In 2013, the whole of Northumberland National Park and most of Kielder Water & Forest Park became England’s first International Dark Sky Park. The designation makes the night sky a destination in its own right, alongside the expansive landscape and its historic sites. Northumberland National Park covers more than 400 square miles of countryside. There are also specific places to discover along the coast and at historic sites—from a long route to individual buildings with their own stories.
Coastal paths, castle ruins and local food
The Northumberland Coast Path is 62 miles (100 kilometres) long and runs from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north. Its endpoints give the coastal route a clear north–south direction. The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle occupy a headland on Northumberland’s rugged coast. Construction of the castle began in 1313, under Earl Thomas of Lancaster. From Craster, a 1.3-mile footpath follows the coast to the ruins and crosses working farmland. Path conditions can vary; take this into account when planning your trip.
Craster adds a longstanding food tradition to the coastal landscape: herring has been smoked there for 150 years, and kippers are served for breakfast. Check with individual businesses in advance to see if the offering you want is available. In Amble, seafood huts and an artisan food market are part of the still-operating fishing harbour. If you plan to visit the market, check opening dates and hours in advance.
Routes by length and type
The Kielder Lakeside Way is 26 miles long; shorter sections can be explored separately. By contrast, the Coast Path’s 100-kilometre length and endpoints at Cresswell and Berwick-upon-Tweed indicate its scale. This offers two distinct options: a long coastal route and a path that also has shorter sections to explore.
For cyclists, the Coast and Castles Cycle Route and Hadrian’s Cycleway can be compared by their total distances and the sections within the region. The Coast and Castles Cycle Route runs 192 miles from Newcastle to Edinburgh, 85 miles of which are in Northumberland. Hadrian’s Cycleway runs 174 miles through England, including 33 miles in Northumberland. The total distances are similar, while the respective sections in Northumberland differ considerably.
Roman and medieval history
Housesteads is Britain’s most complete Roman fort. The five-acre site preserves gates, a wall with towers, the commander’s house, a hospital and communal toilets. An interactive museum explores Roman history. Here, you can see both the preserved parts of the fort and a place where Roman history is the subject of a museum.
Other sites also bring history to life through specific buildings. Warkworth Castle was once the home of the powerful Percy family; an audio tour takes visitors through the Great Tower. Hexham Abbey was built as a monastery in AD 674. The crypt is all that remains of the original building.
When visiting Holy Island, plan for the tide-dependent crossing. Check safe crossing times before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Blanchland, Wooler, Slaley, Rothbury, Ponteland, Morpeth, Matfen, Longhorsley, Hexham, Fourstones, Duddo, Chollerford, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Berwick Hill, Bamburgh, Ashington, Alnwick, Newham, Eshott, Belford, Alnmouth, North Sunderland, Carham, Eglingham, Chatton, Allendale Town, Cornhill-On-Tweed, Kirknewton, Wark, Warkworth, Embleton, Bellingham, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea, Cramlington, Seaton Delaval, West Woodburn, Bardon Mill, Seahouses, Chathill, Heddon On The Wall, Wandylaw, Alwinton, Blyth, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Powburn, Lowick, Haltwhistle, Gilsland, Bothal, Boulmer, Sharperton, Wylam, Greenhaugh, Felton, Spittal, Slaggyford, Guyzance, Shilbottle, Wall, Longframlington, Ilderton, Brampton, Glanton, Hepple, Ellington, Elsdon, Craster, Chillingham, Corbridge, Amble, Kirkwhelpington, Haydon Bridge, Greenhead, Holburn Village, Widdrington, Edlingham, Mickley, Lesbury, Swinhoe, Mindrum, Longwitton, Callaly, Wooperton, Newton-on-the-Moor, Cresswell, Coanwood
For the regional travel overview: North East England.
