Northumberland Villages including Bamburgh, Seahouses and Alnmouth…
The rural North-East English county of Northumberland is best known for its historic castles, miles of stunning coastline and spectacular scenery. Northumberland – as the name would suggest – is the northernmost county in England and is located on the border with Scotland in the North East.
It is a sparsely populated county with picturesque villages dotting the rolling hills. The county is characterised by its famous battlefields, quaint fishing towns and idyllic traditional villages. It is shrouded in rich history and full of hidden gems to discover.
With some of the oldest villages in the country, and possibly in the world, read on to find out more about the best, most beautiful villages to visit in Northumberland.
Seahouses
Acting as a gateway to the Farne Islands, Seahouses is more than just a pretty little fishing village to pass-through. The bustling harbour with its colourful houses, shops and cafés is the perfect place to taste some traditional fish and chips.
You can even go horseback riding on the shore! Be sure to keep an eye out for seagulls, puffins and the occasional dolphin playing in the waves.
Amble
The thriving coastal town of Amble is an ideal place to sample fresh seafood and even go on a fishing adventure on a chartered fishing boat.
Take in the surrounding views of endless Northumberland coastline or wander through Harbour Village, home to retailers selling everything from local delicacies and drinks to artisanal crafts and jewellery.
Craster
You’ll find the seaside village of Craster under the picturesque backdrop of the ruins of Dunstaburgh Castle. Be sure to stop off at the harbour and visit The Joly Sailor Fisherman pub overlooking the sea to taste the local delicacy, traditional smoked Craster Kipper.
Bamburgh
Famous for its mighty ancient castle overlooking the village and the sea, the Northumberland village of Bamburgh is a treasure-trove of historic relics and stories of its turbulent past.
Visit the Bamburgh lighthouse and rockpools on the village’s very own sheltered sandy beach, or simply wander the sand dunes that stretch out for miles along the coastline.
Warkworth
Nestled below the magnificent, historic Warkworth Castle, the quaint little village of Warkworth is a popular choice for visitors. You can even take to boat across the river to visit the medieval Hermitage.
A spectacular building carved into the rock cliff face, covered in green moss, and twisted tree roots which giving it a mysterious, otherworldly appearance.
Heddon-on-the-Wall
For incredible views of the Tyne Valley, be sure to visit Heddon-on-the-Wall. Well positioned by the route of Hadrian’s Wall, this village is best known for its Roman connections.
Venture a couple of miles outside the village and you’ll find Prudhoe Castle, a Northumberland fortress and Norman castle, perfect for a picnic and afternoon stroll.
Alnwick
This little market town is home to terraces of limestone fronted townhouses, manicured gardens and the second-largest inhabited castle in the country, which featured in the Harry Potter movies as Hogwarts.
For anyone morbidly curious, there’s also a Poison Garden which grows dangerous plants such as hemlock, foxgloves and plants used to make strychnine and ricin.
Corbridge
Located on Hadrian’s Wall, the idyllic village of Corbridge has a rich history. Take a walk along the village’s main street, lines with designer boutiques and vintage-style shops, or snack on local treats at the charming. market square.
If you’re visiting in the early summer, be sure not to miss the annual Corbridge Festival in June, a family festival with live music, street theatre and home-brewed ales and ciders to taste!
Alnmouth
If your idea of a picture-perfect seaside village features clusters of colourful cottages, golden sand beaches and stunning coastline views, you won’t want to miss Alnmouth.
Home to a host of wildlife, the Alnmouth Marshes are an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and is the best place to go bird spotting in the area. The village is also home to the country’s oldest 18-hole golf course.
Elsdon
The village of Elsdon, with its traditional parish church and lush village green looks like it’s been plucked from a British postcard. Located right on the edge of Northumberland National Park, you’ll experience the beautiful scenery and wilderness the county is known for.
Belsay
Home to the incredible Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, this little village is a magnet for visitors and nature lovers. The beautiful gardens of Belsay Hall proudly hold an extensive collection of exotic plants and rhododendrons, all growing in their own little microclimate.
Be sure to make your way up the spira