TRAVEL TO NORTHUMBERLAND
In our many years of road tripping across the UK, we have ticked off some iconic road trips. We’ve traveled down South to discover the beautiful coasts of Cornwall, journeyed around the wildest edges of Wales, completed the NC500 route along Scotland’s most northern corners and yet, despite the number of road trips under our belt, one area has remained to us totally abandoned. That is, until this past summer. Enter the North East, the forgotten corner of the UK that should be on everyone’s radar. Northumberland is totally set up for an adventurous journey, with a crazy gorgeous coastline, an incredible national park and near-empty roads which make for the perfect road trip. Recently, The Northumberland 250 has been created to help you discover the most of this underrated corner of the UK, looping you around all the best bits. Should you choos e the NLand 250 as your next adventure, you’ll discover remarkable beaches, rolling hills, magical forests and roads empty enough to feel like you’re the only one out exploring. This travel guide will show you all the best spots to stop off on your own adventure around Northumberland.
THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST
The fog-filled stretch of coast from Alnwick to Lindisfarne is one of the most majestic coastal routes I’ve had the privilege of travelling along. Sporting rugged beaches, towering sand dunes and historical castles, it is a complete mystery as to why this coastline remains one of Britain’s best-kept secrets. We spent a good couple of days exploring miles-long desolate stretches of golden beaches, adorable little fishing villages and the medieval castles and fortresses that have stood guard over this wild coastline for centuries.
Bamburgh Beach & Fortress
A morning walk along Bamburgh beach is a must, with the wild North Sea to one side and tall golden sand dunes to the other. The star of the show is Bambugh Castle, the imposing outline of which can be seen standing guard through the haze of sea fog mixed with early morning sunlight. The village of Bamburgh is equally picturesque and has cafe’s and gift shops should you wish to stay a while.
Craster & Dunstanburgh Castle
A short hop from Bambugh is the lovely fishing village of Craster. Stop to appreciate the pretty boat-filled harbour before taking the incredibly scenic mile-long walk to the weathered remains of Dunstanburgh castle, a once formidable fortress. After your visit, return to Craster village and get cosy in The Jolly Fisherman, where an open fire, views out to the North Sea and local fish dishes welcome you. The village is also renowned for its Kipper’s and L Robson & Sons is rumoured to provide the best on the Northumberland coastline. Stop by their wooden hut on the harbour and try for yourself.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Reached only by boat or by a tidal causeway, the holy island of Lindisfarne surrounded by the wild North Sea is really something special. This island has had a magnetic pull for pilgrims for centuries due to its ancient religious associations. Grab a coffee and a pastry at the surprisingly modern Pilgrim’s coffee roasters before exploring the ruins of the medieval priory and castle that are visited today by pilgrims and tourists alike. Don’t forget to check out the colourful fishermen’s huts made from old boats as you slowly walk across the beach, spotting the bobbing heads of seals as you go.
Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Tucked out of the way, Newton-by-the-sea is a charmingly quiet spot to visit on your travels around Northumberland. This village sits pretty on the coastline, adorned with little white cottages that look out towards the sheltered golden bay. Amongst the tiny square of cottages, you’ll find The Ship Inn. The pub is the perfect place to get cosy after a blustery ramble along the beach. Fill up on crab sandwiches and enjoy the local beer that is brewed on-site, before heading on to your next stop.
THE BORDERLANDS
The beauty of the landscape that lies along the England-Scotland border is a sight to behold it’s true, but don’t let this fool you into believing that a tranquil backdrop has meant this stretch of land has not been plagued with a violent and turbulent past. Centuries of war have left its mark on this wild land and travel through and you’ll find remnants of these past conflicts. You’ll also find characterful villages and towns, the UK’s most sparsely populated National Park and a night sky so full of stars you’ll refuse to believe your eyes. This part of the road trip we seemed to just stop and go as we pleased, meandering along the long and empty roads, immersing ourselves in the borderlands. This land is often referred to as the UK’s last true wilderness and we couldn’t agree more wholeheartedly.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
England’s most northern town, sitting just 3 miles below the Scottish border is a beautiful spot to explore, with an incredibly interesting history. Medieval remains of its turbulent past, quaint cobbled streets and hidden gems all melt together to form this uniquely independent town. Locals are wonderfully friendly, their accent a fusion of Scottish and English that is the result of this coastal town changing hands with Scotland so many times over the years. You’ll discover a characterful town that is full of independent shops, cafe’s and unique sense of community.
Norham Castle
Stood tall over the River Tweed, Norham castle is such a fun stop when exploring the borderlands. Norham was a important stronghold during the England-Scotland conflict and was the most frequently attacked by the Scots. It’s violent history led to this castle once being known as the ‘most dangerous place in England’ and so it’s an interesting place to transport you back in time.
The Cheviot Hills
The rolling, foggy wilderness of the Cheviot Hills is a sight to behold within the borderlands and is not to be missed on a trip to Northumberland. Under the blanket of fog you’ll find hidden waterfalls, trickling streams and wild goats dotted around the rolling hillside. If you are after an adventure, lace up your hiking boots and set out to summit Cheviot Hill, the highest peak in the region and marvel at the vast land that stretches out across the borders.
Carter Bar
A super fun quick stop off, Carter Bar is where Scotland and England meet, marked by two stones on each side of the road. Not only is it fun to run between the two countries, but the stop off is incredibly scenic. Make sure to pull over and take some photos!
KIELDER WATER AND FOREST PARK
Northumberland is also home to some magical woodland. Embark on journey along The Kielder forest ride, where you’ll be blessed with an incredibly scenic 12-mile drive that leads you through this remote forested area of Northumberland. Kielder forest is the perfect place to pack in some adventure. The forest oozes adventure and the best way to immerse yourself completely is to get out on the walking routes or rent a bike and jump on the trails. Here you’ll also find Northern Europe’s largest man-made lake. After nightfall, don’t forget to look up as this is one of the best places to stargaze in the UK.
Kielder Forest Ride
Stunning scenery meets native wildlife in abundance as you drive through this scenic 12-mile forest drive. You are rewarded with a true sense of adventure on this wild road, getting a taste of this most remote expanse of Northumberland. Choose to travel as the sun is setting and the forest has a glow that just adds to the magic. Make sure to use the lay-by’s to run out and take photos, the views are so scenic here you won’t be able to resist!
Kielder Water
Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in the UK is the perfect place for play. Surrounding the water is a heap of trails for cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike, offering adventure to all. We rented from bikes from The Bike Place and cycled around the entirety of the lake, spotting red squirrels in the spruce trees and fishermen puttering around on their boats looking for trout. We couldn’t recommend enough that you spend a day around the lakeside.
Kielder Castle
Kielder Castle is the starting point for all adventures within the forest park. Stop for a while to plan your adventures and to map out where you will spend your time. The castle’s hole-in-the-wall pizzeria opens in the evenings of the Spring and Summer months and we grabbed a couple to take back to our van! The car-park nearby permits campervans to stay overnight for a small fee and so we parked up next to the trees ready for a day of adventures the following morning.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE ON THE NLAND 250
Few things scream adventure more than the classic road trip and this route around Northumberland has it all. Rolling hills, abundant wildlife and pristine beaches await those who choose the road less traveled (literally, it’s SO quiet here!) There’s a beautiful isolation up here that’s more peaceful than it is daunting that offers a true taste of a land more wild.
