The Ultimate UK Road Trip Adventure

Looking for the perfect UK road trip that combines epic coastlines, dramatic castles, dark skies, and peaceful countryside? The Northumberland 250 – often referred to as the NE250 or even the “NC500 of the North East” – is a stunning circular driving route covering around 250 miles of England’s last true wilderness.

Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, staying at scenic campsites, or seeking glamping comforts like ours here at Herding Hill Farm, the Northumberland 250 offers the ideal blend of exploration and relaxation. Here’s everything you need to plan an unforgettable NE250 road trip. You could do it as an ongoing road trip or a series of day trips if you preferred.

What is the Northumberland 250 (NE250)?

The Northumberland 250 is a circular driving route through rural and coastal Northumberland, showcasing the very best of England’s wild northeast. From Roman ruins and starry skies to sweeping beaches and medieval castles, the NE250 is a slower, quieter, richer alternative to Scotland’s NC500.

Unlike the Scottish route, the Northumberland 250 is less crowded, more accessible from much of the UK, and packed with family-friendly experiences – plus, it’s perfect for a campervan or glamping adventure. Haltwhistle is known as the Centre of Britain making it an ideal base for exploration for those looking to do the NC500 of the North East.

Northumberland 250 Route Overview

The NE250 route forms a loop and can be tackled in either direction. It connects Newcastle, Kielder Forest, the North Pennines, the Northumberland Coast AONB, and Berwick-upon-Tweed. With the ferry coming into North Shields from the Netherlands it’s also an ideal route for overseas motorhomers wanting to explore the Northumberland coast and countryside.

The Northumberland 250 route is broken down into four scenic sections:

1. The Coast - From Amble to Berwick-upon-Tweed, this stretch of the NC250 includes:

• Bamburgh Castle and beach
• Holy Island of Lindisfarne (check tide times!)
• Seahouses for boat trips to the Farne Islands
• Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle
• Alnwick Castle and magical Lilidorei play village at Alnwick Garden

2. The Borderlands - Explore the Cheviots and the Scottish border country:

• Ford & Etal Estate – historic railways, heavy horses, and vintage charm
• Berwick Walls – Elizabethan town fortifications
• Northumberland National Park for peaceful hikes

3. Kielder & Dark Skies - Stargazing country, where you’ll find on the NE250:

• Kielder Water & Forest Park – walking, cycling, wildlife, water sports
• Kielder Observatory – stargazing events under some of the darkest skies in Europe. Great for off-grid adventures and digital detoxing

4. Hadrian’s Wall & The Roman Frontier Country

This is where Herding Hill Farm shines as a base camp for the Northumberland 250! Dramatic rural landscapes and incredible sunsets.

• Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum
• Housesteads and Chesters Forts
• Haltwhistle – the heart of Britain, perfect for hiking

Top Campsites on the Northumberland 250

There’s no better way to enjoy the NE250 than by staying outdoors, close to nature. Whether you’re in a camper van, motorhome, tent, or looking for glamping, here are some standout options:

Herding Hill Farm, Haltwhistle

• Perfectly located on the Roman Frontier section of the NC250 of the North East
• Luxury glamping pods with hot tubs, heated Wigwam cabins, some with hot tubs, touring pitches and tent camping
• On-site animal petting farm, playground, private bathrooms, and hot tubs
• Walkable to Hadrian’s Wall and local pubs
• Family-run and award-winning – ideal for a relaxing stop mid-route

Kielder Campsite

• Wild forest location with basic facilities
• Excellent for nature-lovers and dark sky seekers

Budle Bay Campsite (near Bamburgh)

Coastal views, basic but scenic, good access to the beach and castles

Proctors Stead (Craster)

Quiet coastal site with good family facilities and access to Dunstanburgh Castle

Highburn House (Wooler)

Well-placed for exploring the Cheviots and Border country

For more information Overland Adventures have a great blog on the Top 10 Campsites in Northumberland, including Herding Hill Farm. Alternatively Wilder Trips also have lots of recommendations for Top Campsites on the Northumberland 250. Camping in Northumberland also have a comprehensive list of sites along the nland250 route.

Planning Tips for Your Northumberland 250 Adventure

• Plan for at least 4–7 days to do the full Northumberland 250 route without rushing – longer if you want to stay 2+ nights at key stops. You might want to build in a couple of “rest days” as well so that you are not packing and moving daily 
• Choose whether to do the drive clockwise or anti-clockwise; you might want to let the weather forecast decide!
• Refer to the Northumberland250 website for more information or follow them on Facebook
• Pre-book popular campsites on the NE250 – especially in summer. Herding Hill Farm offers online booking and flexible options, with just a 25% deposit being payable for advance bookings
• Bring all-weather gear – Northumberland’s beauty comes with unpredictable weather so dress for all weathers
• Picnics - there are so many gorgeous picnic spots along the way so make sure you come prepared with plenty of food and drink for the day ahead; why not even bring a small stove so you can make a cup of tea along the way
• Check tide times for Holy Island – getting stranded is part of the adventure, but only if it’s on purpose and a waterlogged motorhome would make for a ruined and an expensive holiday
• Travel with binoculars and walking boots – between the seals, puffins, Roman ruins, and red squirrels, there’s a lot to see.
• Don’t forget the essentials, we have a Camping Checklist to help
• Pack a stargazing app or telescope – Kielder and Herding Hill Farm are both within designated Dark Sky zones

Why Herding Hill Farm Is a Must-Stop on the NE250

Our 5-star campsite sits just off the Northumberland 250 route near Haltwhistle, offering a comfortable and scenic break after exploring the wilder stretches of the Borderlands or Kielder.

• En-suite glamping pods, some with hot tubs
• Touring pitches with electric
• 5-star amenities
• Children’s play area and petting animals
• Private hot tubs
• Firepits for hire
• Easy access to Hadrian’s Wall

…it’s a great halfway stop or base for multiple days of local discovery.

Make the Northumberland 250 Your Next UK Road Trip

If you love the idea of the NC500 but want something closer, quieter, and packed with history, the Northumberland 250 is the ideal alternative. Combine the NE250 with top-rated campsites like Herding Hill Farm, and you’ve got the ultimate mix of outdoor adventure and creature comforts.

Start your NE250 journey with us – book your stay today.