spring-carlhalliday

Spring in Northumberland

Spring is spectacular
Like little lambs opening their eyes for the first time, Northumberland comes to life in spring! Many Northumberland attractions dust off their cobwebs after closing for winter and the county (literally) blossoms as its wildlife is second to none.

Too much of a good spring

In springtime, daffodils surround some of our castles, Japanese Taihaku Cherry Blossoms bloom at The Alnwick Garden, Ospreys return to Kielder Water & Forest Park and you can see freshly-hatched pufflings on Coquet Island and The Farne Islands. All in all, Northumberland is pretty magical in spring.

Things to do in Northumberland in Spring

Wondering where to see daffodils? Visit Warkworth Castle, where a host of golden daffodils surrounds the fortification which sits above the cobbled village of Warkworth and the romantic River Coquet. Howick Hall Garden & Arboretum is a gardener's paradise, with the grounds packed full of daffodils from March. Alnwick Castle also floods with bright and beautiful daffodils that flutter in the breeze and add a burst of colour to the grounds.

Spring at The Alnwick Garden sees the spectacular sight of Japanese Taihaku Cherry Blossom in its cherry orchard. Explore the extensive grounds at Cragside, whose Rhododendron display is legendary, and marvel at the microclimate of The Quarry Garden at Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens, home to a vast array of exotic plants and trees usually found across the globe.

Wallington Hall is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, parkland and woodland waiting to be explored, and the gardens at Seaton Delaval Hall, created by John Vanbrugh, are now the most complete Vanbrugh landscape in existence, pre-dating Capability Brown. Head across the Holy Island causeway crossing (check causeway crossing times first) to the winner of Countryfile Magazine’s Garden of the Year 2019, The Gertrude Jekyll Garden at Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island.

Prepare to get back to nature with England’s most tranquil National Park, the largest reservoir in Northern Europe, two National Landscapes and many Nature Reserves just waiting to be explored. You'll see the Kielder ospreys returning to Kielder Water & Forest Park, discover rare Black Grouse in the heather moorland of the North Pennines AONB, and spot puffins on Coquet Island and the Farne Islands.

So whether you are looking to plan a springtime weekend break in Northumberland, after being inspired by watching a series of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes on BBC Iplayer or from spotting the beautiful landscapes featured in the 28 Years Later Northumberland film set in the region. Or you are making a visit to the region as part of a family day out in Northumberland over one of bank holiday weekends in Northumberland or February half term, Northumberland has so many events, destinations and attractions to offer visitors in Spring.Make sure to plan your visit to the area with Visit Northumberland.

Places to Eat and Drink in Northumberland in Spring

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy Northumberland’s food and drink scene, as lighter days and seasonal produce inspire menus across the county. From coastal cafés and harbour-side restaurants serving freshly landed seafood, to cosy pubs in Northumberland showcasing spring lamb, wild garlic and local cheeses, there’s something to suit every taste. Garden tearooms and farm cafés reopen for the season, offering homemade bakes, warming lunches and the perfect offerings of afternoon tea in Northumberland. Restaurants refresh their menus to celebrate the very best of spring ingredients from the region, including Sunday lunches in Northumberland.

Stay in the know

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal highlights, must-see events, and insider tips. Get regular updates on the best things to do, see and experience in England’s most magical county.