Best day trips from Newcastle: Northumberland edition

Being in a city with great public transport links isn’t just convenient, it’s an amazing way to see more of the country and region without a car. There’s more to the North East than Newcastle and Durham - Northumberland is incredibly beautiful, and it was the backdrop to my childhood. I’m hoping that this list has something for everyone and encourages you to explore outside the city.

By bus

Corbridge: Get the 684 or 685 from Eldon Square to the Angel Inn in Corbridge, which should take around 1h. Explore the English Heritage Roman Town, pubs and cafes, or wander around the backstreets and markets.

Alnwick: Take either the National Express 591 (towards Glasgow) from their bus station (taking around 1h) or the X15 MAX from Haymarket (2h) to the Alnwick Retail Park. Alnwick Gardens are beautiful year-round, and have themed events for Halloween and Christmas. There is also a stunning castle open for the rest of October.

Craster: Take the X15 MAX from Haymarket to Playhouse, and change onto the X18 to Heugh (approx. 2h). Or, visit after a day in Alnwick, which takes just half an hour by bus. Craster is a small fishing village famous for kippers, with amazing sea views and great pubs, like the Jolly Fisherman. To see more of the views, follow one of the walking routes along the coast or visit the Mick Oxley Gallery.

By train

Bamburgh: Take the Northern rail service to Chathill, then the 918 bus to the Lord Crewe Hotel for Bamburgh. This takes 2 hours, but the castle and beach are unmissable. With excellent restaurants and cafes, and the Grace Darling museum, this village steeped in history is a perfect day trip.

By car

You can, of course, get further faster by car - if you’re able to drive, these places don’t have great transport links with Newcastle but are well worth a visit if you’re able to get there.

Beadnell: Beadnell Bay is a horseshoe-shaped beach perfect for watersports as the waters are protected. It might be one to bear in mind for summer, but it can be enjoyed year-round as a beautiful backdrop for cold-water swimming, kite surfing, and more. It is truly beautiful, and only an hour’s drive!

Lindisfarne: Around an hour and a half’s drive is Lindisfarne, or Holy Island. It’s famously a tidal island, so check safe crossing times before you visit. Whether you like history and nature or want to explore the pubs, restaurants, and cafes, Lindisfarne is a beautiful island you should visit at least once.