Northumberland National Park

Northumberland travel tips

Local hints and tips
With stunning scenery around every turn, travelling in Northumberland is an experience in itself. Here’s everything you need to know.

With you every step of the way

Take our expert advice and use our handy hints and travel tips before you visit Northumberland. From tips on travelling to Northumberlandparking information for destinations across the region, to Holy Island causeway crossing times, we’ve got everything you need.

Be prepared for your visit or stay in Northumberland, and find out more about accessibility in Northumberland, and plan your travel routes in advance with our travel information. Scroll down for details about our dedicated Tourist Information Centres, where the staff are your personal source of inspiration. They're always on the end of a phone, ready to share their passion for Northumberland.

 

Getting here

England’s most northerly county, Northumberland, lies next to Scotland in the north east coast of the country. Well connected by road, air, rail and sea, Northumberland enjoys excellent transport links.

By Car

Arriving from the south

As you travel northbound up the A1 look out for the mighty Angel of the North in Gateshead, a sign that you aren’t too far from Northumberland.

*Visit Northumberland via the A19 and pass through the Tyne Tunnels - built beneath the Tyne River in 1967 and 2011. If you’re passing through the Tyne Tunnels, pay your toll by midnight the day after your journey online at tt2.co.uk, via the TT2 app, using the automated telephone payment line on 0191 574 0030 or at any PayPoint retailer.

You can also purchase your journeys in advance online at tt2.co.uk, via the TT2 app or at any PayPoint retailer, which remain valid for up to 12 months.

If you use the Tyne Tunnels regularly - then consider a Pre-Paid account and save 10% on every journey through the tunnel.

* Please note: Between the 7th June 2024 and 3rd March 2025 the Northbound Tyne Tunnel will be closed for 36 weekends for maintenance works with a bi-directional layout in the Southbound tunnel - Find out more

From the north 

Cross the beautiful borders of Scotland making the historic market town of Berwick-upon-Tweed your first stop, as you travel south on the A1.

Exploring Northumberland by car offers you history soaked views, dramatic coastlines and peace and tranquillity as you travel on some of the most scenic roads in England. Head along the A1068, the Northumberland Coastal Route, and take in the sights of our award winning coastline from behind the wheel. The 39 mile stretch allows you the chance to stop off at coastal villages such as Seahouses and Amble and stretch your legs on gorgeous beaches like Alnmouth and Druridge Bay. Roam along the A69 to the west of the county and cast your eyes over the indomitable Hadrian’s Wall as you drive alongside it. Enjoy a peaceful drive in the unspoilt countryside as you journey through Northumberland National Park. Explore the hills and valleys on the quiet roads of the North Pennines.

Parking in many areas of Northumberland is free including council car parks in Morpeth, Seahouses, Hexham, Alnwick, Berwick, Rothbury and Wooler. If you are using a short stay car park in these towns then you will need to display a parking disc which can be purchased from tourist information centres, local businesses and libraries. Always check signs in the car park for more information.

By Bus

Why spend the day behind the wheel when you can hop aboard a bus! Journey to Northumberland with coach operators who offer various stop offs points and great links to Newcastle. Northumberland has excellent bus services which will allow you to enjoy a day out in the county, hopping from attraction to market town, admiring the stunning views and beautiful countryside from your window. It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a pub lunch, sample some local ale and let someone else do the driving!

Get around for £2 - Single bus fares for adults have been capped at £2 until December 2024. This offer is currently available with Arriva and Go North East, covering large parts of the county.

By Train

Just over three hours away from London Kings Cross, train stations on the East Coast mainline from London include: Newcastle, Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick. Connecting rail services also link with towns in Hexham, Haltwhistle, Corbridge and Prudhoe in the west of the county.

TransPennine Express run services across the north of England connecting you to the Northumberland Coast via Newcastle; and call at Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick Upon Tweed before carrying on to Edinburgh.

For more information about getting to Northumberland and using the region's train services to their fullest throughout your visit, take a look at our guide to exploring Northumberland by train.


You could save over 50%* when you book your train tickets in advance at tpexpress.co.uk or via the TPE App.

Booking in advance with TransPennine Express offers great value for money on many longer distance journeys and you get to reserve a seat. Tickets go on sale up to 24 weeks in advance which is when they are at their cheapest.

For all train enquiries wherever you maybe in the UK please visit Trainline

By Sea

Northumberland is only 20 minutes away from the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields. Jump on the shuttle bus to Newcastle, provided by DFDS Seaways, where you can access Northumberland by train from Central Station or by bus from Haymarket Bus Station in Newcastle City Centre.

By Air

Land at Newcastle International Airport and you are on the cusp of entering Northumberland. Newcastle welcomes flights from across the globe as well as UK destinations.

Travel Tips

Who’s visiting?

From family outings to dog-friendly double bedrooms, and group coach trips to a view for two, we have something for everyone in Northumberland. Swoon by the seaside on a romantic retreat, explore our landscapes with the family in tow, or paddle on the beach on a pet-friendly getaway.
Couple in the countryside

Travelling to and around Northumberland FAQs

You can travel around Northumberland via public transport services such as train, bus and taxis. Bus services such as the X15 & X18 run from Newcastle upon Tyne and connect with Morpeth, Alnwick and the Northumberland coast. Northumberland is connected to National Cycle Network Routes such as Route 1 (Coast and Castles) and Route 68 (Pennine Cycleway). You can also cover large parts of Northumberland by foot on public footpaths such as the Northumberland Coast Path and the Hadrian's Wall Path, which also connect with train and bus services.

Bus:
AD122, operated by Go North East, from Hexham to Haltwhistle. Various stops located in Northumberland National Park along Hadrian’s Wall.
Tynedale Links 680, operated by Go North East, from Hexham to Bellingham on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
418, operated by Border Buses, from Alnwick to Wooler, via the Coast, on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
267, operated by Border Buses, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Wooler, via Ford and Etal, on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
464, operated by Border Buses, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Wooler, via Lowick, on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
X74, operated by Peter Hogg of Jedburgh, from Newcastle to Jedburgh, via Otterburn.

Train:
From Newcastle to Carlisle, operated by Northern. Closest stations to Northumberland National Park are Bardon Mill and Haydon Bridge.

The Ashington line is due to open in 2024 connecting Northumberland towns in the South East of Northumberland with Northumberland Park and Newcastle Central Station.

No, you can travel around Northumberland on public transport services such as train and bus to access the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall Country. The county is also connected to various National Cycle Network Routes and public footpaths if you want to cycle or walk. Northumberland is a large, rural county so a car is advised to access our hidden gems.

Yes, Northumberland has several train stations, making it accessible from Newcastle, Carlise and Edinburgh. Key stations in Northumberland include Morpeth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham, Alnmouth and Cramlington.

£2 single bus fare for adults. £1 single fare and £3 day ticket for young people aged 21 and under. Day tickets for unlimited bus travel in Northumberland for £5. Day tickets for unlimited bus, Metro and Ferry across all of the North East (Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland) for £6.80.

Mountain biking in purple heather
Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
Surf Northumberland
Outdoor adventures in Northumberland

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