Summer in Northumberland

Summer is something else

Dust off your shorts and put your sunnies on; summer is here and there’s no better place to get your vitamin sea than in Northumberland. Get ready for sunny strolls, fantastic events and summer evenings in front of the sunset.

A summer to melt your heart

Life’s a beach when you visit Northumberland. We have a staggering, 30 mile-long sweeping coastline with romantic castle ruins and hidden gem bays sitting along it, as well as summer holiday events, pop-up gin bars, music festivals and a myriad of other attractions to see you through summer.

Sunset boat trips along the River Tweed, wildlife spotting at The Farne Islands, SUP Boarding with a castle as your backdrop and canoeing along the River Coquet are just a few examples of some unmissable summer activities along the coast. Or, step into your walking boots and venture inland to discover a multitude of walking, cycling and sightseeing opportunities. Take a guided walk through the Northumberland National Park, uncover the rugged beauty of the North Pennines, or delve into the epic history surrounding Hadrian’s Wall.

Whether you want to be in the heart of all the action, or get away from the crowds and explore the barely-trodden areas of Northumberland, there are attractions, days out and events that suit your summer style.

Attractions

You'll never be short of stunning sights and memorable days out in Northumberland. Seek out hidden historical sites, cruise from castle to castle along the coast, discover peaceful gardens, and be inspired by old estates and country houses.

Beaches and coastline

Admire blazing sunsets, discover hidden bays, and relish superb seafood on our pristine coastline. Spot our castles standing guard along our dramatic shoreline, and explore more than 30 miles of barely-trodden beaches.

Summer events

With tranquil beaches, beautiful blooming gardens, enchanting castles and remote countryside, Northumberland has it all. Make sure you enjoy the landscape as well as visiting some of our events during your visit this summer.

Family-friendly activities

Northumberland has something for the whole family as the school holidays approach us. From historical sites and starry skies, to idyllic scenery and gorgeous beaches. Plan your perfect family trip with our recommendations and local knowledge.

Bank holidays

You’ll never be short of something to keep you busy on a bank holiday weekend in Northumberland. Spend your long weekend discovering historic towns, attending exciting events, having endless experiences, and exploring the Northumberland coast and countryside landscapes.

Summer What's On

Type

Any

Area

Any

Places to stay in summer

Open the terrace doors of your private cottage and step straight onto the beach, place yourself amongst the best hiking routes in a countryside B&B or make the most of the great outdoors at a seaview campsite. There are so many summer accommodation options in Northumberland, so take a look!

Holy Island Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland inn to Holy Island, The Lindisfarne Inn is open all day for food, drinks, and cosy accommodation.

Falstone Self Catering

Falstone Barns

Luxurious barns, interior-designed for quality and comfort in the Dark Sky Park next to Kielder Water and nearby Kielder Observatory.

Guide Price £700.00 Per week

Bellingham Self Catering

Brown Rigg Lodges

Four self-catering lodges, each sleeping six people. Set in the Northumberland National Park and International Gold Tier Dark Sky Park.

Guide Price £637.00 Per week

Bellingham Hotel

Riverdale Hall Hotel

Spacious country hall in large grounds. Indoor swimming pool, sauna, fishing, cricket field and golf course opposite. Award-winning hotel and restaurant.

Guide Price £49.00 Per Night

Morebattle Self Catering

Benfield Cottage

Traditional, pet friendly cottage for two in the heart of the conservation village of Morebattle, on the edge of the Cheviots. Free WiFi and Welcome Basket, all linen and towels are included in the tariff AND short breaks are welcome year round.

Guide Price £518.00 Per week

Felton Glamping

Woodland Chase Glamping

Retreat and Reconnect in our bespoke luxurious Treehouse or Cabins set amidst the beautiful Northumberland countryside.

Guide Price £180.00 Per Night

Bellingham Bed & Breakfast

Brown Rigg Guest Rooms

6 en-suite Guest Rooms in the Northumberland National Park and International Dark Sky Park. Near Kielder Forest and Observatory.

Guide Price £55.00 Per Night

Cornhill-on-Tweed Self Catering

Hope Park West

Charming stone built listing building on the Scottish borders. Sleeps 6, dog friendly. Perfect base to explore Northumberland Coast and Scotland.

Guide Price £602.00 Per week

Lesbury Self Catering

Old Reading Room

A romantic country cottage perfect for couples or families, tucked away in a tranquil coastal village, a sanctuary of intrigue and history, close to one of the most beautiful and iconic coast lines in the country.

Guide Price £910.00 Per week

Things to do with the whole family

If you are looking to keep all the kids entertained in the summer holidays then look no further then our historical sites and discover attractions such as Holy Island, Alnwick Castle, Chesters Roman Fort and Kielder Water and Forest Park. Find more ideas below to keep you busy over the summer months.

Summer attractions

Historic sites Ford and Etal Estate

Heatherslaw Corn Mill

Restored working 19thC cornmill, producing stoneground wholemeal flour and stocking a range of cereals. Exhibitions and demonstrations daily, produce available in gift shop and tearoom.

Museums Haltwhistle

Roman Army Museum (Carvoran) Hadrian's Wall

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort.

Historic sites Corbridge

Corbridge Roman Town (Hadrian's Wall)

Visitors to Corbridge Roman Town can walk along the main street of this Roman garrison town, flanked by the remains of granaries, a fountain house, markets, workshops and temples.

Historic sites Chollerford

Chesters Roman Fort

Come and see what life was like at one the Roman Empire's most northern outposts.

Historic sites Holy Island

Lindisfarne Castle

Iconic Tudor Fort converted into an intimate holiday home in 1903 for Edward Hudson by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Historic sites Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lindisfarne Priory

Experience the serenity of Lindisfarne Priory, cross the dramatic causeway to reach the island of Lindisfarne, on a journey that will stay in your memory forever.

Garden Alnwick

The Alnwick Garden

One of the world's most extraordinary contemporary gardens.

Historic sites Gilsland

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Delve into the story of the most famous Roman frontier with a new exhibition in the visitor centre.

Family Attraction Ford and Etal Estate

Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre

Hay Farm is home to the largest herd of rare breed Clydesdale Heavy Horses within the North of England.

Historic sites Alnwick

Alnwick Castle

The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, home to the Percy family for 700 years and filming location.

Historic sites Belsay

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Prepare to be enchanted by Belsay's Grecian architecture, medieval castle, and thirty acres of outstanding gardens.

Family Attraction Alnwick

Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden

Lilidorei is a magical, mysterious village full of play and home to 9 clans who worship Christmas.

Historic sites Bardon Mill

Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian's Wall

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country.

Historic sites Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle

Experience a different level of Northumberland at England's finest fortress Bamburgh Castle, home of the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg.

Family Attraction Ford and Etal Estate

Heatherslaw Light Railway

Travel on our 15 inch gauge railway at Ford & Etal Estates between Heatherslaw and Etal Castle on a return journey.

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