Northumberland sits on the border with Scotland, a rugged county peppered With over 70 castle sites, including the mighty Bamburgh Castle. Combined with an extensive footpath network, 39 square miles of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Hadrian's Wall, and easy train access, it's no wonder that it is a hotspot for last-minute breaks.
Reasons to holiday in Northumberland
Beaches
Northumberland's beaches vary from small bays to long beaches, often with a castle or ruin nearby. These sandy beaches are one of the main attractions in Northumberland. But pack your coat as the battering winds and rain can appear seemingly out of nowhere. The dramatic weather and coasal vistas create an appeal that many are drawn to, especially out of season.
The most popular beach in Northumberland is probably in Bamburgh. With the vast castle overlooking the beach, there are great photo opportunities and at two and a half kilometres long, it's an ideal afternoon walk. At Last Minute Cottages we offer a wide range of coastal properties in Northumberland, putting you within striking distance of the sands.
Walking
Northumberland's main walking attraction is Hadrian's Wall. The 1,902-year-old Roman ruins remain, along with well maintained forts and other points of interest along the route. A large section of the wall is in Northumberland, with Roman towns like Corbridge just a few minutes drive from Hadrian's Wall.
There are several nearby towns like Hexham and Haltwhistlemaking it easy to plan your historical adventure with us, safe in the knowledge our best price guarantee means we always show you our cheapest available price.
Castles
As the nations most fortified county, these giant stone structures are hard to miss. Many of these buildings have a rich historical tale to tell and remain fascinating monuments to the history of Great Britain.
Alongside the aforementioned Bamburgh Castle, other sites worth considering are Dunstanburgh castle near Alnwick and Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, which is well worth the boat trip.
If you are planning a trip with friends or family don't forget to sign up to access our exclusive members only discounts, meaning you can bag a deal even at the last-minute.
Where to Stay in Northumberland
Bamburgh is a prime location for walks on the beach and castle exploration.
Corbridge is for those keen to see Hadrian's Wall and other Roman sites.
Alnwick is one for movie fans; Harry Potter, Transformers and Downton Abbey have all used the town's famous castle for filming.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is the last English town before the Scottish border, with medieval castle ruins, a harbour and a beach.