Ready for a little adventure? Let’s hop on a train and explore Northumberland, England’s hidden gem up north.
Our guide’s got all the must-visit spots and some stories you won’t believe. Think dramatic castles, starry nights, and maybe a ghost tale or two.
So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s plan your next vacation in Northumberland, train-style.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Marc Guitard. Image Location: Alnmouth, Northumberland, England
Is Northumberland in England worth visiting?
Imagine coastlines that have seen more drama than your favorite TV show, castles straight out of a storybook, and countryside so peaceful it’ll make you want to ditch city life — that’s Northumberland for you.
Trains are the way to go to get around the UK. They’re green, hassle-free (no airport security lines!), and you get a front-row seat to some of the best views in the country. Trainline’s app makes booking and navigating your trip a piece of stottie cake.
Northumberland, England: the border county with a turbulent past
Northumberland’s history reads like a medieval action movie: dramatic castle sieges, knights in not-so-shining armor, and even a few feisty Border Reivers (those were the local raiders back in the day).
Each castle here has its own saga, from Alnwick’s Potter-worthy wizardry to the ghostly whispers at Dunstanburgh. So, expect more than your average fairytale —these tales are laced with real-life Game of Thrones drama.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Northumberland’s Spooktacular Seven: meet the region’s most famous ghosts
- The Blue Boy of Chillingham Castle. This little guy is Chillingham’s headliner in the ghostly world. Legend says he wails in the Pink Room. Maybe he’s upset about the room color choice? Anyway, with its eerie dungeons and torture chambers, Chillingham Castle will definitely send a chilling shiver down your spine.
- Lady Eleanor of Alnwick Castle. Also known as the Grey Lady, she’s Alnwick’s own spectral celebrity. Did she jump, or was she pushed from the battlements? The castle isn’t telling, but her spirit sure seems to linger with a tale to tell.
- The White Lady of Ford Castle. This grieving ghost, presumably Lady Heron, can’t seem to get over the Battle of Flodden in 1513. According to legend, she roams the castle and its grounds, mourning the loss of her husband who died in the battle.
- Sir Guy the Seeker of Dunstanburgh Castle. This dedicated yet somewhat navigationally perplexed knight is on an eternal quest for a damsel in distress. Centuries in and still searching, you’ve got to admire his persistence!
- The Radiant Boy of Corby Castle. Spotting this glowing youngster is like hitting the supernatural jackpot — it’s believed that it’s a sign of incoming riches. His backstory is a bit of a mystery, but who needs details when you’ve got a glowing ghost?
- The Lonesome Piper of Warkworth Castle. A musical ghost, because why not? This phantom piper once took a wrong turn in the castle’s underground labyrinth and never quite found his way back. He’s still playing his tunes, lost but not forgotten. Who knows, maybe he’s just looking for the perfect acoustics.
- The Crying Child of Bamburgh Castle. Apparently, Bamburgh Castle has its own ghostly infant, often heard crying around the grounds. Perhaps this little one is just looking for the Blue Boy from Chillingham to start a ghostly playgroup?
The best things to do in Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle: a giant straight out of the movies
Northumberland’s Bamburgh Castle is a full-blown movie star. It flaunted its medieval charm in a bunch of films and TV series you’ve probably seen: Macbeth (1971 and 2015), The Last Kingdom (2018), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), among others. Walking through its halls, you can’t help but feel a bit of Hollywood.
Did you know? Bamburgh Castle was the first English castle to fall to cannon fire. When you’re wandering around, it’s almost like you can still hear the echoes of those old battles ringing in the air!
Hadrian’s Wall: a Roman legacy in Northumberland
Hadrian’s Wall is an epic tale etched in stone. It was built by Roman soldiers way back in 122 AD (talk about ancient DIY). Stretching 73 miles, this UNESCO site is like a time machine back to Roman Britain. Go on, touch history!
Image Credit: Getty Images, darrenturner. Image Location: Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
Alnwick Castle: where wizards learned to fly
Harry Potter fans, heads up — Alnwick Castle is where movie magic brought Hogwarts to life. Remember Harry’s first flight lesson? Yep, it happened right here. Get ready to geek out!
Northumberland Coast: a stroll through nature’s artwork
Heading to the Northumberland Coast? Trust us, it’s not your typical day at the beach. Think cliffs that could be in a drama series and sand so golden you’d think it’s been filtered. Seriously, don’t forget your camera — you’ll want to brag about this trip!
Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park: stargazing in Northumberland
Ever seen the Milky Way? Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park offers night skies so clear you’ll feel like you’re on another planet. Covering Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, it’s huge (the largest one of its kind in Europe!) and has some of the UK’s darkest skies. You’ll get to see not just stars, but planets, meteor showers; and sometimes, if you’re lucky, the northern lights. Honestly, it’s like having a front-row seat to the most amazing show in the universe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, David Tomlinson. Image Location: Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island, Northumberland, England
Holy Island of Lindisfarne: a tidal treasure
Ever heard of an island that plays hide and seek? Meet Holy Island. Accessible only at low tide, it boasts a mix of medieval history and serene beauty. Just mind the tide, or you’ll be staying longer than planned.
Chillingham Wild Cattle: Northumberland’s unique inhabitants
In the fields of Northumberland, you’ll find the Chillingham Wild Cattle, one of the rarest animals in the world. They are the only surviving wild cattle in England and possibly the purest breed, as they have been isolated in this enclosed park for hundreds of years. Just think about it: the herd at Chillingham is believed to have roamed the parklands since the Middle Ages.
The Angel of the North: a symbol of Northumberland’s spirit
Although technically in Gateshead, this iconic sculpture by Antony Gormley is often associated with Northumberland and the northeast. The Angel of the North isn’t just one of the most famous pieces of public art in the UK; northerners see it as an icon, a steel guardian watching over the land.
Vera filming locations: visit the scene of the crime TV show
Did you know that Vera, the British crime drama based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, was mostly filmed in Northumberland, England? In this popular series, the action takes place in the beautiful areas of Newcastle, Blyth, and Alnwick. Watch for these familiar places in the show — you could find yourself in the middle of a mystery.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jim Monk. Image location: Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, England
How to get to Northumberland by train
Getting to Northumberland by train is a breeze and an adventure in itself. The region is well-connected, with direct train services from major UK cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
The main train stations in Northumberland, England
- Alnmouth for Alnwick. This is the primary station for visitors heading to the historic town of Alnwick, famous for Alnwick Castle.
- Berwick-upon-Tweed. Located in the northern part of Northumberland, this station serves the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and is one of the main stops on the East Coast Main Line.
- Hexham Station. Situated in the market town of Hexham, it’s a gateway to the Tyne Valley and is popular among those visiting Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding areas.
- Morpeth Station. This one serves the town of Morpeth and is a key stop for those looking to explore the central region of Northumberland.
- Bamburgh Station. Though not a major station, it’s the closest stop for those visiting Bamburgh Castle, one of Northumberland’s key landmarks.
- Haltwhistle Station. Ideal for visitors interested in exploring more of Hadrian’s Wall, as it is located near several important Roman sites.
- Cramlington Station. Serving the town of Cramlington, it’s a convenient stop for travelers exploring the southern part of Northumberland.
So, simply hop on a train and enjoy the scenic journey through the heart of the English countryside. See you on the platform! Which one, you ask? You can always check the live updates in the Trainline app to find out!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Steve Stringer Photography. Image Location: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
