Explore the area
One of England's Last Great Wildernesses
Northumberland has more castles than any other English county, miles of unspoilt coastline, and skies so dark they're designated an International Dark Sky Park. Here's what's on your doorstep.
100+
Miles of coastline
70+
Castles & fortifications
1hr
To the Scottish border
AONB
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Sun, sand & sea
Beaches Worth the Journey
Northumberland's beaches are some of the least crowded in England — wide, wild, and genuinely beautiful. Bamburgh Beach stretches for miles beneath the castle, while Seahouses and Beadnell offer calmer bays perfect for paddling and rock pooling with kids.
Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a National Trust gem — a tiny fishing village with a pub right on the beach. Embleton Bay is a favourite for long walks with the dog.
- Bamburgh Beach — 2 miles of golden sand beneath the castle
- Seahouses Bay — Calm waters, great for families with young children
- Low Newton-by-the-Sea — National Trust village with a beachside pub
- Embleton Bay — Sweeping bay with views to Dunstanburgh Castle
On foot
Walks That Stay With You
The Northumberland Coast Path runs 64 miles from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed — you can dip in and out of it for day walks of any length. The stretch from Bamburgh to Seahouses is one of the finest coastal walks in England.
Inland, Kielder Forest and the Cheviot Hills offer wilder terrain — ancient hill forts, moorland, and the kind of silence that resets you completely.
- Northumberland Coast Path — 64-mile trail from Cresswell to Berwick
- Bamburgh to Seahouses — Classic 4-mile coastal walk with castle views
- Kielder Forest — England's largest forest — trails for all abilities
- The Cheviots — Wild moorland and ancient hill forts
Nature & wildlife
Wildlife That Surprises
The Farne Islands are one of the UK's most important seabird colonies — home to puffins, grey seals, and Arctic terns. Boat trips run from Seahouses between April and October, and the puffins are famously unbothered by visitors.
On the coast, look out for grey seals hauled out on the rocks, dolphins offshore, and red squirrels in the forest. The Northumberland Dark Sky Park is one of the best places in England to stargaze.
- Farne Islands — Puffins, seals & seabirds — boat trips from Seahouses
- Grey seals — Spot them hauled out on rocks along the coast
- Kielder Dark Sky Park — One of England's best stargazing locations
- Red squirrels — Thriving populations in Kielder Forest
Castles & history
History Around Every Corner
Northumberland has more castles than any other English county. Bamburgh Castle dominates the coastline and is one of the most photographed buildings in England. Alnwick Castle — used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films — is just 20 minutes away.
Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs across the county. The stretch near Housesteads is the most dramatic and well-preserved section, with views across open moorland in both directions.
- Bamburgh Castle — Iconic coastal fortress — 15 mins from the lodges
- Alnwick Castle — Harry Potter filming location — 20 mins away
- Hadrian's Wall — UNESCO World Heritage Site — Roman frontier
- Dunstanburgh Castle — Dramatic ruin accessible only on foot
Eat & drink
Fresh, Local, Unfussy
Northumberland's food scene is built on what's caught and grown nearby. Craster kippers are famous across the country — the village smokehouse has been curing herrings for over a century. Fresh crab and lobster are landed at Seahouses and Amble.
The Ship Inn at Low Newton-by-the-Sea brews its own ales and serves food made from local produce. The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is legendary for its crab sandwiches with views over the harbour.
- Craster Kippers — World-famous smokehouse — visit the village
- The Ship Inn — Microbrewery pub right on the beach at Low Newton
- Seahouses Harbour — Fresh crab, lobster, and fish and chips
- The Jolly Fisherman — Legendary crab sandwiches in Craster
Ready to explore it all?
Book a lodge and make the Northumberland coast your base for adventure.