Northumberland is home to many pretty villages, some of which are only a stone’s throw away from impressive sea views, castles and beaches. In this guide we share 7 of our favourite Northumbrian villages which we hope inspires your visit to this underrated destination in the UK. 

If you’re planning to do a Northumberland road trip, make sure you read our ultimate guide to the area which is full of adventure, beautiful coastlines, castles, wildlife and the opportunity to see northern lights! We’ve also included the best campsites and places to eat along the route.

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay whilst in Northumberland, read about our stay in a cosy cabin at Trees at Tughall.

1. ALLENHEADS

In the remote North Pennines, Allenheads is a beautiful village surrounded by moorland and is known as the highest village in England. It’s a former miner village where you can ski in the winter and learn about the heritage of old lead mines. Wander around the village where you will find a coffee shop, a local craft shop and toilets. 

2. BLANCHLAND

Blanchland is arguably one of the prettiest villages in North England. The quaint village houses, Abbey, shops, tea room and pub are surrounded by scenic Northumbrian countryside. Historically home to a medieval monastery, this village is also set adjacent to the River Derwent. Eat a delicious meal at the Lord Crewe Arms where you can also stay overnight. 

3. CORBRIDGE 

Make sure to stop in the picturesque Roman town of Corbridge, which has a bakery, lovely streets, cafés and pubs. The car park is free and to get to the town you’ll walk over a beautiful bridge across the River Tyne. You’ll find plenty of shops to browse and you can visit the nearby Roman settlement of Coria which is managed by English Heritage.

4. ALNWICK

Alnwick Castle has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows including; Harry Potter, Transformers and in Downtown Abbey. The town of Alnwick has many shops, pubs and streets to explore. The famous pub named ‘The Dirty Bottles’ serves delicious food and has a haunted history where it is rumoured that the innkeeper died when moving bottles in the window. The bottles are now sealed in the window so that no one else would follow the same fate as the unfortunate innkeeper. 

5. CRASTER

Craster is a small fishing village located on the Northumberland coastline. In the village you’ll have to try a local delicacy, smoked kippers at the famous L Robson & Sons smokehouse. A short walk following the Northumberland coast from Craster village is where you’ll find the impressive ruins of Dunstanburgh castle. If you have time it’s worth exploring a little further to Embleton Bay, a golden stretch of beach with great views of Dunstanburgh castle ruins.

6. SEAHOUSES

Seahouses is a harbour town and the hub of boat trips to the Farne Islands. Walk around the village of Seahouses, a seaside village with plenty of options for eating out and make sure you try the best fish and chips in the area. Lewis’ Fish restaurant serves some of the best and the queue can get pretty long in the evening which can only be a good sign!

We’d recommend walking a little further to St Aidan’s dunes where you’ll find great views across to the islands which are home to all sorts of wildlife, seals, birds and even puffins at certain times of the year. Stay at nearby in a cosy cabin at Trees at Tughall surrounded by nature and close to the coast.

7. FORD & ETAL

The picturesque villages of Ford and Etal are part of a working estate. Set within the beautiful countryside close to the Scottish border where many historical battles were held. Today, these villages are the setting of peace and tranquillity where you feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set, everything is picture-perfect.

If you’re looking for more Northumberland inspiration, read our ultimate Northumberland 250 road trip guide to discovering the area from historical castles to incredible wildlife spotting opportunities and amazing nature spots.

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