The 50 best things to do in Northumberland

Such fun. Perfect size for a couple hours of investigating. The castle was impeccably maintained and absolutely gorgeous inside and out. The cafe was delicious and well priced with plenty of options. The gardens were also nice and the hot food selections there were great. Good place for kids/families. We had a great time wandering around!

A gorgeous castle with a fascinating history—definitely worth a visit! The views are breathtaking, and the staff are warm and welcoming. I also had the chance to join a Quidditch lesson, which was so much fun (even tho it’s serious business!). Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience :)))”

This castle is in a different league! The rooms are extremely ornate, great portraits, fantastic ceilings and amazing fireplaces. A shame that indoor photography was not allowed. It is lived in. The views outside are wonderful , also great exhibits of armoury and all the paraphernalia that goes with it. A 'must see' for all.

We visited with our whole family and had an amazing time! We bought our tickets in advance and came just 2 days before the season ended. The staff were fantastic — even with some power issues, they handled everything smoothly and still made the experience great for everyone. The weather was perfect, the history of the castle is incredible, and the broomstick flying activity was a big hit with the kids! A beautiful place full of charm and stories. Highly recommend visiting Alnwick Castle!

Amazing experience at Alnwick Castle! We had such a fantastic day here! The castle is beautiful and full of history it’s been home to the Percy family for centuries and feels like something straight out of a storybook. The grounds are stunning, and the staff were all super friendly and welcoming. The absolute highlight for us was the broomstick flying lesson it felt like stepping right into the Harry Potter movies! It’s so cool knowing that scenes from Hogwarts were actually filmed here. We laughed so much and learned a few “magic tricks” along the way. Definitely one of the most fun and memorable places we’ve visited in England. A perfect mix of history, movie magic, and great vibes!

Stunning place to visit. Fun for all the family. Plenty to do and see. It's amazing to know that the family still live there during the public closing time and during the winter. The rooms are beautiful and awe-inspiring. I wish my physical media collection looked like their library. The grounds are great and we even got to learn how to fly our broomsticks. Well worth a visit. The dragon area was a great addition too, well thought out. Lots of toilets and multiple gift shops.

Magnificent Castle in the Township of Alnwick. While staying in Alnwick and arriving late afternoon we talk a walk around the beautiful town including the Castle. The Castle was closed but was spectacular to view from the outside.

Excellent stop off k. Way from NC500. Very friendly staff, and though we didn't go into he fort, they recommended us the lovely afternoon stroll down to the river and bottom bridges. Spectacular scenery, clean loos and courtyard and other nice passing ramblers.

Once 5m high this has now been reduced to about 2ft high. Most if the surrounding farmers / people have dismantled it and used it to build their walls. Worth a visit and if your brave enough walk to the Sycamore Gap. Lovely dog friendly pub near by too.

We accessed a portion of Hadrian’s Wall from the car park at Steel Rigg. Enjoyed three hours of more of a loop that took us along the wall path above Crag Lough, passing MileCastle 39 and Sycamore Gap along the way. Once you reach the farm house you can loop round and go back through the fields to experience a fantastic view of the crag, gaps and wall. We completed this in a blustery early October so it could only be improved on fairer days. Tremendous experience!

Really enjoyed our visit Birdoswald Roman Fort and random bits of wall as we drove there. Interesting history and I liked the museum. I think they have missed a trick and there should be some kind of Hadrian's wall passport where you get a stamp at all the different bits! That would encourage people to explore different parts. Luke the stamp you get at the beginning/end of the wall at Bowness on Solway.

Incredible, simply amazing. Walking this wall is an experience not to be forgotten. Amazing. Great staff manning the centre, good shop and just a splendid place.

Beautiful walks all around the walls and several photo opportunity stop off points on the way there. Staff are super friendly and there's a small cafe on site that does drinks and food.

Visited Birdoswald Roman Fort. Also walked along the wall down into the valley, over the Millennium bridge past the Roman Bridge at Willowford and up other side of valley to Willowford West Watch Tower. Parking is £4 if you are not a member of English Heritage. If you are going to visit a few sites you should consider buying a membership.

Bamburgh Castle is one of those places that completely takes your breath away the moment it comes into view. Perched high on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, it looks straight out of a storybook — and it’s every bit as impressive up close. We spent a few hours exploring both inside and out. The interior is beautifully preserved, full of armour, portraits and intricate rooms that make it easy to imagine the castle’s long history. The staff are friendly and full of fascinating facts — definitely worth chatting to as you go. If you are a fan of the TV series "The Last Kingdom" you will enjoy the room dedicated to the show, with the thrones, memorabilia and information boards about the filming in the castle. Outside, the views are unreal. You can see miles along the coast, with golden sands stretching out below and the Farne Islands dotting the horizon. Even if you don’t go inside, the castle grounds and nearby beach make it a fantastic stop for photos or a coastal walk. Bamburgh itself is a lovely village too — just a short stroll away, with cosy cafés and little shops to explore after your visit. It’s one of those rare places that combines dramatic scenery, rich history, and total calm all at once. It is truly one of the most beautiful spots in the UK.

The castle offers a lovely view from the grounds; however, I can’t recommend paying for entry at the current price. During my visit, we paid £43.50 for two adults, including £6 for parking. For that amount, I expected considerably more content and historical depth. The exhibits are heavily focused on the current family and the Victorian era. Personally, I would have preferred to see more emphasis on the castle’s earlier history, especially given its origins dating back to around 547 AD, but that may come down to individual taste. Interestingly, I found the nearby church to hold far greater historical significance than the castle itself. The World War II display felt somewhat out of place, and the kitchen area has clearly been converted into an extension of the gift shop, which further reduces the amount of authentic content on offer, and there isn’t much to begin with. I also found it odd that the guidebook we bought didn’t include a map, and there were no clear directional signs inside the castle grounds. This made it surprisingly difficult to know where to go or whether we had seen everything, which detracted a bit from the experience. In addition, many of the windows were quite dirty, which took away from what could have been some lovely views from inside. I think we may have just expected too much. By contrast, I found castles such as Warkworth, Alnwick and even Skipton to offer a much richer historical experience for a similar or even lower price. While Bamburgh’s setting is undeniably beautiful, the overall visit felt more like a family heritage exhibition than a deep dive into its remarkable past.

The castle sits on a hill overlooking the sea and the nearby town. The views from the castle are stunningly beautiful. There is a lot to see in the castle as well as outside. I would say give yourself two to three hours to be sure you see everything. Would definitely recommend a visit.

Superb place to visit and to learn about Northumbrian rulers and Viking History. Great collection of art pieces and very well preserved by the Armstrong family. There ample amount of parking spot and the staffs are super friendly.

Beautiful castle with stunning views and well kept castle grounds. We found the outside/courtyard to be more interesting than the interior. The entry fee is a bit on the higher end, I'd say, especially since you also have to figure in the parking fees (if you can, park near the castle entrance, for most visitors this should be the cheaper option than the carpark next to the road). What I was missing was an exhibition covering the films and games in which this castle has already been featured, as I guess this is what brings some folks (like us) here.

This is probably our most favorite Castle we visited on our recent UK trip. We arrived early which gave us time to walk around the perimeter before we entered which was worth it. Spread over 9 acres this Castle is huge which provides plenty of space if its busy. The is a lot of easy to read information on the history of the Castle. Bamburgh has been beautifully renovated and maintained by the Armstrong Family since 1894. You could almost spend the whole day there.

What an amazing place to visit. The grounds have some stunning views over the beach. The rooms are kept in great condition. The staff were brilliant and informative. There is parking at the castle which is £6 or you can park across the road in another car park. The gift shop was great and there are toilets near the cafe's. I felt there was not enough toilets for the amount of visitors.

Easy to get there using the causeway. We arrived about 10am and although lots of people travelling too we were able to get a parking space in the disable car park. The walk was a bit long but we took it slowly. The castle is good but not a huge amount of information to read. But the views fmto the castle and at the castle were breathtaking. The priory was a walk away from the castle but accessible. You pass the museum first but no signs saying to purchase ticket before you go towards the priory. Again, amazing views and good signage.

Great place to visit, we spent the whole day here. Plenty to see and do. Make sure you check the time off the tides and prepare to queue to get across. Well worth the visit.

Walking to Holy Island on the sands during low tide has been a dream for a long time. It was an incredible experience. It also happens to be the last day of the St. Cuthbert's Way walking pilgrimage. An incredible conclusion to an incredible journey.

Great adventure over the causeway. National Trust Castle and English Hertiage Priory to visit. Lots of little shops with local produce and trinkets. Beautiful walks around the island.

I had this on my list and finally got there! It certainly didn't disappoint, but I will plan a better tide time for a longer visit, think I'll actually plan an over night stay!

If you want to visit Holy Island you need to get organised and do your research as the Causeway is only passable for a few hours. We travelled by bus-one journey there giving limited time as the bus left the island just after 1 pm. You can drive over. get a taxi or walk but you must keep your eye on the tide times to avoid being trapped. Lots of places to visit even though it’s quite a tiny island. There is a charge to enter the castle but most of the island is free to explore. Try to fit in a visit to the Lime Kilns, Gertrude Jekyll’s Garden snd the Lifeboat Museum. No shortage of places to eat and drink ranging from roadside vans selling crab sandwiches through to cafes, gelaterias and a pub. An interesting place to visit!

This is a must see! Walk around the island and take in a very scenic and historic place. Once the "Vatican" of the Celtic Catholic Church, this place is a beautiful day-walk. Make sure to check tide times!!!!

The beautiful Farne islands, nature reserve owned by the national trust. I mainly wanted to see the Puffins. Glad they were still on the island. Boat trips can be booked via various companies at Seahouses harbour. We used Billy Sheils, staff were very friendly and helpful. Extremely knowledgeable on the area and islands. Thank you Billy Sheils for a great experience and trip. There are various types of trips out the Farne islands. If you choose the landing trip be aware there is an additional cost to pay at the national trust kiosk before you leave for your trip. They need to stamp your boat ticket. The island you land on is for a one hour duration, make sure you have a hat if the Arctic terns are breeding, they will dive bomb you and try to peck your head. A variety of birds inhabit the Farne islands, guillemots, razorbills and shags The Puffins are adorable and my favourite part. St Cuthberts chapel is also accessible on the island and is worth a look Certain times of the year seals can be spotted too. Longstone lighthouse is situated on another of the Farne islands, home of Grace Darling. Only one boat operator does landing trips to this particular island. The trip I booked was the landing trip to the inner Farne then the boat does a tour around the outer islands for opportunities to see more wildlife, we did get to see a few seals.

Had a lovely day trip to Seahouses. Took a boat trip out to the Farne Islands. Awesome seeing all the birds and 2 seals on the rocks and some in the water. Awesome crew on the Serenity boat.

Went purely to see the Puffins. Lovely boat trip out, and the staff on the boat were extremely polite and knowledgeable of the local area. The islands are home to thousands of birds during the nesting season and seeing the seals basking in the sunlight was lovely. Well worth a day out.

Visited in early July and had an absolutely unforgettable experience! The Farne Islands are a paradise for wildlife lovers – puffins, Arctic terns, gannets, shags – all just a few meters away. Summer is the best time for birdwatching, especially during the breeding season when the cliffs and skies are alive with noise and motion. The boat trip was smooth and well-organized, with knowledgeable and passionate guides who clearly care about conservation. I was incredibly lucky to spot a pod of dolphins swimming alongside our boat, and even saw several grey seals resting on the rocks and popping their heads out of the water. Also, fair warning: I got pooped on by birds – not once, but twice! Apparently that means good luck, and honestly, it just made the experience even more memorable. Bring a hat, wear something washable, and enjoy one of the UK’s most magical nature encounters. Highly recommended!

Gorgeous trip out to the Farne Islands with Billy Shiel's boat trip Highly recommend... luckily was a gorgeous hot day and saw loads of wildlife seals birds. Was brilliant 👌🏼👌🏼🛥🌞🌊

Absolutely wonderful experience, where else can you get the chance to be two feet away from puffin’s posing for pictures. We landed at Inner Farne, and we certainly weren’t disappointed. If you’re in this area of Northumberland, it’s well worth a visit! One word sums up the trip, Awesome!

Great 2 days diving, a little disappointed with only seeing seals on 1 of 4 dives but lots of crustaceans to see.

A lovely coastal walk to get up to the castle takes around 20-30 minutes from the harbour depending on how fast you walk. The views from the castle and on the walk up are stunning. The castle doesn't have a great deal left but you can get up the main tower and the views from the top are fantastic. The staff were great and informative. One told us that you can sometimes see dolphins off the coast. There are toilets on site. You will need to park on the road leading in to the coastal town and walk up to the castle.

Undoubtedly one of the finest English Heritage sites to visit in the country. Stunning position on the cliffs and the castle ruins are visible for miles. You can walk from Craster (just over a mile), but we approached from Dunstan Steads (under a mile). Excellent views of the birds on the cliffs. At the castle the cliffs are mainly fenced off but there are warning signs of the sheer drop. Terrific views from the top of the castle - care needed on the spiral staircase though. There are toilets , and a small English Heritage shop - very helpful staff. Definitely worth making the effort to visit.

I’ve wanted to visit Dunstanburgh Castle since I was a nipper and finally got to visit in October 2025. It didn’t disappoint. Bonus it’s dog friendly but there is cattle/sheep on the section between Craster and the castle itself. Nice ruins to wander around with stunning views. We paid £6.80 each, discount for booking online before going. Not enough signage about the history, probably want to sell you a guidebook for £4.50 instead. We extended the walk by taking our dog down to Embleton Bay afterwards. A great half day out.

Lovely Spot and Stunning Views!
We parked at the Craster car park — really convenient, with payment options by card, cash, or app. It’s just a short walk to the beachfront from there. Once you reach the shore, you can take a scenic walk to the castle (about 40–45 minutes). The views along the seafront are absolutely stunning — a pure joy for the soul.

Lovely walk to the castle from Craster to see the ruins of the castle. The Dunstanburgh Castle is in hands of English Heritage but it's owned by National Trust so it's free entry for NT members too. The staff made some sarcastic comments about NT when they checked our passes but the rest of the staff were nice and friendly. The castle is situated in a very windy spot but if you go on tower the views are absolutely stunning. There are some benches and tables available in the yard, toilets available too but no running water.

Lovely place to visit. Staff were really friendly, well-maintained, and not too busy. Just mind out that it's a reasonably long walk from the car park if you have a toddler with you!

Fantastic castle. Beautiful ruins of a once majestic castle. The site and the grounds are gorgeous, the drama of the setting cannot be overstated. Easy parking although about 30 minute walk across fields to the castle: generally flat ground and a pathway to keep to for ease. Wish I lived locally so I could go more often.

Beautiful gardens, we went on a Sunday as at the moment they allow dogs on a Sunday and Thursday only, to see the poison garden you have to do the tour as not allowed in on your own which is understandable, very interesting so well worth it, roughly every 30 minutes. £3.50 for the car park which is all day but there is a free carpark 10 minute walk away by Morrisons.

We first came here 16 years ago and always wanted to come back when we saw the Gardens were to be expanded. An amazing attraction in a beautiful town in Northumberland. The admission is reasonably priced and the highlight for us was the "Poison Garden" and our guide was amazing, entertaining and informative. There is an excellent cafe and restaurant as well. Please visit here.

First time visiting & was in October. So all the plants were dieing off which was inevitable for this time of year but nether the less we had a brilliant day. The waterfall feature is stunning. The tour round the poison garden was great. We had fun in the crazy golf. Had a lovely walk round the gardens & the different water fountains. Will definitely be returning in spring to swing in the cherry trees. Amazing day out. Well worth a visit.

What a fantastic day out! Alnwick Garden is even more impressive in person. The sheer variety of plants is incredible, and the displays, especially the stunning water features, are amazing. I particularly enjoyed the unique Poison Garden tour, which was both entertaining and educational. It's a must-see for anyone in the area!

The water cascade feature looks impressive, especially so when all the fountain jets are active. Unfortunately most of the time there are no active fountain jets, or only a few are active for a short period. I saw the majority or all the fountain jets active whilst I was having lunch in the cafe, but despite several subsequent attempts to get a video recording of all fountain jets working on a couple of occasions during the afternoon it didn't happen again which is very disappointing. The ornamental garden above the cascade is attractively laid out with trees providing additional height to the hedges around each flower bed. Near the bottom of the cascade is a hedged maze like area with multiple interesting water features. The poison garden can only be accessed by guided tour which was very informative and interesting. The cafe serves a good selection of hot and cold food, drinks and cakes and is well laid out. I would recommend visiting, but I think the adult entrance fee is excessive. Although I w

A lovely garden great for all generations. We went when the blossom trees were out and it was beautiful. My daughter and I also had an afternoon tea which was delicious. I would definitely recommend anyone visiting.

A good value day out (£18 online for adults), + £3.50 car park, if you take your own picnic. Poison garden tour included in ticket price. Ornamental garden and water gardens great. Bit disappointed that the largest 'tree house' is a restaurant and the 'potting shed' is a café. However, on a nice day of weather, as it was, very pleasant. Good activities for children, if you have them.

An excellent ruin of a castle. We were lucky enough to have birds of prey showing as we arrived. Wonderful to see and hear about the birds. The is parking at the castle. You have to pay £3.50 for parking unless you are a national trust member. This is normal for national trust sites. There were toilets in the car park but they are not looked after the best. Lots of cobwebs and dirt and no soap in the toilets. It normally shuts at 5 during the summer months but the staff were very much rushing to shut up from half 4. This is the reason for the 4 star review the actual castle was 5 star. Plenty of areas to explore and learn about. Lots of information boards and voice boards around the site. The main building was amazing with lots of rooms and stairs to explore. The gift shop was small, however there was a tent which had more things in but this shut very early and we were not able to look around before we left. We do like to take souvenirs away with the sites name on.

Nice castle to visit especially if your part of the English Heritage as its free parking and entry. Quite alot of the castle remaining so plenty to look around. Also nice to walk down into the village with cafes and a few shops to visit. Overall well worth a visit.

Second visit in a decade visiting Warkworth Castle, and equally enjoyable this second time. Warkworth Castle is partly a ruins. But its main building (the Great Tower) has three floors of enclosed space. Definitely set aside time for the Great Tower to appreciate the variety of rooms, many passageways, several stairways, and the great views from windows. And, like me, you might also need some time trying to find your companions in the building! The signage has good info about several rooms/work areas. It also engages visitors with fictional dialogues about daily life in the Great Tower The castle’s elevated position and the Great Tower’s height provide excellent views of the surrounding area from several windows. The large outdoor lawn within the fortress between entrance and Great Fortress offers plenty of area for kids (and adults) to romp around. Parking (on lawn) for about 60 cars (my estimate). Visited in late May 2025

An absolute gem of a town! So much history too. Castle ruins, Hermitage built in a cave across the river with carved alters inside, Acessed by a small boat. Book your boat ticket at the castle where Parking all day is only £3.50. Local church with a sad story. Glorious river walks. Dog friendly pub called Masons.

I adore this castle - every time I go to Northumberland, I come here. It is an English heritage managed castle, it has a large carpark and has some accessible areas for anyone with mobility issues but the keep has stairs and no wheelchair access. It has some fantastic stone masonry work and some hidden markings - original angel of the north 😏 The staff are always welcoming and friendly and full of knowledge. Visit and enjoy this stunning castle for its ruined beauty 🥰

Surprisingly good. Lots to explore and great views too. Definitely worth a visit - a walk along the River Coquet is recommended as well.

Great place to visit, dog friendly in all areas, the main part of the castle was huge although a ruin was great to explore, as a child you could have a fab game of hide and seek, there is a free audio guide which tells you about the history of the castle while you explore

A great bookshop with a great cafe. Love the idea of turning an old train station into a book shop that has a good variety of books. The cafe is amazing also. We came here for breakfast every time we visit Alnwick. The classic English breakfast was tasty and not greasy at all. The bacon and egg were perfectly cooked. The American pancakes were fluffy and delicious.

Spent a Perfect Day at This Enormous Secondhand Bookstore. Stepping inside this massive secondhand bookstore feels like entering another world. Right by the entrance, a cozy fireplace with a burning log and several retro, comfortable sofas catch your eye. The shop even provides thick cushions and soft blankets, making it incredibly inviting for readers to settle in. With shelves upon shelves of books, it’s easy to lose track of time and spend the whole day here. And when you get hungry or thirsty, no worries—the coffee and desserts served at the in-store café are delightful! One of the most charming features has to be the vintage miniature trains running along tracks overhead, adding both movement and a touch of whimsy to the atmosphere. Unique, warm, and full of character—this bookstore is absolutely worth a visit and a perfect spot to snap some photos for your social media. Don’t miss it!

Gosh the amount of books to chose from is astounding. Unfortunately for me I was looking for a particular one I did not find it. Within the building there are toilets and a cafe. The cafe is very popular I didn't eat here, but 3 of the ladies did. They had Halloumi Burgers. They were very happy with the food and service. The downside to the cafe was that you had to queue for the cafe and only when a table was allocated were you able to order. The seating area was over 4 sections. Similar to a railway carriage. Long and not always connected. There is assorted seating dotted around the interior for you to sit and read, chat and in one area a table that sat at least 6 people. Some of the specialists books were behind glass, but available for purchase. There is a decent children's section. You are allowed to bring your dog, must to on a lead and well behaved. I was advised that cat's were also allowed. I wouldn't recommend you take a cat..... too many dog's and so many people. We are talking about the possibility of returning in November as you can buy book tokens. One of the Ladies wants to buy these for Christmas presents for family and friends. I liked the overhead railway above your head. This is in the front section of the building. Worth a visit, even if like me you don't find what you want.

The most amazing book shop. Came as a treat for our adult book mad daughter. She was in awe. It made her day. She found several books she's wanted for a long time. But the best thing was, she found a trilogy set she's been after for years, and practically in mint condition, and not badly priced either. We had a lovely breakfast in the 'waiting room' buffet cafe. All freshly cooked and really tasty. The bread/toast, was really nice too. Then later had some really creamy ice cream from their Paradise ice cream parlour. Can not recommend this place enough. Only sorry it's so far away from our home(4+hrs). We will definitely be back when we're in this neck of the woods. 5☆s

What an amazing shop. Came across it driving along so pleased I did. I've never seen so many books in one place, they are second hand brilliant idea. I brought 5 books but wanted more, would definitely stop by again if in the area. The cafè food was delicious.

A welcome place to escape! It's great fun to bring books for credit, and then to spend the credit on thousands of great books. The cafe and food is also incredible. Would highly recommend a visit.

Oh my word, this is the most wonderful book shop ever, sooooo many books. My idea of heaven. We also had a warm drink in the cafe which was lovely.

Wonderful weather as we drove through the southern sections of the park. Dramatic and beautiful hillsides, with only one day of cloudy weather.

Northumberland National Park is a wonderful place to explore if you love the outdoors. The walking routes are very long and rewarding, offering some of the most stunning and unspoiled views in the UK. There are well-kept picnic areas for when you want to stop and take in the scenery, and toilets are available at key points, which makes the day more comfortable. The atmosphere is peaceful, with plenty of space to enjoy nature without feeling crowded. That said, you definitely need to come prepared. The weather can change very quickly, so dressing appropriately and bringing good walking boots is essential. There are some eating places scattered around, but it’s best to pack food and drinks, especially if you’re tackling one of the longer routes. Overall, it’s an amazing place to spend the day outdoors, with breathtaking landscapes that make the effort worthwhile.

Really beautiful walking and views! Some challenging routes moderate difficulty on the pink route!

Lovely walks all over Northumberland,,come and visit you won't leave disappointed

I love to get out in the outdoors, it’s a lovely family activity and a great way to burn the fat (larger lady alert). My husband Billy and I enjoy squirrel suiting off the high hills together. It’s been an extreme sport we have always enjoyed together, it’s very romantic.

Spent last weekend here, it's an incredible area. The scenery is amazing, rolling green hills everywhere (and more rocky and rugged up in the Simonside Hills). It's so calm and relaxing here too, there were just hardly any people about everywhere we went. (Visited on a cold weekend in February though.) If you have an interest in (Roman) history, you need to visit this area. And if you don't have an interest in history, you'll likely leave here with one. There are lots of English Heritage/National Trust sites to visit, ruins of Roman forts etc, but unless you're a member, visiting them all might get expensive. However you can visit Hadrian's Wall for free. Me and my dog walked about 6 miles of 'The Wall' in total. The scenery of the area and the wall snaking along the hills in the distance provides some memorable sights. Just be warned that the walking routes are quite rough; they're not perfect gravel paths and instead are just raw grass/mud/farmland. There are steep ascents and descents, either on the aforementioned mud or on stone steps which can be slippery if it's rained. Route GPX files and information about which routes have stiles or not are available on the Northumberland National Park website.

Up on the hill tops between Elsdon and hepple, great views, silence... Just absorb the moment and chill... Take your flask for a coffee. Nice drive through the hills towards Rothbury.

Lovely place lodges very clean very friendly staff. Plenty of trails very nice lake. Some steep hills. One particular trail i really liked was up near the castle. We all had a peaceful great stay. Amazing for bikers as some trails look very fun for them. Bike shop up near the castle.

Me and my family absolutely loved spending most the day here, it's a gorgeous place. It has 2 parks for the kids, bar/restaurant and a little shop aswell. Bar/restaurant has a mini soft play for the kids which my kids absolutely loved and it's free also

What a beautiful part of the country. Far less crowded and overrun than the Lake District and therefore more peaceful. I cannot speak highly enough of the lodges, clean and high spec. The attention to detail was very much appreciated e.g. milk in the fridge on arrival and a bottle of wine. Absolutely loads to do. Bat walk, gym sessions, swimming and an Osprey cruise amongst some of the highlights not to mention the walks and the night sky....wow !! Shop is well stocked and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Will come again, just don't tell everyone 😉

This is a very quiet and tranquil place to stay. We stayed at Kieldar Waterside park. Fresh air will knock you out! Kids , dogs are friendly and even cats. Lots of activities to do for children(extra cost to your stay in the lodge). The outside park has a lot of slides, climbing and swings for all ages ranges of children. There is a small shop to buy what you need and a restaurant with a separate soft play room. The food was great and on our visit It had a deal for children to eat free if you stay at a lodge. It has a small indoor pool and spa but the spa wasn't open during our spring stay. Slot of trails to walk. We saw a lot of hares, birds and even deer. With it being a dark spot it's great for star gazing. We were also given a free parking pass for around the lake parking spots whilst on our stay.

My first proper walk for a while. The route was well laid out,well it was a walk part the way around the lake.3hrs out,found pub 3hours back. About 12 miles. The whole distance around the lake is 26 miles. Yes they run marathons around. Lots to do there. Even met someone swimming,brave person. By the time I had finished. Did not want to take off my new boots,yes I know stupid, because I knew I had blisters. But I felt good. I was happy that I had done it.

A beautiful and scenic place to stay amongst nature, the lake is large enough to rent kayaks or sailing boats and sail around it. The forests surrounding the lake have lots of wildlife and and bird watching locations. There is also a small castle nearby and many trails and walkways along the lake shore.

Amazing place. Very scenic. Lots to do with children as well.

One of the most stunning stretch of beach there is in England. Miles of pristine sand with the castle as a backdrop. Very safe for bathing as the rise is shallow for quite a distance. The beach is very clean with minimal litter and there are multiple access points from the dunes. It’s big enough to soak up hundreds of visitors and still not feel too crowded. Photos were taken over a week in August and every day the light was different.

Stunning beach beautiful view of the castle lovely soft sand great for walking your dog chilling and dipping in the sea

Super pretty beach with great views of the castle! Weather wasn’t the best when we went but I bet it looks even more beautiful when the sun is shining!

Free parking right by the sand, no bathrooms where we were by the cafe, beautiful castle views as well as lighthouse and nice sand to enjoy

Lovely spot and very photogenic castle, parking is a little expensive but worth it for the beach.

Beautiful, unspoilt sandy beach which stretches for miles. With the dramatic backdrop of Bamburgh castle

Great beach, lovely expanse of golden sand and dunes

Visited Cragside with my wife, daughter and grandson and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The house itself is full of fascinating history – hard to believe it was the first home in the world lit by hydroelectric power! Every room tells a story, and the craftsmanship is incredible. The gardens and grounds are just as impressive, with plenty of space to explore and stunning views around every corner. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation and natural beauty. A brilliant day out for all ages – we’ll definitely be back.

Fabulous place. Lovely walks through the he grounds, all very picturesque and full of nature. House is beautiful too. Shop and cafe just finish it off. Do the Views of Cragside walk as it's wonderful and covers so much.

Fantastic place. Very helpful staff, particularly the Scottish chap at the entrance. Very clear signs to guide you around the extensive grounds. The house is a must to explore. One of the best National Trust properties (we are members) we have visited. Two areas for suggested improvement. The main cafe is so chaotic that we were put off standing and ordering anything to eat at lunchtime after we had a drink earlier in the day. Secondly, there are two large photographs of Red Squirrels in the shops and apparently there are Red Squirrels in the grounds but I was told "You won't see them." "Why don't you have feeding areas for them, I'm sure they would draw people in." "That would also draw in the Grey Squirrels which we also have." "If you don't do anything about the Greys then you soon won't have any Reds, because of squirrel-pox." This is where the National Trust needs to take a stand and not wash its hands of the problem. But we'll worth a visit all the same.

A great place to visit with so much to see .Inside the house is beautiful presented and the people who work there are so knowledgeable about the family and it's history. The gardens are great and the walks are spectacular 👌

Love this place. Loads to see and explore around the grounds, also the house is fascinating too. Guides are really friendly and very knowledgeable. Recommend that you arrive early as the carparks can get full. Also if you are thinking of exploring the grounds (which you should because they are beautiful) wear sturdy walking shoes/boots as there is a lot of flat stones, which can be slippy. A lovely trail to walk is the route to the Powerhouse via the river.

Absolutely Stunning, exceeded all expectations! The house was beautiful and the grounds are amazing and go for miles. It is worth taking the car around the grounds. Cafe food delicious and always lovely cakes.

A beautiful National Trust park with plenty of different walks to suit all levels of ability. The house is fascinating, with lots of detailed information to read and explore. The facilities are excellent too, with toilets, cafés, and plenty of seating available throughout the grounds. A great place to spend a day. Recommend getting passes as you will save a lot of money. Lots of parking in the area.

Ancient and well used site of Roman settlement and fortification. Nine different forts were built on this site over time. Ruins of village are also seen just outside the fort. A fine museum, gift shop and small cafe are also on site.

One of the most interesting historic sites. Very cool Roman artifacts well preserved by the conditions including various textiles in the museum. The cafe food was delicious and reasonable so it’s a great spot for lunch

Visited when I was a kid- but so much improved 30-odd years on. Loved it then; adore it now! A huge highlight was Annette, our volunteer tour guide, so enthusiastic and informative with various humorous anecdotes that even my teenagers gave her 5 stars. The museum is tremendous, so much better than before, with amazing exhibitions that really make life on the frontier near-2000 years ago very real. As for the cafe: 3 of us had baked potatoes and one soup. They were all delicious and welcome on a cold windy day. And the cakes: I had an excellent cheesecake; and the rocky road went down well with the 14-year-old. A very enjoyable experience!

A fantastic place to get a feel for life in Roman Britain near Hadrian's Wall. Something for all ages and abilities great café too. So glad we visited and took time to walk the site and explore. Amazing finds in the museum. Friendly and helpful staff

Vindolanda is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Roman Britain. The museum is outstanding, with incredible artifacts—including the famous Vindolanda tablets—that bring daily life on the frontier vividly to light. Be sure to take the guided tour of the site itself; it adds so much context and helps you really understand the history and significance of what you’re seeing. A truly fascinating and unforgettable experience

Great site for a very historic tour, 11am and 2pm for guided. This is not covered by English Heritage, so a separate ticket bought onsite is required, but can be coupled with another museum a short walk/drive away. Currently at the time of writing, they're in the process of a fresh dig with many volunteers.

Incredible place to visit. The site is huge and they are still excavating it. There is lovely museum full of artefacts that were found on site - shoes, coins, horse wear, pots and bones etc.. There are guided tours available. We visited with children so we didn't join one, but we overheard a little and the guides seemed very knowledgeable and were happy to answer questions. We will definitely be coming back without the children to take advantage of the guided tours! There is a cafe on site and toilets with baby changing facilities and accessible too. Site is kept lovely and the staff were very polite and professional. There is a gorgeous little river with seating - perfect area to have a picnic.

We visited the fort and museum and spent about an hour and a half here, which was plenty of time to really take it all in. The ruins are incredible and give you a real sense of the history, while the museum brings everything to life with well-laid-out displays and fascinating artefacts. The hill up to the fort is quite steep, but it’s definitely doable if you take your time — worth it once you’re at the top. Facilities are limited, with only one bin and toilet at the entrances, so it’s best to plan ahead. Overall though, it’s a brilliant experience that stands out for both the history and the atmosphere. I’d recommend it to anyone — whether you’re into history, out for a family trip, or just looking for something different to explore.

Housesteads is one of the most impressive and atmospheric forts on Hadrian’s Wall. The ruins are remarkably well preserved, with clear outlines of the granaries, barracks, and the commander’s house, giving a real sense of Roman life on the edge of the empire. The views across the Northumberland landscape are breathtaking, especially from the wall itself, which runs right past the site. There’s a good museum with artefacts and context, plus really friendly staff. A good idea is to include a decent walk along the wall and to visit the museum at the same time. A must-see if you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall.

Glad we made a detour here on the way back from Scotland. I’d advise going early as it was extremely busy when we left at lunchtime with coaches, we arrived just as it was opening. It’s a steep but steady climb up. Although it’s an English Heritage site, National Trust membership gains access and the cafe/facilities at the bottom are NT managed with museum/shop at top next to site English Heritage (which is also point for tickets).

We went to Hadrian’s wall early, it was a nice little walk, uphill and with plenty of sheep “debris” to avoid, but the experience overall was great. The engineering marvel that this is nearly 2000 years old is amazing. You can see the wall for miles with some of the views.

Wonderful Roman garrison. If you intend walking Hadrian's wall be prepared for some very demanding climbs and descents wear good shoes and clean it can be very wet and windy. Speak to locals.

Absolutely amazing place best preserved fort we have seen Worth the long walk from the car park You can imagine Roman life Extremely interesting highly recommended for everyone

Lovely little museum with staff who are very knowledgeable. Great walk on the wall itself - do be aware that there's a lot of uphill walking but great views when you get there!

I've been to many parts of the Northumberland coast over the years and it has never disappointed. Beautiful scenery, lovely towns and villages and Lindisfarne, the jewel in the crown for me

Bamburgh Castle is absolutely unforgettable! The atmosphere is mesmerizing — majestic walls rising above the cliffs, breathtaking views of the North Sea and the endless beach below. Walking through the castle feels like stepping back in time, with every room filled with history and beautifully curated exhibitions. The panoramic view from the top is simply stunning! You could spend hours just taking it all in. Staff are welcoming, everything is well organized — convenient parking, a lovely café, and a surprisingly good gift shop. My impressions are nothing but bright and positive. This is definitely a place I want to return to and bring friends along.

A very nice place to visit walk. On the beach or take a seat and let the time go by. Very nice scenery to look at.free parking a promanade to walk on and look out to see. Ideal for wheelchair use so you take in the views.

Sea, sand, castles, wildlife ! What more could you want ? Beautiful everything and never busy because there’s so much of it ! Truly peaceful and stunning !

Very picturesque walking route. Fantastic coastline with beautiful beaches. It's there to enjoy !!! 👍😎👌

Lovely holiday here Seahouses farne islands lindisfarne Bamburgh castle

One of the best places on earth, wonderful clean dog friendly places with some hidden gems.

Really interesting venue! Great place to have a wander and a coffee. We also had a talk about the Pitmen Painters, an art club set up by minors which ran until the pit closures in the 1980’s.

This place is amazing! Well worth a visit. They do guided tours as well which gives you some history which helps contextualise the site.

This is a great day out. Plenty to see and learn. The kids enjoyed it too. There were some buildings you could get in but others under refurbishment. We arrived on the 1 Sunday a month that the sounds are not on until 12. There are plenty of information boards and they are written well and quite funny. The car park is free and at the site. There are toilets in the car park and in the main building. There is also a cafe here woth a gift shop. The staff were polite.

Absolutely love this museum a must visit for everyone of all ages. A brilliant record of industrial and social history with varying displays, exhibitions and events as well as the famous Ashington Painters artworks.

Brilliant weather for a brilliant day, Classic and Vintage Car Rally on as well made even more enjoyable for my son and me...!

Really interesting place to visit, friendly staff, plenty of free parking, dog friendly except in the main building, cafe on site, close by is also a lakeside walk, well worth a visit

We really enjoyed our day at this fantastic museum. The staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable. The guided talks were great and gave us a great insight into the mine. One of the guides was a retired miner which and he was able to explain what it was like to work in a coal mine. We ate lunch in the onsite cafe which was delicious. We spent all day there and would highly recommend the museum which is amazing value for money.

Lovely area for a few hours of exploring the landscape, great for kids climbing up the different parts of the lady. Also a lovely circular walk around the adjacent field which can be accessed by a gate, great for an extra walk. Cafe was small but plenty of outdoor tables, food looked tasty however was quite pricey, we brought our own picnic but we would maybe try the food next time. Plenty of picnic benches around the lake, great for picnics. Toilets were a let down, only 2 accessible toilets were there and one was out of order when we visited so had to wait in a little queue each time. Car park donation only. Which is a great idea.

It's hands down the best place in the north east to go watch the sunset. It was a beautifully romantic walk. But can also be a fun family/dog walk as I saw many other people do. On each point there was a quirky bit of information, giving you something to look out for. It really brought art and nature together, what a fantastic idea for a walk.

Fantastic place to visit. Free entry, Donations to park they suggest £3 which we paid but you can pay less if you wish to. Great little cafe onsite with toilets. All staff are very friendly and welcoming definitely worth a visit

An interesting configuration of old mines made into a great outdoor space with viewpoints of surrounding countryside and a nature reserve. £3 donation for car park. Café on site with toilets. Great space for dog walkers, families and all.

I walk here often, it's gorgeous no matter where you go the lower level with the lake or up top seeing the view, it's a easy walk to the top. There is also I new upcoming nature reserve to the left (it is still being built/growing) there are ponds (there's only one ATM but sure it's being built to be bigger) Theres horses and cows in the fields and you can see some beautiful birds. This track is approx 2.5 mile walk around if you stick to the main path, you can also walk up through a little village if midway (you see a famers house/cattle house there is a road leading upwards follow that road and you walk through a little lovely village (this Asda an extra 1-2mile to the walk) you will have to walk back the same walk back to the original track as it leads to a motorway. Added photos from all seasons, gorgeous any time of the year!

Interesting place to visit, great for having a stroll or even a jog, can't really see the lady properly can only do that from above, we went on a wet day so put a dampner on it, can imagine it being a great place on a hit sunny day for a picnic, car park is free just asks for a donation, cafe in site

A man-made site to walk up & around to cover where they did open mine casting. Pretty clever really. 2 lakes through it with a good collection of birds. Lovely forest. Milkhope nearby for a coffee & scone.

A fantastic museum with a wealth of historical artifacts and exhibits

Was a lovely museum, reasonable priced. Loads of interactive things for the kids to do. Recommend if your spending time in the castle or gardens to not over look the little gem. Staff are so friendly and very informative.

A smashing little museum over three floors (disabled lift available) Lots on the history of Alnwick, lots of hands on things for the kids and a changing art exhibit on the top floor.

Nice place for a rainy morning with the kids. They enjoyed the trail, and the museum was nice. The lady on the desk was very welcoming.

Excellent museum. Brilliant interactive exhibits for children. Fascinating local history.

This museum is very informative. We learnt a great deal about the history of Alnwick and Northumberland. It was arranged in a timed theme. Little ones could dress up in a Victoria school room and find character mice among exhibits. There was also a splendid display on textiles. The curator on duty was exceptionally helpful. It has toilets and is disability compliant... Including a lift.

Excellent Museum in the heart of Alnwick Northumberland run by excellent and extremely friendly staff with victorians on the first floor and a range of events all year round. There is also a lift and it is fun for the whole family.not very busy

Small but nice gardens. With centre water feature. Poison Garden is a guided tour at set times, 20 people max. £3.50 to park. Motorhomes parking g available at the coach parking. Cafe could do with improving. Hence, 4 stars.

The garden is more park than garden. We visited in August and despite featuring in the Gardeners World 2 for 1 scheme we had to pay full price as it was the school holiday. Children clearly love the water features which despite the warnings they clamber all over making it hard for others to enjoy. The main park is rammed with families having picnics but there are fun activities for children in the tents. The only quiet space is the garden which was full of crispy dead plants and some semi conscious agapanthus and roses. This made paying £18 (plus £3.50 parking) each a bitter pill to swallow as everywhere else is a children’s playground. The one interesting place to linger was the cherry orchard filled with swinging seats. Unless you have small children this place is a rip off.

Our recent visit to Alnwick castle and gardens as a family was a huge success. A full day of activity between the two including the poison garden tour and a castle grounds tour. Plenty on offer for all ages. All the food and services we used during our visit were decent and adequately priced.

"Alnwick Garden is breathtakingly beautiful, even in the off-season. While the admission price felt steep during quieter times, the unique features like the Poison Garden and stunning landscapes make it worth visiting. Plan for peak season for better value."

Lovely day at the gardens. Loads to see, plenty of variety, interesting features, nice cafe. Highlight was the ornamental gardens and the bamboo maze.

Beautiful castle and a relatively large garden. Good for travel if you have plenty of time and not in a rush.

A wonderful place to visit. Definitely worth a stop at. I found it easy to access using a walking stick too.

The Holy Island museum and priory are a real highlight of any visit to Lindisfarne. The ruins themselves are atmospheric and steeped in history, and the museum does a good job of bringing the story of the monks, the Viking raids, and the Lindisfarne Gospels to life. The exhibits are well presented, and the small heritage centre has some good interactive displays and short films that make it engaging for all ages. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the experience. On the flip side, the museum itself is fairly small, so you can get around it quite quickly, and some visitors feel the admission price of £10.90 is a little steep for what’s inside. It’s free, however, if you are an English Heritage member. As always on Holy Island, coming here, planning around the tides is essential — miss the safe crossing times and you could be stranded. Overall though, it’s a fascinating and evocative stop, especially when combined with a wander around the priory ruins and the island itself. A must for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Northumbrian history.

Great place to visit. Not a lot to see apart from the castle and priory. There was more interetin watching the tide come in and cover the causeway, which takes hours by the way lol. Tide times seem to include idiot factor also so don't panic when it says you must leave by a certain time. From the time published that you have to leave the tide takes about 2 hours from that time until you can't leave. Highly recommend popping into the Lindisfarne inn on the A1. Great food and dog friendly.

A place I aways wanted to go see once I'd spotted it on Google Maps. I know now it's a famous landmark, but I didn't know anything about Northumberland, nevermind The Holy Island. We went at night time so the whole quick visit was a little eerie. The journey over to the island, once the tide had gone out and the few cars waiting could cross set the scene. The crossing is unusual, a long stretch of tarmac road that minutes ago was under the waves, but now the vast body of water is drifting out to sea. It feels uncomfortable yet beautiful as the sun was setting. We followed the road, which felt longer than expected into the small village of Lindisfarne. The first large car park is stone based but in the village there is a disabled car park and EV charge points. Nothing was open when we arrived except for a small pub and a hotel that was just closing. We had a drink in The Crown and Achor which is a small lost in time pub The food menu had a lovely selection and the dishes we saw also looked plenty full (the guests left nothing so a great compliment to the chief). I walked around the church yard which has ruins from the old Priory as well as a church that looks to be still in use. Further on there is a vantage tower that I imagine has some spectacular views. Going out of the village we passed a few friendly locals in the dimly lit street. Crossing back to the mainland we went through the nature reserve which is a spectacular view with sea birds settling down and the sea now in the distance. Worth a visit but go in the day when all is open. Our visit was a last minute dash to say we'd been there rather than anything meaningful. Very much a lost in time kind of place which adds to the charm.

A lovely little place to visit with so much history. Although it is a ruin, there is quite a lot left and you can get a real feel for what rooms you were stood in etc. We really enjoyed this and am added bonus was it is an English Heritage site!

Not much to say here. Can't write anything negative - be mindful of the Priory ruins closing time the only thing to note - we crossed on to the Island late due to the tide, had very little time to experience the area properly.

A great place to visit. Watch out for the tide times! Great for bird watching and walking. The abbey is very ruined but worth a look.

Nice remains of Priory with plenty of architecture still remaining, great views to the sea and of the castle from inside, there's also an interesting grave yard to for those interested in such things.

Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, is dramatically perched on a quirky outcrop of rock that is on an otherwise flat island. This setting is quite spectacular – a quirky, fairytale fortress rising above the sea, with sweeping views in every direction. The walk up is short but dramatic, and once inside, the castle has a distinct charm that’s quite different from the grand stately homes you usually see. It feels cosy, like the lived-in retreat it once was, after being decommissioned as a fort several hundred years ago. The National Trust have done a wonderful job keeping the place welcoming, with little touches that bring the history to life. Combined with the island itself, the tidal causeway and peaceful atmosphere, it makes for a truly unforgettable visit. Definitely a must if you’re exploring Northumberland! *National Trust property, so free for members, or £12 for adults.

Lovely place. Holy island is a small island and the castle was a short walk from the town where we were staying. It wasn’t open due to the time of year but it was still interesting and still a nice walk. It’s looked after by English Heritage. The castle is actually atop a small hill ( a mound really) and you get a nice view once you’re up there. It’s small but seems well looked after, and the Limekilns below were fascinating. It wasn’t too busy probably due to the time of year (October), and the weather was bright so we got good views.

I thought this place was amazing. I loved the whole feel of the castle and it's cosy rooms and layout. I thought the architecture was great. Stunning views from all angles on the castle and stunning views of the castle from all around. There is a toilet at the start of the castle once you have paid to go in. Parking is at the start of the island and then it's a short walk to the castle through the village. The staff were polite and helpful and there is a small gift shop at the entrance.

This 16th century castle, perched dramatically on top of a rocky outcrop, is visible from the road long before you arrive at the causeway to Holy Island. It took me about 30 minutes to walk here from the village and priory along the coastal path, with a short stop at the harbour on the way. The path is level and easy to walk, with lots of benches, but on reaching the castle you have to climb a steep cobbled slope and a flight of steps to get to the entrance. Admission for an adult is £12, but it's free if you're an NT member. Due to limited time, I didn't get the chance to go inside, but I did get to walk around the castle and get a good look at both its exterior architecture and the nearby Victorian lime kilns. This is a good starting point for nature walks around the island. A lovely spot to enjoy a picnic too! It's definitely on my must-do list to explore the castle's interior when I return to Holy Island. UPDATE: I returned to the island a few weeks later, and this time I did go inside. The NT staff/volunteers were so friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Info boards in the entrance hall gave an overview of how, in the early 20th century, architect Edwin Lutyens transformed this former military stronghold with its vaulted ceilings and arches, winding passages and steep steps, into an atmospheric but cosy island retreat for its wealthy owner and his guests. The downstairs rooms are filled with beautiful furniture, colourful carpets, chandeliers and ornaments. Domestic artefacts, old photos, and a table set for dinner provide an added insight into the lives of the people who lived and stayed here. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedrooms and an upper viewing terrace with spectacular coastal views. There was a friendly guide on hand to let visitors know which birds had been spotted here, and to point out some seals basking on a sandbank (there's a telescope to help you get a better look). This building with its many steps would present a challenge to anyone with mobility issues, but I found it fascinating to explore. There's a toilet just inside the entrance, and a second-hand book shop in one of the upturned boat sheds next to the ticket office.

Certainly a beautiful view while walking towards the castle, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived on the island shortly after the permitted crossing time and I was surprised at the number of visitors already considering it was mid week in mid September. The National Trust was having its annual open house which we had not known when we planned the visit, and, perhaps that contributed to the large crowds. It is a bit of a hike to the castle, and once there, there are steep steps inside and out. The tour guides were quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is a former castle that was modified into a holiday home in the early 1900s. One is free to explore the rooms as well as to go outside and take in the views from the top landing.

Took the wife away for the weekend. Nice trip. Bluebell Pub 12 miles away. Had a great day. Nice Cafe. First one you come too from the main car park. Archaeology dig near rte Priory.

This place is so with the visit. I drove 2hrs just to see it. The last entrance is 3:30 so make sure your time to cross the Causeway doesn't make you late. The castle sits high atop a mountain and the interior is brilliant. Built in late 16th century by Henry VIII.

We loved our night at the observatory. Unfortunately it was a very cloudy night so was a bit hit and miss, catching the stars through the telescopes. Staff were amazingly entertaining and their passion rubbed off on you by the end of the visit. Complimentary hot chocolate was welcomed towards to end, getting a bit of free time to ask questions and revisit sections of the observatory. The building itself was impressive with the manually rotating roof sections where the telescopes live. We went early June and very keen to go back on a clear night in peak winter season. Thanks for an amazing experience

Wonderful experience. We attended the 9m session on a wonderfully clear July night. The initial video presentation was astounding and truly opened our eyes on the sheer scale of the night sky. The subsequent opportunity to view the sky through the Observatory telescopes in the presence of experts was astounding. This was then followed by a great opportunity to chat with the team The sessions cannot fit in many visitors so it is important to book ahead. And do follow the detailed arrival instructions - the site is by its nature remote and off the beaten track

I had a wonderful experience here. It says something that after driving for 2h into dark skies and it ending up being a cloudy night, that I still wasnt disappointed and would absolutely do it again. The talks were so informative and engaging, super interesting. We saw and used the telescopes and were able to observe a star despite the clouds.

Really good, I would say excellent. The team who were at the top to meet us stay with us for the 3 hours of our tour were brilliant. The team were very knowledgeable in there subject, they were very helpful and super friendly. Unfortunately the weather wasn't helpful it was raining for the first two hours. But the last hours the stars appeared which was fantastic. The team explained so much. I would definitely recommend to go and see the stars. Don't forget it is weather permitting.

We had clear skies - result. We have been before although it was cloudy then. However, don't be dismayed as the team put on a brilliant, educational and interesting talk / slideshow to entertain you. Our last visit was clear skies and we had the opportunity to to look through both telescopes as well as sit outside in the moon chairs to gaze at the night sky. Team there were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and able to make the subject approachable. Photos are from my iPhone 17 Pro Max, so no match for the telescopes, but gives you an idea. Being dark sky status the area is superb for star gazing be you just interested or a seasoned professional. The track up to the observatory is about 2 miles long, a little bumpy in places and can take a while at 10mph so bear that in mind with your arrival timing.

I visited the observatory on my birthday in March for one of their aurora watch evening events. I knew there was a *chance* of seeing the aurora borealis here (because of an 11 year peak, spring equinox and dark sky conditions) but I never dared hope I would get to see them on my actual birthday! We all filtered in to the lecture room and then within a couple of minutes of the introduction starting, a fellow staff member came rushing in to say it's happening, and then we all went outside and had at least 15mins of watching it live. Phone cameras pick up more than the naked eye, so it doesn't look as pretty as what my phone says, but that doesn't mean it's still not fascinating or exciting to be able to take slow exposure shots and see the results of what you've just captured! Once the excitement was over, and it had calmed down, back inside we went for some learning and then the big telescopes. Had an absolutely fantastic time. Can't recommend this facility enough. You need to do your research and book in advance, but if you do so you will have a wonderful time.

One of the best events I've ever been to, absolutely outstanding and we will definitely be returning for future events. Can't thank Adam, Dan and Gregoire enough, their enthusiasm was electric. Amazing!!!

We were really looking forward to visiting the Grace Darling Museum and although the RNLI tourist leaflet states it is open all year around it's not open on Saturday or Sunday. However if you cross the road to St Aidan's church there is a memorial to her inside the church which is open and a lovely church to walk around.

This museum is not very big but tells story of Grace Darling really well,cobble Grace and her Father rowed that night to rescue 7 survivors is amazing. Really worth visit. No entry fee but donations gratefully accepted. Memorial is in Church across the road.

Lovely little museum, my daughter has been learning about grace darling at school so we had to go. Was not disappointed, the staff were amazing and so informative. Free to enter but please donate as it helps keep the museum open and running.

A small but really well organised free museum telling the story of a very ordinary but remarkable woman’s selfless bravery and sense of duty. Some great interactive displays and exhibits from the Victorian era

It was free to get into the museum all they recommend you do is donate to the charity on your way out of the museum . It not very big museum , so it should only take u half and hour to look round . I recommend this to anyone that like a bit history.

Free entry. The museum is small but packed with lots of information about Grace and her family. There are low level button-press actions for little ones, and the 'light up' model of the lighthouse is great. There are short, informative videos too. A small RNLI shop is also on site.

Great to visit and learn all about Grace Darling and just donation as free to enter

Visited this weekend as we were staying in the area for a couple of nights and I had high hopes based on reviews and recommendations - sadly it didn't quite live up to expectations for me. It is a lovely pub and the garden is lovely to have a drink in the sun. The food however was a bit of a let down. My partner had the steak and ale pie with chips - he said the pie was good but the chips were so heavily salted they were difficult to eat. I had the squash rigatoni - the pasta itself was undercooked and chewy, rather than al dente, and the sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste. Both main courses were just a bit disappointing for the price. Desserts were nice, thankfully - would recommend the pecan pie and the white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake.

What a great pub with interesting craft beers brewed on site. Lovely outside area to explore and plenty of space. Food was tasty albeit a bit pricey and could have done with some greens with the pie. Dog friendly which is a bonus. Would definitely come back.

Rang and booked a table within 45 mins even though it was busy when we got there. We decided to sit outside In the sun. Had a nice out door area, spacious with plenty of seats. We went on a Sunday so there was only a sunday dinner menu. I had the beef, plenty food on the plate but there could have been a bit more meat for what I paid for it. Was all really tasty mind. Dog friendly too. Oh and they have fruity cider on tap. Winner winner.

Great pub, excellent cask ales brewed on the grounds, service was spot on for such a large grounds. Including the multiple outdoor seating areas. Dinner was great. The chicken parpadell, sea bass and fancy fisherman’s pie were all great. Do recommend, also situated right in the middle of the best and most vigorous section of the Hadrians wall hike.

Lovely pub, situated on the military road, 5 minutes from Steel Rigg carpark by foot. Buy the local beer, then afterwards buy it in the shop. Also Twice Brewed is beside a YHA.

Just back from a fabulous weekend with our choir. We had a twin room which was small but comfortable. Staff were fabulous, very efficient and attentive. Restaurant staff remembered I was Gluten free the second morning and had gluten free bread ready for me beside the toaster used specifically for gluten free. Such attention to detail, and remembering your guests makes you feel so safe. Evening meal choice was very limited for gluten free. A bigger selection would have made the stay so much better. However, the warm welcome and great atmosphere ensures we will be back next time. See you soon

Perfect pub/hotel for walkers. Loved the beer! Had a great night's sleep after an excellent evening meal, with attentive staff. Breakfast was good and we took advantage of the packed lunch option. Dog friendly - the requirement to sit in the bar rather than the 'white table cloth' restaurant was fine

Lovely place to visit. Ideal for families, people that love water activities, walkers and twitchers. The lake is great, plenty of places to get on the water. Also you can hire equipment by the cafe too. The beach is beautiful with its long sandy bay, a short walk from the campsite.

What a wonderful place. Plenty of parking where you can choose to stay for a short time or all day. There's a huge watersports lake at one side and miles of beautiful beach at the other. In the middle there is a cafe, dog friendly of course and toilet facilities. There's also a playground for the kids. Around there's plenty of benches and picnic tables if you want to bring your own food. Just perfect!

It is a little piece of heaven..I think it is around 1.5 miles to walk around the lake. It is very beautiful even in cold weather. A really lovely cafe with very reasonable prices. We had two bacon/sausage sandwiches which consisted of four sausages and a thick bacon rasher. All this for £4. I would highly recommend.

Lovely place to explore, the lake is beautiful, and there’s plenty of walks around the area to enjoy. The beach access is directly behind the car park. And the beach itself is fab. The cafe next to the car park is reasonably priced, we only stayed for coffees as we had brought a picnic but next time we’d like to try the yummy cakes! Toilets relatively clean and tidy. The play area for kids is also a good size and there’s plenty of picnic benches around to sit outside. Will definitely visit again.

Really lovely lake you can walk right round, dogs can be off lead. The path is finished so mud free if its wet There are some great stepoing stones at one end of the lake. There is a nice, dog friendly cafe, kids play park and you can paddleboard/kayak on the lake (permit can be obtained on council website). You can walk over the road to the beach which is wonderful. Parking is free for an hour, then £2 50 for two hours and i think £4.50 for the day.

Such a great place you can choose between the beautiful parkland with flat walks around the lake or enjoy the amazing beach miles of sand and not too crowded. Whichever you choose there’s a great cafe to end your visit.

Nice country park but the beach with miles of coastline is the main attraction. Worth a stop if you’re in the area and are after a leg stretch.

Absolutely fantastic railway, a lovely pleasant journey to Etal castle. The staff are friendly and approachable and helpful if you are interested in railways. It's definitely a MUST if you are in the area. We will definitely be calling again. 😁👍👍

Was told of this place by a colleague. We absolutely loved this place. Ford and Etal are very picturesque. Lovely for walking, independant shops like jewellery, plants and other little shops. Totally Recommended. We will definitely be coming back.

It's a tourist mostly steam miniature railway, not busy even in July. It's not a long run, around a mile by road, and it takes the train around 20 minutes each way. It's not historic, it was built purely for tourist reasons. There's a cafe at each end, a mill at the Heatherslaw end, a castle and cidery at the Etal end. Don't expect this to be a full day out, but if you time it to include lunch it will kill a little while.

Great train ride. The boys loved it. The village of Etal is very nice. Great cafe at the post office.

A great little train, fun way to connect between Heatherslaw and Etal. Loved the Mill ( restocked my bread flour) including the cakes and coffee in the tea rooms, loved the art and jewellery and loved the tearooms in Etal for lunch.

Nice little journey to Etal Castle. Friendly staff. Etal village itself is a lovely place to walk around.

A charming little railway set in a fantastic area. £30 for a family ticket which i feel is worth it as it helps keep these lively little locomotives running.

Beautiful views from this part of the wall. Easy enough walk from Housesteads or Steel Rigg, or the Sill. Memorial in place for the sycamore gap tree that was vandalised and felled. Seems more popular now than it was before, gets very busy !!

So Mon 13th Oct was bright and sunny, perfect for the walk from The Sill car park £4 for the 2-3 hr stay. About 2-3 miles return, some steep rocky parts so bring good hiking shoes. For older persons, one needs go slowly from Peel cottage heading up towards the small lake or loch ... the return can be made on the easier lower south side path of the wall, it's flatter and over a grassed field.

A beautiful Place to visit which entails a long walk along Hadrian’s wall. The views are very scenic and you can see for miles around. I wouldn’t recommend the walk if you struggle with your knees as there are a lot of steep sections to climb and descend. It can be muddy and wet and slippery too on the steep sections. We met some beautiful sheep and cows on the way and it’s likely that you will too. Be careful. Make sure you close the gates along the way to prevent them from escaping. Be careful if you take small children too as there are some steep drops along the way. And no toilets on the walk so I suggest you go before you start the walk. The wall is amazing and in some sections you can see it continue for miles. We parked at Steel Rig car park and paid £9 for around 6 hours but that wasn’t really long enough. I would suggest that if you are not young and sprightly then account for all the steep hills which add a lot of time to your walk. Overall it’s a great place to visit. Sycamore Gap is a pretty little spot and obviously minus the Sycamore thanks to the mindless vandalism which we are all aware of. The tree itself is growing new shoots and is in a wooden cage to protect it for the future. It is still a nice place to visit because of the dip.

While it will be forever known as sycamore gap it's with a sense of sadness I visited for the first time after the tree had been felled. The area is still amazing and hopes that the tree will sprout 🌱 again and grow look uncertain in April 2025 with last year's shoot in poor condition. Well worth the effort to visit , enjoy the stunning view as step in the footsteps of Roman soldiers. Great circular walk from Steel Rig car park to the nearby Roman Fortress at Halsteads.

We walked from the Roman fort to the gap across a stunning landscape. The teeming rain only added to the atmosphere, to give a walking experience that I feel will never be matched.

Beautiful walk from the Steel Rigg Car park, down the side of the wall then up a steep hill then down again and finally to the Gap… so sad we learned this morning that 2 men one day decided to chop the tree down. Well, they were caught and have been sent to jail for a couple of years… meanwhile the area has been fenced off and it may take over 30 years for the tree to to grow again from the small shoots we can see today. The area of the wall is lovely and the hike is quite arduous for me.

Lovely 30min walk along Hadrians Wall from Steel Rigg car park. Very sad to witness the senseless vandalism!! 🤬. Otherwise absolutely stunning views for miles.

A beautiful sandy bay located a couple of miles North of Bamburgh. There are a number of lay-bys located close to the water's edge which are great for birdwatchers. You can also walk from the lay-by to Bamburgh following a marked footpath. Do not try to cross any part of the bay, even at low water. It can be treacherous.

This is a beautiful part of England. The tidal beach overseeing the distant Lindisfarne is amazing. When the sun sets quietly over the ebbing tide, it's amazing.

Amazing place to walk towards Bamburgh! Hardly a soul on the beaches. Dog friendly but was very windy on a sunny November morning!

One of my favourite beaches, nice and quiet

Beautiful views lovely clean water soft fine sand

Beautiful views nice walk

A very good spot to observe wild birds especialy as the tide ebbs with views across to Lindasfarne

Kielder Water is a great place to relax and unwind, whether you're staying locally or just a day visitor. There are mountain bike & hiking trails, plenty of activities for families, and lots of birds. Look out for ospreys, buzzards, redstart, chaffinches, and many more. Parking is £5 per day...

This place is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy walking/cycling and huge bodies of water scenery. We visited it on a route back from the Lake District, so we had already enjoyed spectacular views that weekend, so we were surprised at how Keilder water compared so favourably. I particularly wanted to visit the area as was fascinated by the history of the flooding of Plashettes and how the reservoir just swallowed up a village and you would never know. We did not walk all the way around the reservoir so did not get across to Plashettes side but did stop off at various stop off points in the car and do walks around those immediate areas as it was a day of inclement weather and we were not fully prepared for the walking trails and off piste routes. It's 26 miles all the way round and would take approx 12 hours to walk it on a good day. We will definitely return as there was so much we didn't get the opportunity to see, and we will take bikes and cycle some of the routes next time. I only gave 3 stars because of the outrageous carparking costs. Basically, unless you pay £5 for the day, which is a perfectly reasonable price for a day, you are charged £2 at EVERY carpark you stop at. As previously mentioned, this reservoir is a big reservoir and extends over considerable miles, so a great many stop off points/ carparks to view various sections. This somewhat spoiled the whole roam free outdoors ethos and it literally felt like we were being ripped off by Northumbrian Water to view an impressive sight which is in a very remote area and certainly not over run with tourists. To pay approximately £12-£14 for half a dozen extremely short stop off points was absolutely outrageous. I also believe if you want to cross over to the far side by car at the castle end, there is a £5 charge, but it's an extremely bumpy road and not suitable for normal cars, only 4x4 vehicles. We did not go that far down. Had paid enough by that point. On a positive note, there is an extremely impressive viaduct at Keilder that it is so worth seeing if you do go. The visitor centre was a huge disappointment. It had nothing except for toilets and a very small gift type shop. The exhibition showing a video of its construction and demolition/flooding of plashettes ( which everyone would want to see) was not available (and this was a bank holiday, so busy day!) Hence, another star was removed! The two dams are worth viewing for sure. The overall vicinity has a remarkable feeling of solitude, yet a lot of people around. It must be the beautiful remote forest location. Overall, when we return, we will park in one spot for the day and pay just once, and cycle as far as we can, hopefully all the way around, but I do understand it's quite hillly in places. Do visit, but be aware of carpark cons!

Lovely place to have a lunch. Water apparently not for swimming in and the foam on the shores seemed to indicate that the water quality wasn’t good at all. We very much enjoyed the views around the lake! Gorgeous for walking and taking in the views. Was a quiet and peaceful walk. Very hot weather 28 degrees but luckily there was enough shade to keep us comfortable enough. Unfortunately no wildlife but I’m guessing it was too hot! Thank you 🙏

Did a 22km walk along the north shore and back to Hawkhope car park, the paths are well maintained and the scenery is nice, but honestly it’s underwhelming. No facilities on the north shore at all apart from Kielder village and the toilets at Hawkhope, just miles of lakeside and non-native forest which lots of people will appreciate but when you plan a full day walking and have no cafes or toilets it’s a bit of a drag. Didn’t see any wildlife other than a couple of crossbills and woodpeckers in 6 hours.

Wonderful few hours. Very clean and litter free. Peaceful and silent apart from numerous birds.

Lovely place to have a lunch. Water apparently not for swimming in and the foam on the shores seemed to indicate that the water quality wasn’t good at all. We very much enjoyed the views around the lake!

Winding roads through forest and hills with kielder water as a stunning backdrop. Beautiful

It's a nice walk, but on a weekend it's very touristy and there were people swimming in the pool area when we arrived which ruined the ambience and photos especially as they were so loud. It's not a tough walk (although we do a lot of walking). There is a lovely tap room at the bottom in the car park which is well worth a visit.

Wonderful walk for the family. Great starting location in a beautiful Northumbrian village providing free parking at the start. Very pleasant gradual climb on wide track following the river to the falls at the end. Ideal for picnics with plenty spots to take a break and enjoy the natural surroundings.

This is a beautiful woodland walk for all age groups. It has various stop off places on the way, which can be handy. I think I counted 6 little bridges on the walk, and the paths are well maintained and easy to follow. There is now a second car park at the start as the first one is filled with electric and disabled bays. These bays were all empty while I was there, so it does seem a waste. The walk is thoroughly enjoyable and well worth doing.

Well worth the effort, even when it rains. The thunderous roar of the overburdened river, from the recent storms, is quite beautiful. It is a three mile round trip. If you are not steady on your feet, go when it is dryer or use walking poles, as it can be a bit slippery. There a six bridge crossings of the river giving marvelous views.

This was a wonderful walk. Lots of smaller waterfalls on the way. Myself and partner saw a red deer and humming moth on our way too. Not to mention all the butterfly's, dragonflies, birds. So much to see.

3 of us who aren't normal ramblers had a super walk up to the waterfall! A more or less easy walk, a few sections of steep- ish steps but nothing even we couldnt manage! Took us exactly an hour to get to the top, a little longer on the way down due to being more careful on the steps. Make sure you go all the way until the path ends (over 6 bridges in total) as twice we thought we had reached the waterfall but they were just 2 others on the way up! The fall itself is just stunning & it was definitely worth the walk. It isnt suitable for anyone unable to walk up steep steps or for buggies, or people that need a little aid as there are no hand rails - its a true woodland/country walk! Car park is quite small (go just past the 1st few parking spaces to find the actual car park) but we arrived at 9am on a friday to find only 1 other car there. We only met a handful of people on the route too so not busy with tourists.

Great walk through woods with various waterfalls culminating with a lovely closed in canyon with impressive waterfall

Only got chance to spend a day there but definitely will be back fantastic place for all the family brilliant if your in to your walking mountain biking or anything outdoors

Keilder Forest is so beautiful and peaceful. Lovely place to walk,cycle, sail & look at nature. It was a wonderful day to enjoy the sun. Xx

Great walk with my much younger brother who loved the Gruffalo/Stick Man trail. Also a lovely place to relax to the sound of nature.

I love this place , so much to do from mountain biking , sailing , boat trips, hiking , looking for the giant white rabbit which is over 8 foot tall. The dark skies for star gazing

Used the castle car park/visitor centre, small snack van available and toilets. Plenty of biking and walking trails. Lovely place to spend a few hours in nature, plenty of dog walkers and mountain bike riders too. Osprey TV camera set up in car park to view nest 👍

I went with a group of people(family & friends) for a weekend walk. We walked 16kms. The view is beautiful and amazing. The landscape and the lake view, trees, wild flowering plants… everything is perfect for relaxed outdoor walks. We saw the deer on the way inside the park near the trail. We enjoyed the walk, met a lot of people. Take your water and fruits/food when going, it is a long walk. We walked 8km in and returned on the same route back.

Visited the castle, watched the ospreys on their nest on the video link. Plenty trails, and we did the Forest drive, and visited the birds of prey centre too, which was great. Had a little walk with the dogs. Plan to go back when it's a bit drier and find some of the sculptures.

Well worth a visit, a real surprise. The main house is beautiful inside and has a facinating history. But the grounds are huge, with lovely walks short or long. There's also a decent cafe and shop. Adult entry price is a little steep, but it maintains this incredible attraction so I'm okay with it.

I loved this place. It is other worldly and just magical. The labyrinth is not for the faint heated, probably due to it being out of season. We got lost with a couple we teamed up with, the only people in there. My companions family had previously thought they would have to call out mountain rescue. The terrain up to there was extremely challenging. It is possible to park at various car parks throughout the 40 mile site and i would recommend that. The house has 95% of the original furnishings and it is fascinating to have a clear view of what life was like at the time of the original owner. We saw only a fraction of what is on offer. A full day is needed to see everything. This beat Alnwick castle hands down. I will return and would happily volunteer here as its so amazing. £25 entrance charge, free to national trust members.

There was many rooms inside of the Cragside house. There was plunge pool and a bath with a loofah and sponges too. There was a big old kitchen with a sink nearly the size of a bath and there was this room with a MASSIVE fireplace it was a very neat place to take some 360 photos. 5 stars.

Beautiful historic house and grounds. Loses a star because, like all National Trust houses it's not wheelchair accessible. If Lord Armstrong could fit a lift, surely the trust can do the same.

Beautiful national trust Northern gem ,sited in Rothbury Northumberland. An Arts and Crafts exceptional villa, upgraded from 1864 for the Armstrong family. Original pieces of decorative arts from Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Morris & Co . The grounds were lovingly created by Lord Armstrong and his wife ,who were keen botanists. There first garden design project was Jesmond Dene. Hydro electric experiments are still used inside the house,to show case the science to a new audience. You must visit if you're looking for a beautiful Autumn Adventure.

Really beautiful house, lots of history and a great place for going on walks with a dog or not. Didn't have time to explore the full grounds but what I did see was gorgeous

A huge estate that could keep you coming back. We visited for a mere 2 hours, viewed the house and only some of the grounds. The house tour included engineering of the house, family history and art.

The ladies who run the centre are very knowledgeable, willing to educate, and help people learn about the animals. Both exhibits are well thought out, with the animals best interests being kept in mind, this was my 2nd visit to the centre, and was delighted to see a lot of positive changes. Keep up the great work ladies, we look forward to coming again next time we are visiting Haggerston ❤️

Amazing, getting up close with the birds. Well cared for and the staff were helpful friendly and very knowledgeable

Wonderful experience.

This' a UNESCO world heritage site and it's a must visit. The experience was beyond words. I would recommend to walk from the Durham Market Place square, Sadler St & Owengate to experience the buildings of the old town. The Durham Castle is also accessible from the same route.

As someone deeply interested in Christian churches and cathedrals, I can confidently say this is one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever visited. The design is breathtaking, and its location adds to its grandeur it's truly one of the largest in the UK. The historic architecture evokes a sense of awe and reverence, almost melting you into the past. This cathedral has witnessed many wars and even houses a copy of the Magna Carta, which adds to its historical significance. Entry is free, although some areas require a ticket to access. The staff are numerous and always present, maintaining cleanliness and offering assistance when needed. You can pray inside, and the inscriptions on the walls are genuinely enchanting. Just beside the cathedral stands Durham Castle, making the visit even more worthwhile. This place absolutely deserves a visit you won’t regret it. A heartfelt thank you to the staff for their dedication and care.

This is a lovely cathedral to visit, in a lovely University town. It is packed with interesting objects to look at and is mercifully less crowded than some of the more famous cathedrals. For a small fee you can also climb up the tallest tower for a magnificent view of the town and surrounding countryside.

Would definitely recommend booking characterful city walk with Tom. The best storyteller, great with getting group participation, lots of information and details of by gone times about Durham. The walk was approximately 90 mins and at a meandering pace, all over little pockets of the city.

Absolutely beautiful. I loved the stain glass window. The history. The chapels. The size. Really everything about it was magnificent. Magnifying God and revealing how much faith was important

Don't normally like to pay to visit churches, but it's a donation and felt like excellent value given the significance and history of Durham Cathedral. Paid extra for the Magna Carta exhibit and again, worth the money and a real treat.

A stunningly beautiful Cathedral. Worth visiting from far and wide. Many positive messages about love, compassion and humanity dotted throughout the Cathedral, the power of religion at its best.

Durham Castle is well worth a visit! The route you can take is fairly short at around an hour but the price reflects this and you get some excellent information throughout. We were self guided but there are tours available. The guides are knowledgeable and bring the history of the castle to life, making it a fascinating experience in a beautiful setting. A great way to spend an hour in Durham!

Absolutely well worth the £5 entry fee, but book in advance as they sell out and don't run every day. The blonde lady who checked us in and gave us our lanyards at Palace Green Library was perhaps the nicest lady I've ever met. She talked us through where to go, what to expect and other parts of the historic UNESCO World Heritage site to visit to make a day of it. Our tour guide (I wish I could remember her name; I want to say Dia..? She was a Literature student), was very professional and knowledgeable, and guided us through a fascinating 45-minute tour of the Norman chapel, Tunstall Chapel and Gallery, Black Stairs and the Great Hall. No, you can't go in the Keep as that's a student residence, but I feel like if the people complaining on reviews did even a minute's research before they went, they wouldn't be disappointed. You could take pictures all the way around and tour groups are kept relatively small, so you get time to ask questions of your guide. We learnt so much about the history of the historic building. Well worth a visit, but do some research first!

The castle of prince bishops of Durham. Currently used as a university college. It offers guided tours during various intervals. Its good

Such a beautiful castle really recommend checking it out and getting a tour you learn so much about it and William the conqueror and much more

A castle with lots of amazing and eye-opening stories and a beautiful history that is reflected in the view. Tickets are available at the library next to the right side of the castle, with time slot booking and guided tours only. We had fun 🤩 and enjoyed every bit of it!

Durham Castle was a hidden gem ! You need to either book in advance on line or you can call in the information center between the castle and cathedral to book your tour! Tour guides take you around the rooms you can visit,remember that this is still part of Durham University. Really enjoyable visit!

Durham Castle is a very beautiful small castle. The key difference from typical historical landmarks is that it also serves as a university college—many students live here, and staff work on-site. This means that, on one hand, the tours are limited in time and access to the locations where visitors are allowed (really a few in comparison to overall premises). On the other hand, it is uncomfortable for students when a group of lingering tourists walk in their home, sometimes enters the dining hall (a large, beautiful space) at the beginning of dinner, walking around and taking photos. Since there are only a few tours each day, it is definitely advisable to book in advance online, especially during holiday seasons, school breaks, and weekends.