If you’re looking for things to do in Northumberland, England this year, this is the ultimate list!

If you’re planning a trip to Northumberland sooner, you might be on the look out for Northumberland! If that sounds like you, then this list of things do to in Northumberland, England will give you plenty of ideas and inspiration!

Things do to in Northumberland…

So, whatever your budget, and whatever your interests… this list of things do to in Northumberland should tick some of your boxes! Stay tuned!


Bamburgh Castle

First on my list of things do to in Northumberland – it’s Bamburgh Castle. This old castle that was once home to ancient kings is well worth a visit. Not only is this place paced with British history, but it offers visitors dramatic views of the surrounding area so it’s well worth adding to your list of things to do in Northumberland, England. 


Bamburgh Beach

Bamburgh Beach is near to the castle, and so it made sense to include it next on my list of things do to in Northumberland. It is a stunning area to explore in Northumberland, England.

Though this area isn’t the most well-groomed area in Northumberland, it’s got a rugged charm that’ll bring you right back to basics. Breathe in, and out. 


Check out Barter Books

One of our favorite things to do in Northumberland is to pay a visit to Barter Books. Opened in 1991 by Mary Manley, this awesome little bookstore is based on an exchange system where you bring in your old books for new ones!

You’re sure to find some awesome reads here and the décor alone is well worth the visit. This is a great option for things do to in Northumberland!

things to do in Northumberland

Simonside Hills

The Simonside Hills are one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Northumberland and we highly recommend checking them out, as they’re definitely one of the top things do to in Northumberland. If you’re travelling with family, there’s a great family trail that isn’t too challenging for little legs – so be sure to check that one out! 


Hadrian’s Wall

How could we write a list of things do to in Northumberland – without mentioning Hadrian’s Wall? Visiting Hadrian’s Wall is an extremely popular thing to do for tourists in Northumberland, England.

As a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, this wall is one of England’s must-see landmarks. I mean, this thing inspired the wall in Game of Thrones, so for that reason alone we think it’s worth it! Obviously, you won’t be able to cover all 80 miles of it, but you should be able to spot it through much of Northumberland’s countryside!


Hiking

One of the top things to do in Northumberland, England, is just to hit the trails and head out on some great hikes in Northumberland! Whether you choose to trek through the area’s many beaches or its woodlands, you can genuinely wile away multiple days just enjoying Northumberland’s natural beauty with your walking boots!


Druidge Bay

Next on my list of things do to in Northumberland – it’s Bruidge Bay. If you’re travelling with your pup, then we highly recommend adding a trip to Druridge Bay to your list of things to do in Northumberland, England.

Stretching seven miles from Amble to Cresswell, it’s a truly beautiful area that will bring you right back to nature and allow your dog to let off some steam!


Farne Islands

Farne Islands are next on our list of things do to in Northumberland. If you’re in the Northumberland area, then be sure to check out Farne Islands. Simply take a short boat trip from Seahouses Harbour and you’ll be met with literally thousands of seabirds and puffins that call the area home. Honestly, the pictures that you’ll get here are sure to be incredible!


Bailiffgate Museum

Are you a history buff? Well then, you’ll certainly want to add Bailiffgate Museum to your list of things to do in Northumberland!

Housing two permanent collections of artefacts, documents, photographs, and audio-visual content (as well as a great gallery floor that sees changing exhibits), this museum is a must-visit if you’ve even a remote interest in British history. 


Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is next on our list of things do to in Northumberland! It is a beautiful place to visit and is one of the Northumberland’s most serene spots. Covering an area of 1,050 square kilometers, you’ll certainly have plenty of ground to cover!


Alnwick Playhouse

If you’re partial to the arts, then why not consider catching a show at the Alnwick Playhouse? Though this theatre isn’t huge, it tends to put on a great selection of shows throughout the year that are great for the whole family! Score. This is a great choice for things do to in Northumberland for theatre geeks and drama folk!


Alnwick Castle

Another castle on my list of things do to in Northumberland, the areas has many to look out for! Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in Europe, and it’s been through over 700 years of major English historical drama.

Now home to the Duke of Northumberland, this wonderful castle is well worth visiting. Oh, and did we mention that parts of Harry Potter were filmed here?


Chillingham Castle

Another great option for things to do in Northumberland is to pay a visit to Chillingham Castle (yes another castle!). Having been own by the family of the Earls Grey (yes, the tea people!) since the 12th century, it’s an awesome little historical spot that is oh-so-British. 

This is such a great option for things do to in Northumberland – even more so because it’s known as one of the most haunted sites in the UK! So amazing for those ghost hunters!


Chain Bridge Honey Farm

If you’re interested in beekeeping (or even if you’re not), then you’ll want to check out Chain Bridge Honey Farm. This is such a great option for things do to in Northumberland, and it’s such an interesting thing too!

Offering visitors an up close and personal view of vintage machinery used to harvest honey, we think it’s a super cool experience that shouldn’t be missed!


Howick Hall Gardens

Howick Hall and its associated gardens are must-visit spots if you’re heading to Northumberland. Featuring stunning and unusual plants, the gardens are certainly not to be missed! 


Afternoon Tea at Walwick Hall

There’s nothing better than a great afternoon tea, and that’s what is up next on my list of things do to in Northumberland. The afternoon tea offered at Walwick Hall is truly scrumptious. With everything from finger sandwiches to freshly made scones, you’ll feel truly British as you wile away the afternoon in style. 


St Mary’s Lighthouse

Perched on the tiny St Mary’s island is St Mary’s Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1898, and though it no longer operates as a working lighthouse, it’s got a great museum, a visitor’s center, and even a café… So it makes a great choice for things do to in Northumberland!

Though it might not look like much, we promise that it really is beautiful up close and well worth visiting. It’s charming and lovely, and what Northumberland is all about.


Kielder Water and Forest Park

Home to northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and tons of foresty, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a nature lover’s dream.

Whether it’s hiking, biking, or general exploring that you love, you’re sure to come away from this location feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This is a great option for things do to in Northumberland, especially for nature lovers and outdoor types!


Spittal Beach

Spittal Beach is next on my list of things do to in Northumberland. If you can’t get enough of water sports, then you’ll want to head down to Spittal Beach, especially in the spring and summer.

As it’s mainly sand and shallow water at high tide, it’s perfect for water sports, swimming, and fishing. Once you’ve hit the water, why not head out on one of the many coastal walks on offer? You might even spot some dolphins along the way if you’re lucky! Here’s a tip… If you have a wetsuit – take one! The water can be really cold!


Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens

Heading to the zoo is never a bad idea, and Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is a particularly good zoo, and a great idea for things do to in Northumberland. Home to over one hundred species of animals including meerkats, coatis, wallaby, and many more, this zoo is the perfect place to visit for curious kids and their equally curious parents!


Sanderson Arcade

Should you fancy adding a day out at the shops to your list of things do to in Northumberland, then be sure to add Sanderson Arcade to your list of things to do in Northumberland. With 27 fantastic stores, 2 restaurants, and even a health club, it’s a great place to indulge in some retail therapy!


Go Birdwatching

Next on my list of things do to in Northumberland… It’s birdwatching! The Northumberland coast is a major birdwatcher’s paradise. So, if you are a birdwatcher or even a casual fan of the activity, then you’ll want to head down here during the summer months.

As important numbers of seabirds come here to breed during that period, you’ll have no trouble spotting some stunning birds!


Heatherslaw Light Railway

One of the top things to do in Northumberland, England is to travel on the Heatherslaw Light Railway. Though the route that this bad boy travels is only 6.4km, it’s a really great way to see the area without leaving your seat. So, if you’ve ever wanted to travel on a genuine steam locomotive, then be sure to book ahead!

things to do in Northumberland

The Roman Army Museum

If you fancy immersing yourself in the life of a Roman soldier, then look no further than Northumberland’s Roman Army Museum. With plenty of ancient objects to look at and activities to get stuck into, it’s the perfect family day out. 


Holy Island

And last on my list of things do to in Northumberland – it’s Holy Island. If you’re looking for an unspoiled area in Northumberland, England, then look no further than Holy Island.

This historic island lies just northeast of Northumberland near Berwick-upon-Tweed and is home to just 160 people! So, if you really want to get away from the pressures of city life, then this is a perfect place to visit.


Hopefully this list of things do to in Northumberland has given you loads of ideas and inspiration!

Northumberland is a big and beautiful region, with plenty of amazing places to explore, and there are lots of great things do to in Northumberland.