Espresso yourself: A county of good cafés
Northumberland's tea heritage
Discover our Earl Grey Tea history, settle by the fire in a second-hand bookshop or sip on your coffee in a renovated train carriage. Read on to discover some of the best coffee shops in Northumberland.
There's nothing more comforting than a warming coffee, a creamy hot chocolate or a refreshing cup of tea to break up your day out. Northumberland has an abundance of cosy cafés and tea rooms where you can huddle up, enjoy a hot drink and indulge in a slab of home-made cake.
Northumberland has a long history in tea — Charles Grey, the man that Earl Grey tea was named after, was from Northumberland. Tea-lovers can visit his former home and go to The Earl Grey Teahouse at Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum for a unique afternoon tea in Northumberland experience and a slice of Earl Grey tea loaf.
Cafés worth going out of your way for
Barter Books in Alnwick is a café-stroke-tourist spot, and is one of the largest antiquarian and second-hand book shops in Britain. People travel for miles to browse the books before picking one to flick through by the crackling open fire with a hot beverage in hand. If you love a good read, explore our book lovers guide to Northumberland.
Café and restaurant stops on the coast
Bertram’s Café and Restaurant in Warkworth is another must-visit. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious, locally sourced menu, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or indulge in a hearty lunch. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, Bertram’s blends charm and comfort, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Countryside cafés in Northumberland
The Running Fox can be found at Kirkharle Lake and Courtyard, tucked away in the countryside and serving brunches, afternoon teas in Northumberland and freshly brewed coffee. The courtyard sits within Kirkharle Estate, home to Lancelot Capability Brown for 23 years.
Cafés near Northumberland's historical sites
If you're in need of a re-fuelling stop after walking in Northumberland or sightseeing, there are many cafés ideally located alongside historical sites. Chesters Tearoom at Chesters Roman Fort makes for an excellent coffee stop along Hadrian's Wall, and Hadrian's Wall and Housesteads Fort Visitor Centre and The Sill both have cosy cafés to enjoy. The Sill's floor-to-ceiling windows look out acrossNorthumberland National Park - well worth a stop in any season.
