What to do and see in Northumberland, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

April 15, 2022 Enedina Augsburger

Discover the best top things to do in Northumberland, United Kingdom including Farne Islands, Cragside House and Gardens, Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre, St Aiden Beach, Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Vindolanda, Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey, Paxton House.
Restaurants in Northumberland

1. Farne Islands

NE68 7YT England +44 1665 720651 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/farne-islands/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 729 reviews

Farne Islands

A group of islands on the very north-east of England which represent one of the greatest dangers to shipping around the entire British Isles.

Reviewed By LashyDavid - Looe, United Kingdom

There are plenty of companies offering boat trips to the Farne Islands and we were very pleased with ours offered by Billy Shiels. It combined an enjoyable cruise around the islands (including views of grey seals, cliff faces full of birds and Grace Darling’s Longstone Lighthouse) with an hour on Inner Farne which has boardwalks, toilets and information, so very visitor friendly. For our short visit, we shared the island with thousands of birds, including cormorants, terns and puffins feeding their young with beaks full of sand eels. I’ve never before seen so many puffins, nor been so close to them. Inner Farne is managed by the National Trust who have a kiosk on Seahouses quay where you should pay to land (or show your membership card) in exchange for a wrist band before embarking on the boat.

2. Cragside House and Gardens

B6341 1 mile north of Rothbury, Rothbury, Northumberland National Park NE65 7PX England +44 1669 620333 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside
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5.0 based on 3,424 reviews

Cragside House and Gardens

Reviewed By davidfJ2126DK - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Whilst we are NT Members and visited for free, I'm conscious that it is quite pricey for non-members (currently £13.00 per adult/ £38.00 per family for house and gardens). It is however, well worth the price if you make a full day of it! Extensive gardens, unique hydro-electric power system, remarkable house, great childrens play areas and a delightful 5-6 mile drive all within the site with numerous stop-off points to enjoy walks, picnic areas and lakeside views. The cafe/restaurant is not cheap but the food we had was delicious. Note that the House is not open every day - check out the national Trust for details and restrictions, especially during gthe Winter months. To fully appreciate the intriguing story of Lord Armstrong (the previous owner of the property), a visit to Bambough castle (not National Trust) is also highly recommended, and we found it really enjoyable and fascinating.

3. Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre

Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder NE48 1BT England +44 1434 250400 [email protected] http://www.kielderbopc.com
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5.0 based on 425 reviews

Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre

Officially licensed Birds of Prey Centre set in the heart of beautiful Kielder Water and Forest Park, the only place in Britain with dark sky status.

Reviewed By 38sallyj - Chelmsford, United Kingdom

This place is totally amazing, when we went in i was a little disappointed that they weren't doing the bird of prey displays, but i soon changed my mind. first we looked at all the birds, and they do have many to see, but the highlight was being able to watch the very knowledgeable staff feed 3 of the birds, and they told us so much about the birds, they fed a falcon, a small grey owl and an American barn owl that was only 14 weeks old. This truly was the highlight of our holiday. I hope lots of people visit, particularly at the moment in these troubled times.

4. St Aiden Beach

Bamburgh England
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5.0 based on 516 reviews

St Aiden Beach

Reviewed By Sarah-April1990 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

A gorgeous and huge beach perfect for letting the dogs run around and paddle! The water was warm in places too!

5. Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre

Haggerston Castle Riding Stables, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 2NZ England +44 7882 084178 [email protected] http://www.andyhoweysbirdsofprey.co.uk
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5.0 based on 527 reviews

Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre

Reviewed By PTStu - Motherwell, United Kingdom

We went as a family of 4 with our 2 boys (age 2 & 4). It was reptile day so we got to see and hold snakes, lizards, millipede, rat, baby owls and then the tarantula. The kids totally loved it and were buzzing. Me and Mum loved it too and managed to come out of our comfort zones by holding the tarantula and snake. The staff were so good with us they made it easy. I think we all enjoyed it as much as each other. I thoroughly recommend this for all ages. The staff really make the difference and make the experience good for kids & adults.

6. The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Seahouses NE66 3ED England +44 1670 622660 [email protected] http://www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
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5.0 based on 933 reviews

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is among the finest landscape of the country. It was designated in 1958 and covers 39 miles of coast from Berwick to the Coquet Estuary. Within this stretch of coastline is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery - sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs and isolated islands.

Reviewed By rosiewesti - Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Dog friendly sandy beaches stretching for miles and miles with sand dunes, which the dogs loved to explore, easy to park and Dog poo bins in car parks. Stunning views out across the sea to Holy Island, many seabirds, deserted beaches or very few people.We walked Seahouses, Bamburgh, Ross, Dunstan Steads, and Low Newton beaches over 4 days. Stopping at various pubs for a hearty lunch with our dogs. The coastline is stunning, castles, sand dunes etc

7. Vindolanda

Vindolanda Vindolanda Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7JG England +44 1434 344277 [email protected] http://www.vindolanda.com
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4.5 based on 2,181 reviews

Vindolanda

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. The recently fully refurbished on site museum provides a breathtaking exploration of the Trust's ongoing discoveries and accounts of Roman life. There are no other places on earth where it is possible to experience Roman Britain, Hadrian's Wall and history coming to life before your very eyes all in one space! Come and explore it for yourself and find out why Vindolanda is treasured worldwide.

Reviewed By BenB4965 - Oudenaarde, Belgium

Very interesting spot with great history and part of the enormous Hadrian wall . Presently they are excavating and you can find in the museum a collection of roman shoes (it is extremely rare to have things like these) and also writings and letters from roman soldiers on wooden tablets (perishable , as are the shoes)

8. Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle Bamburgh, Bamburgh NE69 7DF England +44 1668 214208 [email protected] http://www.bamburghcastle.com
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4.5 based on 3,736 reviews

Bamburgh Castle

The King of Castles, a fortification has dominated this site since Anglo-Saxon times when it was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria. The current structure with Keep, curtain walls, towers and ramparts dates from the 1500's to the Victorian restructuring of Lord Armstrong. There are fourteen rooms open to the public including the spectacular Kings Hall, with over 3000 items of artwork, furniture, china and porcelain. The separate Armstrong and Aviation Artifacts museum gives visitors a glimpse into the creativity and industrial genius of Lord Armstrong, with a look at the aviation legacy created by his company after his death. The cafeteria serves great, fresh food and then a wander around the battlements completes a great day out.

Reviewed By sonyam416 - Ironbridge, United Kingdom

Bamburgh Castle was a wonderful surprise, I knew nothing about it and so was taken aback by its scale and fantastic position- the entry fee is excellent value, great social distance measures and sanitiser stations everywhere, masks required etc - the exhibits are fascinating, the Armstrong museum a real bonus for us - an all round great place to visit, and add in the beach and the village near by and it’s a great full day out.

9. Hexham Abbey

Beaumont Street, Hexham NE46 3NB England +44 1434 602031 http://www.hexham-abbey.org.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,039 reviews

Hexham Abbey

This former medieval abbey was built late in the 7th century.

Reviewed By micksymes1 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

I had never visited Hexham Abbey before - what a wonderful place!! It has so much history surrounding it ... from it’s original building in the 7th Century, the Frith stool, the Night Stair, the Anglo Saxon crypt through to it’s Big Story exhibition charting the history of the site. It is a fascinating place to visit. There is also a great cafe on site. However, I would suggest that if you’re planning a visit, check out if there are any services being held at the same time as access may be restricted

10. Paxton House

Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1SZ England +44 1289 386291 [email protected] http://paxtonhouse.co.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 704 reviews

Paxton House

One of the finest examples of an 18th-century Palladian Country house in all of Britain. There are many activities at Paxton House to keep you busy for a whole day, including house tours, boat trips and net fishing on the River Tweed, tearoom and gift shop, extensive grounds and gardens, galleries and exhibitions. We also have different types of accommodation, including an apartment, a lodge and a caravan park if you wish to stay and enjoy Paxton House for longer.

Reviewed By Theresadee123

We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Paxton House steeped in history lovely walks.....fairy garden for the children and lovely cakes soup etc. Highly recommend. ????

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