2026 Northumberland Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

If you appreciate history and natural scenery, Dunstanburgh Castle is definitely worth a visit. Located on the coast of Northumberland in northern England, this castle boasts over 700 years of history, dating back to the 14th century, and is one of England's most iconic medieval castle ruins. What makes it truly special isn't just the castle itself, but the surrounding natural landscape. The castle sits on a vast coastal meadow, surrounded by endless green meadows, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. Walking along the path leading to the castle, you'll see expansive meadows stretching all the way to the sea, offering a remarkably open and tranquil vista. As you slowly approach the castle, the ancient stone walls and the coastline create a spectacular scene, making you feel like you've stepped into a movie set. Many people come here specifically for walks, sea views, photography, or picnics, because the entire environment is truly beautiful. On a clear day, the blue sky, seascape, and green meadows combine to create a quintessential northern English landscape. If you enjoy nature, history, and a tranquil coastline, Dunstanburgh Castle is a place well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

If you want to see a truly breathtaking starry sky in the UK, the Kielder Observatory is an absolute must-see. Located in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park in northern England, one of Europe's largest dark sky reserves and considered one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. Established in 2008 by a group of astronomy-loving volunteers, the Kielder Observatory has become one of the UK's most renowned stargazing centers. Because of the near-zero light pollution from surrounding cities, on clear days you can clearly see a sky full of stars, and even have a chance to see the Milky Way. I participated in their Stargazing Event. The event is usually led by an astronomy instructor who introduces constellations, the history of the universe, and allows you to observe celestial bodies such as planets and star clusters using large telescopes. The whole experience was very special, giving you a real sense of exploring the universe. However, be aware that stargazing events are very popular and places are limited, usually filling up quickly. So if you plan to stargaze here, be sure to book your tickets in advance on the official website; walk-ins usually won't get you a spot. Additionally, if you happen to be there on a clear night, stepping outside the observatory will reveal a sky full of stars and an incredibly clear night sky—a feeling that's hard to experience in the city. If you enjoy stargazing, photography, or want to experience a unique nighttime adventure, the Kielder Observatory is definitely worth a special trip.

🌊 One of the highlights of my recent visit to the Northumberland Coast was a stunning coastal walk to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. The walk will take you along the breathtaking shoreline, just a few feet away from the sea as you take in the views and watch the ruined castle come into sight (Picture 1). 🏘️ I started in a quaint little village nearby, Craster, with charming holiday cottages and washed up private boats (Picture 2). If you strike it lucky you'll even see an ice cream van perfectly positioned in the village for a hot day! I then followed a scenic path along the rugged shoreline, with sweeping views of the North Sea. The sound of the waves, seabirds overhead, and the silhouette of the castle growing on the horizon made the walk truly magical. 🐑 You'll be accompanied by the sweetest and most vocal grazing sheep as the castle comes into sight - creating a beautiful backdrop for some photos of the castle (Picture 3). 🏰 Reaching the dramatic ruins felt like stepping into history-so peaceful and atmospheric, especially with the sea breeze in the air (Picture 4). After some exploration, time to head back to the village again. The sheep had positioned themselves right along the coast this time and managed to get a quick couple of poses for a photo! (Picture 5). 🍽️ Take a short trip south to Alnmouth for it's High Street with an array of local pubs and eateries. 🛌🏼 Stay in the market town of Alnwick in a fantastic B&B or Guest House - the town has everything you need. 💡 Bring sun cream on a hot day - you'll have no protection from the sun on the open coastline. Bring good walking boots to easily traverse the rocky paths. I'll be sure to return to this place soon - if you're ever in the area, this walk is an absolute must! #northumberland #dunstanburgh #coastalwalk #hiddengem

4 hour trip to London