A Complete Guide to Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park’s pristine expanses of serene countryside along the Scottish border offer regional outdoor adventure highlights. Remote hiking trails lead through rolling hills and plains, past clear streams and ancient ruins including the Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall defensive fortifications.

As one of the less populated and least visited national parks in the United Kingdom, you're free to enjoy its peaceful trails and calming landscapes relatively undisturbed. Learn everything you need to know about the region from the finest hiking routes to the top things to do, and insider tips, with our complete guide to Northumberland National Park.

As the northernmost national park in England, reaching Northumberland National Park does take a little planning. But its remote location helps to safeguard its tranquility and unspoiled nature.

The nearest major airport to Northumberland National Park is Newcastle International Airport in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. From there, it's around a 40-minute drive to the park along the A696. By rail, travelers can catch trains to Newcastle from other major UK cities and then change for services on to the market town of Hexham. From there you can take the AD122 bus that serves the Hadrian's Wall corridor. 

To get around the national park and take full advantage of everything the region has to offer at your leisure, you can use a rental car. Alternatively, traveling as part of a guided small group tour on our Walk Northumberland trip is a wonderful way to explore: all your transportation, accommodations, and activities are organized for you and it's easy to meet fellow adventurous, like-minded travelers.

Home to rolling hills, moorland, and swathes of forest and woodland, as well as ancient landmarks including Hadrian’s Wall, England's most northerly national park offers outdoor adventure complemented by captivating regional history. Here are some of the most exciting ways to explore Northumberland National Park.

Many visitors come to Northumberland National Park for the superb walking routes and hiking, which range from easy to difficult. Although each route holds something special to discover, these are among the top hikes and walks around the park.

 

Sycamore Tree Gap

Taking roughly one hour, this moderate two-mile walk sets out from the Discovery Centre and heads along Hadrian's Wall to the famous Sycamore Tree Gap.

 

Simonside Hills

Lasting roughly three hours and covering 4.5 miles, this moderate trail in the Coquetdale culminates in breathtaking views of the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coast. You may also get to see wildlife such as goats and red squirrels, as well as abundant birdlife.

 

Winshield Crags and Cawfields

This moderate, six-mile hike running parallel to one of the best preserved sections of Hadrian's Wall is enhanced by sweeping views of rolling hills and grasslands.

While exploring Northumberland National Park, you have the option of staying either within the park or in nearby towns and villages.

The Hog's Head Inn in Alnwick offers cozy accommodation in a town where multiple locations were used in scenes of the Harry Potter movies.

If you prefer to stay within the park, you can rent a private cottage or stay in grand rural residences that have been converted into hotels, such as Clennell Hall Country House.

Here's some important things to keep in mind for your visit:

• Due to the diversity of activities taking place in the area, Northumberland National Park is located on open access land. This means that some areas are off-limits. Always take note of signs indicating that areas are closed to the general public
• Be respectful of the local ecosystem and wildlife by staying on designated paths and following the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor exploration
• Respect the Countryside Code of conduct for visitors in the English and Welsh countrysides
• Be well-prepared and pack for all weathers