Where to hire a car near Northumberland
- Newcastle International Airport – right on Tyne and Wear’s border with Northumberland, our airport pick-up location offers convenience for those flying in and is situated close to the A1 for easy onward travel.
- Chesnut Street, Darlington – if you’re travelling to Northumberland from the south, hiring a car in the market town of Darlington gets you to Northumberland in just an hour via A1(M).
- Carlisle Train Station – transfer from tracks to wheels in the Capital of Cumbria, Carlisle, to enter Northumbria from the west. This route is a great way to reach Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Forest Park and features incredible scenery along the way.
Best things to see and do in and around Northumberland
Alnwick Castle
NE66 1NQ
For fans of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, Alnwick Castle is much more than just a castle. This is the magical fortress where the first two Harry Potter movies were filmed. Wander the grounds, try broomstick training or admire the Norman architecture of the UK’s second-largest inhabited castle.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hexham
Stretching an impressive 73 miles across the country, Hadrian’s Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – dates nearly 1,900 years and draws visitors from far and wide who visit Northumberland. For hiking, head to Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail. It’s an 84-mile route which takes you past the Solway salt marshes and Segedunum Roman Fort.
Kielder Forest
Northumberland, England
Northumberland’s Kielder Forest is the largest man-made woodland in England. You can experience amazing walking and cycling routes inside its 250 square miles, as well as catch the Kielder Ospreys gliding around the park, if you’re lucky. Thanks to the region’s dark, clear skies, the Kielder Observatory is one of the best places to try stargazing in Northumberland.
Best places to stay in Northumberland
Langley Castle Hotel
Langley Castle Hotel, Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU
With more castles than any other county, Northumberland has skylines decorated by turrets and towers. For a unique way to soak up the region’s heritage, stay at the Langley Castle Hotel in Hexham. Built in 1350, it’s been restored as a unique hotel that offers modernised rooms, which still hark back to its medieval past, and beautiful grounds to wander during the day.
The Gables Bed & Breakfast
Gables, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2NR
For a tranquil visit to the countryside, this 1867 former vicar’s residence is perfect. Located between Northumberland National Park and Northumberland Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hideaway has storage facilities for fishing tackle and other sporting equipment – ideal if you’re embarking on an adventure break.
The Fishing Boat Inn
14-15 Boulmer Village, Boulmer, Alnwick NE66 3BP
This beachfront self-catering studio can be found just six miles from Alnwick. There’s a pub and restaurant on site and guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and parking for the hire car. In the upstairs lounge, the views across the North Sea as the waves crash against the shoreline are incredible.