Welcome to Northumberland

"Take a deep breath, the search for tranquility is over"
The Daily Telegraph

Welcome to a land far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a county brimming with places to see and things to do amongst the most spectacular of landscapes.

What to see and what not to miss in Northumberland

• With two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the country's first National Parks, England's largest World Heritage Site and more castles and fortified buildings than any other county in England, Northumberland is packed with places to visit and things to do.
• This is a landscape of iconic landmarks steeped in history and miles of uncrowded golden beaches, dramatic coastal paths and spectacular vistas. Take a stroll along deserted sands against a backdrop of cliffs and castles before relaxing with a pint of locally brewed beer on a sunny bench outside a village pub.
• The rolling grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, pure river valleys of the North, dramatic beauty of the North Pennines and rugged landscape of the Northumberland National Park and Hadrian's Wall Country provide famous countryside highlights, the fortified buildings, abbeys and priories that scatter the countryside providing regular reminders of how 2000 years of history have shaped the landscape.
• Scattered throughout the countryside and dotted along the coast, Northumberland's towns and villages are a real gem. Friendly and picturesque, this is the England you always wanted to find, with streets lined with interesting shops and events, shows and village fairs celebrating Northumberland's rich cultural heritage.Explore mile upon mile of gloriously uncrowded golden sandy beaches and stunning countryside set amongst two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged Northumberland National Park. Discover more castles than anywhere else in England, the birthplace of English Christianity on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the historic World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall, stunning Alnwick Garden, picturesque towns and villages and, at the end of it all, great places to stay.
• The expression "The Great Outdoors" could have been invented to describe the amazing variety of things to do in the spectacular Northumberland countryside and along the stunning coast. Famous as a home to some of the best and most beautiful cycling and walking in the country, Northumberland provides a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, tranquil spots for golf and fishing and activities to quicken the pulse and raise adrenaline levels.
• You will discover a legacy of castles, historic houses, abbeys and priories and an abundance of visitor attractions inspired by our rich cultural heritage, from museums and galleries to beautiful gardens. Our towns and villages are home to interesting, unique high streets providing great shopping, with fantastic farmers' markets, galleries and workshops to be found throughout the county.
• Experience Northumberland as it is today at a county show or village fair, sample traditional folk music at its best at a summer festival and be enchanted by Northumberland Lights, a winter programme of spectacular lighting displays illuminating some of Northumberland's best loved landmarks against our clear dark skies. See our Local Activities Page for further information and to learn more about great events all year round..