Camping in Northumberland
Where is Northumberland?
Northumberland is a county located in the northeast of England, United Kingdom. It shares borders with Scotland to the north, County Durham to the south, and Cumbria to the west. The North Sea forms its eastern coastline. Northumberland is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Northumberland National Park, the Cheviot Hills, and the Northumberland Coast, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The county town of Northumberland is Alnwick, and other significant towns include Berwick-upon-Tweed, Morpeth, Hexham, and Blyth.
Top 10 attractions in Northumberland
Northumberland offers a wide range of tourist attractions, including historical sites, stunning natural landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best attractions to visit in Northumberland:
Alnwick Castle: This medieval castle in Alnwick is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. It has been featured in movies and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series.
Hadrian's Wall: Built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches across the county and offers scenic walking trails and opportunities to explore Roman forts and settlements.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne: This tidal island is home to the famous Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle. Accessible by a causeway at low tide, the island is steeped in history and natural beauty.
Farne Islands: Located off the coast of Northumberland, the Farne Islands are a group of small islands renowned for their diverse wildlife. They are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, and a colony of grey seals.
Bamburgh Castle: Situated on a dramatic coastal location, Bamburgh Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK. It offers breath taking views and an opportunity to explore its historic interiors.
Northumberland National Park: This vast national park covers an area of over 1,050 square kilometres and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It features rolling hills, forests, rivers, and hiking trails, including the famous Pennine Way.
Kielder Water and Forest Park: Known for its dark sky status, Kielder is home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe. The park offers opportunities for water sports, cycling, walking, stargazing, and visiting the Kielder Observatory.
Cragside: This Victorian country house near Rothbury was the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity. It features beautiful gardens, woodland walks, and a wealth of technological innovations.
Warkworth Castle: Situated in the picturesque village of Warkworth, this medieval castle overlooks the River Coquet. Visitors can explore its impressive ruins and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
Wallington Hall: A stately home near Morpeth, Wallington Hall boasts beautiful gardens, woodlands, and an impressive house with a fascinating history. It also offers a walled garden, a conservatory, and a nature trail.
Top 10 best Pubs and Restaurants in Northumberland
Northumberland is known for its excellent pubs and restaurants that offer a variety of culinary experiences. Here are some of the best pubs and restaurants in the county:
Pubs:
The Joiners Arms (Newton-by-the-Sea): This traditional pub offers a cosy atmosphere, delicious food, and a great selection of local ales. It's located near the coast and provides beautiful views of the Northumberland coastline.
The Craster Arms (Beadnell): Situated in the village of Beadnell, this pub serves classic pub dishes and fresh seafood. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, known for its warm hospitality.
The Black Bull (Etal): Located in the village of Etal, this historic pub features a charming interior and a friendly atmosphere. It serves traditional pub food, including hearty meals and real ales.
The Dipton Mill Inn (Hexham): Set in a converted water mill near Hexham, this pub offers a rustic ambiance and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after exploring the nearby countryside.
The Ship Inn (Low Newton-by-the-Sea): Situated in a picturesque coastal village, this pub is known for its excellent seafood and real ales. It has a welcoming atmosphere and often hosts live music events.
Restaurants:
The Potted Lobster (Bamburgh): Located in the village of Bamburgh, this seafood restaurant focuses on serving fresh and locally sourced seafood dishes. It offers stunning views of Bamburgh Castle and the coastline.
The Treehouse Restaurant at The Alnwick Garden (Alnwick): Set within the Alnwick Garden, this unique restaurant is housed in a treehouse and provides a magical dining experience. The menu features a range of dishes made with locally produced ingredients.
Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant (Wark): Situated in Wark, this award-winning restaurant emphasizes sustainability and serves seasonal, locally sourced food. It also has an extensive wine and beer selection.
The Feathers Inn (Hedley on the Hill): Known for its commitment to using locally sourced and foraged ingredients, this Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the best of Northumberland's produce.
The Running Fox (Felton): This charming café and bakery in Felton serves delicious homemade food, including breakfasts, lunches, and baked goods. It's a great place to relax and enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
Local Festivals and Events
Northumberland hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the county's rich cultural heritage, music, arts, and outdoor activities. Here are some notable festivals and events in Northumberland:
Alnwick International Music Festival: Held annually in Alnwick, this week-long festival features performances by international musicians, dancers, and street entertainers. It offers a diverse range of music genres and cultural experiences.
Northumberland County Show: This agricultural show takes place in May each year at Bywell near Stocksfield. It showcases the best of Northumberland's farming and rural life, featuring livestock displays, horse shows, trade stands, and family entertainment.
Lindisfarne Festival: Located on the beautiful Beal Farm overlooking Holy Island, this multi-genre music and arts festival attracts both local and national talent. It offers live music, camping, workshops, food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Northumberland Pride: Celebrating diversity and LGBTQ+ culture, Northumberland Pride is an annual event that includes a colorful parade, live entertainment, community stalls, and activities. It promotes inclusivity and equality in the county.
Kielder Marathon Weekend: Held in Kielder Water and Forest Park, this weekend event includes a marathon, half-marathon, and various other races. Runners can enjoy breathtaking scenery and challenging routes through the forest and around Kielder Water.
Morpeth Gathering: This traditional music, dance, and storytelling festival takes place in Morpeth. It celebrates Northumbrian culture and heritage, featuring performances, workshops, competitions, and a grand procession.
Rothbury Traditional Music Festival: Rothbury, a picturesque village in Northumberland, hosts this annual festival dedicated to traditional music. Visitors can enjoy concerts, sessions, workshops, and ceilidhs showcasing local and regional talent.
Hexham Abbey Festival: This classical music festival takes place in Hexham Abbey, showcasing renowned performers and orchestras. It offers a series of concerts, recitals, and workshops, attracting music lovers from across the region.
Northumberland Music Festival: Held in various venues throughout Northumberland, this festival presents a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary. It features performances by local and international artists.
Bellingham All Acoustic Music Festival (BAAMFest): This festival in Bellingham celebrates acoustic music with performances from local and national artists. It offers concerts, workshops, and opportunities for musicians to participate in open mic sessions
Best Campsites in Northumberland
Northumberland offers a variety of campsites that cater to different preferences, from coastal sites to countryside retreats. Here are some of the best campsites in Northumberland:
Beadnell Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site (Beadnell): Situated near the coast, this campsite offers stunning views of Beadnell Bay. It provides spacious pitches, modern facilities, and easy access to the beach.
Haggerston Castle Holiday Park (Berwick-upon-Tweed): Located near Berwick-upon-Tweed, this park offers a range of camping options, including tent pitches and touring caravan facilities. It features numerous on-site amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Dunstan Hill Camping and Caravanning Club Site (Alnwick): Set in a peaceful countryside location near Alnwick, this campsite provides a tranquil retreat. It offers spacious pitches, modern facilities, and access to scenic walks and cycling trails.
Riverside Leisure Park (Wooler): Situated on the banks of the River Till, this campsite is nestled in the picturesque countryside near Wooler. It offers camping pitches, glamping options, and a range of facilities and activities, including fishing and canoeing.
Herding Hill Farm (Haltwhistle): Located near Hadrian's Wall, this campsite offers stunning views of the Northumberland countryside. It provides spacious pitches, luxury glamping pods, and excellent on-site facilities, including a children's play area and a shop.
Low Greenside Farm (Rothbury): Set in the Coquet Valley, this working farm campsite offers a peaceful rural setting. It provides basic facilities, electric hook-ups, and a friendly atmosphere, with easy access to hiking trails in the Northumberland National Park.
Seafield Caravan Park (Seahouses): Situated near the coastal village of Seahouses, this campsite offers pitches for tents, touring caravans, and motorhomes. It provides access to beautiful beaches, boat trips to the Farne Islands, and the amenities of Seahouses.
Springhill Farm Camping and Caravanning Site (Seahouses): This family-friendly campsite is located close to the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers spacious pitches, modern facilities, and a range of on-site activities, including a play park and farm animals.
Waren Caravan and Camping Park (Bamburgh): Situated near Bamburgh Castle, this park offers a variety of camping options, including tent pitches and touring caravan facilities. It features excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant.
Brighouse Bay Holiday Park (Berwick-upon-Tweed): Although technically just across the border in Scotland, this holiday park is easily accessible from Northumberland. It offers camping pitches and a range of facilities, including a golf course, a beach, and a children's adventure playground.
What are you waiting for, Plan your trip to Northumberland now!