Top 10 things to do in Northumberland this Summer
Things to do in Northumberland this Summer
Northumberland is one of the UK’s most unspoilt counties, perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly fun. With its wild landscapes, Roman history, golden beaches, historic castles, an abundance of local produce and thriving wildlife, it’s an unbeatable destination for summer holidays. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip, a relaxing family glamping break, or simply looking for inspiration for family days out in Northumberland, here are the top 10 outdoor activities you won’t want to miss this summer. The Visit Northumberland website also has a guide to things to do in Summer in Northumberland.
What are the best outdoor activities in Northumberland?
The combination of coast and countryside mean that endless outdoor activities in Northumberland await.
- Surfing - Northumberland boasts spectacular castle views, great waves and large sandy beaches including Bamburgh Castle, Beadnell Bay, Newbiggin-by-the -Sea, Seaton Sluice, Druridge Bay, Cresswell and Tynemouth Longsands. Surf schools are available at Surf Northumberland, Northside Surf School in Amble or Surf Co in Tynemouth
- Paddle boarding - excellent places for paddleboarding in Northumberland include Beadnell Bay and Kielder Watersports. SurfCo in Tynemouth also offer paddle boards for hire
- Coastal kayaking - Bamburgh beach, Craster harbour and Embleton Bay are good choices for sea kayaking in Northumberland
- Beach horse riding - Bamburgh (height restriction barriers are in place along the Wynding), Beadnell Bay (Seasonal Restriction May-August), Alnmouth (Boathouses Car Park), Warkworth/Buston Links (Warkworth Picnic Site Car Park and follow route to beach for horses) and Druridge Bay Country Park. All have car parks large enough to accommodate horse boxes.
- Water sports - Kielder would be the recommended choice but boats can also be hired on Talkin Tarn near Brampton
- Zip lining at Kielder Zip Coaster or Go Ape Matfen
- Mountain biking - The Kielder Lakeside Way is a good mountain bike trail and there are also good trails in Kielder Forest. CLoser to Herding Hill Farm bikers can pick up the South Tyne Trail or parts of the Pennine Way
are just some of the best outdoor activities in Northumberland.
What are the best spots for Northumberland Wildlife?
There is an abundance of things to do in Summer relating to Northumberland wildlife:
- The ospreys nest at Kielder Forest
- The North East coastal waters are full of cetaceans such as bottlenose dolphins and if you are really lucky orcas. You can track their progress through Facebook groups such as North East Cetacean Project.
- The puffins are at Farne Islands between May and July and can be seen via a boat crossing from Seahouses from operators such as Billy Shiels. This is one of the top outdoor activities in Northumberland for both adults and children with a love of nature.
- Red squirrels and adders can also be spotted across the Northumberland National Park and at Kielder Forest.
- The Hauxley Nature Reserve and Wild Life Discovery Centre Northumberland at Druridge Bay is well worth a visit.
- The Northumberland Wildlife Trust has details of its Summer events and activities
What are the best festivals in Northumberland this Summer?
There are a variety of noteworthy music and culture festivals in Northumberland this Summer.
- Hexham Book Festival is normally held in June
- Mouth of the Tyne at Tynemouth Priory in July
- Lindisfarne music festival at a gorgeous coastal setting in Beal Farm in early September. Strictly over 18'
- Rothbury Traditional Music Festival is held mid-July and is a great folk festival
- Various country shows over the Summer months including Glendale Show at Wooler and Bellingham Show. Alwinton Show takes place the first Saturday of October
Which Northumberland Gardens are the best things to do in Summer?
Most Northumberland gardens are at their best during the Summer months including:
- The Rose Garden at The Alnwick Garden which is in full bloom in June and July
- The Walled Garden at Wallington Hall
- Swathes of azalea and rhododendron at Cragside at Rothbury
- Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is worth a visit and as the ancestral home of the Earls Grey must be visited to enjoy a cup of tea. The wild Bog Garden is at its peak during the Summer.
What are the most unusual family days out in Northumberland?
The North East is great for families and there are a variety of places to enjoy family days out in Northumberland when family camping at Herding Hill Farm:
- Broomstick training at Alnwick Castle, famous filming location for the Harry Potter movies? Free admission to Alnwick Castle is also included. And whilst you’re there why not visit the Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden?
- Northumberlandia is the world's largest human landform sculpture. 'The Lady of the North' is around 34m high and 400m in length. There are great views, woodland works and Northumberland wildlife
- For stargazing in Northumberland try the Kielder Observatory for astronomy heaven. Their Summer Skies events focus on the sun, moon and planet and there are also Late Night Dark Sky events those that want to enjoy stargazing in Northumberland all year round. Herding Hill Farm is a Dark Sky Friendly Park, with a range of family friendly camping facilities and family friendly glamping
- Football fans may like to take a walk on the roof of the Newcastle United Stadium St James Park, with an NUFC Rooftop Tour. There are great views of the stadium and the city of Newcastle. NUFC Stadium Tours also available