Alnwick Castle
Alnwick castle is one of the largest castles in the country and has been home to the Percy Family for over 700 years. The castle is a very popular film set and has been used for many films and TV shows including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Alnwick castle not only has prestigious rooms and grounds it also has a great children’s activity area called Knights Quest making it fun filled day out for all the family.
Alnwick Garden & Treehouse
Discover The Alnwick Garden home to more than just a vast array of flowers and plants. The Alnwick Garden is home to a range of different gardens including the Serpent Garden featuring unique water features sure to entertain the kids and the Poison Garden full of deadly and lethal plants capable of murder. The Alnwick Garden is even has a treehouse complete with wobbly bridges which can be found just next-door!
Alnwick Playhouse
Originally built in 1925 the Alnwick Playhouse is a theatre and cinema in the heart of Alnwick. Featuring a main stage and 200 seat auditorium and a handy rehearsal room. The Alnwick Playhouse showcase a range of films, theatre performances and live events throughout the year.
Bailiffgate Museum
The Bailiffgate Museum is a small museum in the heart of Alnwick dedicated to showcasing the history of Alnwick and North Northumberland. The museum which is housed in a former 1836 church has a range of hands on and child friendly activities along with a collection of historical items. The Bailiffgate Museum is a great affordable day out for all the family.
Bamburgh Castle
Located along the coast on Bamburgh situated on a rocky mount overlooking the coast and village. Bamburgh castle has a wealth of history to uncover behind its walls. From the vast displays and artefacts on display to the stunning historical architecture of the rooms and buildings such as the Kings Hall and Keep. The castle is also well known for having been a film location for TV Shows such as Time Team and Worlds End.
Barter Books
Housed in a historic Victorian railway station, Barter Books is one of the largest second hand bookshops in Britain selling thousands of second hand books as well as a collection of rare first editions. Barter Books is known for being the home of an original 1939 Keep Calm and Carry on Poster which can now be seen on display. Barter Books houses the Station Buffet a wonderful café situated inside the main hall of Barter Books and spans several rooms and is the ideal place to unwind.
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
Experience the magnificent architecture of the Grade 1 listed 19th century Manson Belsay Hall. Belsay Hall is home to wonderful extensive gardens such as the formal and atmospheric quarry garden. Upon completing a short walk through the quarry gardens visitors will be able to explore the remains of Belsay Castle.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard
Berwick Barracks built between 1717 and 1721 by Nicholas Hawksmoor is a former military installation for the British Army. The Barracks where built by to protect the town during the Jacobite rising and in July 1881 became the depot for the Kings Own Scottish Borderers until 1963.
Birdoswald Roman Fort
Birdoswald Fort formally known as “Banna” is home to the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian’s Wall and features extensive remains of the fort once located at the western end of the wall. As well as roman remains Birdoswald Roman Fort features exhibitions, picturesque walks and a tearoom.
Brinkburn Priory
Explore Brinkburn Priory an Augustinian priory build on the bend of the beautiful River Coquet. While much of the priory has been lost over the years the restored 12th century priory church and adjacent Grade 2 listed manor house still have stunning architecture and history to explore.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Established in 1948 the Chain Bridge Honey Farm produces and sells a range of honey and beeswax products in their visitor centre that features an information packed bee museum and observation hive. The Chain Bridge Honey Farm is also home to an extensive collection of Vintage Vehicles and Vintage Artefacts and even has a vintage double decker bus café!
Chestrers Roman Fort
Featuring the most complete roman cavalry fort remains in Britain, Chesters Roman Fort has plenty to see and explore. Such as the principal gates, headquarters building, commandant’s house and a spectacular roman bathhouse by the riverside. The fort also features the Museum of Roman Finds and a Tearoom.
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham Castle is a historic Grade 1 listed 12th century castle which is the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield and his family. Visitors to the castle can explore its vast gardens and rooms such as the Great Hall and gruesome Torture Chamber which is not for the faint hearted. Chillingham Castle is home to a separate visitor attraction the Chillingham Wild Cattle.
Corbridge Roman Town
Corbridge was once a busy town where both Romans and Civilians would be able to pick up food and supplies. Visitors can walk the historic town’s streets and get an insight into the wealth of history of the former Roman town or browse the museum displaying the armour and trinkets of the Corbridge Hoard.
Cragside House & Gardens
The former home of Victorian inventor and industrialist Lord Armstrong, Cragside is known for being the first building in the world to be list by hydroelectricity and being packed full of Victorian gadgets. Cragside House also has extensive outdoor grounds featuring scenic walks, gardens and play areas. Visitors may even be lucky enough to spot a red squirrel while exploring the grounds.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Built in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster Dunstanburgh Castle is a grand 14th century castle situated on a remote Northumberland headland. In 1322 after the execution of Earl Thomas the castle fell to Joh of Gaunt who converted the twin tower gatehouse into a keep. Today the magnificent ruins remain and are owned by both English Heritage and the National Trust and are accessible after a short field walk and remain to be explored.
Edlingham Castle
Seated in picturesque fields Edlingham Castle is a small castle ruin and is recognise for its noticeable leaning tower and impressive arches. Located next door to the castle is the 11th century St John the Baptist Church which along with the castle is freely available to visit. Edlingham Castle is notably known for having been voted on of the top three castles in Northumberland.
Etal Castle
Built in the 14th century by Robert Manners Etal castle fell to James IV’s invading scots army before their defeat at the Flodden battlefield. Visitors to the castle can explore the remaining ruins or an exhibition outlining the story of the Anglo-Scottish warfare of the castle. Etal Castle is just next-door to the Etal station of the Heatherslaw Light Railway.
Eyemouth Museum
Eyemouth Museum is a small independent museum in the heart of Eyemouth. The museum features a range of artefacts and stories to tell the fishing and social heritage of Eyemouth. The museum showcases the intricate Eyemouth Tapestry which commemorates the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881 and houses a tourist information centre to help you make the most of your visit to Eyemouth.
Farne Islands
Remotely tucked away off the coast of Northumberland the Farne Islands are home to 23 different species of seabirds and are a breeding ground and home to around 37,000 Puffins and a large grey seal colony in its surrounding waters. The Farne Islands are home to a small chapel on the Inner Farne and Longstone Lighthouse famous for being the location of the rescue performed by Grace Darling.
Flodden Battlefield
The Flodden battlefield is the location where the battle of Flodden took place between the armies of James IV of Scotland and the Earl of Surrey in the afternoon of the 9th September 1513. The battle which took place in the fields to the south of Branxton and the slops of its hill for a total of 3 hours resulted in the death of most of James IV’s nobles and around 10,00 of his countrymen. Visitors to the battlefield can walk the fields and view the tall granite cross erected in 1910 in commemoration of the battle.
Floors Castle
Located in Roxburgh Floors Castle and built by architect William Adam in 1721 for the 1st Duke of Roxburgh, Floors Castle holds a wealth of history and extensive grounds to explore. Floors Castle grounds feature a range of shops such as a gift shop and garden shop and a cafe for refreshments.
Gunsgreen House
Built in the 1750s by local smuggler and merchant John Nisbet, Gunsgreen House is a house full of history and secrets. Visitors can learn about the historic smuggling trade of Eyemouth as they browse the many period rooms of the house and uncover the secrets built in. Gunsgreen House is very child friendly and features activities for kids such as dressing up, a “Rat Trail” and a become a smuggler activity.
Heatherslaw Light Railway
Ride the Heatherslaw Light Railway a great family friendly short 4mile railway that runs between Heatherslaw and Etal. The Railway have a range of carriages suitable for wet, dry weather and wheelchairs that are pulled by their very own steam locomotives “Bunty and “Lady Augusta” or diesel engine “Binky”. Both stations have great places to visit just a stone’s throw away such as Heatherslaw Mill & Etal Castle.
Heatherslaw Mill
Located on the banks of the River Till Heatherslaw Mill is the only working mill in Northumberland with a milling history of over 700 years. Visitors to the mill can explore the historic building along with learning about and watching the milling process from beginning to end. The mill contains a range of family friendly features and exhibitions making any visit enjoyable for all the family.
Housesteads Roman Fort
Situated high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads was once the home and workplace of 800 Roman soldiers. The spectacular remains of the fort include the barrack blocks, a hospital, granaries, a commander’s house and old Roman toilets. The fort also features spectacular views of Hadrian’s Wall and a museum displaying Roman Finds.
Jedburgh Abbey
Founded by King David I in 1138 for Augustinian Canons Jedburgh Abbey is a stunning Romanesque gothic style abbey located in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. Surrounding the remains of the grand abbey are a collection remains of the abbeys cloister and domestic buildings.
Jedburgh Abbey’s visitor centre showcases a range of artefacts such as the intricate 12th century “Jedburgh Comb” and carved stones uncovered from the excavations of the abbeys cloister buildings along with a selection of exhibitions and visitor amenities.
Kirkley Hall Zoo
Located in Ponteland, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is home to over 200 species of animals such as Lemurs, Coatis, Wallabies, Emu, Meerkats, Snakes and more! Visitors to the zoo can browse the animals as well as burning off energy in the parks play areas such as their high ropes course complete with a 120-metre zip wire.
Lindisfarne Castle
Seated on top of a volcanic mound and built in the 1550’s Lindisfarne Castle is a grand picturesque historical monument overlooking over Holy Island and afar. Purchased in 1901 by Edward Hudson from the Crown and later in 1902 the castle was transformed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens into the Edwardian Style country house that can be seen today. Located next door to the castle are the free Holy Island Lime Kilns and Gertrude Jekyll Walled Garden.
Lindisfarne Mead
Since the 1960’s Lindisfarne Mead have been creating and selling unique alcoholic products created exclusively in their very own winery located on Holy Island. Visitors to the showroom can sample their range of mead produce and purchases their very own in a vary of bottle sizes. Just next door is also a shop selling great mementos and gifts for any trip to Holy Island.
Lindisfarne Priory
Lindisfarne Priory is one of the most important centres of early Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England as was home to St Cuthbert and his monks upon being founded in AD635. Today visitors can explore the extensive priory remains and learn more about the wealth of history behind its walls at the priory museum.
Maltings Theatre & Cinema
The Maltings is a purpose built arts complex located in the walled town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. The Maltings showcase a diverse range of live events, workshops and digital cinema screenings in their 5 level building consisting of a main 300 seat theatre room, 70 seat studio space and cinema screens. The Maltings is home to The Stage bar and The Maltings Kitchen which features views of the River Tweed.
Northam Castle
Seated on a high grass mound overlooking the River Tweed, Norham Castle was once an important stronghold in the Scottish borders. Frequently attacked by the Scots causing it to besieged at least 13 times by Robert Bruce. Despite holding of many attacks the castle fell to James IV’s cannon attack in 1513 shortly before his defeat in the battle of Flodden.
Northumberland National Park
Covering an area of more than 400 square miles Northumberland National Park is the least populated National Park in the UK. The park features stunning remote tranquil landscapes with plenty of unspoilt sights and wildlife such as the moorland bird, red squirrels and black grouse. Northumberland National Park is a great place to take part in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and more!
Northumberlandia
Northumberlandia is a stunning piece of landform art created in a 46-acre community parkland just off the A1. The centrepiece of the park is Northumberlandia, a human lady sculpture formed using 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil totalling. Visitors can both walk the many spiralling paths around the lady or take a walk in the woodland area.
Paxton House
Located uphill from the River Tweed, Paxton House is a grand country house built by John Adam for which currently showcases a large collection of Chippendale furniture, historic costumes and 18th & 19th century art. Paxton House has over 80 acers of land which feature stunning gardens and woodland as well as a family friendly playground complete with zip wire!
Potadoodledo
Potadoodledo is fun for all the family with its art studio where people of all ages can try their hand at painting a wide range of ceramic items from plates and bowls to figurines and boxes or re fuel in the Potadoodledo resturant. Potadoodledo also makes a great place to stay in Northumberland with its Wigwam Village which are sure to make any stay in Northumberland memorable and unique.
Preston Tower
Built between 1392 and 1399 Preston Tower was built during the height of the warfare between the English and the Scots. In 1415 it was one of 78 pele towers in Northumberland and was owned by Sir Guiscard Harbottle who was killed fighting against James IV at the battle of Flodden in 1513. Today the tower stands tall surrounded by manicured gardens ready to be climbed and explored by visitors.
RNLI Grace Darling Museum
The Grace Darling Museum located in Bamburgh is a free museum that is dedicated to showcasing the incredible story of Grace Darling who aged 22 risked her life to rescue survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire boat on the 7th September 1838. The museum tells the story of her brave rescue though a collection of her personal items and interactive displays and videos.
Roman Army Museum
The Roman Army Museum is located next to Waltown Crags, one of the highest sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The museum houses a range of exhibitions, galleries and a 3D Film to immerse visitors into the life of the roman army.
Vindolanda
Explore Vindolanda, the most excavated site on the Roman Frontier and museum with its collection of Roman objects. 40+ years of active archaeology has brought this Roman frontier site and its people straight from the past right into the present.
Warkworth Castle
Situated on the hilltop above the River Coquet Warkworth Castle is one of the largest fortresses in Northumberland. Once famous for having been owned by the Percy Family who now own the famous Alnwick Castle. With its extensive remains and noticeable cross shaped and seasonal Medieval events, Warkworth Castle has plenty for visitors to explore.
Whitehouse Farm Centre
The Whitehouse Farm Centre in Morpeth is a family friendly attraction where people of all ages can see, handle and feed a wide range of animals from traditional breeds to unusual and exotic species. The farm has a range of family friendly activities to keep children entertained including play areas, tractor rides and animal feeding and more!
Places to Visit
Find a Place to Visit in and just beyond Northumberland.
