An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland

Castle. Bamburgh. Bruce Edwards

A Northumberland Road Trip

We have created an itinerary for a roadtrip throughout Northumberland. Our itinerary will show you all the must-see attractions and places to visit.

• An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland
• Part 1: Experience the North Pennines by Campervan
• Part 2: A Campervan Ride Through Northumberland National Park
• Part 3: A Complete Guide to Campervanning in Morpeth
• Part 4: What to See and Where to Camp in Alnwick
• Part 5: Discover Camping at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 6: Our Final Stop on Our Northumberland Roadtrip: Exploring Bamburgh in your Campervan

Situated in the northeast of England, the county holds a unique place within the UK landscape.

Geographically, it borders Scotland to the north and the North Sea to the east, making it the northernmost county in England. Its vast expanse of rugged coastline, including iconic landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island (Lindisfarne), contributes to its distinct character.

The county is perfect for an adventurous escape blending stunning coastlines, a captivating national park, a breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designated nature preserve, and lovely settlements like Morpeth, Alnwick, and Bamburgh.

Whether you’re visiting on a weekend tour or escaping the world on a three week outdoor escape, our itinerary hopes to entice both visitors and Northerners to explore the varied landscapes. Near empty roads provide the perfect atmosphere for hiring a campervan in Northumberland, and the Northumberland 250 route combines spectacular sceneries and native wildlife along a 250-mile loop combining the best parts of the county.

It is the most sparsely populated county in England, and our campsites in Northumberland are blissfully tranquil, spacious and picturesque. You can find a range of camping options in our itinerary, tucked away in untamed forests, deserted beaches, and lush hills. The thrill of feeling like you’re the only one exploring adds an enticing element to both campervan adventures and camping escapes.

We’ll explore these locations in depth as we progress. Stay tuned

• Start: North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 2: Northumberland National Park
• Part 3: Morpeth
• Part 4: Alnwick
• Part 5: Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 6: Bamburgh

Start: North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

North Pennines AONB. Josh Kirk

Hurrah! We've arrived at the first destination on our road trip through Northumberland - the North Pennines. Soak in the sights and sounds of the stunning upland area in northern England, admired for its rugged landscapes, expansive moorlands, and picturesque valleys. Explore picturesque stone villages like Allendale, with cosy pubs, independent shops, and traditional events. The designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has plenty of attractions and a wealth of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Visit one of England's most spectacular waterfalls, High Force Waterfall, or walk along Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get a glimpse of Roman history. There are few better places than the North Pennines Observatory for stargazers, and the Pennine Way is perhaps one of the best ways to soak in the region's diverse landscapes.

Check out the full guide here: Experience the North Pennines by Campervan

Part 2: Northumberland National Park

Sycamore Gap, Northumberland National Park. Mark Mc neill

Our second stop is Northumberland National Park, which extends over 1,050 square kilometres in the northernmost part of England. Expect nothing short of diverse and enchanting landscapes spanning over moorlands, lush hills, forests, and valleys. The least populated national park in the UK boasts an unmatched sense of tranquillity and undeniable beauty with many notable attractions. Hikers can explore a range of trails for all abilities with panoramic countryside vistas at the Cheviot Hills. Kielder Water & Forest Park on the park’s western border is home to the largest artificial lake, with plenty of room for water-based antics. Northumberland National Park also enjoys a Dark Sky Park designation, making it one of the best locations in the UK to spot the Milky Way and shooting stars. Plan your itinerary using our travel guide with the best towns to hire a campervan near the National Park.

Check out the full guide here: A Campervan Ride Through Northumberland National Park

Part 3: Morpeth

Shaftoe Crags, Morpeth. Matt Chambers

It’s a short 33 minute drive via the B6343 to our next destination, a historic market town along the banks of the River Wansbeck. Morpeth blends charming old-world architecture, picturesque riverside walks, and vibrant local culture with the hustle and bustle of farmers' markets and trendy bars. For those wondering what to do in Morpeth, let us present a variety of attractions and activities to suit the refined tastes in this synopsis. Stroll around the beautiful woodland paths at Carlisle Park and discover various activities to entertain the whole family. Hop over to the quirky Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum for historic instruments and artefacts, or browse the produce, crafts and clothing stalls at the Morpeth Market. Just outside the town centre is Morpeth Castle, a mediaeval fortress with a rich history and scenic views of the Wansbeck. Join in toe-tapping live music and indulge in high street experiences on our road trip through Northumberland.

Check out the full guide here: A Complete Guide to Campervanning in Morpeth

Part 4: Alnwick

River. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. Ian Procter

Alnwick, pronounced 'Anick', is a fairytale-like town in the heart of Northumberland, an easy 19.4 miles from Morpeth on the A1. Famed for its historic architecture, attractive streets, plus effortless proximity to sprawling countryside and golden coastline. Our road trip will take us to the market town's finest attractions and camping locations. Start with the big hitter- the magnificent Alnwick Castle, set on extensive grounds with striking architecture. Alnwick Gardens is the obvious second choice, adjacent to the castle, with beautiful flowers, water features, and unique installations. See a play at the charming Alnwick Playhouse theatre, or browse the enormous selection of books at the cosy Barter Books, the largest second-hand bookstore in Europe. We'll dive into these locations and more as we progress with our future guides, so stay tuned.

Check out the full guide here: What to See and Where to Camp in Alnwick

Part 5: Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Budle Bay, Northumberland Coast. CameraMan095

Its distinctive character and unrivalled natural beauty make the Northumberland Coast an absolute must for anyone visiting Northumberland. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958, the gorgeous coastline extends some 64 kilometres from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Amble and the Coquet Estuary. Uncover breathtaking scenery at popular locations like the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands. Potter around welcoming fishing villages like Seahouses, or dive into the rich cultural heritage of Northumberland at Bamburgh Castle. The AONB is under a half-hour journey on the A1 or the A1 and B6347.

Check out the full guide here: Discover Camping at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Part 6: Bamburgh

Castle Wynd, Bamburgh. Jonny Gios

Our Northumberland escape concludes at the pretty village of Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, only 22 minutes from the Northumberland Coast via the B1340. Best known for its pristine beach and gorgeous castle view at every corner, this picturesque coastal location has more than just a sandy shoreline. Explore Bamburgh Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, which has an intriguing history dating back to the 6th century. Hop over to Bamburgh Beach and picnic on the dunes with magnificent views of the imposing castle. Taste more local history with visits to Aidan's Church, home to architecture, artefacts and more, or visit Grace Darling Museum to learn of a local heroine. The charming village warrants a few hours, with lively streets lined with shops, cafes, and pubs. Read on for a more in-depth look at campervan hire locations nearby and the closest campsites that provide convenience without scrimping on tranquillity.

Check out the full guide here: Our Final Stop on Our Northumberland Roadtrip: Exploring Bamburgh in your Campervan

Our Campervan Road Trip in the Northumberland Map

Follow our road trip through stunning Northumberland using our map below. You can alter the destinations to best suit your travel needs. Take a look!

Campervan Hire Northumberland

Campervan Hire Northumberland combines the perfect blend of freedom and comfort for exploring this stunning region. With a campervan, you can travel at your own pace, allowing you to discover hidden gems and spectacular landscapes. Northumberland boasts captivating attractions such as Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stunning Northumberland Coast. We’ll show you the most accessible locations to hire a campervan throughout our itinerary, so go ahead and immerse your senses in nature while enjoying the convenience of a home on wheels. From the historic charm of Alnwick Castle to the rugged beauty of the North Pennines, Northumberland has something for every age and every adventurer. Take your pick of cultural experiences, outdoor adventure and more on an unforgettable campervan journey.