Things to do in Northumberland

Whether you're visiting the North East for the first time, or live nearby and simply want to go somewhere new, there are countless things to do in Northumberland that provide a great day out for all ages and interests.

One of the things that Northumberland is best known for is its bloody history in the medieval English and Scottish Border Wars, which has left a number of castles and ruins scattered around the region. Spend a day exploring Alnwick Castle, which has been used as a film set for the Harry Potter series, or venture to Bamburgh Castle, which is rich with historic relics from the Viking, Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods.

There are tonnes of great landmarks and attractions in Northumberland including National Trust sites and English Heritage venues, which are especially great for a day out during the school holidays. From Lord Armstrong's country home of Cragside and stunning Wallington Hall; the exotic Alnwick Gardens and the remains of Hadrian's Wall to the Anglo-Saxon remnants at Vindolanda; many of the sites cater for children and those with accessibility accessibility requirements, to providing a great day out for everyone.

Nature lovers will also find solace in the rolling English countryside of Northumberland, which spans from the North East Coast up to the border of Scotland, including the village of Berwick Upon Tweed. Venture to the Kielder Observatory on an evening and you should be greeted with a clear view of the stars from out in the wilderness, while the Farne Islands and the Birds Of Prey Centre allows you to get up close and personal with the native wildlife in the region.

Many of the beaches in Northumberland are also ideal for a day out and there are certainly plenty to choose from. The miles of coastline also means that many of restaurants in Northumberland source their seafood fresh from the North Sea, including Craster kippers, Northumberland oysters and local crab. The villages of Northumberland also offer a number of great pubs and cafes where you can grab a pint or a cuppa after a spot of shopping on the quaint streets of Morpeth, Amble or Hexham.

Why not head to Wylam for a trip around the original site of Wylam Brewery, or embark on a spooky ghost tour of Chillingham Castle? Northumberland is incredibly easy to navigate by car but there are also a number of buses available to take you there, as well as the famous 'Curry Train', which ferries hungry travellers from Newcastle Central Station to the heart of Corbridge Village for an award-winning curry at The Valley Indian restaurant.

Discover all the things to do in Northumberland today and start planning your visit now.