Northumberland, England – your UK travel guide

North eastern England has some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery – and Northumberland is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

Whether you are looking for ideas for a weekend break or planning a UK road trip holiday, consider travelling to Northumberland.

In this guide we look at the region, what you can expect to see, and how to get there.

Where is Northumberland?

Northumberland is a historic county in the northeast of England. It borders Scotland to the north and is located to the east of the Pennines.

The county is known for its rugged coastline, including famous landmarks like Bamburgh Castle, and its expansive countryside, which includes parts of the Northumberland National Park.

The region is famous for its rich history, including ancient castles and Roman sites.

Northumberland is one of England's least densely populated counties, offering a lot of natural beauty and outdoor spaces – making it a great place for a road trip.

Places to visit in Northumberland

Northumberland is famous for a variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Its most iconic attraction is Bamburgh Castle, which is perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the North Sea. Steeped in history, it has been used in many films and TV shows.

Alnwick Castle is another ancient monument that has appeared in popular culture over the decades.

Warkworth Castle is another beautiful, ruined medieval castle located on a hill above the River Coquet.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain. It stretches across the county, offering impressive ruins and a glimpse into ancient history in Northumberland.

The county is also known for the Northumberland National Park, a vast, rugged area known for its walking trails, rolling hills, and dark skies for stargazing.

Northumberland’s coastline is renowned for its sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and old, picturesque fishing villages.

Lindisfarne is an island that is accessible by a causeway at low tide and is home to Lindisfarne Castle and Priory (a key site for early Christianity in Britain), and its association with the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of the most important illuminated manuscripts from the 8th century.

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How to get to Northumberland

If you are looking to travel to Northumberland, you’ll need to head towards North East England.

Here, we highlight three routes – starting in Manchester, Birmingham, and London – ending at the historic Bamburgh Castle.

Driving from Manchester

This is the route from Manchester to Northumberland.

Driving from Birmingham

This is the route from Birmingham to Northumberland.

Driving from London

This is the route from London to Northumberland.

Alternatively, use RAC Route Planner.

Northumberland, England: the UK’s last wilderness?

Following a request from our readers, here is a detailed breakdown on what to expect on a road trip to Northumberland.

Why go there?

Home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe and measuring in at a mighty 250 square miles, Kielder Water & Forest Park is the largest working forest in England, and officially one of the UK’s best places to visit after winning a VisitEngland gold award for tourism excellence.

What to do

To explore the park’s most dazzling autumnal displays, start from the Kielder Forest Park Visitor Centre and head down the scenic Kielder Forest Drive.

This 12-mile stretch of unsealed forest track is one of England’s highest roads, cresting at over 1,500ft at Blakehope Nick, where you are guaranteed unparalleled views of the colourful woodland patchwork.

The road surface can be challenging at times, though a bit of preparation will save you any red-faced moments.

Forest Drive continues until it meets the Pennine Way, through which you can reach other parts of the forest.

Where to stay and eat

Steeped in history, with a provenance that dates back to a cousin of William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, Otterburn Castle Country House Hotel is not your average overnight option.

Nestled in 32 acres of grounds stretching down to the village of Otterburn, the hotel boasts 18 comfortable en-suite bedrooms, all individually decorated.

Sumptuous as these are, you may prefer to lounge around the Garden Room with its Florentine fireplace, high ceilings, and French windows overlooking the lawn and lake. Or there’s always the bar housed in the old stables, which provide buckets of ambience for pre-dinner drinks.

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Northumberland, England: explore the heritage coast

One of the best places for you and the family to visit on your road trip to Northumberland is the heritage coast.

Why go there?

The Northumberland coast between Blyth and Berwick-upon-Tweed is packed with world-class historical sites, long, empty beaches and breathtaking landscapes.

See windswept islands, medieval market towns and important wildlife reserves. It’s no surprise that this entire coast has been judged an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What to do

Avoid the A1 and enjoy an unforgettable drive along the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island and also see England’s greatest sequence of coastal castles.

Look out too for the bustling little seaside resort of Seahouses, quaint fishing village of Newton-by-the-Sea and extraordinary modern sea sculptures at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Need short term car insurance for your trip? Our temporary insurance product is perfect if you're looking for comprehensive cover for your vehicle for between 1 hour and 30 days.

Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.