Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Northumberland. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Northumberland’s most popular rural destinations including Alnwick, Belford, Morpeth, Wooler, and Hexham, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Northumberland is blessed with a stunning National Park, home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air, and darkest skies. Explore the Cheviots, a range of rolling hills straddling the Anglo-Scottish border, where you’ll discover beautiful waterfalls, Iron Age hillforts, and rewarding hikes to the park’s highest peak. After dark, head to Kielder Observatory for unforgettable stargazing, as the minimal light pollution allows views of distant galaxies and nebulae, shooting stars, and the surface of the moon. The park also contains a significant stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, the iconic monument of Roman Britain, with the remains of forts, watchtowers, barracks, bathhouses, and farm buildings to explore.
Just off the Northumberland coast lie the Farne Islands, a remote archipelago famed for its extraordinary wildlife. Thousands of seabirds can be spotted here, including puffins, terns, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and eider ducks, alongside a large colony of grey seals. The islands are accessible by boat from Seahouses, and trips often include sights such as St Cuthbert’s Chapel and Longstone Lighthouse, once home to local heroine Grace Darling.
Northumberland also boasts a wealth of historic buildings and monuments. Highlights include Alnwick Castle, owned by the Percy family since 1309 and renowned for its magnificent medieval architecture and lavish state rooms, the National Trust’s Cragside, described as Britain’s original smart home, illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulic systems, set within a dramatic fantasy garden, and Hexham Abbey, a Grade I listed 12th-century church with an interactive exhibition, café and shop.
Beach lovers are equally well catered for along Northumberland’s unspoilt coastline. The wide sandy beach and rockpools at Cresswell are perfect for families, while surfers can catch waves at Bamburgh beneath its spectacular castle backdrop. For bracing walks and near-guaranteed solitude, Goswick Sands is ideal.
With its rich industrial heritage, ancient history, important religious sites, and a landscape dotted with more castles than any other English county, Northumberland is a rewarding destination at any time of year. Food lovers will enjoy hearty local dishes, from pan haggerty to singing hinnies, served in cosy country pubs and stylish modern restaurants.
For a relaxing countryside escape with opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching, stargazing, and surfing, choose a farm holiday in Northumberland for your next break.
