Towns and villages
From picturesque coastal towns to bustling inland market towns, there are a number of areas we could highlight in South Northumberland.
The term ‘South Northumberland’ is debatable, but essentially we are going to highlight those areas that are just across the border with Newcastle and North Tyneside, but not quite reaching “mid-Northumberland” which teeters into the wider Alnwick area. So, without further ado, here are just a few to kick off your research:
MORPETH - Morpeth is a beautiful, bustling historic town which combines traditional, market town charm with a luxury high street and ample bars and restaurants. Here you can shop ‘til you drop in Sanderson Arcade, enjoy the farmer’s market on the first Saturday of each month and wander the woodland paths of colourful Carlisle Park.
PONTELAND - Ponteland is another stylish town and civil parish in Northumberland, which enjoys the peaceful view of the River Pont, bustling bars with terraces for al-fresco drinks, cosy pubs and quaint, winding lanes. Nearby attractions such as Belsay Hall and Bolam Lake make this a fantastic day out.
CRAMLINGTON - Cramlington lies just nine miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and is largely known by visitors for homing the largest female land sculpture in the world at Northumberlandia, a great spot for family walks.
NEWBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA - Newbiggin is a seafront town known for its idyllic beach, which boasts striking sunrises, a myriad of marine life, and the recognisable “Couple” sculpture by artist Sean Henry which is something of a landmark on the coast here.
BLYTH - Coastal Blyth is known for its industrial heritage, spectacular sea views, and fantastic fish and chips. With its still-working port, bustling quayside and promenade lined with brightly painted beach huts, you can while away the day enjoying the views from the harbour.
ASHINGTON - Ashington is an old mining village and is extremely proud of its history, as shown in Woodhorn Museum which is filled with an avundance of memorabilia and artwork from the famous Pitmen Painters. For a family-friendly walk, Queen Elizabeth II Country Park is a wonderful spot for wildlife watching. Head to Ashington market on a Tuesday morning to purchase some local Northumbrian produce.
SLEEP - Hotels and B&Bs
COMMISSIONERS QUAY INN - This is a superb, waterfront inn in Blyth’s historic quay area, boasting sea views from their dining space and outdoor terrace.
THE BERESFORD ARMS - Nestled amidst must-see attractions in the pretty village of Whalton, with a beautifully cosy interior and sun-drenched beer garden.
HOLIDAY INN AT GOSFORTH PARK - Ideally located just on the Northumberland border, you can easily reach the hustle and bustle of Newcastle centre from here as well as peaceful Northumberland.
SLEEP - Self Catering
BURRADON FARM - Burradon Farm offers the unique experience of staying on a working farm, offering a range of beautifully converted stone barns.
CAPHEATON HALL COTTAGES - This wedding venue and self-catering accommodation is absolutely stunning, rurally located with fantastic, tranquil surrounding grounds.
WANSBECK RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK - For the campers amongst you, Wansbeck Riverside is an excellent choice, nestled between Wansbeck Riverside Park Nature Reserve and the banks of the River Wansbeck.
HILLSIDE HUTS -Incredibly cool and quirky Hillside Huts are the perfect spot for a special getaway. These beautiful cabins each have private, wood-fired hot tubs and offer complete luxury.
EXPLORE
Now you know where to stay, here are our suggestions on how to fill your days when you’re in South Northumberland:
SEATON DELAVAL HALL - Explore the staggering grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall. This stately home is set in its own estate with lovely gardens and provides an amazing space for arts and Northumberland heritage.
WALLINGTON HOUSE, GARDENS AND ESTATE - Wallington Estate is the largest, intact estate in the care of the National Trust, where you'll find a historic house set in rolling hills with extensive woodlands and a beautiful walled garden.
BELSAY HALL, CASTLE AND GARDENS - Discover the unusual architecture of Belsay Hall, inspired by Sir Charles Monck’s honeymoon in Greece and Italy, lose yourself in the vast 30 acre Grade I listed gardens and follow through ravines cut out of rock to discover the jurassic-feeling Quarry Garden.
WHITEHOUSE FARM CENTRE - If you’re looking for a fun and fantastic family day out, look no further than Whitehouse Farm. With extensive play areas, pedal tractors, some amazing animals and a jam-packed events calendar, the kids won’t want to leave!
LONGHIRST HALL GOLF CLUB - One for the golfers, Longhirst is home to two championship courses, which are sculpted over 40 lakes and ponds. Designed with a definite Florida lakeland feel, they are truly unique in the North of England and an experience not to be missed.
WOODHORN MUSEUM - Woodhorn Museum is an amazing, interactive mining museum known for its rich and varied programme of inspiring exhibitions, events and collections. Located in Ashington, once the largest pit village in the world, it brings Northumberland's proud mining heritage to life.
NORTHUMBERLANDIA - Northumberlandia is home to the world’s largest human landform structure in rock and soil of a reclining lady designed by renowned artist, Charles Jencks. Based near Cramlington, enjoy walks, wildlife and events with magnificent views.
BOLAM LAKE COUNTRY PARK - This is a perfectly picturesque spot for a gentle walk, with stunning lakeside views, surrounding countryside and woodland area. Bring a picnic and enjoy a summer's day with the family or explore on your own and discover some fantastic wildlife.
HAUXLEY WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE - Hauxley offers some of the best wildlife watching spots in the North East and is a haven for breeding and migrating birds, red squirrels and even otters!
BEACHES - We can’t not mention the fantastic beaches in the area, from dreamy Druridge Bay to beautiful Blyth Beach with its vibrant beach huts.
EAT - Cafes and brunch spots
There are many excellent cafes in this area of the county, but here are some of our top picks of cafes in and around Morpeth to get you started:
DRIFT CAFE, CRESSWELL - There is never a quiet moment at The Drift Cafe, this beautifully located, seafront hot spot is a firm favourite amongst locals and offers a fantastic fry up.
THE RUNNING FOX, FELTON - Famous for their mouth-watering Afternoon Teas and generous portion sizes, The Running Fox is perfect for brunch, lunch or just a coffee break.
THE MARKET PLACE, MORPETH - This trendy cafe in Morpeth has a beautiful interior, excellent food and is the first cafe in the North East to have a nitro iced cold brew coffee tap.
NEEDLE'S EYE CAFE NEWBIGGIN - A new addition to Northumberland’s brunch offering, this cafe is right on the seafront offering amazing views and excellent food.
EAT - Pubs and evening meals
The list of excellent eateries in Northumberland is endless, so here are a few pubs and restaurants to tickle your fancy:
MYKONOS AT THE DRIFT, CRESSWELL - The Drift Cafe doesn’t only have a talent for brunch, it has also opened its own Greek restaurant for evening dining, Mykonos at The Drift, serving excellent authentic Greek food.
THE HIGHLANDER, HIGHAM DYKES, BESAY - The Highlander is a beautiful pub just outside Ponteland which serves flavoursome, home-cooked food from a menu that celebrates local Northumbrian produce. With stylish but cosy decor, dog friendly areas and a new beer garden, it's the perfect spot for some slap up pub grub after a busy day of exploring.
LOLLO ROSSO, MORPETH - No matter what day of the week, Lollo Rosso’s tables are always full. Offering a fantastic atmosphere and exquisite Italian food, it’s a great spot for an evening meal and glass of wine.
BLACKBIRD INN, PONTELAND - This is a beautiful pub in Ponteland, with perfect, cosy pub interiors, amazing food, beer garden for sunny summer evenings and roaring fire for cosy winter nights.
THE WIDDRINGTON INN, MORPETH - Close to beautiful Druridge Bay, this traditional pub serves an excellent menu made up of freshly cooked, local produce.
There are so many more amazing things to do, places to eat and places to stay in South Northumberland but we can’t possibly fit them all into one blog. Take a look at our other pages for more accommodation options and attraction ideas.