The Insider’s Guide to Northumberland, the UK’s Most Overlooked National Park

how to get there

driving

Newcastle is 30 miles to the southeast, Edinburgh is 55 miles to the north, Manchester is 155 miles to the south, and London is a six-hour drive away. Access from the south is generally via the A69, A98 and A696; from the north via the A68 and A697.

Bus

Hadrian’s Wall country bus it runs between Carlisle and Newcastle along the south of the park and Go North East runs other services in the park from Newcastle. He 16A operates twice a day, Monday to Friday, from Rothbury to Alwinton in Coquetdale and the 808 runs daily from Newcastle to Otterburn, Monday to Saturday. traveler it is consistently the best way to plan a combined train and bus trip to the park.

Lane

There is no railway line through the national park, but the Carlisle–Newcastle service it runs along its southern border linking Newcastle with the gateway cities and towns, including Hexham, Bardon Mill and Haltwhistle.

Where to stay

Although the raison d’être of the national park was to exclude areas inhabited by significant humans, there are many options within its boundaries or on the periphery.

Wallwick Hall it’s a stylish boutique country house with a spa and a highly regarded double-rosette restaurant serving food sourced from its kitchen garden (from £342 per night, B&B).The Pheasant Inn is a 17th century former coaching inn that sits just south of Kielder Water. A low, stable-like structure with an interior of oak beams and exposed stone walls, this is a wonderfully atmospheric pub selling local ale, good wines and decent food (from £435 a night, B&B ). Elishaw Farm has two cozy barn conversion cottages near Otterburn suitable for families. Expect stunning views of Redesdale, a pizza oven, Jacuzzi and garden swing (three nights from £500).