United Kingdom
Northumberland, United Kingdom: Coastal and Historical Region
A gateway to Hadrian’s Wall and the Farne Islands, Northumberland combines rugged coastline with Roman history.
Fast facts
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- North East England
- Coastline
- Approx. 140 km along the North Sea
- Population
- Around 320,000 (2021 estimate)
- Known for
- Hadrian’s Wall, Farne Islands, puffin colonies, Roman history
Northumberland sits in the far northeast of England, bordering Scotland and the North Sea.
Known for its open landscapes and sparse population, the region offers a contrast to more urban parts of the UK.
Visitors often arrive to walk sections of Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman frontier built nearly two millennia ago. The Farne Islands, accessible by boat from Seahouses, are noted for puffin colonies that attract birdwatchers in late spring and summer. Winters bring quiet beaches and the occasional sighting of seals along the coast.
Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Visit segments near Housesteads Roman Fort for well-preserved ruins and interpretive signs detailing the Wall’s military purpose.
Farne Islands Birdwatching
Take a boat trip from Seahouses between May and August to see nesting puffins, terns, and grey seals.
Alnwick Castle Grounds
Tour the castle gardens, which are accessible year-round, and note their use as a film location for historical dramas.
Book Northumberland tours, activities and tickets
Bookable Northumberland tours and tickets are live now via the partners we trust. The full editorial guide is being expanded — check back as new sections land.
Where is Northumberland?
Here's Northumberland at a glance.
Top experiences in Northumberland
A handful of the best-reviewed, instant-confirmation tours and tickets — sourced live from our partners.
The Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei: Day Ticket
Northumberland: Cuthberts Cave, trees and red squirrels
Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour
Holy Island: Pilgrims' Path Guided Walk
From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria
Northumberland: Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Distillery
Inventory updated 2 weeks ago.
Find a place to stay in Northumberland
Hotels, apartments and independent stays in Northumberland, sourced from the partners we use ourselves. Pricing and availability are real-time on each partner.
89 destinations.
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Visit Northumberland is one of 89 destination micro-sites across the Visit Network — independent guides, written by editors who actually go.
You may also be interested in: VisitHarrow.co.uk, JustSuffolk.com, VisitIpswich.com, VisitMontrose.co.uk, JustNorfolk.com, VisitPerthshire.co.uk, VisitPortree.co.uk, VisitSpalding.co.uk, VisitWoolwich.com, JustYorkshire.org.uk, VisitCymru.com
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