Getting here
England’s most northerly county, Northumberland, lies next to Scotland in the north east coast of the country. Well connected by road, air, rail and sea, Northumberland enjoys excellent transport links.
By Car
Arriving from the south
As you travel northbound up the A1 look out for the mighty Angel of the North in Gateshead, a sign that you aren’t too far from Northumberland.
*Visit Northumberland via the A19 and pass through the Tyne Tunnels - built beneath the Tyne River in 1967 and 2011. If you’re passing through the Tyne Tunnels, pay your toll by midnight the day after your journey online at tt2.co.uk, via the TT2 app, using the automated telephone payment line on 0191 574 0030 or at any PayPoint retailer.
You can also purchase your journeys in advance online at tt2.co.uk, via the TT2 app or at any PayPoint retailer, which remain valid for up to 12 months.
If you use the Tyne Tunnels regularly - then consider a Pre-Paid account and save 10% on every journey through the tunnel.
* The Northbound Tyne Tunnel is set to be closed for a series of weekends for scheduled maintenance which will ensure the longevity of the tunnels for generations to come. The maintenance will begin on the 7th June 2024 and end in Summer 2025 - Find out more
From the north
Cross the beautiful borders of Scotland making the historic market town of Berwick-upon-Tweed your first stop, as you travel south on the A1.
Exploring Northumberland by car offers you history soaked views, dramatic coastlines and peace and tranquillity as you travel on some of the most scenic roads in England. Head along the A1068, the Northumberland Coastal Route, and take in the sights of our award winning coastline from behind the wheel. The 39 mile stretch allows you the chance to stop off at coastal villages such as Seahouses and Amble and stretch your legs on gorgeous beaches like Alnmouth and Druridge Bay. Roam along the A69 to the west of the county and cast your eyes over the indomitable Hadrian’s Wall as you drive alongside it. Enjoy a peaceful drive in the unspoilt countryside as you journey through Northumberland National Park. Explore the hills and valleys on the quiet roads of the North Pennines.
Parking in many areas of Northumberland is free including council car parks in Morpeth, Seahouses, Hexham, Alnwick, Berwick, Rothbury and Wooler. If you are using a short stay car park in these towns then you will need to display a parking disc which can be purchased from tourist information centres, local businesses and libraries. Always check signs in the car park for more information.
By Bus
Why spend the day behind the wheel when you can hop aboard a bus! Journey to Northumberland with coach operators who offer various stop offs points and great links to Newcastle. Northumberland has excellent bus services which will allow you to enjoy a day out in the county, hopping from attraction to market town, admiring the stunning views and beautiful countryside from your window. It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a pub lunch, sample some local ale and let someone else do the driving!
Get around for only £2.50 max based on a single journey or travel all day for only £6.00 with the Northumberland Rover Ticket.
By Train
Just over three hours away from London Kings Cross, train stations on the East Coast mainline from London include: Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick. Connecting rail services also link with towns in Hexham, Haltwhistle, Corbridge and Prudhoe in the west of the county.
TransPennine Express run services across the north of England connecting you to the Northumberland Coast via Newcastle; and call at Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick Upon Tweed before carrying on to Edinburgh.
For more information about getting to Northumberland and using the region's train services to their fullest throughout your visit, take a look at our guide to exploring Northumberland by train.
You could save over 50%* when you book your train tickets in advance at tpexpress.co.uk or via the TPE App.
Booking in advance with TransPennine Express offers great value for money on many longer distance journeys and you get to reserve a seat. Tickets go on sale up to 24 weeks in advance which is when they are at their cheapest.
For all train enquiries wherever you maybe in the UK please visit Trainline.
By Sea
Northumberland is only 20 minutes away from the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields. Jump on the shuttle bus to Newcastle, provided by DFDS Seaways, where you can access Northumberland by train from Central Station or by bus from Haymarket Bus Station in Newcastle City Centre.
By Air
Land at Newcastle International Airport and you are on the cusp of entering Northumberland. Newcastle welcomes flights from across the globe as well as UK destinations.