3 Action-Packed Things to do in Northumberland

Northumberland is a county packed with one-of-a-kind activities, giving visitors plenty to add to their travel itinerary. From exploring the region’s rugged landscape to getting up close and personal with its wide variety of local wildlife, finding things to do in Northumberland is easy. What’s a little trickier is fitting everything into one trip!

If you’re on your way to this extraordinary English county and need some help organising your holiday agenda, you’re in luck. Today, our friends, the holiday experts at Cottages in Northumberland are breaking down the region’s biggest and best activities - guaranteed to satisfy nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.

Explore new routes

Fans of the great outdoors will find no shortage of walks in Northumberland - from peaceful rural strolls to challenging hikes where you can test your mettle. Local routes are scattered with traditional pubs, and cosy country cottages are never far away - giving you easy access to rest and relaxation at the end of a tiring trail.

• The Northumberland Coastal Path is decorated with stunning stretches of golden sand, and is a testament to the region’s wild, natural beauty. This trail runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed in the North to Amble in the South - covering a total distance of 61 miles
• The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is a long-distance footpath spanning an incredible 84 miles, through Northumberland’s rugged moorland and vibrant green fields. Experienced walkers can tackle this trail in around 6 days, but novices or newbies should allow longer to conquer this formidable footpath – although parts of Hadrian’s Wall can be walked in a day
• The Pennine Way has been cited as Britain’s greatest walking trail, offering no less than 268 miles of first-rate upland walking for lovers of the great outdoors. Cross the weathered mountaintops of England’s backbone and enjoy the refreshing country air

Sports by the sea

Water sports are a mainstay of Northumberland life, with everything from windsurfing to kayaking on offer across the county - and getting involved is a breeze. The breath-taking Northumberland Coast is an ideal backdrop for your action-packed holiday - with some of the UK’s finest sandy beaches, and a number of towns offering the authentic water sports experience to self-confessed thrill seekers.

• Amble is home to Northside Surf School, providing beachside surfing lessons to locals and visitors of all ages - 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Bring your swimming costume, a towel and a bottle of water, and you’re good to go! Wherever you’re staying, you can find a chance to ride the waves - with lessons available at Warkworth, Embleton, Bamburgh and Seahouses beaches to name a few
• The Farne Islands is an ideal spot for getting closer to the area’s grey seal colony, and is home to 182 species of birds including the Puffin. Many beautiful, characterful species call Northumberland their home - and some boat trips to the famous Farne Islands offer exciting diving opportunities too
• In Berwick-upon-Tweed, you’ll find Active 4 Seasons - an adventure centre offering everything from open canoeing and river kayaking to rock climbing and skiing, if you’re looking to try a new outdoor activity or embark on a challenging excursion with some friends

X marks the spot

If you love nothing more than a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt, Northumberland is the place for you. With no less than 39 miles of unspoilt coastline to admire, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see, Northumberland is an adventurer’s paradise - and Treasure Trails are the most exciting way to explore this beautiful region of the UK.

With an exciting 16 trails to choose from, deciding what to do in Northumberland is as simple as figuring out where you’d like your adventure to start. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Seahouses’ Golden Kipper Trail gives you an opportunity to explore this popular coastal village for yourself, with picturesque views of the local harbour and 2 hours’ worth of entertainment in store for the whole family
• Alnwick’s 2-hour Trail starts at the renowned Barter Books and gives visitors an authentic, offbeat tour of this much-loved Northumberland town
• The Hexham Trail is around a mile and a half long, starting at the Tourist Information Centre and winding through this picture-perfect part of the region
• Lindisfarne’s ‘Viking Hoard’ Trail is an ideal activity for the whole family - taking participants around the enigmatic Holy Island before coming to a close at the incredible castle keep

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing hike through this Great British landscape, are keen to explore the Northumberland Coast, or want an exciting treasure trail for the whole family, look no further than Northumberland. With so many things to do and places to stay, the biggest challenge of all will be packing everything into one break.