Bank Holidays in Northumberland

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.

Make it count

Our stunning county offers a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy incredible historic landmarks, insightful museums and colourful art galleries over the bank holiday. We have beautiful, sweeping sands on our beaches and bounds of wildlife in the countryside, not to mention our eclectic events to fill your long weekend or see you through the school holidays.

A royal celebration is on the horizon this May as 6th May 2023 marks the crowning of Britain’s 62nd monarch with the coronation of their Majesties King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort.. Mark the occasion in Northumberland by feeling like a royal yourself and spend half term storming a castle and exploring its grounds. Cross the causeway to Holy Island, explore a picturesque fishing village, sail to The Farne Islands, or walk our staggering open countryside such as The Cheviot Hills in Northumberland National Park or Kielder Water & Forest Park. Wander along Hadrian's Wall and get some insight into life as a Roman, or simply kick back and relax in your beautiful holiday cottage or B&B.

So book your family bank holiday in Northumberland, the perfect location for fantastic attractions, beautiful countryside and the astounding Northumberland coast.

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.

Children enjoying a family event in Northumberland

Family events

Whether you have tiny toddlers, temperamental teenagers, or Gran and Grandad in tow, there’s an event for every family member in Northumberland. From alpaca walks to Easter egg hunts, and pony rides to puffin festivals, just take your pick.

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.

People enjoying a picnic outside Bamburgh Castle

Inspire me

Let us inspire you to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of Northumberland when you visit. Scroll through our blogs, latest news, and stunning images, and see where it takes you.

What's on this month

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Where to go during a bank holiday

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 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.

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 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.

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 Chollerford

Chesters Roman Fort

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

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 Haydon Bridge

Housesteads Roman Fort

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire.

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 Bamburgh

Bamburgh Castle

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

Garden Alnwick

The Alnwick Garden

One of the world's most extraordinary contemporary gardens.

Historic sites Warkworth

Warkworth Castle

Set in a quaint Northumberland village, this hill-top fortress and hermitage offers a fantastic family day out.

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.

Great Outdoors Kielder

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Water & Forest Park brings you nature on a grand scale – stunning views, many activities or just chill. You're welcome.

Great Outdoors Druridge Bay

Druridge Bay Country Park

Druridge Bay Country Park includes three miles of beautiful beach and sand dunes, as well as a 100 acre lake surrounded by woods and meadows. The variety in the landscape and pleasant coastal environment ensures you of an enjoyable visit.

Museums Bamburgh

RNLI Grace Darling Museum

A museum dedicated to Grace Darling, the fearless young woman who became a reluctant celebrity in 1838..

Historic sites Rothbury

Cragside

Illuminated with hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, discover Britain's original smart home.

Nature and Wildlife Farne Islands

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are possibly the most exciting seabird colony in England with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 37,000 pairs of puffin.

Historic sites Cambo

Wallington House, Gardens & Estate

Discover woodlands, walled garden, wildlife, house full of history and collections, cycle trails and play areas at Wallington.

Family Attraction Ponteland

Northumberland College Zoo

Visit Northumberland College Zoo, we have over 150 species of animals including meerkats, coatis, wallaby and many more.

Historic sites Chillingham

Chillingham Castle

A medieval castle with stunning views of formal gardens and the Cheviot Hills. Perfect for architectural and naturalist/historical enthusiasts.

Sightseeing and Leisure Otterburn

Otterburn Mill

Former textile mill, Otterburn Mill, sells outdoor and lifestyle clothing, delicious food and has a children's play area.

Museums Ashington

Woodhorn Museum

Woodhorn brings to life Northumberland’s proud mining heritage. Explore the historic buildings, interactive displays and contemporary exhibition programme.

Museums Hexham

Hexham Old Gaol

Step into Northumberland's past with a visit to Hexham Old Gaol, England's oldest Gaol.

Museums Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick-upon-Tweed Museum and Art Gallery

Visit Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, located in the Ravensdowne Barracks - the first purpose-built army barracks in England.

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