Seasonal Adventures: What to do in Northumberland This Autumn?

With long summer evenings and warmer weather now a distant memory, it can be easy to retreat indoors, hibernating until the next glimpse of sun. However, with the change in season comes crunchy leaves underfoot, a collage of colours and new opportunities to explore the outdoors – creating ample opportunity to visit Northumberland.

Whether you’re a local looking for a daytime activity or you’re thinking of making the special trip to explore this stunning region, there are many things to do in Northumberland this autumn. From Hadrian’s Wall walking and Farne Island seal pup watching to castle visiting and red squirrel spotting, we’ll help you explore one of the best places to visit in the UK this year.

Take part in pup watching around the Farne Islands

While the changing weather marks the end of summer, it also signals new beginnings for much of our wildlife, including the seal population. That’s right, the end of September to October marks the seal breeding season, meaning the Farne Islands are littered with fuzzy-haired seal pups during autumn’s favourite months.

Despite the Inner Farne itself currently closed off to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, there are still opportunities to spot these furry creatures from afar. Boat trips running from Seahouses allow visitors to explore the island by sea, ensuring you can still catch a glimpse of these beautiful animals at a safe distance.

Walk Hadrian’s Wall county

The proud home of internationally recognised Hadrian’s Wall, this attraction should be top of your list of places to visit in the UK – and, what better way to view this historic symbol than walking around it? With winter on its way, there’s no time like the present to go for a crisp autumnal walk and appreciate the spectacular views found at Housesteads Fort.

Described as “one of the richest parts of the country for Roman archaeology”, the Housesteads to Steel Rigg trail offers stunning surroundings of historical importance in the form of a wonderful circular walk.

Escape for Afternoon Tea

There is arguably no better way to spend an autumnal afternoon than drinking a warm cup of tea and coffee accompanied by a variety of delicious sweet and savoury treats. Tucked away in the heart of Northumberland, at Walwick Hall, we offer a Northumbrian adaptation of this timeless traditional sure to warm the soul.

Go on a red squirrel spotting adventure

Gathering nuts ahead of the cold winter, red squirrels are most active in autumn – and, with fewer leaves on the trees acting as camouflage, they’re a lot easier to spot scurrying around in the branches above as a result.

To catch a rare glimpse of these furry characters, we recommend taking a walk at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. With its ornamental and ancient woodland backdrop, this beautiful walk will refresh the senses and put you in prime position to spot red squirrels.

Catch an autumnal sunset

You’d be forgiven for thinking that sunsets were best left to the summer months to get right. However, when it comes to beautiful skies in the cold grips of autumn, Northumberland does it best.

Bring yourself to Bamburgh beach, take a flask and wrap up warm ready to admire the mixture of pink that adorns the sky at sunrise and sunset.

Visit an old castle

Boasting more castles than any other county in England, Northumberland certainly delivers when it comes to historic attractions in beautiful, coastal locations. With over 70 castles in the area – from romantic ruins like Berwick and Dunstanburgh to carefully restored royalty like Bamburgh – there are plenty to visit in Northumberland this autumn.

For the perfect rainy day activity, head inland to the second largest inhabited castle in England (and a Harry Potter fan-favourite), Alnwick Castle, and explore one of Britain’s most iconic castles.

In this time of uncertainty, where allowed, escaping to Northumberland this autumn is sure to provide you with the well-deserved break you need – even if only for a matter of hours! For more ideas of what to do in Northumberland, find out here and share your experience with Walwick Hall this autumn.