1. Hadrian’s Wall
📍 Stretches from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Site
This iconic Roman wall stretches across the north of England and once marked the edge of the Roman Empire. Explore forts like Housesteads, Chesters, and Vindolanda to see ancient barracks, bathhouses, and thousands of Roman artefacts.
Must-do: Walk a scenic stretch of the wall and visit the Roman Army Museum.
2. Alnwick Castle
📍 Alnwick
⚔️ Home of the Duke of Northumberland
This fairytale fortress is still a working home—and one of the largest inhabited castles in England. It has starred in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Robin Hood.
Don’t miss: The staterooms, broomstick flying lessons, and film tours.
3. Bamburgh Castle
📍 Bamburgh
🌊 Clifftop legend by the sea
Towering over the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh Castle was once the seat of ancient kings and now offers jaw-dropping views, armoury collections, and dramatic seaside photo ops.
Top tip: Visit at sunset for incredible castle-and-sea shots.
4. Lindisfarne Priory (Holy Island)
📍 Holy Island (check tide times!)
🕯️ Cradle of Christianity in England
Founded in the 7th century, this windswept island is where the famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created. Explore the haunting ruins of the priory and the island’s peaceful village.
Plan ahead: Access is tidal—check the causeway times!
5. Warkworth Castle and Hermitage
📍 Warkworth
⚜️ A hidden gem with royal ties
A grand medieval castle in a sleepy riverside village, once home to the powerful Percy family. A short boat ride along the river takes you to a mysterious carved hermitage in the cliffs.
Why go: Fewer crowds, incredible ruins, and a magical atmosphere.
6. Cragside House and Estate
📍 Near Rothbury
💡 Britain’s original smart home
Built by Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, Cragside was the first house in the world powered by hydroelectricity. The house is filled with gadgets, and the vast estate is packed with lakes, gardens, and forest trails.
Great for: Tech lovers, families, and garden fans.
7. Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Walls
📍 Berwick-upon-Tweed
🧱 The best-preserved town fortifications in England
This historic border town changed hands between England and Scotland 13 times! Walk the full circuit of Elizabethan walls and learn about its turbulent past.
Free, scenic, and great for a heritage walk.
8. Etal Castle
📍 Ford & Etal Estate
⚔️ A little-known border stronghold
This 14th-century castle was built to defend against Scottish raids. It’s atmospheric and off the beaten path, with beautiful surrounding countryside.
Combine with: A ride on the heritage Heatherslaw Light Railway nearby.
9. Hexham Abbey
📍 Hexham
⛪ A living link to the Anglo-Saxons
Dating back to AD 674, Hexham Abbey is still an active place of worship. Inside, you’ll find early Christian carvings, a Saxon crypt, and beautiful stained glass.
Peaceful, spiritual, and packed with history.
10. Dunstanburgh Castle
📍 Between Craster and Embleton
🌊 Ruins with a sea view
Only accessible by foot, this windswept castle ruin sits on a headland above crashing waves. It’s haunting, dramatic, and totally worth the walk from the fishing village of Craster.
Perfect for walkers and photographers.
🗺️ Bonus Tip: Heritage Trail Itinerary
Want to explore several of these in a weekend? Try this route: Alnwick → Bamburgh → Holy Island → Warkworth → Cragside, with castle stops and scenic drives between.