Northumberland towns and villages

Outstanding beauty

Spend your holiday in our idyllic towns and villages and pick from tiny villages perched on staggering stretches of coastline, bustling market towns boasting marvellous castles, and remote, countryside villages that hold traditional county shows.

Coast, castles and cobbles

Staggering, seaside castle remains, cosy cafés on cobbled corners, bustling markets with trinket-filled stalls and country pubs overlooking sweeping landscapes.

All of this and more lies in our towns and villages, where the welcomes are warm, the historical sites are spectacular and the locally produced food is exquisite. From Blyth, the biggest town in Northumberland, to the ancient village of Warkworth and Bamburgh the prettiest village in Northumberland, there is so much to explore.

Experience that small town hustle and bustle on the bunting-strew, fairy-lit, cobbled streets of our magical market towns, so whether you are wondering why you should visit Alnwick, thinking about the shops you could explore in Corbridge or wanting to discover picture perfect, coastal village Alnmouth - take a look at our guide to Northumberland’s towns and villages.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Cobbles, castles, beaches, and boat trips await you in historical Berwick-upon-Tweed. Located on the border of England and Scotland, secrets of a bloody, conflict-filled British history linger in its Elizabethan walls and ruinous castle remains.

Alnwick

From broomsticks to bookshops, tree houses to cherry blossoms, and jousts to dragons, you can't miss the magic of the cobbled market town of Alnwick when you visit Northumberland.

Hexham

Stunning architecture, picturesque parks, and a bloody history are all waiting to be explored in Hexham. Immerse yourself in stories about the Vikings, historical criminal families or ‘Border Reivers’, and the Anglo-Saxon Abbey.

Amble

Home to a harbour filled with fish shacks, seafood eateries, and pastel-painted beach huts, the waterfront town of Amble hugs the River Coquet estuary at the southern gateway to the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Morpeth

Combining history and heritage with hustle and bustle, traditional farmers markets lie around one cobbled corner and trendy bars lie around another; all ready for you to discover when you visit Morpeth.

Wooler

Wooler offers that middle-of-nowhere feeling while still having a market town buzz, combining home comforts with countryside. You can be hiking the Cheviot Hills in one moment and trying local beers at Glendale Festival in the next in this rural hub.

Blyth

Industrial heritage, spectacular sea views, and one of the best fish and chip restaurants in the county describe Blyth in a nutshell, with its still-working port, buzzing quayside, and promenade lined with brightly painted beach huts.

Haltwhistle

Haltwhistle is located directly in the heart of Great Britain. This Northumberland market town is home to woodland, quirky shops and restaurants, as well as home to the regions only open-air swimming pool and a section of Hadrian’s Wall which is almost intact.

Ashington

With stunning woodland, a vast history, and a proud community, Ashington is a town in south east Northumberland with a heritage made for sharing. Its farmland and once growing coal industry contributes to its enjoyable and friendly atmosphere.

Ponteland

Enjoy the vibrant high street, stunning riverside setting and quaint, winding lanes of the large village of Ponteland [pronounced Pon-tee-land]. Boasting boutique shops, bustling bars, cosy cafes and exquisite restaurants, it suits those seeking sophistication in their Northumberland getaway.

Best Places to Stay on Northumberland Coast

Inhale the salty, sea air, taste mouth-watering seafood, including the classic fish and chips, from some of the region’s best restaurants and takeaway spots, discover castle remains and explore the North Sea on surf or SUP boards from our villages. Whether you choose to explore the fishing village of Craster, the vast sweeping beaches at Beadnell, or the popular weekend break destination Alnmouth, the Northumberland coast has a stay perfect for everyone to enjoy.

Seahouses

A long history of fishing makes the popular village of Seahouses both fascinating and beautiful. Experience local wildlife and gorgeous beaches, enjoy fresh fish and chips and crazy golf, and take a scenic walk along the harbour.

Alnmouth

With its colourful houses, wildlife aplenty, and tranquil beach, Alnmouth sits within one of Northumberland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There's always an opportunity to appreciate the coastline here, be it walking, cycling, or horse riding.

Warkworth

A high street framed by a 12th-century church and a magnificent castle, artisan shops, and incredible views, it's no wonder why this ancient village is a must-see. Warkworth is small, but it contains a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

A bay teeming with marine wildlife, a peaceful beach known for its glowing sunrises and fiery sunsets, and Sean Henry's intriguing Couple sculpture that sits out at sea. They're all waiting for you in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

Craster

The famous smoked kippers popular with the Royal Family, the ruins of what was once a magnificent fortress, local art, a tranquil cove, and bird spotting are just a few of the things that will make your visit to the fishing village of Craster so memorable.

Bamburgh

A pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners, and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn. These are just a few of Bamburgh’s draws, not to mention its coastal setting in the county's AONB.

Beadnell

With its protected waters and golden sandy beaches, Beadnell is a watersports paradise. Take the plunge and try activities such as kite surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and wakeboarding.

Belford

Wedged between the coast and the countryside, barely-trodden Belford is an ideal spot for exploring every corner of Northumberland. As an old coaching town, the village has a long history of giving visitors a warm welcome.

Low Newton

Low Newton's charming Embleton Bay, its white fisherman's cottages, its local produce, and its stunning stretch of Northumberland coastline are all reasons to visit this small, yet remarkable, place.

Idyllic Countryside Spots to Stay in Northumberland

Visit the remote towns and villages that are tucked away in our sweeping valleys, on our romantic river banks and amongst our staggering landscapes. From Blanchland, to Alnwick, Wooler and Ford and Etal in North Northumberland, or towns and villages in South Northumberland, including Morpeth, Blyth and Ponteland, you don’t have to drive far in Northumberland to find and stay in some of the most magical places.

Corbridge

Rothbury

Bellingham

Allendale

Blanchland

Ford and Etal

Kielder Village

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