From waterfalls to ancient walls
Northumberland National Park, with its clear air and pristine waters, is home to some of our most peaceful hidden gems, remotest footpaths and most astounding nature. Guided walks, mountain biking, stargazing, and even wild Cheviot Goat-spotting can all be experienced across its serene landscapes.
Covering more than 400 square miles, the lofty Cheviot Hills at the uppermost section of the National Park scales the Scottish Border, whilst the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site dominates the south, with Kielder Water & Forest Park to the west.
Be at one with nature and go foraging, walking, cycling or wildlife-spotting. Ingram Valley boasts the beauty spot that is the rushing Linhope Spout waterfall, as well as Bronze Age settlements, while secluded College Valley is home to dramatic valleys and rare Wild Cheviot Goats. Only 12 cars are allowed here per day to preserve the clean air, so you can either buy a permit ahead of visiting, or arrive on foot or by bike.
Looking for an active outing? Ramp up the action and go rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking or trail running in this huge adventure playground. The Sill; National Landscape Discovery Centre is an excellent starting point for your adventure and hub to guide you on the National Park. Located on Hadrian’s Wall, The Sill is open year-round and boasts a fully-accessible grass roof with viewing platform, an 80-seat café with panoramic views, a free-to-enter exhibition and more.
You can’t discuss Northumberland National Park without mentioning its fascinating history. The 2000 year-old Hadrian’s Wall dives across the rolling hills and dramatic landscape. Explore lesser-known ancient spots like the remains of Bronze Age burial sites at Turf Knowe in the Breamish Valley, or the mystical Brocolitia Temple of Mithras.
If you decide to visit in autumn or winter, nightfall brings the incredible experience of stargazing in the darkest skies in the country. There are many places in the National Park where you can galaxy gaze into gold-tier rated dark skies, and look out for solar and star gazing events throughout the year at locations like the Cawfields and Walltown Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
