Shopping in Northumberland

Shopping in Northumberland is an enjoyable experience. We are host to a wide range of shops, galleries, outlets and markets. Northumberland boasts unique antique and book shops, brilliant arts, creative photography, a variety of markets and a range of local produce ready for you to take home.

Unique Shopping Experiences

Our historic market towns, such as Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Morpeth, and Hexham offer a fantastic shopping experience with craft shops, art galleries, old-fashioned department stores and well-established High Street names all nestling next to each other. We're big on individuality, for evidence of that visit Corbridge, Ashington or Blyth, each boasting a range of clothing boutiques, a traditional stores and its own old-fashioned sweet shops.

There's also Barter Books, one of the country's largest second hand book shops, housed in Alnwick's old railway station. It is a unique book browsing and shopping experience. See some of the oldest Northumbrian books on display, take in your own books to barter, purchase that special gift, or simply browse and enjoy the surroundings of the old station. You can also learn about the life of the building and the role of the railway in Alnwick.

Northumberland Markets

Be sure to visit one of our many Northumberland Markets during your stay. They range from regular weekly markets where you can buy anything from local produce to household goods, to farmers’ markets and special events markets. As well as the markets, some of the Northumberland towns – such as Amble, Alnwick, Morpeth, Blyth and Ashington – also host regular car boot sales.

Check the events section to keep up-to-date with the farmers’ and specialist markets.

Local Produce

Fresh locally produced food and drink is widely available at regular farmers' markets throughout the county. Local producers gather to sell everything from organically reared lamb, Northumberland cheeses and kippers from Craster - a favourite with the Queen. You will never be too far away from being able to purchase local produce, outlets range from small local stores to the large supermarkets. Some local produce is also available for sale through the producer’s online stores so you can order today!

Your piece of Northumberland

You can also take home an original piece of Northumberland art from your visit - perhaps beautifully crafted porcelain or glass, a piece of original jewellery or a unique gift of Northumberland Tartan. You can even take back your own piece of Northumberland County rock! Such items of memorabilia are available from most large towns, and most Tourist Information Centres.

The Art Tour

In June and July, The Art Tour welcomes visitors into Northumberland's potteries, studios and workshops to meet the artists themselves - a great opportunity to buy something truly unique and inspired by Northumberland. You can find more details about the Art Tour on this website, by visiting the official Art Tour website, or by popping into a Northumberland Tourist Information Centre to pick up the official leaflets.