Sandy shores & Coastal CastlesNorthumberland
Forty miles of dramatic coastline with beaches that stretch endlessly along the shoreline and crumbling castles that watch over this famously stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whatever the weather, Northumberland offers a uniquely magical landscape, where legend is tangible and ever-present. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne stands sentinel off the North East coast and Kielder Forest spreads its roots over two hundred and fifty square miles in the centre of this county. Sea kayak along the moody coastline or wander the magical forest trails: adventure is inevitable in Northumberland.
Northumberland borders Scotland to the north and is the northernmost county in England. Also bordering Cumbria to the west and having a North sea coastline, it is well placed for some of the very best adventure activities England has to offer. It is perhaps most well known for Hadrian’s Wall and its high moorlands and the Northumberland National Park, a raw undeveloped landscape where visitors flock every year to explore and get back to nature. It is also surprisingly often, a good place to spot the Northern Lights but despite its beauty and popularity for tourists and holidaymakers, Northumberland is the most sparsely populated county in England.
Explore Northumberland
Adventures that you can do on your own, with the right knowledge, skills and equipment
Bouldering
Back Bowden Doors (Colour Heugh)
N Hazelrigg, Chatton, Alnwick, NE66 5SB
Surfing
Bamburgh
Swinhoe, Chathill, NE67 5AB
Surfing
Beadnell Bay
Beadnell, Chathill, NE67 5AB
Bouldering
Berryhill Crag
Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland, TD12 4TP
Wild Swimming
Bothal Weir
Bothal, Ashington, Morpeth, NE61 6SR
Bouldering
Bowden Doors
Chatton, Alnwick, NE66 5RY
Local Guides
Find local specialists who provide organised adventures in this area, great for those without experience or equipment
Popular Activities
Our favourite activities in Northumberland
Bouldering
With many centres in urban areas, even those without easy access to the great outdoors can head to a bouldering wall and practice their climbing skills in this friendly, social and inclusive activity.
Surfing
Suitable for all ages, surfing is an accessible activity for all ages and with miles and miles of coastline to explore in the UK you’re never too far from the surf.
Climbing
With many different variations, there’s a form of climbing to suit all abilities – both indoors and out, and great places to climb wherever you are in the UK.
Wild Swimming
One of life’s simple pleasures, wild swimming is not only a great way to connect with the landscape, but boasts many documented health benefits too.
Adventure Inspiration
Everyday Adventure stories from Northumberland
