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
Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Coasteering, Climbing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking
Northern Outdoor
NE70 7JTWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Northern Outdoor is an adventure and activities operator located in Northumberland.
They offer canyoning, climbing, coasteering, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside a range of accommodation and catering options.
Gorge Walking, Rafting, Zip lining, Climbing
Adventure North Wales
Bala LL23 7YA, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Adventure North Wales is an outdoor adventure operator located near Snowdonia National Park.
They offer canyoning, white water rafting, zip lining and climbing for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside a range of accommodation and catering options.
Gorge Walking, Rafting, Mountain Biking, Climbing
Whitewater Active
whitewater active Chapel Street, Llangollen LL20 8NW, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Whitewater Active is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located in Llangollen, Wales.
They offer canyoning, white water rafting, mountain biking and climbing for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside a range of accommodation, catering and transport options.
Gorge Walking, Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking
Outer Active
HR3 5RRWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Outer Active is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.
They offer canyoning, canoeing, kayaking and climbing for groups of all abilities alongside a variety of technical courses throughout the UK.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided alongside a range of accommodation, catering and transport options.
Gorge Walking, Climbing, Kayaking, Coasteering
Gradient Adventure
Gradient Adventure, Brynrefail LL55 3NY, United KingdomWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Gradient Adventure is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales.
They offer canyoning, climbing, kayaking and coasteering for groups of all abilities.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided. They can recommend local accommodation options.
Gorge Walking, Climbing
Seren Ventures
Betws-y-Coed Adventure Centre, Vicarage Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0ADWebsite
Email Address
Phone Number
Seren Ventures is an outdoor adventure and activities operator located in Betws-y-coed in Snowdonia National Park.
They offer canyoning and climbing for all abilities alongside a variety of courses.
Equipment and professional instruction are provided. They can provide a range of accommodation, catering and transport options.
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
