A Northumberland Adventure
Northumberland is an amazing location to explore - perfect for a series of shorter trips, or for longer more relaxing visits. It is filled with ancient castles, hidden gems, unspoilt beaches, rolling hills, rugged moorlands and sweeping views!
Join me, as I share the best locations to explore over four days. This trip would be perfect for a long weekend, or a mid-week trip.
Day One
We arrived at Hadrians Wall Campsite, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, but also close to the famous and historical Hadrians Wall. It is such a convenient base for explorations, the facilities are clean and there is a very well-stocked shop on site which was really useful. During our visit, there were mostly larger groups of campers, which I admit would put us off returning in the peak season again. However, this campsite is open all year. Click here for other UK campsites open all year.
We arrived on a particularly hot day, so the sunshade was well needed. We relaxed, played games and explored the local hillside which provided a perfect viewpoint to watch the glorious sunset.
Some of our Family Favourite Campervan Games
Day Two
Hadrian’s Wall was first on our list of places to visit. The National Trust carpark is free for members and from here it is possible to visit Housesteads Roman Fort and walk along Hadrian’s wall to Sycamore Gap. The ‘Sycamore Gap Tree’ (also known as ‘Robin Hood Tree’, is a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian's Wall. It is located in a dramatic dip in the landscape and is a popular landmark - claiming to be one of the most photographed trees in the country!
After walking the eight mile round trip from Housesteads Roman Fort to Sycamore Gap, we had lunch in the campervan.
We visited Walltown Country Park during the afternoon, positioned on the line of Hadrian’s Wall, near the village of Greenhead. Forty Five years ago, this site was a working quarry, where the hard whinstone was blasted with dynamite to provide road stone for the expanding road network of the early 20th Century. After it closed in 1976, the quarry was filled in and landscaped, planted with trees and flowers. Today the park is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts; providing a secure place for families to experience a taste of the wild, as they adventure in its meadows and woodlands. The park also provides a welcome place to just relax.
Day Three
Today we headed to the coast. Northumberland plays host to some of the best beaches in the England. While perhaps not as popular as the beaches found in the likes of Devon and Cornwall, they are equally as beautiful. We started at St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay, before heading up the coast to Druridge Country Park. Unlike any beach we have ever visited before, it has three miles of beach and sand dunes which form part of a country park. It also benefits from a woodland, several nature reserves, a huge play park and a visitors’ centre. Druridge Country Park could easily keep your entertained all day! However we enjoyed the beach and then headed off to Alnmouth beach. There is parking right next to the beach, so it was the perfect spot to stop for some lunch.
A visit to Warkworth Castle, is well recommended (free for English Heritage members). Enjoy being a king or queen for the day in this mighty Northumberland fortress! The magnificent cross-shaped keep, which was once home to 'Harry Hotspur', is very impressive! There are also spectacular river and coastal views from the castle walls.
That evening we stayed at Springhill Farm Campsite. While we appreciate many families would love this campsite, it wasn’t our favourite. I have included some other suggested places to stay instead on the Google Map, which can be found here.
Day Four
Bamburgh is spectacular! When you discover its glorious coastal walks, great surfing scene and dramatic castle – you’ll understand why! A visit to Bamburgh Beach and Castle will be one of the highlights of your trip - it was ours! I would recommend moving further away from the main carparks in Bamburgh, for the best beach experience and fewer crowds! And ensure you visit the castle. It is just as magical on the inside, as it is out.
Day Five
No trip to Northumberland would be complete without a trip to Holy Island. It is a tidal island, so ensure you check the tide times before you visit. Both an island and a picturesque village, it should not be missed. It is cut off twice-daily from the rest of the mainland by fast moving tides, At low tide, you literally skim the sand and the causeway. It makes for a great drive! While you are there, don’t forget to visit Lindisfarne Castle.
Northumberland Top Picks
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