Introduction to the Park

Spread over the hills and valleys at the very top of England, but right in the centre of Britain, Northumberland National Park has unspoilt treasures awaiting your discovery. Ancient pre-history and the rare red squirrel exist alongside traditional lifestyles with a thriving culture.

There are distinct characteristics within the landscape of the National Park. To the north there are the breathtaking rolling moors and grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, with their ancient hillforts and pure rivers. In the centre is the Upper Coquet Valley with the landmark Simonside Hills and the beautiful villages of Harbottle and Holystone. To the west are the valleys of the North Tyne and Redesdale, wild, inspiring and once home of the Border Reivers and still inhabited by red squirrels. In the south is the iconic ridge of the Whin Sill with Hadrian's Wall striding along its crest.

There are so many ways of experiencing the special qualities of the National Park. Sample local produce from one of the Farmers' Markets, walk in the footsteps of the Romans on a National Trail, climb the crags and cycle the byways, and join in with the music and dancing at a local show.

When you are enjoying your great days out in the National Park you may meet one of the Rangers, a Voluntary Ranger, or if you are visiting Hadrian's Wall, one of the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail Volunteers. They are all members of the National Park Ranger Team who help to provide a welcome to Northumberland National Park.

They have enormous knowledge of the wildlife and local history of the area and can guide you to wonderful places to explore. We can provide assistance on route planning, what path conditions may be like, the severity of the route, and what the weather may hold in store.

A little knowledge gained from the Ranger Team of the history, wildlife, archaeology, or cultural events can help you enjoy the spirit of place. We will also be happy to explain what is going on in the farming calendar

Getting There

BY TRAIN The Park is served by rail stations on the East Coast Mainline and the Tyne Valley Line.   

Getting Around the Park

The Park can be explored on foot, bike and by an extensive local network of buses and trains.  You can find out all about local transport at by visiting the Part Authority web site, which has a useful Visitor Guide with transport information.  In particular look out for the Hadrian Wall bus and the Explorer tickets giving unlimited access to the Northumberland bus services. 

Links

 Northumberland National Park
 Park Authority Web Site