These are ten places you NEED to experience during your visit in Northumberland.
It wasn’t easy to narrow down all the things to do and where to visit in Northumberland, but we’ve put together some of the most magical places and hidden gems we think should be on everybody’s bucket list during their #StablewoodStay Read on…
Paxton House – Berwick upon Tweed
Paxton House in Berwick upon Tweed is one of the finest examples of an 18th-century neo-Palladian Georgian Country house in the whole of Britain. A visit here is sure to provide a fantastic family day out. This great attraction offers 80 acres of woodland, gardens and parkland to explore and is only half an hour’s drive from our cottages in Lucker!
At Paxton House, there are a variety of walks and trails to try, including their really popular Fairy Trail and Woodland Trail. If you fancy talking a boat trip up the river Tweed, you can also do this from here, which will take you to Horncliffe (in-season) and during the trip, you’ll have the chance to learn about local wildlife and history as well as seeing some beautiful views.
For some family fun, there are house tours to see and it’s well worth having a go at playing croquet on the lawn or enjoying their 9-hole putting green. There are also two adventure play parks and a whole host of nature trails and activities for the kids to enjoy.
Rumbling Kern – Howick
Rumbling Kern is truly spectacular. It’s a hidden cove nestled away by the Northumberland coastline and is overlooked by a Grade II listed building called the Bathing House. This house was once owned by Earl Grey! While visiting the Cove, you should be able to hear the calming sound of waves crashing through rocks in high tide (this is how Rumbling Kern got its name) and the beach here is a real hidden gem too, which sits in a rocky cove near Howick – south of Cullernose Point. The beach is sheltered behind small cliffs that face the inland from the sea and can be reached by heading south of Craster to Howick.
Although the secret smuggler’s cove is small, it certainly has lots to offer visitors who wish to immerse in the secluded and peaceful spot, where sand, rock pools, grassy dunes and towering cliffs are there to explore! A top tip from us, if you’re an early riser, this is a great spot to see the sunrise!
Linhope Spout – Ingram
Linhope Spout is a pretty waterfall which can be found within an isolated spot in the Breamish Valley near the village of Ingram. This is approximately half an hour from Lucker in the car. The waterfall can only be reached on foot and along the way, a short, scenic walk will offer beautiful views from the end of the public road.
The 60ft waterfall tumbles down a rockface to a small pool, which although rumour says the pool is bottomless, it is in fact about 16ft deep, making this a popular destination for wild swimming!
Additionally, the area is extremely good for spotting wildlife, red squirrels and birdwatching.
At night, Linhope Spout makes for a beautiful spot to stargaze, as it is nestled within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park!
Bolam Lake – Morpeth
Bolam Lake is a lovely lakeside and woodland area in the heart of beautiful Northumberland, which is also surrounded by historic landscapes and dramatic views. It’s one of the most beautiful country parks up here whatever the season.
The lakeside itself offers great accessible paths, so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Wildlife spotters will love the many different species that can be spotted here including red squirrels, roe deer and the spotted woodpecker.
Bolam Country Park is situated an hour’s drive from Lucker (west of Morpeth) but is well worth the trek just for the stroll around the lake and for exploring the woodland. While here, we can highly recommend having a picnic while admiring the lovely views that Bolam Lake has to offer.
Thrunton Woods – Longhorsley
Thrunton Woods is a popular and accessible place for walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and cyclists to visit and is where you can take three different trails of difficulty. Like many of our other recommendations, Thrunton Woods is also located within the stunning Northumberland National Park, this time it’s near the village of Longhorsley (half an hour’s drive from Lucker).
The woods boast a gorgeous view of the Cheviot hills and offer a mix of flat, open moorland and steep hills to climb. Thrunton Woods is home to many varieties of wildlife, including squirrels and deer so do take some time to spot what you can.
Alnwick Garden
While we know Alnwick Garden features in many top places to visit in Northumberland, we really couldn’t agree more! This place offers a wonderland of flowers and leaves, with some hidden treats to see too and is often the location for some brilliant events throughout the year. Everywhere you look there is a chance to take photos, because it truly is a picturesque garden set amongst serene surroundings.
When you enter the gardens through Venetian gates, the gentle stroll will take you along pathways lined with fruit trees and lavender. The bubbling pool in the centre is a must-see, where you can also admire the colorful varieties of flowers in season.
Holy Island
Holy Island of Lindisfarne is one of those rare places that you’ll visit and never forget. A tranquil and beautiful destination, you can only access this place by crossing the causeway (check crossing times!!), while here, you will have the opportunity to explore Lindisfarne Castle, Gertrude Jekyll Garden, the historic Lindisfarne Priory and St. Mary’s Church. Following this, we can highly recommend taking a walk along the remote beaches of North Shore and Sandham Bay and spending time in the charming village shops and cafes. There is a lot to see on this historically-significant island!
Seahouses
Quite a different recommendation here! Seahouses is a popular tourist spot and is one of the most scenic villages to explore up here, especially as the coastal route from Bamburgh to Seahouses is pretty special. While here, we can highly recommend visiting the harbour where you can watch the hustle and bustle of fishing boats or take a trip to explore the incredible wildlife at the Farne Islands to see puffins and seabirds (booking is recommended).
Seahouses is also home to sandy beaches, rolling dunes and typical seaside attractions.
Berwick upon Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is the northern-most town in England, which is nestled on the border of England and Scotland at the mouth of the River Tweed. In just half an hour’s drive from Lucker, you’ll be able to enjoy the charming and well-preserved market town which is home to many independent shops and artists, as well as being home to some notable architectural features including the famous Stephenson’s Viaduct bridge – this is often mentioned as being one of the finest in the world!
Notable attractions of the town include Berwick’s Elizabethan walls with castle remains and Paxton House (as mentioned above) or for a calmer day out, there are some excellent views of the surrounding countryside from the beautiful Old Bridge on the River Tweed.
Brimming with cobblestone streets, castles and beaches, Berwick also has a vibrant cultural centre and makes for a lovely day out, including seeing a variety of artists on offer at The Maltings – a popular cinema and live arts venue.
Ross Bank Sands
For a truly secret find, head to Ross Bank Sands. It is a gorgeous, sandy stretch of utterly unspoilt beach in Northumberland and only seven miles away from Lucker. This beach is literally off the beaten track as you’ll need to walk for a mile to reach it – but it is worth the trek! To access the beach you’ll need to cross over the sand dunes, so unfortunately it’s unlikely to be accessible for all.
When arriving, you’ll see views out to Holy Island (as mentioned above) and the famous landmark of Bamburgh Castle. If you’re lucky, this is a great place to spot seals too!