Northumberland 250
Completing the Northumberland 250 is one of the best ways to explore Northumberland. You will find yourself driving through the vast countryside, alongside the impressive coastline, and underneath the tall forest pines. Northumberland is bursting with history and many of the stops on the road trip will immerse you in the past of the North East.
The road trip I completed was based on the official route of the Northumberland 250. I had 3 days to explore, so had to pick the bits of Northumberland that I did not want to miss, but there is plenty more to discover. If you have more than 3 days, then I have listed a few extra stops at the bottom of this post. Here is my 3-day plan:
Day 1
Blanchland
A beautiful stone village in the northern area of the Pennines and the first stop on the road trip. You do not need too much time in Blanchland as there is not too much ‘to do’, however, it is a very cute country village and great for a stroll and a few photos. If you do happen to visit Blanchland later in the day, then make a stop at the local pub, the ‘Lord Crewe Arms’.
Approximately 10 minutes to next stop…
Derwent Reservoir
Derwent Reservoir is the next stop on the trip, a peaceful setting with beautiful scenery. It is incredibly popular with anglers and is equally great for a walk or a bike ride. Take a look at my Derwent Reservoir page for more information on what you can get up to here.
Approximately 25 minutes to next stop…
Corbridge Roman Town
Next on the trip is Corbridge Roman Town. This English Heritage site is packed with incredible Roman history dating back to the 1st century. You can wander through the excavated site and learn all about it through a guided tour. Visit Corbridge Roman Town for more information.
Approximately 1 hour to next stop…
Alnwick Castle
An incredible 11th century castle is the next stop. Alnwick will be known to many as ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’; many Harry Potter fans will recall Alnwick Castle featuring in the first and second films in the series. But, you don’t need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy Alnwick; it has so much to offer all visitors. Take a look at Alnwick Castle to discover more about this location.
That was the last stop for day 1, but you can add more if you have time.
Day 2
Dunstanburgh Castle
The first stop of day 2 is Dunstanburgh Castle, a 14th century castle in ruins on the headland between Craster and Embleton. You can take some time to wander the English Heritage site, or you can enjoy it from afar and relax on Embleton Bay. The site doesn’t usually open until around 10am, but as it involves a little walk to get there, I’d recommend starting earlier so you can fit as much into the day as possible; however, if you don’t plan on visiting the ruins and just want to view it from the beach, then you can start much earlier. Visit Dunstanburgh Castle for more information.
Approximately 20 minutes to next stop…
Bamburgh Castle
An incredibly dramatic and extraordinary castle, which stands tall over the Northumberland coastline. Bamburgh Castle has a long and very interesting history, which you can discover on your visit; if you don’t want to wander within the castle walls, then you can enjoy the magnificent view from Bamburgh Beach. For more information, visit Bamburgh Castle.
Approximately 30 minutes to next stop…
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne, or The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. An exceptional location, but make sure you get your timings right for this stop; you can only get on and off the island when the tide is out, otherwise the causeway is covered. Once there, you will find plenty to discover, including Lindisfarne Castle. Check here for tidal times. If this time is during high tide on your chosen day, then you could swap this with Bamburgh Castle. Find out more about the Holy Island here.
Approximately 45 minutes to next stop…
St Cuthbert’s Cave
A sandstone rock formation is your next stop. St Cuthbert’s Cave has long been linked to Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and is absolutely one of Northumberland’s hidden gems, nestled away in the wonderful woodland. Take a look at my page on St Cuthbert’s Cave to find out more.
You’ve reached the end of day 2.
Day 3
Duddo Five Stones
An intriguing site of five large stones; this was once home to seven stones, but two are no longer at the site. The stones date back around 4,000 years and is quite an impressive location. For more information, visit Duddo Five Stones.
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to next stop…
Kielder Water and Forest
Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in the UK and, in fact, the largest in Northern Europe; it’s great for it’s selection of water sports, including paddle boarding, canoeing, and sailing. As wonderful as Kielder is by day, it’s equally amazing by night; it’s incredibly popular for star gazers, due to it being an International Dark Sky location, it even has dedicated car parks for this very activity.
Approximately 20 minutes to next stop…
Hareshaw Linn Waterfall
A peaceful walk with a selection of wonderful waterfalls and the possibility of seeing the UK’s native Red Squirrel. A relatively easy walk of around 3 miles (1.5 miles there and back), with plenty to see on the way. Take a look at Hareshaw Linn Waterfall for more information.
Approximately 30 minutes to next stop…
Sycamore Gap
Sycamore Gap is an iconic location within Northumberland and is quite simply a large Sycamore Tree standing in between two hills. Another feature of the location is Hadrian’s Wall, designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. The location is one of the most photographed locations in Northumberland, plus it’s a lovely walk to the site. For more information, check out Sycamore Gap.
Approximately 20 minutes to next stop…
Lambley Viaduct
The last stop on the road trip is Lambley Viaduct, an incredible structure from the mid-1800s; the once used railway bridge is now only open to pedestrians and is a must-see sight in Northumberland. If you just want to visit the viaduct, then 1 hour is plenty of time; however, it could be incorporated as part of a longer route of almost 6 miles, in which case, you would need some extra time here. Find out more information on the Lambley Viaduct page.
This was the last stop on our 3-day road trip; if you have more time for your road trip, you can add some other locations below.
More Locations
If you have more than 3 days to explore Northumberland, then you may also want to consider some of the following locations:
- Kielder Observatory (booking essential)
- Vindolanda (Roman ruins)
- Cragside
- Simonside Hills
- The Farne Islands
