Inspiration
Northumberland
Northumberland offers stunning natural scenery, a beautiful coastline with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches and historical sites & castles to discover.
Northumberland Coast Road Trip
Northumberland's coastline is beautiful, with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. The area has a rich Roman history and many castles that tell fascinating stories. You can visit several iconic castles in Northumberland. There are also islands, nature reserves, and a large man-made lake with forests which has walking trails, cycling, water sports on the lake, and activities like high ropes. Enjoy traditional fish and chips on offer throughout the coastal towns while looking out over the ocean.
Northumberland offers stunning natural scenery along with historical sites and castles to discover. With ancient castles, an opportunity to get close to nature, and charming towns, Northumberland offers many ways to experience the beauty and history of northeast England.
Key destinations and highlights
The rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast are incredibly beautiful. Popular spots include Bamburgh Beach with its huge expanse of sand and Dunstanburgh Castle ruins overlooking Embleton Bay. The Farne Islands offshore provide amazing birdwatching.
Hadrian's Wall is a must-see, built under Roman emperor Hadrian. Vindolanda Roman Fort has fascinating excavated artefacts. There are several places to visit along this impressive feat.
Iconic castles include Alnwick Castle with its gardens and associations with Harry Potter. Bamburgh Castle sits dramatically on a rock overlooking the coast. Warkworth Castle has a picturesque river setting.
When to go and how long for?
This road trip in Northumberland starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Hexham and goes to Kielder Water before returning to the coast and following it. The trip can last 3 to 4 days, depending on your stops, and you'll need to consider the tide schedule.
The total distance for this Northumberland road trip is about 177 miles (286 kilometres), and the driving time is approximately 5.5 hours without factoring in stops. Keep in mind that you might want to make several stops at various parts of Hadrian's Wall, and this could take a couple of days depending on your available time and interests.
The best time to visit Northumberland is during the summer months of June to August for the most pleasant weather and outdoor activities. However, the best time to visit Northumberland, a beautiful county in northern England, largely depends on your preferences and the activities you want to enjoy. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) seasons offer milder weather and fewer crowds compared to summer. Spring is especially lovely with blooming flowers, and autumn brings colourful foliage. It's a good time for hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying the region's natural beauty without the peak-season crowds.
Consider planning your visit around special events and festivals in Northumberland. For example, the Alnwick International Music Festival in August, Northumberland County Show in May, or various Christmas markets and festivities during the holiday season can add unique experiences to your trip.
Planning your road trip in advance
Planning ahead is key to a successful road trip. When you plan in advance, you can reserve campgrounds and attractions, ensuring you get the spots you want and can schedule your preferred activities. This prevents places from being fully booked when you arrive.
Mapping your route helps you find scenic drives and interesting stops, avoiding unnecessary backtracking and long, boring drives. Planning also helps you budget for food, fuel, and activities, so you stay within your budget.
A planned itinerary saves time and prevents rushing through your trip. It minimizes wasted time and helps you avoid road closures or closed attractions. Researching ahead ensures everything you want to visit will be open on your travel dates. And when booking your motorhome rental, secure your top choices early.
In summary, planning in advance reduces stress and lets you make the most of your time, budget, and experiences. Being proactive is the best way to create your dream road trip!
The Northumberland Castles & Coast Road Trip Planner
If you are looking for an online ‘guidebook and map’, our road trip guide partner, Uncover Britain Road Trips, provides an online Northumberland Castles & Coast road trip plan, that will help you discover the beautiful coast of Northumberland. The planner is specially designed to help you cherry-pick from the plethora of wonderful places to visit and attractions to enjoy in Northumberland, so you won’t miss a thing!
The detailed trip planner maps out 10 destinations plus helps you discover hidden gems as you enjoy scenic coastal routes. Find overnight stay spots to rest with the Overnight Stay map, including 60 campsites and 40+ motorhome stops, including nearly wild spots.
Choose from more than 50 incredible attractions and activities and 70 places of interest. The Uncover Map showcases scenic viewpoints, iconic castles, long stretches of beach, and incredible islands of the coast, as well as some wild swimming spots if you fancy taking a dip!
The Northumberland Castles & Coast road trip plan is available at £8.99 to access for 12 months, with no subscription to cancel. Purchase all North of England road trips to weave together, if you have longer to spend in the north, with the North of England region at £19.99. Read more on UncoverBritain.com here.
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