There’s something about Northumberland that keeps pulling us back. No matter how many times we visit, we still find ourselves falling in love with it all over again. It’s a place where the coast stretches out for miles, the castles look like they’ve been lifted straight from a storybook, and every village seems to welcome you in with a roaring fire and a pint.
Here are some of our favourite days out in Northumberland.
Northumberland is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK. If it’s your first time visiting, these historic and cultural sites deserve a top spot on your itinerary:
Away from the headline attractions, Northumberland hides some truly special places that are well worth the detour:
Northumberland is home to one of the darkest and most pristine skies in Europe. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park spans over 580 square miles across Kielder Water & Forest Park and Northumberland National Park, making it the largest protected dark sky area in the UK and the second largest in Europe.
At the heart of it all is Kielder Observatory, an award-winning astronomical centre built in 2008. It hosts expert-led events year-round, where visitors can peer through powerful telescopes to spot planets, meteor showers, star clusters, and on rare occasions, even the Northern Lights. With seating capacity often selling out, it’s worth booking in advance, especially in the winter months, when the skies are clearest.
With wild moors, pristine beaches, and quiet rivers, Northumberland offers a natural playground for outdoor lovers.
Northumberland’s wildlife is just as wild and wonderful as its landscapes. One of the standout experiences is a boat trip to the Farne Islands, a renowned National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust. From April to August, the islands host over 100,000 seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. In autumn, you might spot grey seal pups, as the islands are home to England’s largest breeding colony.
Seahouses is the starting point for most boat tours. Many trips circle Coquet Island, a protected site with no public access but incredible views of nesting roseate terns and other rare birds. While landing on some islands is possible, check with local operators in advance, especially as Inner Farne only reopened to the public in 2024 after a temporary closure due to bird flu.
Further inland, Kielder Forest offers the chance to spot red squirrels, ospreys, and deer within a peaceful, protected setting that doubles as part of the Dark Sky Park. These moments of connection with nature are often what make visitors fall in love with Northumberland all over again.
The thing about Northumberland is, it’s never quite the same twice. We’ve been here in the height of summer with sandy toes and ice creams melting faster than we could eat them, and we’ve been here in the depths of winter, bundled up in coats, watching the waves crash against the shore before warming up by a pub fire. Each season brings its own kind of magic.
Spring is when Northumberland starts to wake up. The hedgerows burst into colour, bluebells fill the woods around Cragside, and the lambs start appearing in the fields, always a hit with the kids. It’s the perfect time for gentle walks when the sun’s out but the beaches are still quiet.
Summer is when the coast is at its best. Long, bright days mean you can walk for hours, or just settle into a spot on Alnmouth Beach and let the day drift away. The boat trips to the Farne Islands are in full swing, and it’s puffin season too, we’ll never get tired of seeing their little wings flapping over the water.
Autumn is our favourite for walking. The coastal paths are quieter, the air’s crisp, and the light makes everything look even more beautiful. Bamburgh Castle against an autumn sky, it’s something else. And if you venture inland, the trees around Rothbury and Cragside turn that perfect gold, making it a dream for those slower strolls.
Winter is when Northumberland feels like it’s just for you. Empty beaches, frost-covered fields, and the kind of walks that leave your cheeks pink and your hands craving a hot chocolate. Kielder Forest is at its most peaceful, and those starry skies on a clear winter’s night? Unbelievable. We’ve ended plenty of days here by the fire, a roast dinner on order, and the feeling that we had the whole place to ourselves.
We’ve spent so many days exploring Northumberland’s coastline, castles, and villages, but every adventure needs a good base. That’s why we’re so passionate about finding the right cottages, places that feel like home.
We know these cottages inside out, we’ve stayed in them, walked those paths, and popped into those pubs, so if you need a hand choosing, just ask.
Need help booking your stay? Contact us:
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