Northumberland Road Trip Ideas

Discover the Best Northumberland Road Trip Ideas: Castles, Coastlines & Countryside Adventures 

Looking for the ultimate Northumberland road trip itinerary? From dramatic coastlines and historic castles to hidden villages and scenic countryside, Northumberland is a dream destination for UK road trippers. Here are a selection of road trip ideas in Northumberland that blend stunning landscapes, ancient history, local culture, and unforgettable stops — all tailored to help you plan a smarter, smoother adventure.

Why Choose Northumberland for Your Next Road Trip? 

• Northumberland offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and peaceful roads — perfect for travellers seeking scenic routes and authentic British experiences
• Less crowded than the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands 
• Home to over 70 castle sites 
• Includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast AONB 
• Ideal for campervans, caravans, and car touring Well-connected yet remote-feeling — a true road trip paradise

Northumberland Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Unmissable Stops 

Here’s a road trip itinerary through Northumberland that covers coast, countryside, and culture.

(1) Hadrian's Wall & Northumberland National Park – History Meets Hiking

No Northumberland road trip itinerary is complete without heading inland to see Hadrian’s Wall. Combine scenic driving with walking trails and Roman ruins. Work your way along the B6318, the old Military Rd, stopping to admire the wall and various places of interest including Chesters, Housesteads and Vindolanda Roman forts and The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre. Plenty of walking along the wall including the Hadrian's Wall Walk, an 84 mile route from coast to coast which can also be tackled in sections. 

(2) Kielder Water and Forest

A trip to Kielder is a must for outdoor enthusiasts on a Northumberland road trip. The gateway to Kielder, Bellingham is small town. Hareshaw Linn Walk is a stunning 2.5 mile walk through countryside passing the remains of an old ironworks that ends at a magnificent 30 feet waterfall.

The largest artificial lake in the UK by capacity, Kielder Water is surrounded by the largest working forest in England. The 27-mile Lakeside Way is suitable for walkers and cyclists alike. There are three visitor centres, Tower Knowe, Kielder Waterside or Kielder Castle. Water sports and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available. A visit to the Kielder Observatory is a must for Kielder is at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Tours get booked up so make sure you plan your trip well in advance. Kielder Forest Drive is a spectacular 12-mile route on unsealed forest road, from Kielder Castle in the west to Blakehope Burn Haugh on the A68 in the east. The Kielder Forest Drive is one of England's highest roads, cresting over 1,500 feet (450 metres) at Blakehope Nick.  Toll road, with afee payable at the toll machine Kielder Castle. The Kielder Forest Drive is through remote countryside without mobile phone coverage and is not suitable for vehicles with very low ground clearance. A 15mph speed limit is in force.

(3) Coquet and Redesdale Valley

Otterburn has a bloody history and was the site of many Reiver battles The Percy stone cross marks the spot where the Battle of Otterburn in 1388 took place. Otterburn Mill contains a museum outlining the history of weaving and wool milling in the area.  Try the Otterburn Village Trail which is about 3 miles long.

The spectacular Simonside Hills teem with wildlife including curlew, red grouse and wild goats. Rothbury is built on a sandstone hillside and is the home of Cragside House and Gardens, operated by the National Trust, home to Lord Armstrong, and the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. The rhododendron gardens are stunning in Spring and early Summer. Rothbury offers plenty of shops, art galleries, tea rooms, cafes and pubs. Located on the River Coquet, there is a beautiful riverside walk and it makes a very convenient base for fishing.

(4) Castles of Alnwick and Bamburgh - Harry Potter & Heritage

The charming medieval market town of Alnwick offers a mix of literature, film locations, and local history and has all the amenities you would expect, as well as the fabulous Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, both worth a visit in their own right whether you love Harry Potter or not! Alnwick Castle is the second largest lived-in castle in the UK after Windsor and was used as a filimg location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. The Alnwick Garden is famous for its Poison Garden. From Alnwick it’s an easy drive to the beautiful Northumberland coastline and the coastal villages of Amble, Alnmouth, Warkworth and Seahouse along the Northumberland Coastal Route.

Bamburgh Castle & beach is coastal drama at its very best and one of the most iconic stops on any Northumberland road trip. Tour Bamburgh Castle, perched high above the sea or stroll the vast beach (great for dogs and picnics). Try local seafood in village pubs.

(5) Holy Island of Lindisfarne – A Magical Tidal Escape 

One of the most unique road trip ideas in Northumberland is a drive to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, accessible only during low tide via a causeway. Explore Lindisfarne Priory and Castle or visit St. Aidan’s Winery for mead tasting. Check tide times and safe crossing windows carefully.

Local Food & Drink to Try on Your Trip