Do you need to relax and unwind? Enjoy an outdoor adventure or a romantic getaway? Then you need a weekend break in Northumberland. From breathtaking landscapes to romantic ruins, there's no better place to immerse yourself in natural beauty. There are so many adventures in store you'll need more than one weekend to explore them all.
So start planning your short breaks in Northumberland today.
Why choose Northumberland for your weekend break?
Northumberland is a county filled with natural wonders. You'll be thrilled by dazzling dark skies, vast open spaces and incredible beaches. It's a place to embrace your love of the great outdoors or simply feel the love with romantic Northumberland breaks for two. Whatever your vibe, when you visit Northumberland, you'll never want to leave.
When you visit Northumberland, there’s an adventure for everyone. Try a short break on the Northumberland coast for kayaking with seals and puffin watching. Or take a weekend break with someone special and visit breathtaking castles and unspoiled fairytale villages.
The incredible coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for wildlife watching or romantic walks on the sand. You can sleep out under the stars in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park or enjoy a luxury boutique hotel getaway.
And with our guide to the best places to stay in Northumberland, you can camp, glamp or pamper yourself for a long relaxing weekend.
A romantic weekend for two: where to stay and what to do
With so much unspoiled beauty, you're bound to feel the love in Northumberland. Imagine exploring the pristine dunes near breathtaking Bamburgh Castle. Or hiking Hadrian's Wall hand in hand. Make a wish on a dolphin on a spectacular beach, or escape from it all on a total digital detox in the wilds of Coquet Island. We love the glamorous boutique hotel vibe of the Falstone Barns and PoshHuts for the ultimate romantic break in the Dark Sky Park.
Whatever you and your partner love to do, you’ll find it all in Northumberland. Enjoy the ultimate countryside escape at the Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland. Or enjoy a magnificent luxury getaway at the 14th-century Langley Castle Hotel, just 30 minutes from Newcastle. We love the Breamish Valley Cottages near picturesque Alnwick if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in comfort and elegance with a spa and heated pool.
Alnwick is the perfect base for weekend breaks in Northumberland, with the spectacular castle on the doorstep and award-winning dining at the Hogs Head Inn. We recommend the luxurious Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa for the ultimate Northumberland break for two. It’s a perfect setting for relaxation and romance.
Family weekend breaks in Northumberland
If you’re looking for the best Northumberland short breaks for the family, you’ll want to head straight for Alnwick Castle. Your Harry Potter fans will love the chance to brush up on their broomstick skills and spot all their favourite filming locations from blockbusters like Transformers: The Last Knight, and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. If action-adventure is more your style, check out the spellbinding Bamburgh Castle, where the latest Indiana Jones film was shot.
Head to Vindolanda for a Roman reenactment and your chance to join the Legion. Or pit your wits against Alnwick Castle's resident dragon. Outdoors adventurers will jump at the opportunity to kayak with seals at Coquet Island or stake out the elusive wild goats in the Cheviots. And for those beach days, there are miles of unspoilt sandy beaches perfect for sandcastle building.
West Ord Holiday Cottages offer family and dog-friendly accommodation just six miles from the nearest beach. If you're visiting with extended family, Carraw Farm near Hexham provides spacious and luxurious accommodation with great hiking and cycling on the doorstep. If you want to explore Hadrian's Wall country, Wydon Farm is a working farm with plenty for young visitors to see and do.
Solo adventures
Who said Northumberland breaks had to be with friends or family? Northumberland is the ultimate destination for the solo traveller, with plenty of wide open spaces to lose yourself in wild natural beauty.
If you want to escape it all, camping under the stars surrounded by staggering scenery is the ultimate natural detox. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with unforgettable outdoor adventures. Or let yourself travel back in time to the many castles and historical sites dotted across the county.
Fancy improving your golfing prowess? Treat yourself to a luxury retreat at the Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate, where you can swim, workout or attack the 27-hole championship course. Or invest in your own private getaway home at the Clear Sky Lodge Park near picturesque Kelder Water - the perfect location for getting away from it all with your faithful hound. Keen fishermen will love to enjoy their passion in style at the Till Fishing Cottages near the River Till.
Some of our favourite places to stay in Northumberland
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay in Northumberland. But here are a few of our favourite places to stay on your next short break.
The Walls B&B is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse overlooking the River Tweed. It’s a delightful base for exploring Berwick-on-Tweed and beyond. Or try Belford’s Market Cross Guesthouse for a similarly relaxed luxury vibe.
Laverock Law Cottages & Glamping is a fantastic destination for nature lovers looking to explore Holy Island and the coast. Book the Harvest Hut for an unforgettable romantic weekend in a four-poster bed.
Northumberland abounds in beautiful old inns, just for breaks for two. We recommend the lovely Pheasant Inn near Kielder Water and the picturesque Holly Bush Inn in the heart of the Dark Sky Park.
And for solo adventurers and couples, we recommend the dog-friendly Cherry Tree & Almond apartments in the gorgeous seaside village of Beadnell - the perfect location for short breaks on the Northumberland coast.
Plan your weekend break in Northumberland
At Visit Northumberland, we’re passionate about everything our county has to offer. So whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, family fun or a romantic break for two, let us help you plan your next weekend in Northumberland.