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Things to do in Northumberland
Explore Northumberland
A region renowned for its breathtaking swathes of countryside, unending beauty and fascinating historical landmarks, Northumberland is a place where you can either escape the everyday or get involved in a world of activity and adventure.
Whether you’re a keen astronomer seeking out dazzling dark skies, a family of beach goers wanting to spend the day at secluded coastal spots or a couple wanting a tranquil spa getaway, visiting Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa near Morpeth is the ideal base for all holiday types.
If you’re looking for inspiration for things to do during your stay here, we’ve handpicked just some of the memorable experiences to be found within a part of the world that gave us Earl Grey tea and is affectionately known as ‘the last hidden kingdom’.
1. Bamburgh
Officially listed as the best beach in the UK by a recent Which? survey for the third year running, the coastal village of Bamburgh - featuring a 900-year-old castle as a dramatic backdrop - represents a wonderfully peaceful day trip just a 40-minute drive from Linden Hall, where its popularity as one of the UK’s 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is offset by its expansive sands.
From its grassy dunes leading into soft, golden sands to the opportunity to walk up to the castle and explore the famous fortress with its exhilarating tales of Viking invasions, dragons and more, you won’t want to miss some of the best hours you’ll ever spend by the sea.
2. Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle dates to the Norman period, with the castle’s history being woven into the fabric of the Percy family for over 700 years. As the second largest castle residence in the UK, you can explore the grand state rooms, replica Napoleonic cannons and take part in a variety of daily activities, including archery and broomstick training at the same site on which Harry Potter was filmed.
Adjacent to the historic Alnwick Castle lies the extraordinary Alnwick Garden, a contemporary garden space that has revolutionized the concept of what a garden can be. At its heart, the Grand Cascade creates a spectacular display with 120 water jets.
The garden's most intriguing feature might be the mysterious Poison Garden, where visitors can learn about toxic and narcotic plants under guided supervision. Don't miss the chance to dine in one of the world's largest wooden treehouses, complete with rope bridges and walkways suspended in the canopy.
3. Northumberland National Park
Many arrive at Northumberland for its stunning national park, with our hotel a 20-minute journey from its forest and moorland expanse offering picture-perfect scenery, glimpses of rare wildlife and one of the most untouched sections of countryside to be found in the UK.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist, walker or historian looking to navigate the 2000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall, you'll discover crystal clear waters, cascading waterfalls and remote footpaths often leaving you feeling as though you’ve stumbled on a secret natural wonder.
For a serious thrill, you can also partake in rock climbing, horse riding, trail running and mountain bike routes as part of an adventure playground you’ll no doubt wish to return to.
Plus with Northumberland having been awarded Gold-tier International Dark Sky status – it’s safe to say that a stargazing visit here is well worth it.
4. Lindisfarne
The novel method of reaching Holy Island - reachable by car at certain periods of the day when the tide isn’t washing over the causeway – sets the tone for a unique excursion from our hotel that is rewarded by a coastal attraction containing some of the most vital origins of our society as we know it today.
A small island, with its smattering of pubs and cafes, feels gloriously cut off from the west of the world as you roam its streets leading to spiritual and religious sanctuaries, including the 12 century Lindisfarne Priory as the former home of St Oswald and the towering Lindisfarne Castle that once housed soldiers guarding the precious coastline.
5. Farne Islands
A spectacular group of islands lying just off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands offer an unforgettable wildlife experience just a short boat trip from the seaside town of Seahouses. Home to around 200,000 seabirds, including the beloved puffins that nest here between April and September, the islands provide a natural theatre where you can witness one of the UK's most important sanctuaries for marine life.
Alongside the opportunity to spot grey seals lounging on the rocky shores, you'll discover the fascinating tale of Grace Darling - the lighthouse keeper's daughter who became a national hero after her remarkable rescue of shipwreck survivors. The Inner Farne, the largest and most accessible island, welcomes visitors to explore its historic chapel and lighthouse.
6. Hadrian's Wall
No visit to Northumberland would be complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman Empire's most impressive frontier fortification stretching 73 miles across northern Britain. While the wall itself is a marvel of ancient engineering, it's the complete Roman frontier system, including milecastles, barracks, ramparts and forts that brings history alive.
At Corbridge Roman Town, you can walk through the remains of what was once a vibrant civilian settlement and supply base for Roman garrisons. The excellently preserved site features a fascinating museum housing extraordinary Roman artifacts, while the visible remains of the town's grid-pattern streets, granaries and temples offer a unique glimpse into life during Roman Britain.
7. Kielder Water & Forest Park
Home to northern Europe's largest man-made lake and England's largest working forest, Kielder Water & Forest Park presents an outdoor enthusiast's paradise spanning 250 square miles. The park offers everything from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain bike trails, while water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, canoeing, and water skiing on the vast reservoir.
The park is also a haven for wildlife, housing around 50% of England's native red squirrel population and numerous rare bird species. As part of one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park, Kielder's pristine night skies attract stargazers to its state-of-the-art observatory, where you can marvel at celestial wonders far from light pollution.
8. Northumberland Zoo
This family-run wildlife park offers close encounters with over 80 different species, from tiny Harvest Mice to magnificent Snow Leopards. The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident in its engaging keeper talks and displays, while the natural setting provides a peaceful environment for observing animals in specially designed habitats.
Interactive experiences and seasonal events make this a year-round attraction, while the zoo's focus on endangered species raises awareness about wildlife conservation. The facility continues to grow and develop, adding new species and experiences regularly.
9. Hauxley Nature Reserve
This wildlife haven, dramatically transformed from its origins as an open-cast mine, now offers visitors six wildlife watching hides overlooking a range of habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands. The eco-friendly Discovery Centre, built by volunteers using sustainable materials, provides excellent facilities and information about the reserve's wildlife.
Throughout the year, visitors can spot everything from otters and red squirrels to a vast array of bird species. The reserve's proximity to the beach adds another dimension to wildlife watching, while regular events and activities make this an engaging destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Dunstanburgh Castle
Standing in magnificent isolation on a remote headland between Craster and Embleton, Dunstanburgh Castle's dramatic 14th-century ruins create one of the most photographed views in Northumberland. The 1.3-mile coastal walk from Craster village to reach this English Heritage site offers stunning vistas across the North Sea and surrounding countryside.
Built between 1313 and 1322, this once-mighty fortress features an imposing twin-towered keep and extensive curtain walls that speak to its turbulent history during the Wars of the Roses. Time your visit for sunrise or sunset to capture the castle at its most atmospheric, when the ancient stones are bathed in golden light.
Image credit: Tim Simpson - originally posted to Flickr as Dunstanburgh Castle, CC BY-SA 2.0
11. Woodhorn Museum
Set within a former colliery near Ashington, Woodhorn Museum offers a powerful testament to Northumberland's mining heritage. The site's preserved historic buildings, including the iconic pit wheel, house engaging exhibitions that tell the story of the region's coal mining communities and their way of life.
Of particular interest is the unique collection of the Ashington Group, better known as the "Pitmen Painters" - miners who took up painting in the 1930s and created remarkable artworks documenting their lives and community. The museum also houses Northumberland's extensive archives, making it a valuable resource for those researching local and family history.
12. Northumberlandia (The Lady of the North)
This extraordinary piece of public art, also known as "The Lady of the North," is a unique 100-foot-high land sculpture depicting a reclining female figure. Created using 1.5 million tonnes of earth from a nearby surface mine, this 46-acre community park offers visitors four miles of footpaths across and around the figure, providing ever-changing perspectives of both the sculpture and the surrounding countryside.
The visitor centre provides context about this innovative example of restoration first programming, while the café offers refreshments after exploring the paths that wind around this remarkable feat of landscape architecture.
Image credit: Glen Bowman - Flickr: The face - Northumberlandia - Cramlington, Northumberland, CC BY 2.0
13. Belsay Hall and Gardens
This English Heritage property presents a fascinating trilogy of architectural styles: a medieval castle, a Greek Revival mansion, and a spectacular quarry garden. The imposing Belsay Hall, built in the early 19th century, showcases the austere beauty of Greek Revival architecture, while the medieval castle provides a stark contrast with its defensive design.
Perhaps most remarkable is the quarry garden, where the very stone used to build the hall was excavated. Now a magical microclimate supports exotic plants, creating a unique atmosphere as you walk through the ravine's towering rock faces.
Image credit: TSP - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
14. Cragside House and Gardens
Lord Armstrong's Victorian marvel, Cragside, holds the distinction of being the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. This feat of Victorian engineering is set within one of Europe's largest rock gardens, surrounded by one of the largest collections of rhododendrons and one of the tallest Scots Pines in Britain.
The house itself is a testament to Victorian innovation, filled with ingenious gadgets that were well ahead of their time. The estate's 1,000 acres include 40 miles of footpaths and lakes, offering everything from gentle strolls to challenging hikes through this magnificent example of Victorian landscaping.
Image credit: Robin Drayton, CC BY-SA 2.0
15. Seahouses & Beadnell Bay
The charming fishing village of Seahouses serves as the gateway to the Farne Islands, with its working harbour offering regular boat trips to view the islands' wildlife. Known for its outstanding fish and chips and traditional seaside atmosphere, it's the perfect base for coastal exploration.
Nearby Beadnell Bay, with its horse-shoe shaped beach, is a water sports enthusiast's paradise, offering excellent conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. The bay's unique west-facing harbour provides spectacular sunset views, while the extensive sandy beach is perfect for family days out.
16. Warkworth Castle
This mighty fortress, once home to the powerful Percy family, dominates the riverside town of Warkworth. The imposing keep, dating from the late 14th century, stands proudly on a hill above the River Coquet, offering panoramic views of the Northumberland coast and countryside.
Don't miss the Hermitage, a unique medieval chapel carved into the riverside cliff, accessible by boat when the river permits. The castle's great hall, with its impressive 15th-century roof, and the Duke's Rooms provide fascinating insights into medieval domestic life.
Image credit: Draco2008 from UK - Warkworth Castle, CC BY 2.0