Whether you holiday in Northumberland every year or you’re planning your first visit, Wooler is an excellent place to add to your itinerary. This small market town is packed with character and surrounded by incredible views.
Wondering where to go and what to see first? From exploring stunning walking trails to enjoying delicious meals made with local produce, here are our top suggestions on what to do in Wooler.
Where is Wooler?
Before we discuss the best things to do in and around Wooler, it’s helpful to place it on a map. Known as ‘the gateway to the Cheviot Hills’, Wooler is nestled at the foot of these picturesque landmarks on the edge of the Northumberland National Park.
It’s also a short drive from Alnwick, Bamburgh, and Seahouses, making it a brilliant base for visiting other popular towns and villages in Northumberland.
If any of these take your fancy as a day trip, here are the basic journey times for getting around:
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Wooler to Alnwick: Half an hour by car, via the A697, or an hour by bus.
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Wooler to Bamburgh: A 30-minute drive along the B6348 or a 40-minute bus.
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Wooler to Seahouses: Around 35 minutes by car or 50 minutes on the bus — both via Bamburgh.
Where to stay in Wooler
No matter what kind of accommodation you’re after, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in Wooler.
Those who enjoy staying in the great outdoors can pitch up at a Wooler campsite or caravan park. However, if you prefer something a little more luxurious, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, hotels, and self-catering options.
The Tankerville Arms is a 17th-century hotel right in the heart of Wooler town centre, and with 17 welcoming ensuite rooms to choose from, there’s plenty of space.
When it comes to self-catering cottages in Wooler, there’s something to suit every taste. Braeside makes the ideal peaceful getaway for keen hikers and cyclists. Alternatively, for a family-friendly stay complete with a generous garden for little ones to run around in, look no further than Hope Park West.
A stone’s throw from Wooler, you’ll find Yearle House and Cottages. Choose a deluxe bed and breakfast room or book a newly refurbished self-catering cottage for more independence. Whichever you go for, you can expect beautiful furnishings and a focus on sustainability.
Wooler activities and attractions
Once you’ve booked your Wooler accommodation, you can plan what you’ll get up to during your visit.
The great outdoors
If you’re hoping to stay active while you’re in Wooler, there’s plenty of Northumberland countryside to roam.
Start with a gentle stroll around Wooler Common. A mixture of woodland and open space, it’s a great spot for wildlife watching and looking out across Glendale. Wooler Common is also a registered Dark Sky Discovery site, making it ideal for stargazing.
For more of a hike, embrace a variety of paths through the Cheviot Hills. Northumberland is renowned for its fantastic walking routes, and the Cheviots showcase the region’s impressive scenery. Rolling hills and dales, spectacular waterfalls, and ancient trails await. Along the way, see if you can spot meadow pipits, buzzards, and perhaps a merlin.
If you are interested in historical sites, the land around Wooler is packed with places to visit, including Flodden battlefield, where one of the most significant Tudor battles took place.
The Duddo Stones are also a short drive away. These standing stones date back to the Bronze Age, and many people refer to them as the ‘singing stones’. Whether this is down to whistling wind or something more magical, why not see if you can hear their song?
Rainy day activities
We all know the UK weather can be somewhat unpredictable. So whether you’re visiting at the height of summer or planning a festive getaway, it’s always handy to plan some rainy-day activities. Plus, Wooler has some unmissable indoor attractions to enjoy even if the sun is shining!
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Ad Gefrin: Those who appreciate whisky will enjoy a fascinating tour around the Ad Gefrin distillery (complete with a tipple tasting). You can also learn about Wooler’s history in the Anglo-Saxon Museum and Great Hall, and stop for a tasty meal at the on-site bistro.
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Heatherslaw Corn Mill: This restored corn mill offers great insight into hydropower. Plus, you can pick up a bag of freshly ground flour.
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Go for a swim: Head over to the Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre in Alnwick for a dip — the perfect way to stay active while sheltering from the rain.
For more inspiration on indoor activities across Northumberland, check out our guide: 10 things to do on a rainy day.
Where to eat in Wooler
Wooler is home to some fantastic cafes, pubs, and restaurants, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when looking for somewhere to eat.
Bringing your four-legged friend? One of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Wooler has to be the Anchor Inn. However, if you want to venture a little further, we have a list of other dog-friendly recommendations.
And if you’re in the mood for a hearty Sunday lunch in Wooler, don’t pass up the chance to visit The Black Bull Inn, which provides traditional, hearty pub grub. The Black Bull is also home to the trendy Milan restaurant — so if you’re in the mood for irresistible Italian cuisine, this venue has you covered.
Plan your Wooler holiday with Visit Northumberland
While planning your trip to Northumberland, it’s also worth noting that Wooler is home to a variety of events and activities throughout the year. From the monthly Wooler market day, which showcases local produce and crafts to interactive events at Ad Gefrin, keep an eye out for what’s on while you’re in Wooler.
Don’t forget to pop over to the Wooler tourist information centre for up-to-date details and explore our blog articles for more inspiration when planning your visit to Northumberland.