2 days in Northumberland: a weekend itinerary
Castles, a kipper village and puffins, on a coast of huge empty beaches.
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
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- Updated October 2026
Northumberland has more castles than any other county, plus huge empty beaches, wild moors and Hadrian's Wall. This plan puts two castles and a coastal walk on day one, and wildlife and a tidal island on day two.
The timing of tides and boats matters, so check schedules ahead.
Day 1: Alnwick and Craster
- Morning: Visit Alnwick Castle and the Alnwick Garden, booking tickets in advance.
- Lunch: Eat at Craster, famous for its smoked kippers.
- Afternoon: Walk the coast path from Craster to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, about a mile and a half each way.
- Evening: Have dinner in Alnmouth or Alnwick.
Day 2: Bamburgh and the islands
- Morning: Visit Bamburgh Castle and walk on the beach below it.
- Lunch: Eat in Seahouses, a working fishing village.
- Afternoon: Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, in season, for puffins and seals, or cross to Holy Island at low tide.
- Heading home: Leave in the evening, or stay another night to see more.
Where to stay
Alnwick is a good base for castles and food, Seahouses and Bamburgh suit the coast, and Craster is quieter.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From Newcastle: About 1 hour by car.
- From Edinburgh: About 1.5 hours by car.
- From London: About 3.5 hours by train to Alnmouth or Berwick.
A car is essential. Buses run along the coast, but they are infrequent, and the East Coast Main Line stops at Alnmouth.
If it rains
If it rains, spend longer in the castle and museums, the Alnwick Garden's treehouse and Barter Books, the huge second-hand bookshop.
Packing list for Northumberland
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Northumberland good for a weekend?
Yes. It is peaceful and spectacular, with a lot of history.
When are the puffins on the Farne Islands?
Roughly from April to late July, and boat trips are best booked in advance.
Is Holy Island easy to visit?
Yes, but you must check the safe crossing times, because the causeway floods at high tide.
Keep planning
Castles, empty beaches, dark skies and Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall walkNorthumberlandHadrian's Wall Path is an 84-mile National Trail across northern England, but you can enjoy short sections in a weekend.
Farne Islands puffin tripSeahouses, NorthumberlandThe Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including puffins that nest between roughly April and July.
Durham Cathedral visitDurham, County DurhamDurham Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture beside the castle on a loop of the River Wear, together a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.