Northumberland

Travel Guide Europe United Kingdom England North East England Northumberland

Introduction

Northumberland is in the far north-east of England. The border runs roughly south-east to north-west so that the north tip of Northumberland is north of much of the Dumfries and Galloway area and some of the Borders area in Scotland.

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Geography

The Cheviots are England's most northerly mountains, being a continuation of the Pennine Chain, the southern end of which is in Derbyshire. The Northumbrian coast is very attractive, made more so by historic Lindisfarne, first home of the Celtic Church in England and the Farne Islands, home to countless seals and sea birds.

Northumberland National Park mainly embraces the Cheviot area and the Northumberland coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Cities and towns

Newcastle
Gateshead

These two are so closely linked that Newcastle and Gateshead sights are best considered together.

Berwick-upon Tweed changed hands between England and Scotland in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Alnwick - the castle is the historic seat of the Percy Family. They, well known in Shakespeare's histories, were like kings of Emgland's north country.
Corbridge - remains of Roman town nearby and 8th century Saxon tower.
Haltwhistle - ideal for study of Hadrian's Wall.
Hexham - Hexham Abbey has a Saxon crypt and other interesting features. The town is very attractive.
Morpeth - county town
Wooler - on the edge of the Cheviots.

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Significant Villages

Alnmouth fine sandy beach.
Bamborough - restored 12th century castle over extensive sandy beach
Chillingham - castle, church with splendid tomb, wild white cattle thought to descend from 14th century herd in the same place.
Etal - ruined castle - The Heatherslaw Light Railway is nearby.
Ford - ex-school now called Lady Waterford Hall - worth seeing for painting of Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, copying local faces in the 19th century.
Holy Island- often called Lindisfarne, which is technically the name of the ecclesiastical buildings. Holy Island is the name of the village as well as the island.
Seahouses boat trips to the Farne Islands.
Warkworth - village built to a Norman pattern with a fine ruined castle.