Short Breaks in Northumberland
Northumberland is a beautiful coastal county in the far northeast of England between Scotland, County Durham, and Cumbria. And despite its stunning landscapes, many historical sights, and rich, varied history, it tends to get overlooked as a holiday destination. So why not try one of the many available short breaks in Northumberland and find out what makes this county so special? That’s how we discovered the joys of Northumberland many years ago. We just packed the car with our tent and bags on a whim one Friday evening after work and drove up from Sheffield for a long weekend. Now we can’t stop going back!
And why wouldn't we want to come back? Northumberland's landscape varies from lush green farmland to high moors and wild hilly areas like the Cheviot and Simonside Hills. Along the dramatic coastline, you'll find glorious sandy beaches and islands teaming with wildlife. It's a place for outdoor adventures, historical exploration, and soaking up the tranquillity of spreading views and endless skies.
The need to protect England from attacks - both from the Scots in the north and overseas invaders along the coast - has shaped Northumberland's history. It's spectacularly remote and lumpy landscape is littered with man-made defensive structures. Probably the most dramatic of its many defences is Hadrian’s Wall, which the Romans built across the width of England from Solway to Tyneside over 1900 years ago. You can visit many parts of the wall and the associated Roman Forts and towns, and the local museums are full of fantastic Roman finds.
After the Normans invaded England in 1066 castles became the chief method of defence. Northumberland has its fair share of wonderful castles to explore. Some are ruins, others, like Alnwick Castle, are still inhabited. Just have a look at our Northumberland Castle Tour page for some ideas!
Northumberland was also one of the earliest parts of England to introduce Christianity, and a number of hermits took up residence to spread the word and start building early religious communities like Lindisfarne Priory.
Alnwick Castle From The Lion Bridge Crossing The River Aln © essentially-england.comShort Breaks in Northumberland
There are many ways to explore this impressive county. You could try cycling, walking, or take a coach tour. We’ve selected a number of different short breaks in Northumberland that I’m sure will help you start planning an exciting adventure and get you packing your bags very soon. I've included travelling details and places visited, but these may change with time. Please use the link for more details, available dates, and prices.
Hadrian's Wall & Treasures of Northumberland
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to hotel & back from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Scenic tour along the Northumberland coast.
- Discover historicAlnwick & Alnwick Castle.
- Hadrian's Wall & Chester's Roman Fort.
- Explore the historic city of Durham.
- Photo stop at the Angel of the North.
Northumberland Coast & Castles
6 Days / 5 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from Alnwick in Northumberland.
Visit
- Bamburgh Castle, Craster, & Dunstanburgh Castle.
- Alnwick, Alnwick Castle & Gardens.
- Walk alongside Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads & Vindolanda Roman Forts.
- Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Castles & Houses of Northumberland
4 Days / 3 Nights
Travel
Return train travel from London Kings Cross station.
Visit
- Explore 19th century Belsay Hall & its pretty Gardens.
- Enjoy the beauty ofBamburgh Castle & The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
- Alnwick Castle & Gardens and Cragside House.
- Wallington House.
Walking Along Hadrian's Wall Towards Sycamore Gap © essentially-england.comWalking Short Breaks in Northumberland
Walk Northumberland
6 Days / 5 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from Alnwick in Northumberland.
Visit
- Walk the Pilgrims Path to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Stop at Bamburgh Castle on way back to Alnwick hotel.
- Dramatic circular coastal walk from Howick via Craster & Dunstanburgh Castle.
- Walk alongside Hadrian's Wall from Sill Visitor Centre to Housesteads Roman Fort. Also visit Vindolanda Roman settlement.
- Stunning circular walk from Rothbury around the Simonside Hills. Also visit Cragside House.
Walking The Best of Hadrians Wall
6 Days / 5 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to Greenhead and return from Corbridge.
Visit
- Explore Lanercost Priory and walk back along Hadrian's Wall to Greenhead via Birdoswald Fort.
- Walk from Greenhead to Once Brewed via Walltown Crags, Cawfields Milecastle, & Winshield Crags.
- Continue on Hadrian's Wall Path from Once Brewed to Chollerford via Housesteads and Chesters Roman Forts.
- Follow Hadrian's Wall Path to Corbridge via Heavenfield and Corbridge Roman Town.
Walking St Cuthbert's Way
7 Days / 6 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to Melrose and return from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Visit
- Start your pilgrimage from Melrose Abbey and walk in the Scottish Borders to Harestanes.
- St Cuthbert's Way from Harestanes to Kirk Yetholm, the half way point.
- Cross the border into England to the market town of Wooler.
- Stunning Northumbrian countryside via Weetwood Moor and its pre-historic rock art & St Cuthbert's Cave to Fenwick.
- Complete St Cuthberts Way by crossing on the Pilgrims Path to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Cragside House From The Rock Garden © essentially-england.comSpecial Interest Short Breaks in Northumberland
Durham Arts and Gardens
4 Days / 3 Nights
Travel
Return train travel from London Kings Cross station.
Visit
- 19th century Belsay Hall & Gardens.
- Alnwick Garden & Cragside House & Garden.
- Laing Art Gallery, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Shipley Art Gallery, & the Angel of the North.
- The Durham University Oriental Museum & Botanic Garden, & The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.
Northumbria's Most Splendid Castles, Churches, and Homes
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from your hotel in Northumberland.
Visit
- Raby Castle which was built on a Viking settlement of King Cnut.
- Rokeby Park country house, Ushaw College, Brancepeth Castle, & St Brandon’s Church.
- Discover medieval Naworth Castle and historic Hexham Abbey.
- Evening themed talk by guest speaker.
Gardens of Northumberland
4 Days / 3 Nights
Travel
Return train travel from London Kings Cross station.
Visit
- Explore 19th century Belsay Hall and its pretty gardens.
- Mindrum and Kirky Cottage Gardens designed by Ginny Fairfax.
- Alnwick and wander around the stunning Alnwick Garden.
- The tranquill Whalton Manor House Gardens.
- Newbiggin House Garden.
Tempting, aren't they? For even more short breaks in Northumberland, click here. And if you now fancy planning your own break in Northumberland why not checkout our holiday cottages page and coastal holiday cottages page.
Have fun planning your adventures...
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