Once a mediaeval kingdom under the Angles, Northumbria used to denote a wide area stretching from the Humber Estuary in the south, west across the country to the River Mersey, and north into south east Scotland at the Firth of Forth. Now the extent of Northumbria is limited to the eastern coast of England, with its northern-most point at Berwick-upon-Tweed; but Northumbria still retains its rugged reputation. Once the northern limits of the Roman Empire, Northumbria still boasts more castles that anywhere else in England.
Things to do in Northumbria To the north east of the region, the Northumbria National Park offers walkers and wildlife-watchers a tranquil and remote space, with the Cheviots at the northern border with Scotland, areas of rolling moorland and forest - including Kielder Forest, the largest man-made woodland in Europe - in between, and reaching down to the Roman fortifications of Hadrian’s Wall in the south.
Now designated as a World Heritage Site, and perhaps the finest Roman monument built in Britain, the 73 miles of Hadrian’s Wall are a popular trek for long-distance walkers, and also for keen cyclists, who follow Route 72 of the National Cycle Network. There are also well-established cycle trails through Kielder Forest, and along the east coastal extremities of the region.
High Force Waterfall on the River Tees sees the full power of the river plunging over the 71ft precipice of the black rock of Great Whin Sill, and down into the wide pool below; although it is not the highest waterfall in England, it makes a dramatic spectacle for visitors.
Top Destinations
Alnwick – Promoting itself as at the heart of Northumbria, any visit to the historic market town of Alnwick would be incomplete without a trip to the amazing fortifications of Alnwick Castle and the surrounding majesty of Alnwick Gardens, the latter the recent creation of the Duchess of Northumberland. Alnwick Castle has been the home of the Percy family, latterly the Dukes of Northumberland, for more than 700 years. Meanwhile, on the road from Alnwick to Rothbury, the picturesque ruins of the 14th century Edlingham Castle lie close to the river, and are carefully maintained for visitors by English Heritage.
Berwick-upon-Tweed – At the northern-most tip of Northumberland, the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed changed hands repeatedly before finally falling to the English in 1482. The fine Elizabethan town walls were constructed to ensure protection from the invading Scots, and are now the only intact walls of their kind remaining in England.
Lindisfarne – St Aidan founded his monastery on ‘the Holy Island’ in 635AD, and Lindisfarne has been a centre for spirituality ever since.
The Angel of the North – Antony Gormley’s huge, futuristic steel sculpture of an angel was constructed between 1994 and 1998, and stands on the southern edge of Low Fell, near Gateshead, overlooking the A1 and A167 roads into Tyneside, and the east coast mainline rail route. The copper element in its construction gives the statue its distinctive red patina, and at 20 metres in height, the Angel is taller than a five-storey building, with wings of 54 metres in width.
Bamburgh Castle – Once the seat of the Kings of Northumbria, this vast castle spans nine acres across a high plateau of volcanic rock, overlooking the Northumberland coastline, 45 metres above sea level.
Beamish Museum – Famous for its open air reconstructed buildings, dating from Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, and for its professional, costumed re-enactments, the Museum has prided itself on being a ‘living museum’ for more than 40 years.
Hartlepool– Originally a village close to Hartlepool Abbey, the modern town of Hartlepool is famous for being the home of the creator of the cartoon pigeon-racer, Andy Capp, and the former constituency of Peter (now Lord) Mandelson.
Durham – Lying to the south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham boasts a most magnificent cathedral. Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb of St Cuthbert lies within the cathedral and is still a place of pilgrimage.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne – The Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside, also known as ‘Newcastle Quayside’ and ‘Gateshead Quays’, is an area of dockland along the River Tyne that has recently been redeveloped into a vibrant centre for the arts and entertainment. Site of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Quayside is now a major local attraction, with numerous events and entertainment options taking place all year round.
Stanhope – Situated on the banks of the River Wear, with a strong industrial and mining heritage, the town of Stanhope boasts a pretty 12th century church, while a 18th century castle stands in the centre of the town, possibly on the site of an earlier, mediaeval motte and bailey castle.
Hexham – A thriving market town, Hexham was one of the many border settlements to suffer in the wars between Scotland and England. Hexham Abbey, the 15th century Moot Hall and the Old Gaol are three particularly notable buildings in the town.
Barnard Castle – Once the site of a now-ruined Norman castle, this town is also home to the Bowes Museum, a purpose-built public art gallery; in addition to fine art, the museum is well-known for its textiles and tapestries, and the grand, French style architecture of the building itself sits somewhat incongruously in the local landscape.
The Snuggery, Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, County Durham
Nestled away behind the quaint village green of Staindrop and facing Langley Beck, this semi-detached, single-storey holiday cottage is ideal for couples wanting to get away from it all, relax and spoil themselves in a ...
The Stables, Frosterley, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Overlooking the River Wear, these superb conversions of the barn, old byre and stables provide a wonderful holiday retreat. Surrounded by unspoilt countryside and is set in a haven of peace and tranquillity. Adjoining one ...
Burn Cottage, Newpallyards, Hethersgill, Nr Brampton, Carlisle, Cumbria
Burn Cottage is a sensitively restored sandstone barn conversion. Downstairs, patio doors open out onto a large garden; upstairs, you can enjoy magnificent views of the countryside.
The first floor family bedroom has ...
Croftmere, Cresswell, near Morpeth, Northumberland
This detached, spacious property with a side sun room and play area to admire the view towards Druridge Bay is only a few minutes walk to the sandy beach and coastline. Sleeping up to 14 people with 2 family bedrooms and ...
Graham's Lodge, 33, king street, seahouses, northumberland
4* SELF CATERING HOLIDAY HOME IN THE QUAINT VILLAGE OF SEAHOUSES.
DECORATED TO A HIGH STANDARD THROUGHOUT WITH ALL MOD CONS
3 Bedrooms ( 2 doubles, 1 single with adult size double bottom bunk & childs size on top ...
Hedgehope Cottage is a modern, 2 bedroom townhouse in a quiet location, close to all town centre amenities with a lovely quiet patio area to the rear with outdoor seating and bistro set.
The living room provides ...
Oak Tree Barn is a lovely barn conversion with bright and airy open plan living accommodation and a cosy wood burner. These delightful, terraced, stone barn conversions are in the centre of Otterburn only 200 yards from ...
Woodys Lodge, Felmoor Holiday Park, Eshottheugh, Morpeth, Northumberland
We are the proud owners of Woody’s Lodge which is located in a quiet cul-de-sac on a country park in the heart of Northumberland. The three bedroom property boasts a spacious outdoor area for you to relax, dine and take ...
This tastefully appointed, semi-detached holiday home is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Seahouses. It boasts a south facing decked area with plants and shrubs, and a sun room with additional TV/DVD. ...
Aidan Cottage, Craster, near Alnwick, Northumberland
Just 200 yards from Craster harbour is this traditional holiday cottage in the centre of the village. Refurbished to a very good standard maintaining the coastal theme throughout. Decked sitting area at the back. Enjoy ...
Norham, just 6 miles from the coast, has great local amenities, lovely walks along the River Tweed and easy access to Edinburgh and Newcastle. The terraced cottage has a long history with the year 1707 engraved above the ...
Alnwick Loft is an apartment all on ground floor level and is tastefully furnished throughout, and the open plan living space is extremely stylish and leads to two well-presented double bedrooms. A contemporary bathroom ...
Alnwick Malthouse is a stunning, modern apartment in the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick. Formerly a working malthouse, this unique building is steeped in history and has been converted into a collection of ...
Alnwick Old Brewery Apartment is a beautifully presented apartment situated within the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick. Formerly a working malthouse, this unique building is steeped in history and has been ...
Only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre in the friendly seaside town of Amble is this good sized terraced holiday home. The working harbour, a short walk, has a popular sunday market with fish and chip shops and an ...
Anna's Cottage, East Burton, near Bamburgh, Northumberland
Nestled in a quiet hamlet of pretty, white-washed, former farm cottages known as East Burton, the location and quality of this stunning, mid-terrace cottage is simply divine! Anna’s Cottage enjoys a tranquil and rural ...
'A gracious manor and cottages of mellow stone . . . between history-steeped hills and a coast of golden sands . . .'Standing proudly at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, on the edge of the glorious Northumberland National ...
Bakers Cottage, Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, Barnard Castle
Bakers Cottage, which is believed to have been a place where villagers could buy their bread from, is a typical terraced cottage in the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding ...
Barkers, Ellington, near Druridge, Northumberland, Morpeth
Only a short drive from Druridge Bay, this character terraced property is an ideal holiday base for exploring the enchanting county of Northumberland. Opposite the village pub in Ellington, this charming cottage has a ...
Within 15 minutes of Holy Island and Goswick Sands, this is a great semi-detached cottage for families to relax in comfortable surroundings with lots of activities on the doorstep. There are good local facilities in ...
Bay View, Whitley Bay, Northumberland, Newcastle Upon Tyne
With magnificent views over the sea and towards St Mary’s Lighthouse, The Links, and The Spanish City Dome, Bay View is perfectly located in a prime position to enjoy the perfect seaside holiday. With three beaches ...
Relax watching the waves break in Beadnell Bay from the balcony of Bayview. This spacious apartment in the heart of Beadnell is the perfect base for discovering castles, nature reserves and attractive market towns.Set ...
Beach Cottage is set only a few steps from the working harbour in this friendly seaside town. The harbour has been redeveloped and now houses a few fish restaurants and small pod style craft shops as well as some pretty ...
Beach Haven, Beadnell, near Alnwick, Northumberland
In the seaside village of Beadnell, this pleasant holiday bungalow is just 150 yards from the beach, ideal for walking and enjoying the coastline. Seahouses, known for its beach, golf course and boat trips to the Farne ...
Beachcomber Cottage, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, near Ashington, Northumberland, Morpeth
Beachcomber Cottage is set behind Front Street, only a short walk from the promenade and beach in this small, friendly town. Once a thriving fishing community, there are now only a few boats to be seen out fishing. The ...
Beachcroft, Beadnell, near Seahouses, Northumberland
Beachcroft is a well appointed, spacious and comfortable ground floor apartment situated in the heart of the popular coastal village of Beadnell, with the sea edged by a small sandy beach and rocky outcrops, only 200 yards ...
Beachview is a pet friendly first floor apartment nestled amongst similar properties, situated less than 100 yards from the beautiful wide expanses of Beadnell Bay. The property has a welcoming homely ambience and the ...
Belle View, near Frosterley, County Durham, Stanhope
For guests searching for a peaceful holiday destination, Belle View is the perfect holiday cottage to choose. Attached to the owner’s home, and sitting high up amongst the hills and valleys of scenic Weardale, Belle View ...
Bernicia Sands, Beadnell, near Seahouses, Northumberland
Bernicia Sands is a detached bungalow found nestled behind the sand dunes of Beadnell Bay. This stunning property sits within a development of similar ’New England’ clapboard-style properties known as Beadnell Point. ...
Birch Cottage, Bryness, near Otterburn,, Northumberland
Birch Cottage has a multi-fuel burner for a warm and welcoming interior, perfect for relaxing after a day exploring. Relax amid spectacular and dramatic scenery in this gloriously unspoilt part of Northumberland. Lying ...
Tucked away in the middle of a row of traditional terraced cottages, Bishop’s Cottage is warm, welcoming and the perfect place for families to enjoy the nearby entertainment. Totally refurbished throughout in 2018, this ...
Blackbird House is an attractive stone-built terraced Regency property situated in the historic market town of Alnwick. The property oozes character and charm and the homely living room has a gorgeous open fire to snuggle ...
Set in the heart of the historic village of Elsdon, within the Northumberland National Park, this unique and beautifully presented cottage adjoins a public house and overlooks the village green: rumoured to be one of the ...
Ground floor: Living/dining room/kitchen. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 single. Shower room with walk-in shower and toilet. Z bed available on request. ...
Botany Cottage, Christon Bank, near Alnwick,, Craster, Northumberland
These adjoining cosy cottages are located only a short drive from the spectacular Northumberland Coast and can be booked together to accommodate up to 6 guests. It is a perfect location for a coastal holiday in this ...
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With wooden floor and patio doors leading to fenced patio area.Living area: With 30' Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With breakfast area, electric oven, ...
Situated in the peaceful village of Bishop Middleham, which is just a short drive away from the city of Durham, semi-detached Brewery House Cottage is the perfect destination for guests wanting to explore the surrounding ...
United Kingdom cottages
