Things to do in Northumberland

As the Roman Empire’s best-preserved outpost in northern Europe, Hadrian’s Wall is hard to beat when it comes to delving into England’s Roman past. Amongst the ancient ruins and archaeological treasures is Housesteads Roman Fort, one of the best examples of a permanent base along the wall.

It offers a fascinating insight into Roman military life and excavations have unearthed a turreted wall, barracks, a hospital, a commander’s house and communal toilets. It is thought that around 800 soldiers were stationed here.

Wander at leisure, take a guided tour, visit the museum and be sure to admire the incredible panoramic views from the fort’s elevated position.

Dominating the skyline at Bamburgh Beach is Bamburgh Castle, an iconic landmark that has stood for more than 1,400 years. Once an important stronghold in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, today it is home to the Armstrong family.

Learn more about the kings that lived here, visit the beautiful state rooms and the armoury, and hear tales of ghosts, myths and legends.

Meanwhile, the beach is a beautiful, long stretch of white sand. It’s a fabulous place for walks and is one of Northumberland’s most dog-friendly beaches. It’s also great for surfing and kite-surfing. However, one of the best things to do with kids is explore the rockpools by the lighthouse.

A couple of miles off the coast of Seahouses are the Farne Islands. The islands are a National Nature Reserve and an important breeding ground for thousands of seabirds, including puffins. The Farne Islands are also home to a colony of grey seals and hundreds of pups are born here every autumn.

Hermits and monks such as St Cuthbert, soldiers, lighthouse keepers and sometimes shipwrecked sailors have all lived on the island. Historic highlights include a medieval chapel and a Victorian lighthouse on Inner Farne.

The islands can be visited from March to October and boats depart from the harbour at Seahouses. You must buy a ticket for the crossing from one of the boat companies, plus an island ticket from the National Trust.

Pretend to be the king or queen of Warkworth Castle and survey views of your kingdom across the River Coquet and the coast. This medieval fortress played a key part in the war between the English and Scots.

The castle was once home to the powerful Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family. Amongst them was the legendary knight nicknamed ‘Harry Hotspur,’ who was a major character in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1.

Explore the towers and rooms of the cross-shaped keep, before visiting the hermitage. Thought to be the Percys’ private chapel, the hermitage is accessed via a half-mile walk and a boat trip across the river.

Kielder Water and Forest Park is home to Kielder Observatory, a superb place to visit if you are interested in stargazing. Situated in a gold-tiered protected dark sky park, there isn’t any light pollution and on clear nights the stars can be amazing.

During the day, you can walk up to the observatory and enjoy the views, but access is for ticket holders only. Tickets can be purchased for a host of events from family-friendly activities, an introduction to the night sky and specific events focusing on the moon or constellations for example.