Looking for ways to spend your autumn break in Northumberland? Take a look at our list of 10 things to do in Northumberland this autumn, featuring everything from stargazing to pumpkin picking.
Come rain or shine this autumn, Northumberland has a whole host of things to do and scenic destinations to enjoy.
Here’s how to make the most of the crisp mornings, dark evenings and array of autumn colours in Northumberland:
1) Take a walk in Northumberland
One of the most irresistible things about autumn is its colours. Oranges and copper browns cloak the landscape, and the Cheviot Hills in particular make for a stunning hiking spot. Roe deer dash over the heather and buzzards circle overhead in the peaceful and frosty landscape. Take a look at our walking routes in Northumberland for more inspiration.
2) Experience afternoon tea in Northumberland
While the cold (and sometimes wet) weather isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there’s just something about heading into a café or tearoom and cosying up with a cuppa or enjoying an afternoon tea. Snug cafes with sink-into-seating and menus of frothy coffees and fluffy cakes can be found across the county. The Drift Cafe sits on the seafront, offering staggering views and exquisite breakfasts. Or try The Running Fox at Kirkharle Courtyard, tucked away in a picturesque spot in the tiny hamlet of Kirkharle, offering an extensive menu of coffees, brunches and lunches, as well as selling artwork, crafts and local artisan eats to take home with you as gifts or to enjoy yourself. Head to our food and drink page for some drink-spiration.
3) Get toasty with Sunday lunch in Northumberland
It’s the perfect time of year for a long walk followed by a hearty roast dinner, and an even cosier way to dine is by a crackling open fire. A number of our pubs boast roaring fireplaces perfect for warming your toes after a hike in the crisp autumn air, with some of the best sunday lunches in the North East ready to refuel you for more autumn adventures. Grab your pub grub in the countryside at The Pheasant Inn, The Angel of Corbridge, The Highlander, Lord Crewe Arms, The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest or The Northumberland Arms. Or, stop off by the sea and book a table at the seafront Old Buoy Inn in Seahouses.
4) Autumn stays in Northumberland
Autumn is the perfect time to huddle up in that cosy holiday cottage, rustic log cabin or quirky Northumberland accommodation you’ve had your eye on. Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages and Crabtree and Crabtree both offer a range of self-catering accommodation options with beautifully-decorated living areas, toasty log burners and sweeping sea views. Or, hide out in a luxurious log cabin with a private hot tub in the forest at Kielder Waterside. Pick a Northumberland B&B where warm welcomes and outstanding customer service are guaranteed, such as Old Rectory Howick or Market Cross Guesthouse. Take a look at our 'Where to Stay' page for some autumn accommodation inspiration for where to stay for your weekend break in Northumberland.
5) Watch the sun come up along Northumberland’s coast
Northumberland’s sunrises and sunsets are always spectacular, but in autumn they are pretty hard to beat. When the sun is low, a candy-floss-pink illuminates the sky and simply takes your breath away. Wake up early, wrap up warm, pack a flask and take a windycoastal walk for a spectacular sunrise to start your day. Some of our favourite spots on the Northumberland Coast for sun rise spectating include Budle Bay, Bamburgh beach and Alnmouth. Or, head inland and stay out until sunset, where the horizon becomes fiery with the low sun. Hadrian’s Wall is a particular favourite for astounding sunsets perfectly framed by the ancient wall.
6) Enjoy a Northumberland stargazing experience
On that note, along with the dreaded dark nights and mornings comes one of the best things about autumn: the awe-inspiring dark skies that mean you can gaze into the galaxy. The jet black skies make the stars appear clearer, brighter and more spectacular. Search for the stars at Kielder Observatory and graze while you gaze at award-winning Battlesteads’ shooting star supper. Pull on your walking boots and head to Northumberland National Park, where The Sill, Cawfields, The Stonehaugh Pavilion and Harbottle are all excellent spots for stargazing in Northumberland.
7) Explore the autumn colours of Northumberland gardens
Northumberland’s gardens are great places to get away from the crowds in autumn. The swarms of summer visitors have generally cleared, and the ever-changing garden fauna has turned orange and crisp, making for a stunningly colourful day out. From mazes to manor houses and pumpkins to Poison Gardens, we have an array of peaceful gardens to explore at the change of season, including some of our favourites Wallington Hall and Gardens, Belsay Hall and Gardens, as well as the famous Alnwick Garden. Why not discover more of the area by visiting Alnwick town?
8) Go Wild
Head out on an adventure with Fells’ Kitchen, joining a Mountain Leader-led hike through some of Northumberland’s most picturesque beauty spots, complete with a freshly cooked lunch served out on the hills. Or discover the county’s wilder side with Hepple Wilds, a pioneering rewilding project in the heart of the Coquet Valley, keeping an eye out for roe deer, raptors and rare flora along the way. For a taste of the wild, join The Cramlington Forager on a guided walk to discover the abundance of edible plants, fruits and fungi hiding in plain sight.
9) Pick your own pumpkin
What more festive way to get in the autumnal spirit than by going pumpkin picking? Brocksbushes Farm offers fantastic fruit picking opportunities throughout the year, and throughout October their pumpkin patch is the star of the show. This year, they have expanded the experience as they have even more pumpkins, as well as carnival rides, face painting, a carving tent, as well as interactive games and displays. Pre-booking is essential, so head to their website and sign up to their events newsletter to be the first to hear when tickets are available.
10) Enjoy indoor activities in Northumberland
We can’t ignore the fact that autumn comes with the potential for some drizzly weather. If you wake up to the somewhat comforting sound of rain tapping at your window, head to one of Northumberland’s indoor attractions. Spell-binding Bamburgh Castle, beautiful Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, enchanting Cragside House, Gardens and Estate and more, all have weekend opening hours throughout October, November and December. Each has stunning interiors with rich regional historical significance to admire and, if the sky does clear, their gardens are worth a wander.
Now you have some inspiration for your autumn adventures, don't forget to tag us on social media when you're sharing snaps of your trip. Tag us at @visitnorthumberland or use our hashtags #visitnorthumberland #endlessexperiences
Author: Jenni Meikle
