the castle was converted into a private holiday home, featuring contemporary art displays. Explore the stunning Gertrude Jekyll walled garden and keep an eye out for seals swimming offshore!
Taking the number one spot is Bamburgh Castle! Steeped in over 3,000 years of fascinating history, this stunning fortress offers coastal views that will take your breath away. I absolutely loved exploring this place!
If you’re into your TV shows, you might recognise it from The Last Kingdom! Inside, you can check out some of the actual props and costumes used in the show—definitely a highlight of my visit!
Just a little tip: the castle might close if the winds get too wild, which happened during my last visit. So, check the weather and the castle’s website before you head out. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this gem!
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
