Walking holidays in Northumberland
There’s lots to love in England's northernmost county: gloriously intact churches, ruined fortresses, and all manner of Roman, Viking and Anglo-Saxon relics. It’s a region that plays up to its good looks; think wide-open spaces, vast golden beaches, enchanting forests, and unspoilt shorelines. And then, of course, there’s Hadrian’s Wall – the legendary pile of stones that marked the frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years.
The Northumberland Coast Path is a 62-mile stretch that connects the village of Cresswell in the south to the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north. Our Northumberland walking holidays showcase the very best of this magnificent trail.
Heavenly walks
One of the most spectacular walking routes in the region is St Oswalds Way. Follow in the footsteps of the early 7th century King of Northumbria – later venerated as a saint – who made it his mission to bring Christianity to the kingdom. Some of the best bits include the gorgeous fishing village of Craster, the impressive sea-facing remains of Bamburgh Castle, and the chance to walk across a narrow isthmus of sand to the tidal island of Lindisfarne.
And given that the rugged coast is bestowed with Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status, the array of outdoor activities does not disappoint. Try your hand at kite surfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, or zip-lining. Alternatively, take a boat trip to the Farne Islands for spotting puffins, seals, and even bottlenose dolphins or minke whales.
Screen-worthy scenery
Inland it's all about roaming the Simonside Hills for soul-stirring views across the Cheviot Hills and walks through Northumberland National Park.
Another pitstop is Alnwick, the showstopping market town famous for Alnwick Castle – the family home of the 12th Duke of Northumberland that doubled as Hogwarts in two Harry Potter movies. Here you can shop for second-hand books, visit Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery, and relax at Alnwick Gardens (even braving the Poison Garden). And with our characterful country house in Alnmouth as a base, you can spend sunny days on the giant sandy bay that is Alnmouth Beach.
