Here’s 7 Amazing Things To Do In Northumberland

Northumberland is a stunning place. And when I say stunning, I mean don’t-you-dare-put-that-camera-away kind of stunning. This English county, north of Yorkshire and south of Scotland, is home to the best of everything. It’s got wide, sandy beaches back by sand dunes, historic castles that you just can’t help but stare at, green countryside that’s just begging to be walked through and cute little villages with some of the tastiest food on offer. If you’re heading to the UK, or even if you’re wanting a little staycation, here are 7 amazing things to do in Northumberland…

Eat Breakfast At The Salt Water Café In Beadnell

This place, in the cute little village of Beadnell is such a find. It’s just across from the Craster Arms, who do a pretty good dish of pub grub, but it’s the Salt Water Café that won me over. With it’s quaint charm, cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, it’ll probably win you over too. Breakfast classics such as Granola and Fresh Yoghurt, Full English, and Eggs Benedict are all served up to perfection. It’s so good, I went there twice and I’d go again if I had the chance. They even do dinner and lunch but make sure to book as it’s a popular place. You’ll soon see why if you visit…

Because I was too eager to eat, this photo is courtesy of Salt Water Cafe

Take A Boat Trip Out To The Farne Islands

For this adventure, take a hood or a hat. It might be rainy, it might be cold, or you might get pooed on by the blummin’ terns, just like I did. 3 times. Don’t let that put you off though because I fully recommend this little afternoon trip as one of the best things to do in Northumberland.  The Farne Islands are situated just off the coast and you can get a boat across from Seahouses. There are several different trips to choose from but the 2.5 hour trip that enables you to get off on Staple Island is the best value. You’ll see terns nesting – watch out for them diving at you as soon as you get off the boat if it’s this season – little cute puffins waddling around and kittiwakes sheltering on the cliffs. If you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll also spot seals lounging about and even dolphins breaking through the water.

Why not try out Billy Sheil’s for this epic tour?

Walk Along The Beach At Bamburgh

Bamburgh, IMO, is one of the best beaches in the UK. It’s wide, with gorgeous sand and it seems to go on FOREVER. Plus, the beach is in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle so if the beach doesn’t tempt you, the castle definitely should. I mean, look at it…

Go For A Countryside Walk In Elsdon

For those of you that are focussing your stay around Northumberland National Park and fancy an afternoon walk, then let me recommend Elsdon. This sleepy village is surrounded by some of the greenest countryside and there’s a easy going walk that will take you through the fields, over babbling streams and onto the hills where you get views for days. This is a pretty good guide for the Elsdon -The Todholes circular walk which will give you all the directions you need and make sure you take your camera!

Eat Fish And Chips By The Harbour In Seahouses

I mean, you can’t go to the coast and not have fish and chips, right? Even if the threat of on looking seagulls is very real…Neptune’s on the corner of the roundabout serves up a scrumptious portion and the perfect place to eat that scrumptious portion? Well, right down by the harbour with a view of the sea. There’s a hill with benches by the Bamburgh Castle Inn which provides the perfect setting for a fish and chip supper by the sea.

Enjoy Alnwick Gardens

The new, updated, refurbished and revamped Alnwick Gardens are a beaut place to spend the day in. From the get go, they don’t look that big but there’s a ton to explore here. Take a wander around the Cherry Orchard where you can sit on the giant swings and watch the world go by. Gasp in amazement as you’re guided around the garden’s famous Poison Garden. Watch as unsuspecting visitors are splashed with water from the fountains, the central focal point of the whole garden. Take a look at the water features and learn about how water reacts differently with different surfaces. The ornamental gardens are obviously someone’s pride and joy. There’s even a giant tree house for you to gander through. It’s a fascinating place, one which you’ll enjoy even if you’re not into horticultural experiences. For those of you that are into Harry Potter, you might want to check out Alnwick Castle where you can even learn to ride a broomstick!

Stargaze At Northumberland National Park

One thing I didn’t get to do while in Northumberland which I would love to is go stargazing. Northumberland National Park is lucky enough to have several designated dark sky spaces so if you want to go see the Milky Way, this is going to be the best place to do so! In winter, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. How cool would that be? If you want to learn more about the stars and Northumberland’s Dark Sky Space, Kielder Observatory do special events throughout the year. Experts explain the constellations and planets as you take in some of the clearest skies in Britain.

Have you been to Northumberland before? What would you recommend to do? Leave a comment below if it’s a place you’d visit!