Northumberland National Park at a glance
- Size: over 400 square miles, the largest of Northumberland's protected landscapes
- Established: 1956, making 2026 its 70th anniversary
- Dark skies: a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, one of the best stargazing spots in England
- Highlights: the Cheviot Hills, Hadrian's Wall, Kielder Water & Forest Park, and Ingram and Breamish Valley
- Best for: horse riding in Northumberland, walking, cycling, wildlife-spotting, stargazing and getting properly off-grid
From waterfalls to ancient walls
Northumberland National Park, with its clear air and pristine waters, is home to some of the region's most peaceful hidden gems, remote footpaths and remarkable nature. Guided walks, mountain biking, stargazing, and even spotting the wild Cheviot goats can all be experienced across its landscapes.
Covering more than 400 square miles, the Cheviot Hills rise at the northern edge of the Park along the Scottish border, while Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site dominates the south, with Kielder Water & Forest Park to the west.
Get out into nature on foot, by bike, or foraging as you go. Ingram Valley is home to the rushing Linhope Spout waterfall and Bronze Age settlements, while the secluded College Valley offers dramatic scenery and a chance to spot the rare wild Cheviot goats.
Looking for something more active? Try rock climbing, horse riding, mountain biking or trail running across this huge natural adventure playground. The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is an excellent starting point, open year-round with a fully accessible grass roof and viewing platform, a café with panoramic views, and a free exhibition.
No visit is complete without exploring the Park's history. The 2,000-year-old Hadrian's Wall cuts across the rolling landscape, while lesser-known sites like the Bronze Age burial grounds at Turf Knowe in the Breamish Valley and the mystical Brocolitia Temple of Mithras reward those willing to venture off the main paths.
Visit in autumn or winter and nightfall brings some of the darkest skies in the country. Head to gold-tier rated dark sky sites across the Park, and look out for stargazing events at locations like Cawfields and Walltown Dark Sky Discovery Sites.
