Northumberland, famed for its Roman occupiers, undeveloped landscapes and National Park heritage, offers visitors outstanding natural beauty in spades. It offers countryside and coast, with some of the finest scenery found anywhere in Europe. Below is our guide for Northumberland’s top visitor attractions, top 5 restaurants, and children’s days out – so grab your camera, walking boots, car keys and coat (not forgetting the kids) and venture into England’s northernmost county.
There are a variety of things to discover and learn about at Hexham Abbey and the on-going exhibition will detail all about its history, with interactive displays showcasing how the abbey would have looked over 1300 years ago. Don’t miss out on going below into the oldest part of the abbey – the Anglo Saxon crypt, which was built around 674! There are many 7th century objects to discover and even more steps to climb. As you walk around, you will notice the stunning stained glass windows, which, if you are lucky enough for the sun to be shining on your visit, offers up a quite unforgettable experience.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 3NB
England
Contact details
01434 602031
www.hexhamabbey.org.uk
2. Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is simply steeped in history. You can see, smell and taste the age of this powerful monument and discover evidence of people living at the castle back in 10,000BC! Explore the castles history, architecture and breath-taking views.
The castle has 14 public areas including State Rooms and a Clock Tower Tea Room, full of items to discover as well as a guided audio tour.
There is so much to do and see in Northumberland. Why not visit the coast and have a picnic after your visit to the castle?
Opening hours
11th February to 29th October 2017 - Open daily 10:00 to 17:00
29th October 2017 to 9th February 2018 - Open weekends only 11:00 to 16:30
Pricing
Adults from £8.93
Kids from £4.02
Address
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh
Northumberland
NE69 7DF
England
Contact details
01668 214 515
www.bamburghcastle.com
3. Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is a brilliant place to visit, where you will see medieval knights and be able to explore around the historic castle.
The castle is full of history with a collection of informative displays. Feel free to explore the different rooms and exhibitions, where you will learn all about the history of the castle! If you love films, you’ll know that Alnwick Castle was where popular film sets Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter was filmed.
If you plan to bring kids, they will love dressing up, doing quizzes and playing a range of games at the castle. Make sure to see what events are on before you visit, as there are seasonal events which take place throughout the year.
There is plenty for everyone to enjoy, so make sure to take your time in exploring Northumberland.
Opening hours
Opening hours in 2017:
Daily - 31st March - 29th October 2017
Pricing
Adults - £15.50
Kids (5-16 years) - £8.00
Kids (0-4 years) - free of charge
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) - £42.00
Address
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1NQ
England
Contact details
07665 511100
www.alnwickcastle.com
4. Lindisfarne
On your visit to Holy Island, make sure you cross the dramatic causeway to reach the island of Lindisfarne, a journey that will live in your memory forever. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago, and explore the wild coastal beauty of Holy Island. Visit the English Heritage run museum and find out about Viking raids, the cult of St Cuthbert, and the beautiful medieval manuscript: the Lindisfarne Gospels.
There are varied exhibits to enjoy such as The Viking exhibit, Exhibition of Island Life and also displays about farming, mining and fishing. Lindisfarne is full of history, where you will learn about people and animals from over the years.
If you fancy a morning exploring Lindisfarne, make sure to plan your visit and see what events are taking place, if there are any seasonal events. On. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Northumberland!
Opening hours
Check online for opening times and tide timetable.
Pricing
Adult: £4.00 Child (5 to 15 years): £2.00 Concession: £3.50 Family (2 adults and 2 children): £10.00 Under 5s go free.
Address
Marygate
Holy Island
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland
TD15 2SD
England
Contact details
01289 389004
www.lindisfarne.org.uk
5. Northumberland Coast
The Northumberland Coast won holiday destination of the year in 2017 and offers 30 miles of beautiful beaches. It offers traditional seaside attractions including piers, arcades, coastal towns and a delicious fish and chips.
Northumberland is a picturesque place to visit as it offers a range of sceneries such as the coast and countryside. Why not take a walk along the promenade or enjoy a walk down the beach, feeling the sand between your toes? There are a range of attractions in Northumberland, so why not spend the morning at the beach and go and explore what’s nearby? Northumberland has more castles than any other country in England, including Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth – all standing along the stunning coastline.
There is also a huge adventure park to visit, so if you plan on going with family, they’ll love windsurfing, coasteering and much more. Or why not relax down the beach and enjoy the coastal views?
www.visitnorthumberland.com/coast
Top 5 kid’s activities
There are countless fun days out and activities for children to enjoy!
1. The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden has the world’s largest wooden tree houses, rope bridges and sky walkways. There is also a wonderful place to eat in the treetops and Woodland Walk.
In the garden, you’ll find the Grand Cascade with a range of water features and beautiful ornamental gardens. Make sure to explore all the gardens and don’t miss out on seeing the Serpent Garden, which features interactive water features, a Bamboo Labyrinth and a Poison Garden – Don’t miss out on exploring the dangerous plants and their stories!
There are various family events which take place throughout the year, so make sure to check before visiting.
Opening hours
Summer
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Winter
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed Christmas Day.
Pricing
Garden and Castle combined ticket (lesser tickets available)
Adults: £25.10
Concession: £21.45
Kids 5 to 15 years: £10.40
Under 4s: Free
Family Ticket: from £62.70
Car Park: £3.50
Address
Denwick Lane
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1YU
England
Contact details
01665 511350
www.alnwickgarden.com
2. Falconry Day
Falconry Day is a wonderful family business, who have a real passion for birds and their habitats. If you love birds of prey, you’ll love Falconry Day where you will find out all about the birds and much more.
If you plan on visiting with a large family, there is a great Family Falconry Experience, or for one adult and one child, there is a Mini Family Activity Day – There is something for everyone to enjoy!
You will get to meet and hold the birds and learn about their habitats and hunting techniques. If you love owls, then don’t miss out on the Owl Encounter, where you will see a range of British species and baby owls!
Opening hours
Visitor centre
Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 16:00
Experiences must be booked in advance.
Pricing
Visitor Centre
Adult: £7.50
Child: £4.50
Family (2 adults and 2 children): £21
Additional children: £3.50
Falconry Experience
Full day Individual: £99
Half day Individual: £79
Family Falconry Day (2 adults and 2 children): £125
Additional cost of £25.
Address
Lady Hill Farm
Simonburn
Hexham
Northumberland
NE48 3EE
England
Contact details
01434 689681
www.falconrydays.com
3. Northumberland Country Zoo
All children love going to the zoo, so make sure to visit Northumberland Country Zoo! There are a range of lovely animals and farmyard animals to meet and learn about.
Northumberland Country Zoo is set in 15 acres of beautiful countryside, in the heart of Northumberland. Children will love meeting all the animals and learning all about their habitats. If you have younger children, they will love cute and small animals over at the farmyard.
After a fun day out, why not play some crazy golf before you leave? There is so much family fun to be had Northumberland Country Zoo! Feel free to bring your own picnic and enjoy lunch in the picnic area.
Opening hours
March to September
Monday to Saturday 09:30 - 17:00
Sunday 09:30 - 16:00
October to February
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 16:00
Pricing
Adult: £6.50
Child (3-15): £4.75
Under 3: Free
Animal Feed: 50p
Address
Eshottheugh Farm
Eshottheugh in Felton
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE65 9QH
England
Contact details
01670 787778
www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk
4. Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Love honey? Make sure to visit Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where you can discover the extraordinary tale of bees and honey! There are lots of displays at the farm, which explains all about bees and honey.
Don’t miss out on seeing the most popular display, the observation hive, where a living colony of bees can be seen behind the glass. Children will love watching the bees dance around and bring in pollen.
After an exciting morning or afternoon out, make sure you visit The Bus Cafe where you can enjoy delicious ice cream… honey of course!
Chain Bridge Honey Farm is a great place to take the kids, where they can experience a fun and educational day out.
Opening hours
Winter (November to March)
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 17:00
Summer (April to October)
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Free admission
Address
Horncliffe
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland
TD15 2XT
England
Contact details
01289 382362
www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk
5. Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre
Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre offers North England’s largest Birds Of Prey collection, where you will discover a range of species and be able to observe their habitats.
Children will love falcons swoop down from the skies at over 100mph as well as seeing the speed of Eagles, Hawks and Kites. There are also great opportunities to hold the birds – make sure to check the flying times and displays before you visit.
After discovering the different species of birds, why not take a walk around the grounds where you will spot other wildlife such as badgers, deer, otters and various other birds – If you’re lucky, you might see some bats in the evening!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 16:30
Closed on Christmas Day.
Pricing
Adults: £7
Kids: £4.50
Family: £21
Address
Leaplish Waterside Park
Falstone
Northumberland
NE48 1AX
England
Contact details
01434 250400
www.kwbopc.com
Top 5 restaurants in Northumberland
On your visit to Northumberland, make sure to book a table at one of these delicious restaurants. Whether you're feeling a pub meal or fine dining, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from!
1. Langley Castle Restaurant
www.langleycastle.co.uk
01434 688888
Langley-on-Tyne
Hexham
England
2. The Josephine Restaurant
www.celticcastles.com/castles/langleycastle/dining
01434 688888
Langley Castle Hotel
Hexham
NE47 5LU
England
3. The Craster Seafood Restaurant
www.crasterseafood.co.uk
01665 576230
Haven Hill
Craster
Alnwick
NE66 3TR
England
4. Jasper's Bistro
www.facebook.com/Jaspersbistro
01665 714724
8 Bridge Street
Amble
NE65 0DR
England
5. Piper's Pitch
www.facebook.com/PipersPitch
0758605607
Next to Tourist Information
Craster car park
Craster
Alnwick
NE66 2ND
England