Northumberland has been crowned the title of best UK holiday county to visit in the British Travel Awards and I want to share with you why it’s the best!
Avid readers will know I am a proud Geordie but since moving back to my native North East last year I’ve been showing my hubby the delights of Northumberland too.
Northumberland has so much to offer from golden beaches, dramatic hills, lush wide-open spaces and a turbulent historic past to explore.
It’s about bloody time it was recognised as a fantastic place to visit and this accolade from the British Travel Awards will hopefully put Northumberland on the map for more people.
Competition was fierce this year with Northumberland up against nine other regions including Cornwall, Peak District, Scottish Highlands, Cumbria and The Lake District.
So what makes Northumberland so great then?
Why Northumberland is the best UK holiday county
Coastline
If you love the feel of golden sand beneath you toes and that salty sea air filling your nostrils then a visit to the magnificent coastline should certainly satisfy you.
There’s more than 30 miles of beaches along the spectacular Northumberland Coast with retro-chic seaside towns such as Seahouses where you can promenade along the pier, play at the penny arcades and tuck into the obligatory fish and chips.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is home to Britain’s first permanent coastal sculpture The Couples as well as some tasty fish and chips! You can see what we got up to over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea here.
I have to say Bamburgh beach is my favourite along this stretch of the coast and it’s where I have lots of fond childhood memories.
It’s steeped in history and there’s loads to do in the village.
Of course you can pay a visit to the castle but there’s also impressive stretches of pure golden sandy beaches, a variety of proper English tea rooms and restaurants, St Aidan’s Church and a newly renovated museum dedicated to Grace Darling and much more!
We had a wonderful day at beautiful Bamburgh including a tour of the castle and some gorgeous fresh crab – read all about it here.
Castles
Did you know Northumberland has more castle sites than any other county in the whole of England – 70 in fact!
Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne castles all stand guard along the dramatic coast.
Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick are probably the two most well-known.
Alnwick Castle is perfect for Harry Potter fans and the Alnwick Gardens is also worth a visit – you can buy a joint ticket to do both attractions which I would really recommend.
Alnwick Castle
The fountain at Alnwick Gardens
Bamburgh Castle is so impressive, good value and well worth a visit.
There’s also Chillingham Castle reputedly one of the most haunted castle in England as well as the award-winning and stunning Langley Castle Hotel where I’ve been to a couple of weddings.
Walking
Walkers really are spoilt for choice when it comes to Northumberland whether its long distance routes with cosy pubs or a more leisurely curricular walk to take in pretty hamlets and soak up the rich wildlife along the coast and countryside.
Here’s three I would definitely recommend:
Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail
You can do the 84-mile signposted trail which stretches from coast-to-coast or there are many circular walks which take in some of the most scenic areas around the famous Wall.
The Northumberland Coastal Path
I recommend heading north of Bamburgh Castle where the coast is a little wilder –you have the sea on one side and sand dunes on the other and in the horizon you can see Lindisfarne Castle.
St Cuthbert’s Way
It’s been a long time since I did this walk but it’s varied in terrain and exciting. This cross-border route links Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders, and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The route has everything from the rugged terrain of the Cheviot Hills, to the enormous sandy beaches of the Northumberland coast. You’ll see ancient castles, churches and abbeys, as well as charming villages and an array of wildlife along the way.
Wildlife
For wildlife lovers I would recommend a visit to one of Northumberland’s amazing coastal nature reserves like the Farne Islands, Coquet Island and Druridge Bay.
The Northumberland County Show is a great day out for all the family and the hubby and I took our in-laws with us back in May this year – there’s an array of animals including the hilarious Sheep Show!
It was a cracking day out and you can read all about it here.
The Sheep Show at the Northumberland County Show
Northumberland is also home to two areas of outstanding natural beauty – the North Penines and Northumberland National Park.
The Northumberland Wildlife Trust runs a range of family-friendly wildlife activities during the summer months including mini-beast trails rock pooling and otter walks.
Dark Skies
Northumberland is also home to Europe’s largest area of protected night sky – Northumberland International Dark Sky Park so for any star gazers I would recommend bringing your telescopes or binoculars for a right treat (weather dependent of course)!
When my husband and I had our glamping trip in Northumberland National Park earlier this year we were amazed at how much we could see and the stunning views. Find out all about our Hesleyside Huts glamping holiday here.
Me finding the moon
We’ve also enjoyed a few visits to the gorgeous Slaley Hall in Northumberland – we celebrated our two year wedding anniversary with an overnight stay and fabulous spa treatments.
Slaley Hall Northumberland
We were also invited to attend the summer soirée and had a mooch around the stunning ornamental gardens.
Slaley Hall ornamental gardens
And we enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea – the delicate birdcage for me and the more manly bookcase for the hubby.
The Birdcage
I would definitely recommend a visit to Slaley Hall if you’re in the area.
Thanks for the tour around Northumberland – I’ve never been and hope to visit next year.
I hope you can come and visit next year there is so much to enjoy here in Northumberland.
Me too, I’m marooned in Italy right now as waiting for my visa renewal – over 4 months and counting since submitting my application.
Technically, I can leave but I may not be allowed back in…
Oh no! I hope it gets sorted soon for you.
My first one took 5 months from submission to receiving the card in my hand.
I’m told that it has been taking from 9-10 months now, but can’t confirm this – I’ll let you know after the 5th month! 😉
Oh gosh that’s ridiculous!!
Italy is making it extremely difficult for migrants, especially non-EU citizens. Patience.
Patience is the name of the game then!
I love visiting old castles. So rich in history, and Alnwick Castle looks like it will not disappoint. Gorgeous Rachael. 🙂
Yes Alnwick is a very impressive castle and features in Harry Potter!
No wonder I love it! 👍🏼😊
Another beautiful place to add to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
Rachael, it is not one place we have housesat in or visited. I didn’t know that it had so many castles!! You are doing a fab job at promoting your local area! See your own country before travelling is a good motto!
Oh you really should we have so much to see and do and yes lots and lots of castles!
I will keep an eye out for housesit positions in that area 🙂
Wow, Northumberland looks lovely. I last went years ago on a family holiday I can not remember much of it, I was still at school… definitely now on my list if places to one day re visit.
It is really lovely.
looks like a beautiful part of the world. I would love to explore castles.
I’ve never been to Northumberland but it looks like a beautiful part of the country. There is so much to see and do! Coastal walks are my favourite thing and stopping for fish and chips sounds perfect! Thank you for sharing Rachael <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
We loved our September visit so much that we’re hoping to book up for a couple of days in the New Year!
Aw brilliant!
Looks good to me, although I’d be hard-pressed to find any place in the UK I wouldn’t love to visit. As usual, love your pictures.
You had me at coastline! I’d like to travel throughout the entire UK. Northumberland will be a definite stop when I get there. Very interesting!
We have such beautiful coastline here in the North East.
I just pinned this for the future!
My best friend lives in Cumbria, and I’ve always wanted to explore further. I’d even get one of those ugly plastic wheeled beach chair for that beach.
We aren’t too far away from Cumbria. Bamburgh beach is really really lovely.
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever been to Northumberland! Have been to several other parts of the UK but not there. Now you’ve given me an excuse to go sometime. Beaches, yes please! – love a good seacoast! 🙂
It’s a beautiful part of the UK.
Ok. Ok. I promise that Northumberland is now on my bucket list! I really want to see The Fountain at Alnwick Gardens. That looks so impressive.
The Gardens are really impressive and well worth a visit.
[…] Find out why Northumberland is the best UK holiday county to visit […]
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
Wow this is super useful for my post lockdown holiday plans! Will follow your blog 🙂