Northumberland is England’s most sparsely populated county, with around 97% of its land classified as rural. Much of the landscape consists of upland terrain that has never been suitable for large-scale development, and its historic position on the Anglo-Scottish border limited settlement growth for centuries. The west is dominated by wild, open moorland, shaped by volcanic activity, interspersed with pockets of ancient forest. To the east, the county boasts a largely unspoilt sandy coastline stretching for more than 60 miles.
The region has some of the largest farm sizes in England. In the Cheviot Hills, farms average around 1,205 hectares, although those near Hadrian’s Wall are typically smaller, at around 293 hectares. Upland farms are mainly dedicated to livestock, particularly beef cattle and sheep, while the more fertile lowland and coastal areas focus on arable crops such as wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape, and spring beans.
Many farms have been worked by the same families for generations, fostering a strong tradition of careful land management and sustainable practices that support biodiversity.
All of this makes Northumberland an excellent destination for a farm stay. In spring, visitors may see lambs and calves in the fields, alongside abundant wildlife. The county’s long and eventful history means there are numerous heritage landmarks to explore, some located within working farms themselves, while the expansive coastline ensures you’re never far from a day at the beach.
Whether you’re visiting Northumberland as a family, with friends, as a couple, or on your own, there’s no shortage of things to see and do for every age and interest.
History lovers are especially well served. The county is dotted with dozens of castles; some, like Bamburgh Castle, boast lavish interiors that bring their rich past vividly to life, while others, such as Dunstanburgh Castle, stand as atmospheric ruins where imagination fills in the gaps.
No visit is complete without exploring Hadrian’s Wall stretching from Wallsend to Birdoswald where it crosses the border into Cumbria, with sites like Vindolanda and Corbridge Roman Town offering fascinating insights into life on the Roman frontier.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find just as much to enjoy, with many wonderful places to spot wildlife. Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to see puffins in spring and grey seal pups in autumn, or head inland to Kielder Forest, Europe’s largest man-made woodland, where you might see red squirrels, ospreys, and roe deer. Nearby Kielder Water offers a range of activities, from sailing and kayaking to paddleboarding and fishing.
The forest lies within Northumberland National Park, with miles of walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, nature reserves, and the remains of prehistoric settlements to discover. As the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe, it’s also one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with popular viewing spots including Cawfields and Walltown.
For couples, there are plenty of romantic options. Wander through The Alnwick Garden, known for its dramatic water features, cherry blossoms, and treehouse restaurant, or spend a cosy afternoon browsing the shelves at Barter Books, which is especially inviting in winter with its open fires.
Families are equally well catered for, with a wide range of attractions including museums, wildlife parks, heritage railways, and country parks perfect for picnics, alongside the county’s many beaches. Most of Northumberland’s beaches are dog-friendly too, making it easy to bring your four-legged companion along.
For a classic seaside experience, head to Warkworth Beach, a vast stretch of golden sand ideal for sandcastles, games, or a brisk coastal walk. Alternatively, Seahouses offers a gently sloping beach backed by dunes, a lively harbour, and excellent fish and chips. From here, you can take a boat trip to Lindisfarne, home to an ancient priory and a Tudor castle transformed into a country house in the early 20th century.
Lying in the valley of the River Till, Ford and Etal is one of rural Northumberland’s best-kept secrets. The working estate has been in the same family for over a century and is home to a mix of heritage attractions, beautiful countryside, and plenty of inviting places to eat, drink, and shop.
Close to the Scottish border, the landscape is dotted with castles and the remnants of historic battlefields, alongside more recent echoes of the past, such as the Ford Moss nature reserve, created on the site of an abandoned coal mining community.
There’s no shortage of things to do. Ride a steam train, meet a heavy horse, walk with alpacas, canoe along the river, discover how water power is used to mill flour, or step inside a Victorian schoolroom adorned with large Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
When it’s time to eat, head to The Black Bull, Northumberland’s only thatched pub, serving a great selection of classic dishes alongside a well-kept range of local ales.
A firm favourite with food lovers and families alike, Brockbushes Farm Shop is stocked with an abundance of produce from the farm itself and trusted local suppliers.
The farm grows strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, plums, and pumpkins, all harvested daily in season and sold fresh in the shop alongside an excellent selection of other fruit and vegetables. There’s also a master butchery, a well-stocked cheese and deli counter, artisan chutneys and sauces, and a tempting range of home-baked goods including cakes, pastries, pies, scones, and desserts, offering everything you need to cook back at your farm stay, enjoy on a barbecue, or pack for a picnic. An ever-changing selection of freshly prepared frozen meals is also available for those days when you’d rather not spend time in the kitchen.
Brockbushes has a welcoming courtyard kitchen with a dog-friendly dining area, serving breakfast and light lunches such as homemade quiche, jacket potatoes, and juicy burgers, as well as Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.
Set on a family-run farm where chickens, ducks, and peacocks wander the grounds, Scoter Cottage is a former wheelhouse, just minutes from a sandy beach. Inside, the distinctive circular sitting room has a cosy wood-burning stove, a vaulted beamed ceiling, and exposed stone walls, with large windows framing views across the surrounding farmland.
Ideal for extended families or groups of friends looking for a peaceful rural retreat with easy access to the coast. The historic towns of Alnwick and Bamburgh, with their impressive castles, are only a 20-minute drive away, while Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland National Park can be reached in under an hour.
There are 22 more self-catering properties on the farm from traditional farm workers’ cottages and stone barn conversions to contemporary New England style lodges that welcome dogs.
Families looking for a quiet seaside break
History and castle enthusiasts
Outdoor adventurers, walkers, and cyclists
Nature and wildlife watchers
Stargazers and romantics
