12 Best Things To Do In Northumberland, England

1. Offer your prayers in Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey has been around since the 7th century and is dedicated to St. Andrew. The English-style place of worship has seen many upheavals over time but still manages to uphold itself with grace and honor.

The magnificent interiors and grand architecture make for a spectacular sight. Hexham Abbey holds several events, including wedding celebrations, where guests can take advantage of several photo-ops around the gorgeous landscape. When you visit, head to the gift shop and get yourself a souvenir or two to bring home.

Hexham Abbey

Address: Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3NB, United Kingdom

Website: Hexham Abbey

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm

Price: Free

2. Be fascinated with the collection of weapons in Bamburgh Castle

This castle was once the home of William George Armstrong, a famous industrialist and humanitarian of his time. It showcases an impressive collection of art pieces and objects he adored.

The historic castle will intrigue you with its stories, legends, and myths. A walk through the staterooms and the King’s Hall takes you back in time with the extensive range of ancient artifacts and heirlooms. If you are a history buff, you will be fascinated to find the spine-chilling collection of weapons used on the battlefield preserved in the Keep, one of the oldest parts of the castle.

Bamburgh Castle

Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF, United Kingdom

Website: Bamburgh Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 15.50 GBP (19.10 USD)

3. Regain your inner peace in a Hatha yoga session and a hike (from USD 77.0)

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Boasting stunning views and bucolic surroundings, the place is located opposite Northumberland National Park. Unwind and release all the emotional baggage as you stretch your muscles while breathing in the sweet air. The friendly host will then bring you on a walking tour where you can enjoy unparalleled views of Northumberland and Cumbria. You will conclude this activity with a meditation session that is guaranteed to awaken your senses and make you feel invigorated. Lunch is included in the package.

Yoga and Hike in Hadrian's Wall County

Duration: 3.5 hours

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4. Spend a sunset walk at Holy Island of Lindisfarne

On the picturesque island, you will be taken aback by the gorgeous views and crisp air. Head to Lookout Tower for panoramic views of the shimmering sea. After you are done snapping Insta-worthy shots of the ocean, drop by the flats and admire the exotic birds that are only here during their migration period. If you are fortunate, you might spot the graceful pink-footed goose. As night falls, stay on for the yolk-like sunset, the moment when the sky turns into shades of yellow, orange, and red. Please refer to the official website for safe crossing times so that you will not be stranded on the island when the tide rises.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Address: Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2SH, United Kingdom

Website: Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

5. Explore Britain's historic and haunted castle, Chillingham Castle

Are you a thrill seeker on the hunt for a great adventure? If you are, Chillingham Castle is where you want to go after the sun has set. Join a tour and watch out for the dark figures lurking in the shadows. Listen to the voices in the chapel, but don’t try to trace their tracks. Tourists who want to experience living in a castle can rent one of the apartments within. There are several rooms to choose from, each offering breathtaking views of the wooded valley and stream or the arched courtyard. If you feel hungry, head to The Tearoom for the finest teas and scones. Please note that the castle is closed during winter.

Chillingham Castle

Address: Chillingham, Alnwick Northumberland, UK NE66 5NJ

Website: Chillingham Castle

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

6. Grab a craft beer at the pint-sized pub, Curfew Micropub in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Unwind at Curfew Micropub after a day of sightseeing. Featuring four cask ales and three traditional ciders, the pub also offers a great selection of craft beers. You will never have the same drink more than once here because the owner is always changing the menu to suit everyone’s taste buds. Do pair the pub’s drinks with one of the signature snacks such as foreman’s pork pie and Scotch eggs. Seats at the establishment run out fast, so make a reservation before coming here. You can also check out the place’s Facebook page for more details about what are offered that day.

Curfew Micropub

Address: 46A Bridge St, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1AQ, United Kingdom

Website: Curfew Micropub

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Tue & Thu: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Wed)

7. Follow Harry Potter's trail at Alnwick Castle

Fans of Harry Potter, rejoice! Used as a film location in the first two Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle will entrance fans of the young wizard. This majestic castle has been around for over 700 years, but the interiors remain opulent and well-maintained. It is filled with a vast amount of Italian paintings and is steeped in history. The birthplace of Harry Hotspur, an English knight, it also houses the current duke and his family. Alnwick Garden is just beside the castle, so you can easily add these two places in your itinerary.

Alnwick Castle

Address: Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1YU

Website: Alnwick Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 5.30pm (daily)

8. Learn how to use the traditional pole lathe

The traditional pole lathe was a common practice during the Renaissance period. This method enables you to turn pieces of log into a kitchen equipment such as a bowl. If you are a history enthusiast and want to explore this interesting method, do try this activity. Guests who are interested in doing this will need both sheer determination and good fitness levels. Learn from the experts who will teach you how the design of the lathe has evolved with the times and why not all wooden logs can be turned into cutlery and other household equipment. Do dedicate more than eight hours to this activity. It might be time-intensive, but it will be worth the effort. Please make a reservation before going to class.

Pole Lathe Bowl Turning

Address: Ralf Bidder at Made in Kielder, Station Garage Kielder Hexham, Northumberland NE48 1EG

Website: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning

Opening hours: 9:15am - 5:15pm (daily)

9. Browse the collection of woodwind instruments at Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum in Morpeth

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The first bagpipe museum in the United Kingdom, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, is loved by musicians from around the world. Go on a journey to the past and learn how 120 different pipes at the museum have played a role in shaping today’s musical world. Look out for an exhibit of James Allan and find out why he is known by every Northumbrian piper to this day. Another display worth seeing is the film of Thomas Clough, one of the most talented pipers during his time. Live music performances and craft activities for children are available in the building too. Admission is free here.

Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

Address: 67A Bridge St, Morpeth NE61 1PQ, United Kingdom

Website: Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

10. Try the world's finest smoked salmon and kipper at L Robson & Sons Ltd in Craster village

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Opened in 1856, L Robson & Sons Ltd uses traditional methods of smoking to cure the fish in traditional smokehouses. Rated by guests as one of the most succulent fish they have ever tasted, it is also known for its juicy scallops and crabs. If you are thinking of heading here, do make a call to reserve the smoked haddock and salmon. These prized fishes are also available in the shop, so if you are thinking of savoring them at home with your family, the restaurant has got you covered.

L Robson & Sons Ltd

Address: 9 Haven Hill, Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TR, United Kingdom

Website: L Robson & Sons Ltd

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 3:30pm; Sun: 11am - 3:30pm

11. Dare to enter and discover Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden in Alnwick

As big as 11 football fields, The Alnwick Garden contains a variety of gardens, including Rose Garden and the deadly Poison Garden. Clad behind those black iron gates, Poison Garden is only opened for guests on guided tours. It is known as the deadliest garden in the world. Behind those iron gates are plants such as cannabis and tobacco. Do remember to keep your hands away from those plants. While you are there, go to Treehouse for a tantalizing meal. At this restaurant, you will be surrounded by rows of trees. The garden is also a wonderful place for joyous events.

The Alnwick Garden

Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU, United Kingdom

Website: The Alnwick Garden

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

12. Witness the aurora borealis at Northumberland Coast Area

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

As the temperature dips and the weather turns bitterly cold, you will want to make your way to Northumberland Coast Area. When night falls, the coastline turns into a magical wonderland where hues of green and purple lights flash across the skies. According to frequent visitors, the best place to catch sight of this performance is the most secluded parts of Northumberland where there is little to no light pollution. Don’t drag this any longer. Go now before it is too late.

Northumberland Coast Area

Website: Northumberland Coast Area

Explore Northumberland with a peace of mind

Do you find planning an itinerary the toughest part of a vacation? If you find yourself nodding to this statement, then this article will free you of your worries. Plan your schedule in Northumberland according to the restaurants and exciting spots above, and you will find yourself on cloud nine.