Explore Northumberland · Coast, castles & national park
Northumberland Road Trip: Places to Visit, Scenic Drives & Castles
Plan a 3–6-day Northumberland road trip with two contrasting routes: the Inland 250 Loop and Castles & Coast. Explore Kielder, Rothbury, Alnwick, Bamburgh, Holy Island and more.
Why take a Northumberland road trip?
From the forests and upland valleys of Northumberland National Park to wide dune-backed beaches, medieval castles and the Roman frontier, the county rewards slow exploration by car.
Northumberland road trip routes
1. Inland 250 Loop
160 miles · approximately 5 hrs 30 mins
Amble · Alnmouth · Alnwick · Rothbury · Harbottle · Kielder Water & Forest Park · Bellingham · Chesters Roman Fort · Hexham
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2. Castles & Coast
62 miles · approximately 2 hrs 30 mins
Amble · Warkworth Castle · Alnwick · Dunstanburgh Castle · Craster · Seahouses · Bamburgh · Lindisfarne (Holy Island) · Berwick-upon-Tweed
Explore chapterNorthumberland scenic road trip map
Places to visit along the Northumberland route
Inland 250 Loop
Amble, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Rothbury, Harbottle, Kielder Water & Forest Park, Bellingham, Chesters Roman Fort, Hexham.
Castles & Coast
Amble, Warkworth Castle, Alnwick, Dunstanburgh Castle, Craster, Seahouses, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne (Holy Island), Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Things to do in Northumberland
Explore coastal castles
Walk to Dunstanburgh Castle; visit Warkworth, Alnwick and Bamburgh Castle.
Discover Hadrian’s Wall
Explore Chesters Roman Fort, Hexham and optional western escarpment detours.
Experience dark skies
Plan an evening near Kielder and the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.
Enjoy wildlife and beaches
Visit Druridge Bay, Embleton Bay and Seahouses; check seasonal boat trips to the Farne Islands.
Discover Holy Island
Visit Lindisfarne only during official safe crossing periods; check the tide timetable before setting off.
Walk Northumberland landscapes
Explore stretches of the Northumberland Coast Path, Simonside and Coquetdale.
How to reach Northumberland
The A1 gives road access from Newcastle, Edinburgh and the wider UK. Alnmouth station is on the East Coast Main Line; Newcastle International Airport offers wider connections. A car is useful for the more remote inland routes. Check journey times and transport services directly.
Choose free maps or the complete £6.99 guide
Free Northumberland maps
Explore the route layout and chapter overviews online using a free account.
Complete PDF road trip guide · £6.99
Get the downloadable travel guide to save and keep, with suggested stops, local stories and route planning advice.
Northumberland road trip FAQs
How long does the road trip take?
Allow around 3–6 days for both routes, longer for walks, castles, boat trips and detours.
Can I drive just the coast?
Yes. The 62-mile Castles & Coast section can be explored independently.
Is the Inland 250 a separate route?
Yes. It links inland valleys, forest, Kielder, Roman heritage and Hexham; suggested distance is approximately 160 miles.
Can I visit Holy Island whenever I want?
No. The road is tidal, and visitors must check official causeway safe crossing times.
What am I buying for £6.99?
A downloadable PDF guide that you should download and retain. Online supporting pages may change or be withdrawn, and future updates are not included.
Travel information is general guidance, not professional, legal or safety advice. Check routes, parking, opening times, availability, access restrictions, weather, tides and vehicle suitability independently before booking or travelling. In particular, verify Holy Island causeway safe-crossing times. Maps are third-party online services and require an internet connection; continued availability cannot be guaranteed. Download and retain your purchased PDF. No future updates or indefinite hosting of supporting pages are promised. Your statutory consumer rights are unaffected. © Uncover Britain Ltd · Personal use only; no redistribution or resale.