National Trust, Northumberland

Discover the Best National Trust Sites in Northumberland 

If you're planning a visit to the North East, don't miss out on the remarkable National Trust sites in Northumberland. From Hadrian's Wall, ancient castles and craggy coastlines to formal gardens and rolling countryside, Northumberland offers some of the most awe-inspiring National Trust sites in the UK. Whether you’re looking for historic places to visit in Northumberland, peaceful walks, or fun family days out, here’s a guide to how to Explore the North East with the National Trust and learn more about the National Trust sites in Northumberland.

Planning Your Visit 

Many of the National Trust sites in Northumberland offer: 

• Free parking for members 
• Dog-friendly walks although very often dogs are not allowed inside the halls and houses
• Family activity trails 
• Cafés and gift shops 
• Special events during school holidays and seasons If you’re staying locally – perhaps on a camping or glamping holiday at Herding Hill Farm, for example – most of these attractions are within easy driving distance and make perfect day trips.

Why Visit National Trust Sites in Northumberland? 

• Rich history – from Roman ruins to Victorian innovation 
• Unspoiled nature – Northumberland is one of the UK’s most rural and wild counties
• Outdoor adventure – miles of scenic walks, wildlife trails, and coastal paths 
• Family friendly – many sites have kid-focused events, explorer packs, and play zones 
• Instagram-worthy views – dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, and architectural gems

Historic Homes and Gardens 

Wallington Estate is one of the most popular National Trust sites in Northumberland. Highlights include:

• The Walled Garden and conservatory are especially special in the Spring when the gardens come alive with white snowdrops and purple crocus
• Take a tranquil walk along the banks of the River Wansbeck and brave the steppingstones, whilst keeping your eye out for wildlife such as red squirrels and the beautiful ornate bridge. Wallington National Trust is dog-friendly
• Bike hire for family-friendly cycling in the North East
• Wallington’s Clocktower Café is perfect for refreshments and a spot of shopping for a National Trust gift or keepsake to take home
• Interactive children’s play areas 
• Wallington Hall is an historic house full of treasures, including a library with books dating back centuries 
• Family-friendly events throughout the year
  

The National Trust property of Gibside is close to the Metro Centre. This 18th-century Georgian landscape garden was forged in an industrial past and there are excellent Derwent valley views. Roe deer, otters and red kites can sometimes be seen and there are plenty of walks to choose from. The grand ruin of Gibside Hall offers a glimpse into the dramatic story of heiress Mary Eleanor Bowes. The Market Place Café and bookshop provide some retail distraction. 

World Famous Engineering 

Cragside at Rothbury was the first place in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. The inventor and engineer Lord Thomas Armstrong created the most technologically advanced house of its time and then filled it with quirky things which entertain visitors to this National Trust Northumberland house to this day. Don’t miss: 

• Rhododendron displays in late spring in the landscaped gardens
• Victorian gadgetry inside the house
  
• Interactive exhibits for children 
• 6-mile carriage drive with woodland views 
• Children’s adventure play area. 
• Tea rooms and gift shop. 

George Stephenson’s Birthplace in Wylam was the start of this world-famous railway engineer. 

Cherryburn was the birthplace of Thomas Bewick, Northumberland’s greatest artist and naturalist. Bewick developed a way of engraving wood that could rival the fine detail of metal engraving. There are regular print demonstrations. 

Breath-taking Nature - National Trust Sites in Northumberland 

• The Farne Islands are a very special place indeed. Home to seals and almost 200,000 seabirds, including puffins, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, eider ducks and guillemots. Regular boat trips run from the harbour at Seahouses. Puffins can normally be seen on the Farne Islands between April and mid-July. 
• Embleton and Newton Links is one of the most spectacular coastal walks in the North East. It’s one of the most photogenic walks in England, with sea cliffs, wildflowers, and castle ruins rising from the landscape. Set foot from the fishing village and harbour of Craster, famous for its smoked kippers, passing the impressive coastal ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, also a National Trust property, along the long golden sweep of Embleton Sands before reaching Low Newton by the Sea. There are amazing sand dunes, covered in wildflowers, along the way. Explore the many rock pools around the foot of the castle. If you have time enjoy a crab sandwich and a real ale from The Ship Inn, a beer garden with a view!! 
• If you want to head further north, National Trust Lindisfarne Castle on the tidal Holy Island is worth the drive, just keep an eye out for the tide times and don’t get caught on the tida causeway! Stunning coastal walks await as well and the other attractions of this tidal island including Lindisfarne Priory, Victorian lime kilns, the striking Lindisfarne boat sheds and a sample of the famous Lindisfarne Mead at St Aidan’s Winery. Lindisfarne is also the end point for the 77.5-mile St Cuthberts Way which starts in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. Lindisfarne Castle is now home to a contemporary art exhibition. 
• Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is the closest National Trust woodland to Herding Hill Farm and there are stunning walks along the River Allen, with great opportunities to spot a red squirrel. 

Hadrian’s Wall 

It would be remiss of us not to mention Hadrian's Wall, one of the most iconic National Trust sites in Northumberland. Herding Hill Farm is on the doorstep of this Unesco World Heritage Site, just one mile from Cawfields Quarry and one of the most iconic sections of Hadrian's Wall stretching from Walltown Quarry to Housesteads. Hadrian's Wall has miles of stunning walks and landscapes including the Hadrian's Wall Path which stretches from coast to coast. Housesteads Fort is managed by the National Trust North East and you can view the old Roman barracks, hospital and toilets!