The seaside village of Amble is located on the south side of the River Coquet, just as it flows into the North Sea.  You won’t stumble over Amble by accident; you’ll need to make a conscious effort to get there, making it all the more special for it.  In the past the port village was associated with the North East Coal mines, often being used as a port to export the coal mined nearby.  Nowadays, whether you’re coming to use the marina (there’s a good large one here), or simply to have a seaside holiday, Amble is a delight.  Here are the best things to do in Amble.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

Much of what there is to do in Amble is based on the sea.  It’s one of the water sports capitals of Northumberland.  There are facilities at the marina and the harbour and there’s also an angling centre here too.  Probably the top thing to do here is to take a boat trip to Coquet Island – it’s only about a mile from the harbour and attracts around 40,000 nesting seabirds in the summer months.

Visit Coquet Island

You can’t land on Coquet Island, it’s a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) protected site and it is home to nesting puffins, Common, Sandwich and Arctic terns as well as the only place in the UK where Roseate Terns breed.   It’s for this reason that there’s no landing on the island.  You can, however, take a boat trip from the harbour here in Amble.  There’s more about Coquet Island as a bird preserve here.

The history of the island goes back to 684 AD and there have been monks, fortifications and even attempts to breed Angora rabbits here on the island (loads more about all of that here).

Cruises to visit the island (viewing from a distance), leave from the Amble Harbour Village – your skippers Dave and Steven from Puffin Cruises explain everything that you’re seeing.  Reserve a place on a Coquet Island Cruise with Puffin Cruises here.

Head to the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Just to the south of Amble (it’s a short – less than an hour walk) is one of the best places in the North East for wildlife watching.  It’s free to enter (but give a donation to help out), if you’re driving, then there is a charge for parking (£2 for all-day parking for cars, or £30 for an annual pass). There is a 1 kilometre accessible trail with two wildlife hides that you can access, but no dogs are allowed onsite.

Commonly seen on the reserve are tree sparrows, bullfinches, moorhens and curlews as well as a huge variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.  The reserve was originally part of the Radcliffe open-cast mine (which helped Amble and other ports in the area with coal exports), but it has been part of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust since 1983.

In total there are 6 hides and the wildlife sightings board in reception is updated each day so you know what you’re likely to see.  There’s also a café (they’re famous for their scones) when you need a break from wildlife spotting.  The Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre is open from 09:00 until 17:00 year round, the onside café usually opens at 10:00 and closes at 16:30.

Amble East Beach

Take some time out and head to Amble East Beach – if you don’t want to sit on the sand here, there are some fabulous rock pools to explore, so come here at low tide and explore what’s to be found. If you come out of season then you’ll most likely have the beach to yourself.  There’s more on beaches in Northumberland in my guide here.     

Explore Amble’s Harbour Village

Clustered around Amble’s Harbour is the Amble Harbour Village.  There’s a lobster hatchery here, plus 15 pods that sell a variety of crafts food and drink as well as a seafood centre that sells local catches.  It’s been open since 2015 and has been an important part of revitalising this part of the North East.

Amble has long been known as the Friendliest Port.  The name has been around since 1935, when the then Amble Council sent a message to the RMS Mauretania and received the famous reply from the ship.  The Mauretania was built at the Swan Hunter Yards in Northumberland and when launched was the largest moving structure ever built.  She captured the transatlantic speed records for crossing both east and west in 1907 and 1909 respectively and held the record for 20 years!  Withdrawn from service in 1934, her furnishings and fittings were stripped out and set off for the Rosyth breakers years.  After a 30-minute farewell stop at the Swan Hunter Yards, she headed north, as she passed Amble, 30 miles north of Newcastle, Amble Town Council sent the famous message “Still the finest ship on the seas”, to which the Mauretania replied with “to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks.”.  You can still see this message today on the village signs.

Spend the day on the water at Amble.

Amble is a great place to base yourself to enjoy water sports.  There are surf schools nearby, kayaking and canoeing opportunities and also sailing too.  Northside Surf School is based here at Amble, with surfing lessons and paddle boarding too.  There are both group and private lessons available.  Book a lesson or read more here.

The Coquet Shorebase Trust is a not-for-profit organization also based in Amble – it dates back to the 1950s, but today provides sailing lessons, power boat lessons as well as paddleboarding, windsurfing and kayaking equipment rental.  There are scheduled courses, lessons and rental details available here.

Go out on a working fishing boat in Amble

The Natalie Kristen II is a lobster and crab working fishing boat in Amble. They fish every day – weather permitting and from Easter onwards each year they take tourists out to see the wildlife at Coquet Island. But you’ll also get to to see Kevin and his crew haul a couple of fishing pots to see how shellfish are caught. You’ll get close enough to touch before they’re released back into the North Sea.

This is a perfect trip for inquisitive folks of all ages. This is a brilliant way to spend some time on a working fishing vessel and learn about shellfish, and the life of a fishing family. To book your place give Kevin a call on 07873752643 – or contact them via Facebook.

Spend the Day at the Northumberland Zoo

Having opened in 2015, the Northumberland Zoo is a family-run, not-for-profit collection of animals right in the heart of Northumberland.  There are 20 acres here for you to explore, with animals that range from harvest mice to snow leopards.   The zoo is open 7 days a week with a variety of areas to explore as well as a classic tractor museum too.​  You’ll save money by pre-booking your visit.  Buy your tickets here.

The Northumberland Zoo is located at Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 9QH.

Take a Walk Around Amble

Whether you choose to take a walk to the south towards Druridge Bay – past the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre or head inland along the River Coquet towards Warkworth, there are some great views and walks from here.  You can cover stage one of the Northumberland Coastal Path down to Cresswell, or even just a part of it (there are details here).  If you head to Warkworth Cables, then it’s about a 6-mile circular walk.

The best way to plot your route walking around Amble is to use the Ordnance Survey maps (you can pick up the Amble ones here).

Visit Warkworth Castle from Amble

Being so close to Amble you shouldn’t miss Warkworth Castle.  Situated in one of Northumberland’s prettiest villages it dominates the area.   You’ll want to explore the Great Tower and also don’t miss the Warkworth Hermitage, a short distance up the River Coquet – you need to take a boat to get to it. 

Read my guide to Warkworth Castle here, and remember that English Heritage members (join here) get in for free.

Where to Stay in Amble

Stay in a cosy traditional hotel or a more contemporary holiday let, there’s plenty of choice here in Amble. 

The Amble Inn is popular, it’s part of the Inn Collection Group, which provides good rooms across their portfolio.  It’s in a good location and there’s private parking and a restaurant on site too.   Opt for double, twin, family or disabled access rooms, there’s more here.

For a seaside location, head to Radcliffes Lodge, with glorious sea views and lovely rooms. Family rooms with terraces are a great option and you can fit, well, the whole family in too!  Book early though, they’re popular.

For a longer stay, book into “Coastal Retreat” – it’s a gloriously large holiday let with heaps of living space (and it sleeps 8 in four bedrooms).  There are super views over Links Beach and the sea.  You can see photos here.

My favourite spot for couples is “the Loft” – luxuriously furnished, it’s seriously comfortable and contemporary, with a great location.  You can book it here.

Where to Eat in Amble

You’re at the coast, and so you’re going to want to hit the seafood.  If you’re self-catering then head to the Northumberland Seafood Centre shop (or preorder online and pick it up).  You’ll get such local specialities as Lindisfarne Oysters, Craster kippers and local catches of the day.  Stop by and stock up!

The Old Boathouse at the Harbour is fabulous for a seafood dinner if you’re heading out for lunch or dinner, as is the Fish Shack.  If it’s “just” fish and chips you’re after then the Harbour Fish Bar is consistently good.

Spurreli’s Ice Cream on Coquet Street is perfect for a sweet treat, they use milk and cream from the Marley Cote Farm in Hexham (there are vegan options too).  They’re open every day from 10:00 until 17:00. 

How to Get to Amble

Amble is relatively easy to get to, both by car and by public transport.

Driving to Amble

From either the north or the south you’ll need the A1.  If you’re coming from the North, then turn off at the Alnwick interchange, then take the A1068 south towards Amble.  It’s about 8 miles.  If you’re coming from the South, then you can get off a little further south, by following the signpost for Amble (A1068). It’s about 9 miles from the A1.

Once you arrive in Amble if your hotel or holiday let doesn’t have parking, then there are several car parks available.  If you’re coming to Amble Harbour Village, then use the car park on Turner Street.

Getting to Amble By Train

The closest train station to Amble is Alnmouth.  It’s on the main East Coast line and takes about an hour to get to Edinburgh or four hours from London.  Book train tickets to Alnmouth here. From Alnmouth you can take the X18 or X20.  The bus takes about 16-22 minutes, and you can check the timetables here.

Getting to Amble by Bus

The North East Arriva buses run from Newcastle up to Berwick upon Tweed and back – check the timetables for the X18 and the X20.  If you’re coming from London and want to take the bus, then use National Express, to Alnwick and then take the local X18 or X20 to Amble.  You can check tickets here.

Final Words on the Best Things to Do in Amble

You can’t get much closer to the water in Northumberland than Amble.  It’s a glorious village with some great facilities in an enviable position.  There are super places to stay here, some fantastic restaurants and things to do.  If you like the great outdoors, Amble is perfect for a visit.

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Amble, Northumberland appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

There’s golf here – the fourth oldest club in England has stunning views, there’s history in the smallest museum in Northumberland, dog-friendly beaches and you’re right on the coastal path and the Coast and Castles cycle route too.  Your problem isn’t finding things to do, it’s staying long enough to fit it all in!

The Best Things to Do in Alnmouth

We’ll start with what there is to do in Alnmouth itself, and then get you out into the countryside (and coast) roundabout Alnmouth.

Spend time on the beach in Alnmouth.

The beach here is glorious, running along the edge of Alnmouth Bay, and also into the estuary of the River Aln.  The beach is split really into three sections, one to the northeast of the village, then the bit of beach that is really more river beach than sea beach, and then there’s Rose Sands on the opposite side of the river.  There’s a large free public car park right by the beach, so if you’re not staying here, it’s easy to get parked, although if you’re visiting in the height of summer, then you’ll need to get here early.

The beach on the other side of the river (you’ll see it marked on Google Maps as Rose Sands) is much quieter – as it’s generally a little harder to get to.  It’s wilder. 

It is NOT recommended to swim here at Alnmouth, especially by the river.  There are strong currents and dangerous rip tides at the estuary mouth.  Be specifically away if you have dogs that like swimming as it’s not a good idea to let them in the water at this point.

Visit the Ferryman’s Hut in Alnmouth

Alnmouth’s Ferryman’s Hut is the smallest museum in Northumberland.  Alnmouth Parish Council believes that it’s the smallest museum in England.  The hut measures 9 feet x 7 feet (2.7 metres x 2.1 metres).  Why not visit and see what you think?  The Ferryman’s Hut is open every day and it’s free too.   For yes, there used to be a ferry that ran backward and forwards across the River Aln.  Ferrymen would row passengers, but this stopped in the 1960s.  The hut is manned by locals, and it’s always worth stopping for a chat as you peruse the displays of photos and the history of the service.    I’ve marked the Ferryman’s Hut on the map.

Visit Alnmouth’s Northumberland Sculpture

You’ll need to go for a walk to see the Northumberland Sculpture in Alnmouth, but not far and the views are worth it.  The sculpture was created in stone by Luke Bachelor and is based on a poem by a local woman, Judith Hill, written in 2007.  Judith died in 2019 and this was commissioned by her children.

If you can’t make it to the sculpture, then you can read about it here.

Visit Trig Point 5127 at Alnmouth

Trigpoints are the commonly used name for “Triangulation Pillars”.  These are concrete pillars that were originally used by the Ordnance Survey to map out and determine the size and shape of the country.  Trigpoints are usually on high points on the landscape so that there is a clear line of sight to the next trigpoint.    The major project of 1936 to map out the country led to the fabulous mapping that we now have from the Ordnance Survey.   There’s LOADS more on Trigpoints here.

So why should you come up here?  Well, it’s a magnificent view for a start, this Trigpoint is located at the Night Fold Field, and on a day with good weather the view is well, as I said, magnificent.

Check out the Alnmouth Barometer

The Alnmouth barometer was given to Alnmouth Coastguards by the Duke of Northumberland in 1860.  It was housed in the Coastguard Station (now the home of the club steward of the Alnmouth Golf Club.).

You can read more about this barometer (and the others that were used up and down the coast) here.

By 1909 it was transferred to the cottage at the end of Argyle Street, which was the then Village Police Office, owned by the Duke of Northumberland. The window that you can see the barometer in, was built then to house the barometer and so it stayed.  You’ll find it opposite the end of Argyle Street in Alnmouth.  I’ve marked it on the map for you.

Play Bridge, Go Barn Dancing, Take a Yoga Class in Alnmouth

If you read my potted history of Alnmouth then you’ll know that at its peak there were 16 granaries in the village.  One of those was converted into what is now, Hindmarsh Hall.  It was converted, first into a church and then (once the church was built) into a kind of Town Hall.  Today it’s the Hindmarsh Hall, having been bought from Northumberland Estates by Leonard Hindmarsh, in 1935.  He refurbished the hall and gave it to the village.

The hall is now used as a meeting place, a place to stage events, classes, dances, and festivals.  No matter when you visit Alnmouth you’ll find something on at the Hall.  Here are the schedules, and details of what’s on at Alnmouth’s Hindmarsh Hall.

St Cuthbert’s Cross (above Rose Sands) & Church Hill

If you look out across the estuary from Alnmouth, literally directly across from the village you’ll see a stone cross on top of a hill.  The hill is known as Church Hill.  The cross is known as St Cuthbert’s Cross.  It’s rumoured that this was where St Cuthbert agreed to become the Bishop of Lindisfarne.

While you’re up here you should check out the ruined chapel.  It dates from 1870 and was built as part of a plan to re-open the cemetery on Church Hill. This was where the old parish church was before it was destroyed in the storm of 1806 which also changed the course of the river.

Go Golfing in Alnmouth

The Golf Club in Alnmouth is the oldest 9-hole links course in England.  It was established in 1869 and designed by Mungo Park, the winner of the 1874 Open Championship at Musselburgh.  Mungo Park became the club’s first professional and greenkeeper.  Although it’s only a 9-hole course, there are multiple tees so it can be played as an 18-hole course.

The best views on the course?  From the seventh tee – you’ll see Alnmouth Bay and Coquet Island in the distance.  And the bracing wind off the North Sea, yes, that’s one of the challenges of playing here.

Go for a walk around Alnmouth.

This is a spectacular part of the world in which to go for a walk.    Take a circular walk – this one is 8 miles – and combines countryside and seaside views and terrain.  Or perhaps take on part of the Northumberland Coastal Path – you’re right in the middle of Stage 2 of the walk here in Alnmouth.

You can hike the 2 miles to St Cuthbert’s Cross across the estuary, or you can walk part (or all) of the St Oswald’s Way – the 97-mile route from Holy Island to Heavenfield. (there are more details on St Oswald’s Way here)

Go fishing from the beach in Alnmouth.

You can fish from the beach in Alnmouth without a licence.  In summer you’ll find sea trout and salmon here.  You can also fish downstream of the 1864 Duchess Bridge across the River Aln. The fishing upstream of this belongs to Alnwick Anglers. If you want to fish this part of the river then you’ll need to get a daily, weekly, or annual pass from Aln Angling at Hardy Fishing Tackle showroom at 30 Bondgate Within, Alnwick.  You can read more about fishing on the beach and river here.

Visit Alnmouth’s Old School Gallery

If you’d like to see local art, or perhaps take some home with you, then head to the Old School Gallery.  There’s open-air pizza available here too during the summer weekends as well as a café that’s open year round.  I love the maps of Northumberland, which make a great souvenir to take home, regardless of where you live!

Visit the Alnmouth Library – it’s a cutey.

There are two Alnmouth libraries.  Kind of.  The first is right here in the centre of the village.  Inside the red telephone box.   It’s directly opposite 53 Northumberland Street.  It’s an honesty library.  So take a book, leave a book, and all that.  Pick up leaflets about what’s going on in Alnmouth and the area.

The second library in Alnmouth is part of a scheme from Enable Arts that was started during the COVID lockdowns.   Again it’s another honesty library idea – take a book, leave a book.  Only this time there is a “chain” of these libraries. The libraries – hosted in tiny, wooden, black huts with a pitched roof – are found from Berwick upon Tweed in the North down to Warkworth.   I’ve marked on the map where you can find the one in Alnmouth, but you can also read more about Books by the Sea here.

Visit some of Northumberland’s prettiest villages from Alnmouth

Northumberland has some stunning villages and with this glorious coastline, I’ve detailed the best and prettiest seaside villages to visit.  So make your base in Alnmouth and head out to see the best of the rest.  My guide is here.

Visit Alnwick for the Day from Alnmouth

Either take the X18 or the X20 bus from Alnmouth to Alnwick – the bus takes less than 15-minutes for its journey into Alnwick.  Or drive and spend the day in the famous market town.  Explore Barter Books, visit the Castle, and explore the weekly markets and farmers markets – there’s more on what to do in Alnwick in my guide here.

A Brief History of Alnmouth

The village of Alnmouth as we know it today, was established in 1152 by William de Vesci (the name gives it away, he was indeed an Anglo-Norman lord).  His son Eustance was granted permission to establish a port and a fish market in Alnmouth on Wednesdays.  Prior to this it was likely that some residents were here during the Mesolithic period the Bronze Age and also possibly the Iron Age.  While there have been no Roman ruins found here it seems likely that the river was used, as Alaunus and Alauna were referenced as rivers and place names by Ptolemy and Ravenna Cosmography. 

The Scots attacked in 1336, and the village population decreased in numbers then and yet further in 1348 (it was the Black Death time).  Alnmouth was described in 1597 as depeopled and a survey of 1614 described it as “in great ruin and decay”. 

The port was prosperous in the 18^th century, with grain being a notable export, and with guano being imported from Peru.  Coal, eggs, pork, and pickled salmon for London were big exports of the time as well as wool heading to Yorkshire for the woollen industry.  Blue slate from Scotland and timber from both Scandinavia and Holland used the port and the trade in grain meant that there were 16 granaries in the village at one time (some were lost and some converted into houses).

The port also gave rise to the village as an area for shipbuilding, with its prosperity peaking around 1750, with all the associated reputations that follow such places, John Wesley described Alnmouth as “a small sea-port town, famous for all kinds of wickedness“.  Alnmouth was even attacked in 1779 by John Paul Jones, the American privateer, during the War of Independence (he fired his cannon at the church!).

A violent storm on Christmas Day 1806 seems to have led to the decline of the port.  The storm led to the breach of the Church Hill sandbank and diverted the river from a curving meander to a more direct line into the sea.

Where to Stay in Alnmouth

There’s a good choice of places to stay in Alnmouth from hotels, and B&Bs to an excellent selection of holiday lets. 

The best places to stay in Alnmouth are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   The Summer House
• Best for families:  Riverside, Alnmouth
• Best for a one night stay:  The Red Lion, Alnmouth

Where to Eat in Alnmouth

From cosy local pubs to rather contemporary restaurants and lovely delis you’ve got a lot of choice here in Alnmouth when it comes to eating out. 

Head to Scotts of Alnmouth for a deli that features local cheeses, gins, and baked goods.    The Sun Inn and the Red Lion have good local ales and home-cooked meals.   Head to the Whittingly House or the Hope and Anchor Hotel for dinner – the Italian restaurant at the Hope and Anchor is very popular, especially with its wood-fired pizza oven. Go to Bistro 23 – it’s a tea room during the day and opens on select evenings for, well a Bistro menu.    The Spice Galleon has takeaway fish and chips and there’s an eat-in and takeaway Indian restaurant there too.

Map of Things to Do in Alnmouth

You can see the full map of things to do in Alnmouth here.

How to Get to Alnmouth

Just 4 miles away from Alnwick, Alnmouth has the benefits of the beach AND a train station.  So it’s very easy to get here by public transport.

Traveling by Rail to Alnmouth

The train station is called Alnmouth, but the station is just a mile away and it’s on the East Coast Main Line.  It’s an EASY walk from Alnmouth train station to the village.  There are buses that connect the train station to the village and taxis are also available.  You can check train ticket prices and options here.

Traveling by Bus to Alnmouth

Buses are operated in the area by both Arriva (Alnmouth is connected on the X18 and the X20) and the Borders bus services.  Click the links to find the latest timetable.

If you’re taking a coach from say London, then you can go straight to Alnmouth on National Express (tickets here) as there’s one bus a day that does this route.

Traveling by Car to Alnmouth

From the south, head out of Newcastle and up the A1, the quickest way is to head up to Alnwick, and then take the A1068 to the right, it’s just four miles from the turn-off and well-signposted.

From the North, come down from Berwick Upon Tweed, and exit at Alnwick, again follow the A1068 to Alnmouth.

It will take about 2 hours driving from Edinburgh, or about 2.5 hours from the Lake District.

Final Words on the Best Things to Do in Alnmouth

There’s a lot going on for locals and visitors in Alnmouth these days – some great outdoor activities, and some fabulous places to explore inside too.  The seaside village is perfect for a break (both short and long), and easy to get to, with some lively and lovely places to stay.  Come on to Alnmouth you’ll wonder why it took you so long to get here!

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Alnmouth appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

No matter what time of year you come to Beadnell you’ll want to have your camera ready.  There is just something about the combination of the sea, sky, and sand that makes this stunning year-round.  As the only west-facing harbour on the east coast where fishermen are still able to land wild salmon and sea trout, it means that you’ll always be able to see the fishing boats in the harbour.

The Best Things to Do in Beadnell

Beadnell is the perfect place to come for a quiet visit to Northumberland.  Sure there are some fabulous places to eat here, and there are some great traditional and contemporary restaurants and pubs.  But if your yen is for golden sands, dunes, and coastal walks, then this is for you.

1.     Head to Beadnell Beach

The dog-friendly child-friendly Beadnell Beach really is the star attraction here.  It’s perfect for picnics and for beach games.  Game of beach cricket anyone?  The water is safe here, so it’s good for kids.  It truly is one of the best beaches in Northumberland.

There’s a pay-and-display car park at the north end of the beach that provides slipway access to the beach.  There are public toilets here in the car park too.   There’s a 72-hour maximum for parking in the car park and you can pay by phone or by card here.

2.     Visit Beadnell Harbour

The harbour is lovely, and as it’s the only harbour on the east coast that can still land wild salmon and sea trout you’ll still find fishing boats here too.   This harbour dates from the 18^th century.  It was extended for John Wood of Beadnell Hall (which is now converted into flats) in 1798. 

The extension was to support the shipping of Lime which came from the lime kilns at the harbour (don’t miss them, they’re fascinating).  There was also a herring smokehouse here too, that’s long been demolished, but you can see one still in operation at L Robson and Sons in Craster.  The harbour is Grade II listed.

3.     See the Lime Kilns at Beadnell Harbour

To get to the harbour you’ll have to walk past these 3 lime kilns.  The first was built in 1789 when limestone was burnt in them to make quick lime  (It was used in building mortar and as a fertilizer).  Most of the quicklime produced here was shipped out for use in Scotland. 

For a while, the lime was also used for curing herring.   The three lime kilns of Beadnell Harbour are now Grade II listed and you’ll usually find lobster pots being stored in them by the local fishermen.

4.     Visit Ebb’s Nook at Beadnell

You’ll need to head out onto the promontory to visit Ebb’s Nook.  It’s the remains of a chapel associated with St Ebba.  The ruins were rediscovered in 1853 by Mr Hodgson Hinde.    It appears to have connections with a 7th-century Northumbrian Princess called Ebba.   She was a sister of King Oswald of Northumbria who, after the invasion of King Edwin in 616 fled to Scotland.

The site was the subject of a 2012 Channel 4 Time Team investigation led by Tony Robinson – their results are here (it’s a downloadable PDF)

St Ebba’s Feast Day is August 25^th and there may be events or guided walks happening around this time if you’re in the area then.  There is a WHOLE lot more about St Ebba here.

5.     Try some Water Sports at Beadnell

Beadnell has a whole host of different water sports that you can try.  Park up in the car park and use the slipway access if you have your own gear, but if not, then you’re in for a treat, as there are a variety of options.

KA Adventure Sports – you can try Stand Up Paddleboarding, Coasteering, Surfing, Kitesurfing, and Wingfoiling with these folks. They run classes for all different levels of experience, although some classes may be held from different beaches.  See their options and your choices here.

NE Surf School runs surfing classes and camps, with group and private lessons available, and specific classes for kids.  They also run Surf camps and retreats too. There are both male and female instructors available – see what’s available here.

Surf Northumberland is a mother-and-son-run operation.  Sally and Harry run group and private lessons from a variety of beaches around the North East.  There are more details here.

Beadnell Sailing Club is based out of the harbour at Beadnell. The club was founded by Major Burton in 1935(!) and offers sailing at high tide. It’s a family-oriented club for dinghy sailors.   There’s more information on membership and options here.

6.     Spot protected and rare birds in Beadnell

The Long Nanny Shorebird Site is located between Beadnell and the village of Low Newton and it has been in existence for 48 years now, with a ropeway preventing you from trespassing onto the area where the protected birds nest.

Every year, there’s a section of coastline roped off, to try and protect the nesting grounds of Arctic terns, little terns and ringed plovers.  The tern colony has a series of wardens that protect it around the clock during the summer months.

You can access the site and use the warden’s hut viewpoint for free, it’s about a 2-kilometer walk from the nearest parking in Beadnell.  The walk is easy, but sand can be loose and there is no shelter (from either rain or sun), bring water and wear appropriate clothing.

7.     Walk Part of the Coastal Path from Beadnell

Beadnell sits within Stage 3 of the Northumberland Coastal Path – between Craster and Seahouses.  So head north to Seahouses, perhaps check out the busier village, buy some smoked kippers, spend a little money in the souvenir shops, and either walk back or take the bus.  Alternatively, head south to Craster, explore Dunstanburgh Castle, have a little sustenance in the Jolly Fisherman, and then catch the bus back “home”.  There’s more on this stage of the Coastal Path here.

The Arriva bus services connect Beadnell, so you can check the timetable here, and then plan accordingly to make your route work for you.  It’s the X18 that you want.

Where to Stay in Beadnell

Beadnell has some great self-catering options, from camping and caravanning to holiday lets.    Take a lovely room at the The Craster Arms Hotel.  There’s a shared lounge in this four-star accommodation.  The one-bedroom suite can sleep four with two sofa beds.  See this and other room options here.

Opt for the celebrity treatment at the Beadnell Towers Hotel.  There’s a 24-hour front desk at this five-star hotel, where the junior suites have seriously comfortable seating areas.  Sea view suites come with a telescope so you can star gaze from your room!  Check availability here.

For self-catering, then the Rock View Holiday let is perfect for families.  It’s a modern home with all the facilities that you need for a home away from home.  Check out the room configuration here.

Things to Do Near Beadnell

If the quiet laidback seaside holiday vibe of Beadnell isn’t giving you enough to do, then you’re in luck.  Beadnell is pretty close to a variety of other places to visit in Northumberland.  You’re just down the road from Seahouses – a much more vibrant and busy place.  It’s here you’ll be able to stock up on Northumberland’s famous smoked kippers or take a trip to the Farne Islands.  Or head slightly further north to the glorious Bamburgh (don’t miss the castle there).  There’s a castle to the south too.  Dunstanburgh, which is one of my all-time favourite Northumberland Castles.  Visit via either Low Newton or the gorgeous harbour village of Craster.

Where to Eat in Beadnell

The traditional Craster Arms – built into what was the ruins of a medieval Tower, is a fabulous welcoming pub in the centre of Beadnell Village.  There’s a great sunny beer garden and for colder weather, there’s a fire too.  They’re famous for local seafood.

For a more contemporary approach head to the Saltwater Café – try a full Northumbrian breakfast, and the crayfish tails in a soft white bap are delicious for lunch.    It’s worth booking for dinner, especially if you have a special occasion coming up.

At the Beadnell Tower Hotel, you can find modern British dishes.  Their dishes are very seasonal and use the very best of local produce and suppliers.  Check the changing (and delicious) menus here.

Closer to Beadnell Bay is the Landing Pub.  You’ll find hearty meals, fish and chips, and traditional British classics here.  There are local ales to be tried too. Their menu is here.

There is currently NO shop in Beadnell and the nearest food stops are in Seahouses (there’s a Co-op), although you’ll need to head to Alnwick for larger supermarkets, butchers, and bakers.

How to Get to Beadnell, Northumberland

You can get to Beadnell on the Arrive X18 buses, which run from Newcastle to Berwick upon Tweed and back.  More details at Arriva North East.

The closest train station to Beadnell is Chathill,  the Borders Bus service runs buses from there, check details here.

For drivers, you’ll want to get onto the Northumberland Coastal Route – the B1340.  Beadnell is just a few miles south of Seahouses.

Final Words on Beadnell

So for a quiet place, there’s quite a lot going on here.  There’s a chapel for a long-dead Northumbrian Princess, and lime kilns that used to drive the industry here.  A harbour that’s Grade II listed and the only one left on the east coast that can land certain fish.  And then there’s the water sports.  And that amazing beach.  Beadnell has a LOT going for it.  Why aren’t you here?

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Beadnell appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

Aside from the castle, which is managed by English Heritage, there’s also a hermitage to visit here, a river to walk alongside (and it’s a lovely slow small one), and there’s a rather interesting church that dates from 1132 as well.

BesT WAY TO VISIT CASTLES

Get Free Access to Warkworth Hermitage

The top thing to do in Warkworth?  Visit the Warkworth Hermitage – English Heritage members get in for free (it’s a handy membership to have around here! – so join now!) – and you’ll get into the castle for free as well!

Buy Your Pass Here

The Best Things to Do in Warkworth

Small, but perfectly formed – Warkworth is one of our top tips as one of Northumberland’s prettiest seaside villages (read about the others here).  It’s easy to reach on the bus lines that service this part of the coast, and there are also some great places to bed down for the night (or longer) too.

1.     Visit Warkworth Castle

It’s hard to miss the Castle here in Warkworth and it’s worth making it your first stop.  The highlights are the Great Tower and the views from the top.  The first castle here, which was timber, was replaced as it was deemed “too feeble”.  You can’t say that about the current iteration, which has been here since the 13^th century.  Of course, there are also bits that date from the 15^th century too.   My guide to Warkworth Castle is here and I recommend at least a couple of hours to explore. 

You can read the details about the castle in the link above – but I also advise using the free audio guide provided by English Heritage.  It’s a very entertaining way to visit.  Pick up the audio tour at the entrance.

• Warkworth Castle Opening Times:  Warkworth Castle is usually open from 10:00 until 17:00 although in the off-season, hours may be shorter
• Warkworth Castle Entrance Fees:  For advance bookings the Adult entry fees to Warkworth Castle are £7.70, Children’s entry fees are £4.70 and family tickets are available starting at £11.70. On the day tickets are more expensive.  English Heritage Members get free entry to Warkworth Castle – you can join here.

2.     Visit the Warkworth Hermitage

The 14th-century Hermitage at Warkworth is carved out of the rock alongside the River Coquet.  It’s managed by English Heritage, and so members get in for free. While the Hermitage is on the banks of the River Coquet, access is only by boat, however, it’s a VERY short trip – literally from one side of the river to the other!

Your ticket to the Hermitage includes the boat trip access and once you’ve “landed” you’ll get half an hour to explore.  It’s actually pretty big, there are six rooms over two levels, with three rooms on each level.  The rooms on the upper floor are in much better condition than those on the ground floor and used to be the sacristy, chapel, and chamber. 

Much of the myth about the Hermitage can be traced to a 1771 book published by Bishop Thomas Percy.  It contains a ballad that details that when Bertram of Bothal killed his wife-to-be (accidentally apparently) in the 1300s he decided to spend his remaining days in the Hermitage.  It’s more likely that the Hermitage was actually a private chapel for the first Earl of Northumberland and then as a chapel for clergy until 1536.

The 4^th Earl appointed Thomas Barker to be, I guess, the hermit in residence in 1497. His role was to offer prayers for his patrons, but he actually was a tenant farmer too.  There’s more about the Hermitage, myth, legend, and history here.

• Warkworth Hermitage Opening Times:  Reopens after the winter in April 2025.  Check on arrival for boat trip times.
• Warkworth Hermitage Entrance Fees:  Included in the fees for the castle.

3.     Take a Walk along the River Coquet

Now to get to the Hermitage boat ride you had to walk about half a mile along the riverside to the boat dock (and back of course), but you might, as I did, have fallen in love with this little piece of paradise and want to walk further.

The River Coquet rises in the Cheviot Hills, runs down to Rothbury (lovely lovely place, more on Rothbury here), and then loops around Brinkburn Priory, and comes to Warkworth.  It winds its way nicely around Warkworth – or rather the town fits in with the river, and then it discharges into the North Sea at Amble (another lovely spot to visit, there’s more here).

The Coquet is about 56 miles long and has been used as a source of power over the centuries (water mills for grinding corn, and so on). There’s a theory that its name comes from Angl-Saxon times, when it was called “Cocwudu” meaning “cock wood” – and this was the area around which the river flowed.

However.  And there’s always one of those.  It’s referred to in the 8th century Ravenna Cosmography, as Coccuueda.  And Bede referenced Cocuedi fluminis, which translates roughly as ‘Red River’.  You can find red porphyritic pebbles around here.

Right.  Back to the walks.  The best presentation of walks that I’ve seen (and you have options) is from Northumberland Parishes – this will download a PDF with maps and directions for you.               

4.     Explore the Village of Warkworth

It’s not going to take you long to explore the village, because she is small but perfectly formed.  I’d recommend starting at one end and working to the other.  Don’t miss the Medieval Fortified Foot Bridge running over the River Coquet alongside the new bridge for vehicles.

Walk over the Medieval Fortified Bridge

I should point out that it was never just a footbridge, but it is a medieval bridge.   It was built on the instructions of John Cook of Newcastle who died in 1379.  He left “20 marks towards the building of the bridge”, but he stipulated that the bridge must be built within two years.  It was Grade II listed in 1929, but it wasn’t until 1965 that the new bridge alongside it was opened to traffic.  No traffic is now allowed on the Medieval Bridge.

It’s called the fortified bridge because it is indeed fortified, there is a defensive tower on the Southern end of the Bridge.   Both the bridge and the tower are made of sandstone and the tower reaches a height of about 8 meters and there’s an arched opening with a studded door that leads to a guard chamber.    On the opposite side of the tower is another door, which leads to a spiral staircase that gave access to the upper room.  There would have been windows looking in all directions back in the day.  Today the upper level is roofless, although you can still see the evidence of windows.

The bridge itself is 61 meters long and 3.5 meters wide.  There are two arches, with a central pier.  The riverbed beneath the bridge was paved with stone to prevent the erosion of the foundations. 

Shop and explore in Warkworth

You’ll find the Greenhouse, which is great for plants, gifts, and locally made crafts.  Cabosse Chocolates will tempt you with luxury artisan chocolates.  Gray’s fashion accessories have Italian bags, jewelry, and more.

Stop off at Fenwick Gallery, where founder Dorien Fenwick works as a landscape artist (you can see some of her works here)  You’ll find paintings, ceramics, glass, and sculptures from some of the UK’s best contemporary artists.

The Anglican Church of St Lawrence

Close to the banks of the river is the 12th-century Church of St Lawrence.  It’s a delightfully peaceful place and the church has traditional stone archways and stained glass windows.    There’s been a church here since AD737, although that was timber and was most likely destroyed by Danish Raids in 875. 

Building began on this church in 1132 and it was designed as both a church and a sanctuary for the villages – there are very narrow high windows and very thick walls.  It didn’t help the villages on 13 July 1174, when the Earl of Fife entered Warkworth, set fire to the town, and killed 300 villagers who’d taken refuge in the church.  The church is famous also for the events of 1715, when the town proclaimed the Old Pretender, James Francis Edward Stuart, as King in the Jacobite Rising.  It was his Chaplain who read morning prayers on 9^th October 1715.   In later times, John Wesley preached a sermon here on May 16, 1761, en route to Alnwick. 

There’s a distinctive tomb near the main gate.  This is the “Huntsman’s Tomb” – Edward Dodswoth of East Chevington who was huntsman to King James.  He hunted deer in Scotland for the King in the 1590s.

5.     Visit Warkworth Beach

We’ve got a lot of glorious beaches in Northumberland – so many that I wrote about the best ones here.  And yes.  Warkworth Beach is on that list.  It’s a long and golden sandy expanse that goes on for miles.

Warkworth Beach is perfect for long walks with (or without) the dog.  The walk up to Alnmouth is a personal favourite.  There are views to Coquet Island, and over to Amble, and it’s less than a mile from the village and easily walkable.

There’s free car parking here, as well as toilet facilities at the beach.

6.     Walk Part of the Coastal Path from Warkworth

The coast path here is delightful. I mean where is it not?  You can actually take the first part of the Northumberland Coast Path from Cresswell to Druridge Bay, then onto Amble and up the River to Warkworth.  The end of Stage 1 of the Northumberland Coast Path is Warkworth.  There’s more on this stage of the path here.  It’s about 10.5 miles.

My favourite part of the coast path, is however, stage two, from Warkworth up to Craster.  This 13-mile stretch is lovely.  And you can also dip out at Alnmouth too.  My guide to Alnmouth is here. There’s more on this section of the coast path here.  

The bus services that connect the villages mean that you can walk one way and then return on the bus, although I advise getting the bus to the other end and walking back, so there’s no chance that you miss the bus home.

7.     Golf with a View at Warkworth Golf Club

Warkworth Golf Club is right next to the beach, to the north of the village.  It’s a real gem of a club, originally laid out by the legendary Tom Morris in 1892.   There are nine greens which have two very different tee boxes, meaning you can get a true 18-hole experience.  It is rarely closed due to damp conditions as it’s known for its fast-draining soil.  More details on visitor access here.

Where to Stay in Warkworth

Whether you choose to stay in a self-catering holiday let, a hotel, or a B&B then you have some good choices here in Warkworth.  Bear in mind though, that this is a small village and therefore popular places book out quickly.  Here are my recommendations for where to stay in Warkworth.

The Warkworth House Hotel – A glorious historic building, with a modern vibe.  Great staff, and the best of locations. Check room availability here.

Bertrams – renowned for their amazing food as well as their hospitality, Bertrams is in a great location – and the deluxe rooms are a delight.  It is particularly popular at weekends, so book early

The Byre, Warkworth – Cleverly combining traditional and modern touches, this open-plan- but equally private holiday accommodation is the perfect place for relaxing in Warkworth.  Sleeps four in two bedrooms – has a gorgeous patio garden too.  See more details here.

Water’s Edge, Warkworth -Sleeping up to 6, Water’s Edge is gorgeous.  Fabulous living space with luxurious sofas and furnishings.  It’s opposite the River Coquet and is perfect for multi-generational families, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.  Dogs allowed.  There are more details here.

Where to Eat in Warkworth

Bertrams are great for fabulous breakfasts and brunches and more. This spot is café by day and bistro by night.    The Castle Brew House has a traditional country pub vibe – and amazing views of the castle too.  The Mason’s Arms is equally inviting and right in the heart of the village. 

How to Get to Warkworth, Northumberland

The village is centered on the A1068 coast road, so head for this if you’re coming from the North.  Take the A1 and then join the A1068.  From the South, take the A1 from Newcastle and then the A19 and the A189 until it merges with the A1068.

The nearest train stations to Warkworth are Acklington in the south and Alnmouth in the north.  Alnmouth has more stopping trains.  It’s about an hour from Edinburgh to Alnmouth by train or 30 minutes from Newcastle.  Direct trains from London (Kings Cross) take about four hours.  From Alnmouth, it takes about 10 minutes in a taxi, or the X20 or X18 buses travel down.

By bus, you’ll want either the X18 or the X20 buses, which run from Newcastle to Berwick upon Tweed and back.  More details at Arriva North East.

Final Words on Warkworth, Northumberland

A castle, a beach, a golf course and several really good pubs.  A river that winds around the village with plenty of wildlife, what’s not to love?  Warkworth is a gorgeous village in Northumberland and a fabulous place to spend a night, or two, or heck yes even longer.

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Warkworth appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The UK Government has a classification system that tells us what a town is, and what’s a village.  Villages are small communities of less than 7,500 people, and we also have some sizable towns in Northumberland.  Blyth (where my family and I lived until I was 11) is the largest (according to 2021 figures).  Hexham (which I wrote about here) is the 7^th largest, while Alnwick rocks in at number ten on the list.  

The Prettiest Seaside Northumberland Villages

But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today.  Today, it’s the turn of the villages, but not just any villages, we’re looking at the prettiest seaside villages in Northumberland.  Ready?

1. Bamburgh

Bamburgh might just take your breath away.  Its iconic castle stands tall above the most glorious beach in the entire world and has miles of dunes.  It could be argued that it’s picture postcard perfect, with its cricket pitch in the shadow of the castle.  It has a 19^th century heroine buried in the local churchyard and a few pubs dispensing local ales and sage advice. 

It’s certainly one of the most popular seaside Northumberland villages.  Bamburgh’s castle is the largest inhabited castle in the country, and its lighthouse is the most northerly land-based lighthouse in England.

My guide to what to do in Bamburgh is here

The best places to stay in Bamburgh are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   Quarry Mews Cottage
• Best for families:  Beach House Bamburgh
• Best for a one night stay:  The Sunningdale Hotel

The top thing to do in Bamburgh?  You’ll want to visit the castle, and I’ve covered that here.

2. Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

We’re moving from one magical place to another.  The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is only accessible at low tide via a causeway.  Virtually all the visitors here come for the day and leave before the tide traps them.  I prefer to think of it the other way round.  They’re all trapped on the mainland, and then you’ll get to experience the true magic of Holy Island. 

The island is home to the eye-wateringly photogenic ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, the stunning Gertrude Jeykll gardens located in the gardens of the once private home that is Lindisfarne Castle, and, of course also, the mead of St Aidan’s Winery. It’s windswept, quiet, and like nowhere else I’ve ever been. 

My guide to what to do on Holy Island is here

The best places to stay on Holy Island are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   Manor House Hotel
• Best for families:   St Coomb’s Farmhouse
• Best for a one night stay:  Manor House Hotel

The top thing to do on Holy Island?  Definitely visit Lindisfarne Castle, and my guide is here.

3. Craster

For a small village, Craster is amazingly well catered for.  Back in the day (well, around the early 1900s, Craster’s harbour was teeming with fishing boats, supplying the smokehouses with herring that was smoked to become the incredible Moorish smoked kippers (I wrote about them here).  There’s one smokehouse left in Craster, the original L Robson’s and Son’s, and if that’s not enough to convince you to visit, I suppose I should continue.

Just 1.3 miles from Craster, along the coast, through the fields where hardy sheep graze, is Dunstanburgh Castle, my favourite of all the Northumberland Castles (despite having to be rescued from there by the Coastguard when I broke my wrist in 2018).  Dunstanburgh is a ruin.  But it’s a beautiful ruin.  Magical.  Fairytale-like and you can almost imagine the feuding from centuries ago as you walk around the walls.  I mean castle.  Don’t walk on the walls.  Please don’t walk on the walls.

My guide to what to do in Craster is here

The best places to stay in Craster are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   Plumtree Cottage, Craster
• Best for families:   Craster Tower Coach House
• Best for a one night stay:   The Cottage Inn, Craster

The top thing to do in Craster?  Do not miss Dunstanburgh Castle, and my guide is here.  (ah ok, eat the kippers too)

4. Alnmouth

We spent summers here when I was a child, when we lived in Blyth.  We stayed in a B&B, spent days on the beach here, and rode a white pony that belonged to I don’t remember who.  You might have guessed it from the name, but if not, then the village sits where the River Aln joins the North Sea. 

There are a surprising number of pubs here.   Some gorgeous places to stay and a lot of birdlife on the estuary.   Wander the beach, walk part of the coast path, and play golf at the village club – it’s England’s oldest nine-hole links course!  Or just find a quiet spot and a good book (my guide to Northumberland books is here).  Alnmouth is what summer holidays used to be like.

My guide to what to do in Alnmouth is here

The best places to stay in Alnmouth are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   The Summer House
• Best for families:  Riverside, Alnmouth
• Best for a one night stay:  The Red Lion, Alnmouth

The top thing to do in Alnmouth?  Walk part of the coast path to Warkworth – it’s a delight.  You can walk one way and catch the bus back “home”

5. Warkworth

Ok, so you’ve got me.  Warkworth isn’t quite on the coast, but it’s pretty darned close (and if you do the walk to/from Alnmouth, you can follow the River Coquet down to the North Sea and, well, then you’ll see that it’s just about at the seaside.  Warkworth is completely dominated by the immense castle, with several amazingly intact towers. 

The beach is huge, vast, and unspoiled.  Walk through the quiet streets of the village, don’t miss visiting the castle, walk over the fortified footbridge, and then take a boat ride up the River Coquet to visit the Warkworth Hermitage; it’s like a different world.

My guide to what to do in Warkworth is here

The best places to stay in Warkworth are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   The Byre, Warkworth
• Best for families:  Water’s Edge, Warkworth
• Best for a one night stay:  Warkworth House Hotel

The top thing to do in Warkworth?  Visit the Warkworth Hermitage – English Heritage members get in for free (it’s a handy membership to have around here! – so join now!)

6. Beadnell

Beadnell Beach and the glorious Beadnell Bay comes, for me, a close second behind Bamburgh for the world’s best beaches.  Beadnell is a huge surprise.  You might think that there are a lot of cars in the car parks or quite a few holiday homes around here. But get on that beach, and you’ll wonder where everyone has gone.  It is one of the best places to find your own bit of quiet.  Beadnell is also popular with watersports enthusiasts, as its horseshoe-shaped bay is ideal for paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, or just having a bit of a paddle.

Beadnell is also steeped in history, with its 18th-century lime kilns by the harbour, a 13th-century village chapel, and the remains of a medieval tower house in which the fabulous Craster Arms pub is now located.   During summer months, you’ll find pairs of nesting arctic terns – they’re rare protected birds, and there are special viewing points where you can watch for them.

My guide to what to do in Beadnell is here

The best places to stay in Beadnell are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   The Craster Arms Hotel
• Best for families: Rockview Beadnell
• Best for a one night stay: The Beadnell Towers Hotel

The top thing to do in Beadnell?  Get involved with some watersports – start with either Active 4 Seasons or Northside Surf School

7. Seahouses

The tempo picks up a notch at Seahouses.  It’s known as the “Gateway to the Farne Islands,” and this bustling village is the perfect spot for a boat trip to see puffins, seals, and even dolphins.  There are seaside souvenirs galore, and another historic smokehouse for those herrings, aka smoked kippers. 

Seahouses is a great place for surfing, for spending family time on the long sandy beaches here and the busy harbour means that you’ll be able to find a boat to take a trip along the coast.

My guide to what to do in Seahouses is here

The best places to stay in Seahouses are detailed here.

• Best for couples:   Oar Cottage, Seahouses
• Best for families:  Sound of the Sea
• Best for a one night stay:  The Beach House Hotel

The top thing to do in Seahouses?  Visit the Farne Islands. This is the gateway village, and the Farne Islands are truly spectacular!

8. Amble

Known as the “Friendliest Port,” and down the River Coquet from Warkworth Amble has a welcoming feel that makes you want to stay awhile.  Amble has long been associated with the coal mining industry of the North East; it was used as a port to export the coal mined from nearby Radcliffe and Broomhill collieries.   Each July, the village commemorates an association with the RMS Mauretania, once the world’s largest ship.  On 3^rd July 1935, as the ship sailed to the breakers yard in Rosyth, the ship telegraphed, “Thank you to the last and kindliest port.” 

Quirky craft shops and food stalls at the harbour are great places to browse and buy local souvenirs.  You can also take a boat trip to Coquet Island, it’s just a mile offshore and is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) managed nature reserve – home to puffins, seals, and a fascinating history.

My guide to what to do in Amble is here

The best places to stay in Amble are detailed here.

• Best for couples:    The Loft, Amble
• Best for families:  Coastal Retreat
• Best for a one night stay:  The Harbour Inn

The top thing to do in Amble?  Visit Coquet Island on a Puffin Cruise from Amble Harbour

Final Words on Northumberland’s 8 Prettiest Seaside Villages

Each of Northumberland’s seaside villages has its own character and charm. Whether you’re drawn to busy harbours, quiet beaches, or locations mired deep in history, there’s something for everyone along this spectacular coastline. The best part? There’s no wrong choice – every village offers its own slice of coastal magic. So, why not pack your bags and see them for yourself?

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Top 8 Pretty Seaside Northumberland Villages appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The architecture is stunning, the history particularly bloody (we are pretty close to the border with Scotland here), but even before that, there’s Viking history to explore, criminal families, and a glorious Anglo-Saxon Abbey, too.  The Abbey for which the town is famous was founded by St Wilfrid, who had been educated at Lindisfarne Abbey on Holy Island.

BesT THING TO DO

Visit Hadrian’s Wall from Hexham

This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a few miles from the town of Hexham and easily reached.  Take a locally guided tour and learn about the history and walk on the wall itself.

Book Your Tour Here

The Best Things to do in and around Hexham

Hexham is the perfect location for exploring the Northumberland countryside and historic sites as well as the lovely historic town of Hexham itself. Here are the best things to do in and around Hexham, Northumberland.

Visit Hadrian’s Wall from Hexham

Hexham is a perfect location from which to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall.  It’s one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and is just a short drive or bus ride from town.  I recommend taking a walk with a local – walking along at least part of the wall is a MUST-DO in Northumberland.   Built by Roman masons after Emperor Hadrian visited England in 122AD, it allowed the Romans to control who crossed in and out of their land (i.e. to keep the Picts out!).  Hadrian’s Wall is 73 miles long.

Also, visit Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, two key attractions along the wall. Vindolanda is an active archaeological dig site where ancient Roman artefacts are still being uncovered. Meanwhile, the Roman Army Museum offers an immersive glimpse into the life of soldiers who once guarded the wall. It’s a must-see for history lovers of all ages.  Want more about Hadrian’s Wall?  I’ve covered the best places to see it and what not to miss here.

You’ll also want to visit Chester’s Roman Fort while you’re in Hexham. It’s not far from here, but it contains Britain’s most complete cavalry fort – along with baths, a steam room, and officers’ quarters.

Explore Hexham Abbey

Built originally in AD 674, it was developed in the 12^th century into its current form and is now a  Grade I listed building.  It is an architectural masterpiece with intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows.  The original glass was destroyed by Puritans in 1537, with the glass being replaced by the sons of Bentham and Eleanor Hall in memory of their parents in 1837.

I’d recommend following this guided tour provided by the Abbey so that you don’t miss anything.  It’s free, and you can read all the information and download it to read offline, too.

Don’t miss the Anglo-Saxon crypt, which gives a glimpse into the town’s early Christian heritage from the carvings and inscriptions.  Hexham Abbey isn’t just a historical religious building it’s also a community hub, and you’ll find regular events, music performances, and tours.

There’s also Acca’s Cross, which dates from the 8^th century, wooden panels depicting the Medieval Dance of Death; grave covers that date from Saxon times; and a nearly 2,000-year-old memorial to a Roman standard bearer.

If you choose to take a paid-for guided tour with a docent, then these take place at 15:00 on Tuesday, 14:00 on Thursday and 11:00 on Saturdays.  They cost £7.50 per person (it’s free for U18).  No need to book, just turn up.

• Hexham Abbey Address:  Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3NB
• Hexham Abbey Opening Times:   10:00 – 16:00 daily
• Hexham Abbey Ticket Prices:  Free to enter

Take a Walk around Sele Park

Sele Park is right in the centre of Hexham.  It’s actually three different parks but known as Sele in Hexham.  The Abbey sits within the Abbey Grounds, which is part of the park, and here you’ll find the bandstand, which dates back to 1912.  It’s still used today for events.

The Sele has a combination of formal gardens, grass lawns, and woodland areas too.   The Sele part of the Sele parks is where you’ll find a playground and skatepark, and as it’s also home to a long steep hill, it’s where you can go sleding in the winter! 

The final part of the Sele is the Hexham House grounds; they’re walled off and usually quieter but still a great place to visit.

Explore Hexham’s Old Gaol Museum

There are two medieval towers in the centre of Hexham; one is the Moot Hall, which you can’t miss in Market Place.  This was built in 1379 and was used as a courtroom for many hundreds of years.

The second is home to England’s oldest purpose-built prison, the Old Gaol. It was built in 1333 and gives you a sense of what it was like to be a prisoner at that time.  The stones that built the Gaol were taken from Corbridge’s Roman Fort, which is just 3 miles away. It’s here that you’ll learn about the criminal families of the area, the Charltons, Dodds, Milburns, and Robsons – as well as the entirety of the Border Reivers – who caused havoc and mayhem along the border with Scotland.  If learning more about the border area is of interest, then this is the place for you. 

There are detailed stories about the bloody and dark side of Hexham’s history and a lot of hands-on things to do for younger visitors. 

• Hexham Old Gaol Address:  Hallgate, Hexham NE46 1XD
• Hexham Old Gaol Opening Times:   Closed from early November until the end of March.  Summer opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 until 16:00
• Hexham Old Gaol Ticket Prices:  £7 Adults, U18 free.  Over 60’s £6 (Tickets are annual passes)

Explore Hexham Market Place

You can’t miss the Market Place in Hexham – it’s surrounded by historic buildings, including the Moot Hall and the Old Gaol.  There are cobbled streets here, independent shops, cafés, and boutiques.  If you visit on the second or fourth Saturday of a month, then you shouldn’t miss the Farmers Markets.  Farmers come from a 50-mile radius of the town – so the meat you buy is reared locally, and the chutney you buy will have been made from locally grown fruit and vegetables.    The Farmers Markets are usually open from 09:00 until about 13:30.

There’s also a regular weekly market in the Market Place, every Tuesday from 09:00 until 16:00, as well as a small number of stalls undercover in the Shambles.  I’ve marked them all on the map.

Take a Free Audio Tour of Hexham – there are five available

Head off to either the App Store (not currently available on the Play Store) and get yourself the Visit Hexham app.  There are four historical tours available.  Choose from the Apple Amble, the Trouble with Hexham: A People’s History, The Society Circuit or A Medieval Meander.   Or you could pick all of them.  It’s a great way to learn more about Hexham while exploring the town.

There’s also a fifth tour – Edible Hexham – it will take you around the planters, community orchard, and community garden in town.  Learn, pick, and eat as you walk.  Then, use the recipes to make something local.  Or visit one of the great restaurants in town too.

Take a (Paid for) Walking Tour with one of Hexham’s Town Criers

“Only the most cruel, the most unjust, the most revolting historical, factual tales will do.” So says Helen Wearmouth, one of Hexham’s Town Criers.  She runs circular walking tours on Fridays and Saturdays.  They take an hour and cover just half a mile.  It costs £8 per adult, U16 are £2.  Booking details are here.

Take a Riverside Walk in Tyne Green Park

If you’re after more green space, then head to Tyne Green Park. This is the perfect place to walk along the River Tyne.  Or canoe or boat along the Tyne.  The path is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters and is multi-use, so cyclists can be found here too.

Get entertained at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre

The elegant Victorian-era Queen’s Hall has been here since 1866.  Originally used as a town hall and corn exchange, it now has a 350-seat theatre, two art galleries, Hexham’s library, a café and a studio too.  It’s closed on Sundays, but check out the timetable of events to see what might be on while you’re visiting.  The venue hosts a mix of theatre, live music, comedy, and art exhibitions.  It’s here that you’ll find Hexham’s Book Festivals.  In 2025, this runs from 2^nd May to 11^th May. There’s more information here.

Spend a Day at Hexham Races

I have to say that this is the most scenic racecourse in Britain.  It sits above the town and has glorious views of the Tyne Valley.   There are 15 scheduled meetings at Hexham Racecourse throughout the year, which include a pre-Christmas event and an annual Ladies’ Day too.

• Hexham Racecourse Address:  High Yarridge, Hexham NE46 2JP
• Hexham Racecourse Ticket Prices:  From £12  (Adults)

Map of Things to Do in Hexham

You can see the full map of things to do in Hexham here.

How to Get to Hexham

Hexham is relatively easy to get to with both bus and train services from Newcastle and Carlisle (it’s the Tyne Valley line).  If you’re driving and staying somewhere with no parking, then aim for the Wentworth Car Park (I’ve marked it on the map) and then walk up the steep hill to the town centre.   There are different coloured bays for short, medium, and long stay.

Book trains to Hexham here

Where to Stay in Hexham

Hexham is a market town, so it’s packed with facilities to ease your stay.  There are B&Bs, several hotels, and some gorgeous holiday cottages too.  Here are my recommendations.

The County Hotel, Hexham

Hexham’s County Hotel Inn is perfectly located right in the center of town. Rooms come with a full English breakfast (or lighter options if you prefer).  It’s the perfect place to have an evening meal, too.  Rooms are en-suite and have lovely toiletries, too.  You can check availability here.

Sammy’s Place, Hexham

Sammy’s Place is a great and well-equipped holiday apartment in the centre of Hexham.   It’s actually a self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a stone-built 19th-century house.  There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and an INCREDIBLY comfortable lounge that complements the well-equipped kitchen.   There’s also a washer-dryer if you fall victim to a little rain shower or two.  You can see more reviews and make a booking here.

The Candlemaker’s Apartment, Hexham

You’ll have plenty of space here, at the Candlemaker’s Apartment, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living rooms, right in the centre of town.  There are gorgeously comfortable leather sofas and chairs, a great kitchen, and all the facilities you need to self-cater (don’t miss shopping at the Farmer’s Market!).  The apartment also offers free parking.  You can see more details here.

Final Words on the Best Things to Do in Hexham

Hexham is a delight.  It’s a real town where people live and work.  It’s not just for holidaymakers.  So you’ll find some great places to eat and drink and explore.  There are several fabulous markets here, a great museum, and a stunning Abbey.  Add to that the proximity to Hadrian’s Wall and some fabulous transport connections, it’s hard to see how to beat it!

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Hexham, Northumberland appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The best place to stay here in Craster is in one of the cottages that overlook the harbor, you’ll get magnificent views and be in a great location.  You’ll get more points from me for picking one with a view of Dunstanburgh Castle. (Castle Point Cottage is one where you can just a say catch a peek of the castle).   It’s one of my favourite castles in Northumberland (you can read about it here).

BesT WAY TO VISIT CASTLES

Get Free Access to Castles

Get yourself an English Heritage Pass and get free access to English Heritage managed castles, gardens and attractions – for a week, a month, a year or life! It’s great value for all the family.

Buy Your Pass Here

Now I won’t beat about the bush, there aren’t a whole lot of fancy things to do here in Craster. But there’s a lot of countryside and coast to see and walk around on.  Plus you’re in a great position for exploring some of the nearby towns, villages, and yes, more castles.  So if you’re ready…

The Best Things to Do in Craster, Northumberland

I’m not going to start with the obvious (that’s the castle in case you were wondering), but the harbour and the beach here, which are both glorious.

Visit Craster Beach

The beach here is lovely and its open for dogs, so you can take your favourite four legged friend for a walk.  Bear in mind that this is a family beach so you’ll want to ensure that you keep your dogs on leads.  The beach here is small though, its just a small section inside the walls of the harbour.  Perfect for watching the boats moving around, or for a little sunbathing in a more sheltered spot.  

Fish from the Harbour Walls in Craster

If you fancy trying your hand at fishing, then set yourself up on the harbour walls.  There are fishing platforms here and you can usually catch something – it’s likely to be flounder, cod, perhaps conger eel or a coalfish.    You’ll want to check tide times to make sure there’s some water in the harbour (check tide times here), although you can fish the South Pier (on the seaward side) at all states of the tide.

Take a Walk from Craster

Craster is in a delightful location for walks.  My favourite would be heading towards Dunstanburgh Castle – it’s just a short walk through the fields there, but be aware that the ground isn’t particularly even.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle Walk

This is a 2.7 mile round trip walk – there and back.    It takes about 30 minutes to walk one way without stops.    Although I challenge you to not make stops along the way.  It’s great to walk back along the coastline with great views all the way, the rock pools are fabulous here too.

Craster to Low Newton-by-the-Sea Walk

Carry on further than Dunstanburgh Castle and head to Low Newton-By-The-Sea.  It’s about 6 miles (one way), although you can walk some of it on a road, instead of by the beach in Embleton Bay, which will be quicker and a little easier.  This isn’t a difficult walk, all relatively flat, but it’s rough underfoot.  You can make this a circular walk, by taking the coastal route one way (the paths are pretty worn and its easy to see your way).  Then you can return by the slightly inland route, or find the road and come back that way (it comes from Dunstan Steads through Dunstan into Craster).  The road shouldn’t be busy.

Craster to Cullernose Point Walk

If you head south along the coast, you can follow the cliffs to Cullernose Point. 

Make it a circular route by continuing further south to Howick Sands, and perhaps visiting the gardens at Howick Hall.  There’s more about the gardens at Howick Hall here.

Visit Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster

I think I’ve procrastinated long enough.  Too long perhaps.  Dunstanburgh is one of those magical castle ruins, made even better by the fact that you have to walk to it and you can’t just drive straight up.    The castle dates back to 1313 (and there’s more about the castle and how to visit in my guide to Northumberland Castles).  There’s a twin towered keep and the coastline here is gorgeously wild.  The castle land is maintained by the National Trust but the castle itself is looked after by English Heritage – so members of both organizations can get in for free.  It’s been used throughout the years, even as recently as World War II as an observation post.

Visit Howick Gardens from Craster

Tea lovers will want to make a pilgrimage to Howick Hall.  Not just for the glorious eighteenth century house with its terrace and wooded grounds, but also because it was the home of the 2^nd Earl Grey.  Yes that one.  The one that the tea is named after.

Address of Howick Hall Gardens: Howick Hall Gardens, Howick Estate Office, Alnwick, United Kingdom, NE66 3LB

Opening times of Howick Hall Gardens:

• Early Season – From Early February to March 31st 2025, the Garden is open every day at 10:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm.
• Main Season – From April 1st to September 30th 2025, the Garden is open daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
• Late Season – From October 1st – Mid November 2025 (inclusive) opens every day at 10:30 am and closes at 4:00 pm.

Cost to enter Howick Hall Gardens:

Adults £12.10, Over 60s £11.00, Children 5 -16 years £3.85, and Children 4 years & Under (FREE)

Eat Kippers in Craster

It would be wrong to come to Craster and not at least try the smoked herrings, or kippers from here.   In the early 1900s fishing for herring in the North Sea here was a major industry, with more than 20 fishing boats supplying Craster and Seahouses harbours.  At the height of the industry, Craster gutted more than 2,000 herring a day! 

Today, in one of the original smokehouses, L Robson and Sons, you can still buy kippers that have been prepared using traditional smoking methods, and of course a secret family recipe.   The building in which the smokehouse is located was named a Grade II listed building in 2023, and it’s the only one remaining in the village.

You can buy kippers to take away for a picnic while you’re walking along the coast. This is a great idea if the weather is good.

Visit the Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve in Craster

Owned by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the reserve is close to the entrance to Craster Village (and next to the main car park for the village).  It’s set within an old quarry, within Craster Heugh (the whinstone outcrop).  You’ll find foxgloves, wood sage, gorse, Scot’s Pine and more here, making it a great home for migrant and breeding birds.    You’re likely to find (depending on what time of year you visit) sedge and willow warbler, chiffchaff and blackcap, who use this as a breeding ground.  Migrants include wryneck, icterine, reed and barred warblers, redbreasted flycatcher and bluethroat. It is also a moulting site for lesser redpoll.

Places to Visit from Craster

You’re in a great location here in Craster, so there are some super places within easy reach of the village.  If you’re not driving, then you’ll need to look for the X18 bus that runs between Newcastle and Morpeth.  The bus timetable is here.  However if you are driving, then its easy to get to other towns, villages and attractions in the area.

Visit Alnwick from Craster

The market town of Alnwick, the glorious castle and the Alnwick Garden are super places to visit from Craster.    You’ll find quaint cobbled streets, the amazing Barter Books and don’t miss the castle which is one of the top Northumberland filming locations with its role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

You can pick up skip the line tickets for Alnwick Castle here (don’t miss the FREE guided tour) and skip the line tickets for Alnwick Garden are here (don’t miss the free Poison Garden tour!)

My guide to Alnwick is here, and the Alnwick Garden is covered in my guide to Northumberland Gardens.

Visit Bamburgh from Craster

Honestly you can’t come to this part of the world and NOT visit Bamburgh.  I’ve been to more than 120 countries now and this is still the best beach in the world.  Aside from the beach, you’ll want to visit the RNLI center, pay respects at Grace Darling’s grave and visit the stonkingly amazing Bamburgh Castle too.  (You’ll need the best part of an entire day to visit the castle!)  Check out my guide to Bamburgh Castle here, and here’s more on what to do in Bamburgh.

Visit Seahouses from Craster

After you’ve been in Craster a couple of days, Seahouses will feel enormous.  It’s a bigger (but still traditional) fishing village, also famous for its herring and kipper history.  You’ll find shops and more things to do here, and it’s the place to come if you’re wanting to go to the Farne Islands too.  My guide to visiting Seahouses is here.

You can now prebook your tickets to visit Inner Farne here.

If you’re looking for more inspiration of where to visit, then my guide to Northumberland’s prettiest seaside villages is here.

Where to Eat in Craster

For a small village you’ve got a decent selection here. 

• Start at the Jolly Fisherman – the pub on Haven Hill, just on from the harbour.  It serves great food, has a lovely terrace and don’t miss their homemade tartare sauce if you’re having seafood or fish.
• The Shoreline Café at 1 Church Street is a great place to pick up a kipper sandwich.
• Pipers Pitch in the Craster Quarry Car Park is a semi-permanent food van that serces excellent bacon, haggis and smoked kipper rolls.  There’s no inside space here.
• The Cottage Inn – there’s a full bar, with local beer, and a restaurant here, but check when you arrive for opening times.
• The Stable Yard, Craster Tower is open during the summer season – there’s a shop here for local specialities, including kippers, chutneys and preserves and also a café too.

Where to stay in Craster

There’s no hotel in Craster, your options are a rather lovely B&B called the Cottage Inn (you can check availablty here, but they do book our rather quickly), luckily there are some rather lovely holiday cottages that you can stay in here.  My top picks are here.

The Cottage Inn

Perfect, with great reviews, this family run Inn has 10 rooms.  There’s a traditional bar and restaurant (although check opening hours if you’re traveling out of season)—a conservatory, a large garden, and a car park.  There’s also a kid’s play area too.

Castle Point Cottage, Craster

This 2 bedroom cottage sleeps four (no pets allowed) and gives you a fine view of Dunstanburgh Castle too. There’s an extra sitting room on the top floor of the cottage, and a well equipped kitchen as well as a super kitchen diner and furniture outside for al fresco dining too.  You can check out the photos and reviews of Castle Point Cottage here.

Harbourview Cottage, Craster

This beautiful, fully refurbished, stone-built cottage has fantastic views over the historic Craster harbour, it sleeps 4 in two bedrooms, is superbly fitted out and has everything that you need for a holiday stay in Craster.  It’s a superb location right on the front in Craster!  Check it out here.

Craster Tower Coach House

This glorious Grade II listed coach house sits within the grounds of the historic Craster Tower.  It sleeps up to 7 guests in 3 bedrooms and has 3 bathrooms.  There’s a private lawned garden for the Coach House and you’ll also have access to a shared tennis court and trampoline.  There’s offroad parking for 3 cars and an EV charging point.  This is a perfect family holiday cottage just outside Craster.  You can check availability of Craster Tower Coach House here.

Final Words on the Best Things to Do in Craster, Northumberland

The phrase “small but perfectly formed” could have been written just for Craster.  And this small village crams in one heck of a lot of facilities for its size.  There are places to eat, a magnificent castle on the doorstep and a glorious harbour and beach too.  Add to that stunning gardens that you can walk to and a great central coastal location in Northumberland; it’s just the perfect place to stay and visit in Northumberland.

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The Best Things to Do in Craster, Northumberland appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

Many of the dramatic Northumberland landscapes that we know and love have been made famous by films that have been shot here.    England’s most northerly county has a deep cinematic appeal and it makes for a great focus on a trip through the scenes that you’ll recognize from the silver (and smaller) screens.  We’ll include the notable filming locations and tips for visiting all these sites.

Northumberland is a Film Makers Dream

Whether it’s one of our stunning castles, or empty beaches we’ve seen Northumberland as the star of the show in a huge number of both made for TV and acclaimed silver screen movies.  There are famous magical castles and even Harry’s Potter’s first broomstick flying lesson (hint, it was in Alnwick).

With such a rich history, our border county is a backdrop for action, fantasy and period drama too – using the stunning landscapes that include a magnificent coastline, glorious castles and magical islands.  You’ll find also, the site of what was the most photographed tree in the country (until some idiot chopped it down), made famous the world over. 

7 Famous Films Shot in Northumberland

When it comes to Hollywood, Northumberland is no stranger.  Here are 7 top movies that have been filmed in Northumberland.

1.     Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves

At Hadrian’s Wall and Sycamore Gap, Robin and Azeem (Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman) are depicted walking en route to Robin’s father.  They pick mistletoe from the tree.  It’s a small cameo, but an important one that has preserved the famous tree for all to see.  You can also see the ruins of Hulne Priory in this 1991 movie.  It’s used as the home of Maid Marian.  It was also used as a location for the TV series, Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986) with Michael Praed where it was depicted as Kirklees Abbey.   Hulne Priory is owned by the Duke of Northumberland, but is free to visit.

• More on Hadrian’s Wall and Sycamore Gap in our guide to Hadrian’s Wall
• Visit Hulne Priory most easily from Alnwick – its free to visit, but there are no facilities here.

2.     Outlaw King

The historical action drama, Outlaw King, tells the tale of the rise of Robert the Bruce and his 14^th century uprising.  It dates from 2018 and covers a 3 year period from 1304 detailing Bruce’s rebellion against Edward I.   The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 6, 2018 before being commercially released in November 2018. Most of the filming locations were in Scotland, but the border town of Berwick upon Tweed features heavily.

You’ll see the quayside in Berwick and the old Bridge being portrayed as both Glasgow and London Bridge.

• Explore the area yourself with our guide to Berwick upon Tweed.

3.     The Railway Man

As equally harrowing as the book of the same name, this movie portrays Colin Firth as Eric Lomax, as World War II prisoner of war.   The movie dates from 2013 and is based on the 1995 autobiography of Eric Lomax, his experiences as a POW on the Thai Burma railway and the trauma’s that he still felt some 30 years later.  (If you haven’t visited this part of the world I highly recommend it – I wrote about visiting here)

Lomax and his wife lived close to Lindisfarne and thus Northumberland features in the movie.  You can see Lomax and his wife, Patty, on the beach at Lindisfarne as well as both the railway station in Berwick upon Tweed and the glorious Royal Border Bridge near the town too.

• See the beaches and island of Lindisfarne (aka Holy Island) in our guide to Holy Island
• Visit Berwick upon Tweed and the iconic Royal Border Bridge

4.     Transformers – The Last Knight

This sci-fi thriller was released in 2017, and used both the interior and exterior of Alnwick Castle in the movie.    This final instalment in the five film series may have been panned by the critics, but still netted more than US$605 million worldwide.

There’s Merlin (more usually found in Cornwall), King Arthur, the Saxons and a famous list of actors including Stanley Tucci, Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel and Sir Anthony Hopkins.   Filming took place at Alnwick Castle, Seahouses and Bamburgh beach.  Walhberg also visited St Aidan’s Church in Seahouses leaving a sizeable £200 donation as he left.  Some of the car chase scenes were filmed around Alnwick, and you’ll also see the movie franchises famous cars and tanks throughout.

• Visit Bamburgh (and the beach)
• Head to Seahouses and St Aidan’s Church
• Explore Alnwick Castle – it’s depicted in spring time in the movie, courtesy of the plastic daffodils planted to insinuate the season!

5.  &  6. Harry Potter – the Philosopher’s Stone & The Chamber of Secrets

The dramatic Alnwick Castle is first seen in 2000, in the first Harry Potter movie – the Philosopher’s Stone.  It’s where Harry learns to fly his broomstick – you’ll be able to relive the experience (or at least part of it) in the outer bailey at the castle, where broomstick flying lessons are on offer.  Alnwick Castle (as well as Gloucester Cathedral) was selected as the principal location for Hogwarts.  So as you wander around the castle, you’ll see some rather familiar looking courtyards.

Big fans of Harry Potter might also recognise the site of the Weasley car crash, when Harry and Ron crash landed the car.  It took place in the inner baily of the castle.  The castle also appears in the second movie, the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry Potter Movie locations at Alnwick Castle

Here are the Alnwick Castle locations where the Harry Potter movies were filmed.

The Outer Bailey

The scene of the first broomstick lesson, this is where Harry also learns the Quidditch rules.

The Inner Bailey

The site of the crash of the Weasley flying car in the second movie, the Chamber of Secrets.

The Lion Arch 

Alnwick Castle’s Lion Arch is used as the entrance and exit to Hogwarts.  It’s where Harry leaves to head off to Hagrid’s cabin and the Forbidden Forest.

7.     Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Set in 1969, the 2023 movie is the final instalment of the Indiana Jones series of movies.  And Bamburgh Castle features in the opening scenes, doubling as a 1944 Nazi Germany location.  The controlled fires in the castle caused such local concern that the Northumberland Fire Brigade had to reassure people that it was all under control!

• Visit Bamburgh Castle

Must-Visit Filming Locations in Northumberland

There are many reasons for visiting England’s most northerly county.  And if you’re looking for the sites of movie filming locations, then these are the must visit locations in Northumberland.

• Hadrian’s Wall
• Sycamore Gap
• Berwick upon Tweed
• The Royal Border Bridge
• Alnwick Castle
• Bamburgh Castle
• Bamburgh Beach

Final Words on Top Film Locations in Northumberland

The stunning landscapes of Northumberland are always (for me) the star, and movie directors and producers the world around have made them famous too.  Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, or like the sci-fi world of the Transformers.  Then there are film locations in Northumberland for you to explore.  Head north, check out the castles, priories, landscapes and beaches of England’s most northerly county and then watch it all on the big screen too!

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post 7 Movie and Film Locations in Northumberland appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

Applying for the free National Trust single access pass is easy.  Head to their website here, put in your details, and get your pass by email.  You don’t need to specify where you want to go when you apply for the pass.

What the National Trust Free Pass 2024 gives you

You could save £25 to £35 with this offer, which allows up to two adults and three children or one adult and four children to go on the pass.  There are rules (and they’re here).  And you will have to pay for parking if there is a charge at the site you visit (but you’d have to pay that anyway!) And there are some exclusions. 

Which sites can you see for free with the National Trust 2024 Free Pass?

There are ONLY FOUR exclusions in Northumberland, which means that there are still some great places in Northumberland and around the country to see like

• Gibside
• Seaton Delaval Hall
• Lindisfarne Castle – this is an aboslutely AMAZING place to visit, one of Northumberland’s TOP castles
• Wallington (one of the top gardens to visit in Northumberland) – read my guide to Northumberland’s top gardens here.

The Northumberland exclusions from this free access pass are

• Cragside, Northumberland
• Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland – it’s my FAVOURITE Castle in Northumberland.
• Farne Islands, Northumberland
• Hadrian’s Wall & Housesteads Fort, Northumberland (but read about how you can visit Hadrian’s Wall here)

Where else can you go with the National Trust Free Pass?

But, much as it pains me to say this, don’t limit yourself to Northumberland!  This offer for the free pass is open to so many more places, so you could visit some of these amazing places in the North East for free!

How to apply for the National Trust Free Pass

Go online to the National Trust, and click CLAIM YOUR FREE PASS.  (there’s one available per household)

• It’s valid for visits to properties that are included from September 16^th until October 18^th, 2024.
• It’s a free one-time family pass – which means that either two adults and up to 3 children or one adult and up to four children can visit one National Trust site for free.  (Scotland sites and English Heritage sites are NOT included in this deal).
• You *may* have to pay for car parking. 
• Only one pass per household is allowed.

If a site requires online booking, then you simply use the code AUTUMN24 on the “members”ticket area. 

What to do when you arrive

You will need to show your email and the pass that you got via email when you arrive onsite.  Please, please, please download your pass and download it to your mobile device or print it before you get there.  Some of the National Trust sites have limited or no mobile coverage!

Where else should you go in Northumberland?

Inspiration for places to visit is never far away here in Northumberland.  Start with the glorious National Park, head to Alnwick’s magnificent castle. go up to Berwick – og there’s so much!

• Head to Hadrian’s Wall – an amazing structure with spectacular views.
• Why not visit one of our castles?  We have more than any other country.  And they’re blooming gorgeous.  My top castles in Northumberland are here.
• Alnwick is always a winner.  Do NOT miss the poison garden at the castle.
• Love Vera?  Take a tour of the filming locations around Northumberland
• Best days out in Northumberland?  I’ve got you covered here.
• My favorite beach in the ENTIRE world is in Northumberland.  It’s in Bamburgh, and you can read about it here.
• Take the causeway to the tidal island of Lindisfarne.  It is glorious.  Stay the night for a magical experience.

Final Words on Using the National Trust Free Pass for 2024

Northumberland is full of magical places to visit.  Whether they’re castles or stately homes.  Gardens, beaches, or the magnificent Northumberland National Park.  This is the least inhabited county in England and it is all the more glorious for it.  Come and visit, use the free pass from the National Trust, and stay a little longer, you won’t regret it!

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post National Trust Free Pass Northumberland Sites to Visit appeared first on Northumberlands Best.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

#1 WAY TO VISIT

See Hadrian’s Wall with a Local Guide

This easy 2-hour walk comes with a knowledgeable local guide who will explore the legends of Hadrian’s Wall, as well as the history. Great for all ages.

Check Availability & Book NOW

Where is Hadrian’s Wall?

Hadrian’s Wall is located near the Scottish-English border. It stretches 73 miles west from Wallsend and Newcastle on the Tyne on the east coast to Bowness-on-Solway on the Solway Firth in the west. Walking the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall is a popular long-distance trail.  Housesteads is a well-preserved fort with a hospital, barracks, and flushable toilets. At Heddon-on-the-Wall, a large boundary section still survives, leading east towards Newcastle and the remnants of a Roman bridge span the River Irthing.

Our guide on the best places to stay near Hadrian’s Wall is here.

A Short History of Hadrian’s Wall

Since AD 43, the Romans occupied Britain. By AD 85, they had pushed into Scotland, defeated Scottish clans, and established a state of emergency. The Scots, on the other hand, remained a cause of conflict for the Romans. When Emperor Hadrian assumed control in AD 117, he commissioned the building of a wall to fortify and safeguard the Empire’s northwest boundary. It is believed that three legions of infantrymen from the British army required around six years to complete the Wall in its present shape. Each battalion consisted of approximately 5,000 men. At its completion, Hadrian’s Wall featured 80 milecastles, many observation towers, and 17 larger defences.   In addition, two more buildings were placed every third mile along the Wall between the mile castles.

A milecastle was a rectangular fort specific to the Roman Empire, they were built approximately one Roman mile apart along many of the Roman-built frontiers.  A Roman mile was about 1,618 yards (1,479 m).  Today’s mile is 1,760 yards (1,610 m).

The Best Places to see Hadrian’s Wall

There are several places around the North of England where you may see the remaining parts of Hadrian’s Wall. Many are centred on the remains of the Roman Forts and the Roman Army Museum. We’ll also cover walking Hadrian’s Wall and locations close to the wall where you can see Roman museums and towns, as well as cycling Hadrian’s Wall.

Exploring Hadrian’s Wall is a great day out in Northumberland, there’s more inspiration for Northumberland days out here.

1. See Hadrian’s Wall at Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend

Archaeological excavations a decade ago discovered the fascinating Segedunum Roman Fort, which had long been hidden below terraced buildings. Segendum means “Strong Fort” and this fort was built to guard the eastern end of the wall and to house 600 Roman soldiers.

Today, this is the most excavated Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and you can see it at Segedunum Roman Fort, Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR

At the site, an observation tower gives you a superb view of the well-defined original idea.  The museum has been enhanced with a restored bathhouse and a portion of the wall. The on-site museum contains artefacts that offer a historical context for life on the then Rome’s northern frontier, such as a stone toilet seat that has seen a lot of activity over the millennia.

You can truly discover the ins and outs of Segedunum Fort with a guided tour – this is the best way to see the fort and to set the scene for exploring the rest of Hadrian’s Wall.

The fort was (and is) positioned on the banks of the River Tyne near the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, and it was the wall’s easternmost section at the time of its construction. It is the most badly devastated by time fort along the Wall, with just a few building foundations and a part of the Wall remaining.

In addition, full-scale replicas of a bathhouse and a section of the Wall may be viewed in this vast interactive museum complex. The 35-meter-tall observation tower provides panoramic views of the whole UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm Adult tickets cost £5.95, while children aged 16 and under are free.  There’s more information about special events, discounted tickets, and a free audio guide here.

2. See Hadrian’s Wall at Arbeia South Shields Roman Fort

Arbeia was a large Roman fort at South Shields, Tyne & Wear, England, that has since been demolished but then partially reconstructed. It is today sited at Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB.

The fort was first investigated in the 1870s. To make space for the excavation, all the contemporary buildings on the site were removed in the 1970s. The South Shields Transport Interchange is just a 10-minute walk from the excavated fort. It has the ruins of numerous granaries – supplies were brought along the border from neighbouring Arbeia. This is detailed in the little museum, which is today run by Tyne & Wear Museums.  It features remarkable archaeological finds like altarpieces with inscriptions and jewels.

As you go into the partially reconstructed fort, you will be transported to the Roman period in the heart of South Shields. View one of the most comprehensive collections of Roman British artefacts ever assembled. Many of them were discovered in and around Arbeia. They examine the interiors of full-scale rebuilt Roman structures, including the West Gate, the Commanding Officer’s home, and a soldier’s barrack building.  One of the best ways to explore is to download a free audio tour here.  If you have a group, you can take a personal guided tour – you’ll need 10 people (it’s £4 per person, so the cost is £40), but they must be organized at least three weeks before the visit. From the end of March until the beginning of October the facilities are open from 11 am to 5 pm on weekdays, from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sundays. 

3. See Hadrian’s Wall in Newcastle

Since the Norman conquest of England, the title “Newcastle” has been used to refer to the city originally known as Pons Aelius during Roman times. The town expanded during the Middle Ages because of its advantageous location on the River Tyne. It went on to play an essential part in the Industrial Revolution, receiving city status in 1882 after a period of fast expansion.

Pons Aelius was a Roman fort and town at the original eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, now occupied by The Castle, Newcastle, until 17 AD when an earthquake devastated the town and fort. You can explore this and other parts of Hadrian’s Wall with a guided (and you’ll get a driver too) tour here.

Hadrian’s fort here was named after the bridge, which was named after Hadrian’s family members. Originally, the Wall was supposed to finish at Newcastle, providing a port for ships sailing up the Tyne to dock.

The Hadrian’s Wall Gallery is located on the ground floor of The Great North Museum: Hancock, one of Newcastle’s most visited attractions. The intriguing site, which, besides showing things unearthed along the wall, covers the construction and history of the border fortifications, is definitely worth a visit. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 11 am to 4 pm on weekends. The museum is free and open daily.

4. See Hadrian’s Wall at Chesters Roman Fort

Chesters Roman Fort, located north of Hexham, is Britain’s best-preserved ancient cavalry fort. The Romans knew it as Cilurnum and garrisoned it with 500 men. Cilurnum is often recognized as the most important Roman cavalry fortress along Hadrian’s Wall. English Heritage maintains the site today and it’s known as Chesters Roman Fort. Basing yourself in Hexham is a great option for visiting the wall – you can check out my guide to Hexham here.

Get tickets for Chester’s Roman Fort here.

Here you can explore the baths and steam chamber and the extremely well-preserved commanders’ quarters. There is an excellent museum featuring items found in the fort and other points along the wall on the grounds.

Chesters Roman Fort & Museum is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.  The admission fee to the museum is £9.90 for adults and £6.00 for children aged 5 to 17.  English Heritage Members get in for free – you can join here.

5. See Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads Roman Fort

Housesteads Roman Fort is the site of the ruins of an auxiliary fort on Hadrian’s Wall, found in Housesteads, Northumberland, England, to the south of Broomlee Lough. The fort was erected of stone in AD 124 when the land was part of the Roman province of Britannia, not long after the wall was finished in AD 122. It was the region’s first fortress. Housesteads Roman Fort is set on an escarpment and flanked by dramatic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall.  There are some incredible views here and as you tour the fort site, you can learn about life here as a Roman soldier.  There are ruins of the barracks block, hospital, Commander’s House, granaries, and communal toilets.  Once you head into the museum, though, you can see the fort brought to life in film with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings.  The museum also houses a collection of Roman finds.  The Housesteads trail lets you explore some of the glorious parts of Northumberland National Park.  Younger (or older, we’re not judging) visitors can also dig into the dressing up box and act out what it was like for the Roman soldiers here.  Buy your ticket to Housesteads Roman Fort here.

Housesteads is one of Hadrian’s Wall’s sixteen permanent military posts. It is the most preserved example of a Roman barrier in Britain and the best place to see Hadrian’s Wall’s original features.

In the museum at Housesteads’s collection, you can see Roman shrines, dedication stones, jewellery, tableware, and weapons, which provide an insight into life 2,000 years ago. Children of all ages can dress up as Roman soldiers when visiting the site’s museum. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and tickets are £9 for adults and £5.40 for children.  English Heritage members get in for free.

6. See Hadrian’s Wall at Sycamore Gap

Note: The Sycamore Gap Tree was cut down by vandals in September 2023

Sycamore Gap, also known as the Robin Hood Tree, is located in a gap between Hadrian’s Wall and Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It is located in a stunning part of the landscape of Hadrian’s Wall. It is a very popular photographic subject, with National Geographic calling it “one of the most photographed trees in the nation.” And is owned and managed by the National Trust.  Aside from the Sycamore tree, the National Trust oversees six miles of Hadrian’s Wall. The tree was cut down by a vandal, but seedlings are growing now.

This area was utilized for filming Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Since that time, the tree has been dubbed “The Robin Hood Tree.” The Sycamore Gap is open all year and is entirely free to visit. Check out this and other moving filming locations in Northumberland

What 3 Words for Sycamore Gap = /// acting.gold.cools

To get to the Sycamore Tree by car take the A1 to the A69.  Turn onto Park Lane, which becomes Military Road at the Once Brewed junction.  You’ll find Sycamore Gap just to the east of Milecastle 39.

To get to Sycamore Gap by bus take the Hadrian’s Wall bus to Steel Rigg Car Park and then it’s a 15-minute walk from there.

7. Hadrian’s Wall at Willowford near Gilsland

Willowford is the most easterly spot on the Birdoswald Roman Trail and one of the most attractive. This trail follows the Romans’ footsteps, taking you through some of the most spectacular sections of Hadrian’s Wall. Willowford is linked to Birdoswald Roman Fort by a bridge with a tea restaurant and restrooms. Both Poltross Burn Milecastle and Wall and Harrow’s Scar Milecastle and Wall are within a mile.  Willowford is managed by English Heritage, but entrance here is free.

Willowford is considered to have had a community since the time of the Romans. Nonetheless, the existing buildings were built about 1830, most likely utilizing stone from Hadrian’s Wall. The farm here has been a cattle farm for some time now.  One of the stone byres was rebuilt in 2007 into five suite bedrooms, which are currently offered as bed and breakfast accommodation.

8. See Hadrian’s Wall at Harrows Scar Milecastle and Wall

Harrow’s Scar Milecastle and Wall, built in the first century AD, is the wall’s longest remaining section, which can be seen on each side of Birdoswald Roman Fort. The milecastle, located immediately west of the River Irthing, is part of a stretch of stone fortifications built in the late second century AD. The westernmost section of Hadrian’s Wall is thought to have been made of raised turf block banks, explaining why there are so few stone relics in the Solway Firth. As one of the defences that stood between forts, Harrows Scar has a great view of the surrounding fields from its hilltop location.

It is close to Birdoswald Roman Fort, and the section of Hadrian’s Wall connecting the two is one of the most visited sections of the Roman Empire’s Great Wall. The nearby Lanercost Priory is well worth a visit. Its calm beauty conceals its complex history, which witnessed many invasions throughout the Anglo-Scottish Wars (14th-16th centuries). Visitors may now tour the relics, including magnificent cloisters and reused Roman brickwork. You can see the wall for free, but entrance to Lanercost Priory (open 10 am to 5 pm) is £6.50 for adults and £3.80 for children – join English Heritage to get free entry.

9. Corbridge Roman Town on Hadrian’s Wall

Corbridge took 350 years to evolve from a military supply point for Roman legions to a thriving civil community. People from all around the Roman Empire came together here to live, work, and trade. Corbridge was formerly a bustling town and supply depot, where Romans and locals could get food and other necessities. It was a thriving town until the downfall of Roman Britain in the early 5th century AD. Today, you can walk through the town’s streets and go back in time to witness Roman life as it was thousands of years ago. Roman armour and trinkets discovered with the Corbridge Hoard are also displayed at the museum.

The Corbridge Hoard was a significant Roman artefact, providing an unusual glimpse into life as a Wall soldier. The Corbridge Collection is the largest collection on Hadrian’s Wall. Booking ahead of time online offers the best cost and guaranteed entry. Weekend hours are 10 am to 4 pm, and weekday hours are 10 am to 6 pm Adults’ admission is £7.90, with child, family, concession, and Overseas Visitors Pass and seasons passes give free entry here.

10. See Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall

The longest uninterrupted piece of the Roman Wall remaining is at Birdoswald Roman Fort.   This was known as Banna in Roman times.  The fort’s outer defensive wall is the best kept of any along the wall. It surrounds the whole fort area, including granaries and five of the fort’s original gatehouses, all of which are still standing.

You can buy tickets to the Birdoswalk Roman Fort here.

This site produced some of the most convincing archaeological evidence concerning what happened to Hadrian’s Wall when the Romans left the area in AD 146. Among the attractions is a new exhibition that takes visitors on a journey through the life of a Roman soldier and a café, a shop, and an activity area for children and families.

The tourist centre at Birdoswald now includes a new exhibit with various hands-on activities and the exhibition is a great way to learn about Hadrian’s Wall and the history of Birdoswald Roman Fort. The facilities are open seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm It costs £9.90 to enter as an adult and £6.00 to enter as a child aged 5 to 17.    English Heritage members, as ever, get in for free!

11. Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum

Among the most prominent sights in the area are Roman Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.  Vindolanda is an ongoing archaeological dig, teaching centre, and family attraction not far from the wall. This pre-Wall Hadrian garrison village, remained active until the 9th century, 400 years after Hadrian’s Wall was abandoned. Vindolanda served as a base and staging place for the soldiers and workmen who built Hadrian’s Wall.

Vindolanda includes 3D movies, a holographic classroom, and three galleries to help bring the Roman era to life. The museum, built on the Magna Roman Fort site, is near one of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall in the world. The museum is now open seven days a week, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm Adult entrance is £9.25 and the children’s ticket costs £5.50.

12. See Hadrian’s Wall at Brunton Turret

Brunton Turret is another English Heritage site, located about a quarter-mile south of the Hamlet of Low Brunton on the A6079, near Chesters Roman Fort. It’s one of the few remaining turret components on the Wall, 2.5 meters tall. It was built by soldiers from the Twentieth Legion, who was also in charge of the Wall’s construction. A 70-yard-long piece of Hadrian’s Wall with one of the best-preserved towers along the wall. Brunton Turret, built by Twentieth Legion troops, is a landmark on the battlefield.

English Heritage oversees Brunton Turret. It is open as a free historical attraction. The turret is open for visits every day of the year.

Map of the Best Places to see Hadrian’s Wall

You can also find the Best Places to see Hadrian’s Wall map here

Top Things to See and Do at Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in the United Kingdom and I think that Hadrian’s Wall should be seen by everyone! Even if the structure is just a shell of its former glory, it is nonetheless impressive, and for me, a must-see in Northumberland.

1. Take a Walk – a short walk along Hadrian’s Wall

The BEST way to see Hadrian’s Wall is to take a short walk along it. It’s even better with a local guide to explain the history and really bring it to life. This EASY two-hour walk is a fabulous, but short explainer, and a great way to get into the park. It often sells out, so you’ll want to book your tickets early.

2. The Birdoswald Trail on Hadrian’s Wall

Birdoswald is home to the longest intact section of Hadrian’s Wall and substantial remains of a Roman fortress. The museum includes a full-scale model of the Wall and a fascinating presentation of both the fort’s history and the surrounding terrain. While walking or cycling the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail, there’s a tea room here where you can rest your weary legs and take in the scenery.

3. Housesteads Roman Trail on Hadrian’s Wall

The central section of Hadrian’s Wall features some of the most breathtaking vistas of the whole 73-mile route of the wall. A long stretch of Roman turrets, the massive milecastle at Cawfields, and a remarkable collection of Roman antiquities at Housesteads Roman Fort highlight this walk, which takes you through some of the quietest areas of Northumberland National Park. Explore the barracks and the hospital on your own. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its surroundings from the medieval fortress’s antique public Roman toilets. The interactive museum, run by English Heritage, showcases objects formerly possessed by Roman warriors. The mini-cinema will transport you to ancient Rome.

Buy your ticket to Housesteads Roman Fort here.

4. Chester’s Roman Trail on Hadrian’s Wall

Chesters Roman Fort is Britain’s greatest preserved Roman cavalry fort, dating back to the first century AD. Here, you can get a feel of what life could have been like 2,000 years ago today at one of the Empire’s northern boundaries. You can also explore an outstanding collection of Roman artefacts and inscriptions uncovered here and along the Wall. The Clayton Museum, which reopened in 2016, contains a stunning collection of Roman artefacts and inscriptions that will take your breath away. Today, you can see the four major gates, the headquarters building and courtyard, the hall, and the regimental shrine.

5. Corbridge Roman Trail on Hadrian’s Wall

This section of Hadrian’s Wall runs through Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The eastern section of Hadrian’s Wall is a fascinating history trail with a rural and urban mix of remains. Continue east from Corbridge Roman Town into Heddon-on-the-Wall, a two-meter-thick section of Hadrian’s Wall. It is the longest intact wall at its intended and original length. The current village was formerly a Roman milecastle. There’s also the Denton Hall Turret. The Wall and turret foundations are visible from the A69, the primary route into Hadrian’s Wall Country. The remarkable remnants of a small temple to the local god Antenociticus may be seen in the vicus (civilian settlement) outside Benwell Fort. A stone causeway next to the temple crosses the Vallum earthwork, leading to Benwell Fort.

6. See the Corbridge Roman Hoard

The Corbridge Hoard is one of the twentieth century’s most remarkable Roman discoveries. It is on display at the Corbridge Roman Town.  The armour, uncovered during the 1964 excavations, has since influenced Roman historians’ perceptions of the period’s armour. This fantastic piece of history was discovered buried in the mud in a steel, leather-covered wooden box. It revealed a lot about our Roman forefathers’ lives. A collection of Roman armour and other equipment and the stone Corbridge Lion, whose image is used to lead youngsters through the museum, are among the museum’s most spectacular treasures. During the summer, activities are held in the open area of the old forum building.

Walking Hadrian’s Wall

In 1987, the construction known as Hadrian’s Wall was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk, bike, or drive to many of the Wall’s attractions, visit fascinating museums and ancient digs, or even take the Hadrian’s Wall bus, along the route.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail runs the whole length of the Wall, all 73 miles.  It is best attempted in good weather and during the spring,  summer and early autumn months.  During the winter months, the pathways may become deteriorated and impossible to use; as a result, different routes that tour the museums and neighbouring locations are recommended.

Cycling Hadrian’s Wall

Although it is a relatively new addition, Hadrian’s Cycleway has quickly established itself as one of the top long-distance cycling paths worldwide in the United Kingdom. It starts at South Shields’ Roman Fort of Arberia. It travels 174 miles through Northumberland before concluding at Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast. Because it is not a mountain bike trail, it does not follow the wall through harsh natural terrain. Instead, it makes use of nearby paved roads and small traffic-free motorways. If you want to see the wall up and personal, you’ll have to park your bike and walk there.

Where to Stay to Visit Hadrian’s Wall

There are a variety of different types of accommodation near Hadrian’s Wall, and whether you’re visiting for the day or walking the entire length there are also different options depending on your budget. My guide to staying near Hadrian’s Wall is here. It covers B&B’s near the wall, hotels, and self-catering accommodations too.

How to Get to Hadrian’s Wall

• By Bus – A regular Arriva bus route connects Newcastle and Carlisle, including stops at Hexham, Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill, Haltwhistle, Greenhead, and Gilsland. The Hadrian’s Wall Country bus also serves a large portion of the region around Hexham.
• By Car – Hexham and Hadrian’s Wall are conveniently accessible by car since they are close to the A69, which runs from Newcastle to Carlisle via Hadrian’s Wall Country. The B6318, often known as the Military Road, runs almost parallel to the A69. This road travels parallel to Hadrian’s Wall from Heddon on the Wall to Greenhead in the west.
• By Train – there are daily trains services to the area around Hadrian’s Wall – apart from on December 25 and 26 and 1st January. You can get a train from Newcastle or Carlisle to connections with the Tyne Valley Railway. This provides the best connection to the wall. If you have a National Railcard there are discounts and the Hadrian’s Wall Country Line day pass allows you to hop on and hop off as much as you want for the day, you can travel between Sunderland and Whitehaven on this pass.

If you need to rent a car in Northumberland, we recommend Discover Cars for car hire.  You can search, compare and save up to 70%, with no hidden fees and free cancellation, what have you got to lose? Get a price for a rental car in Northumberland here.

Final Words on Visiting Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is an ancient barrier in northeast England built on the instructions of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is well-known for its defensive construction, which served as the Roman Empire’s northwest boundary for nearly three centuries. Seeing Hadrian’s Wall is one of the top things to do in Northumberland. However you decide to visit Hadrian’s Wall you’ll discover the incredible history, amazing views, and a stunning part of the world – I truly hope you enjoy visiting, it is a glorious thing to see.

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The post The 12 Best Places to See Hadrian’s Wall appeared first on Northumberlands Best.