Idyllic Northumbrian Villages
Northumberland is shrouded in rich history and full of hidden gems to discover.
Some of the oldest villages in the country (and possibly the world!) are dotted across these sparsely populated landscapes.
In this article we discover some of the most beautiful Northumbrian villages, revealing their charm and unique histories.
Etal
Photograph by @cadeaudavril
In the far North of Northumberland, a stones throw from the Scottish border, lies a village strikingly unlike any other in the region.
Etal’s single street connects a Manor House at one end and a ruined castle at the other. Two neat facing rows of stone cottages with thatched roofs create a fascinating old‑world character.
Visit the ruined remains of Etal Castle, the world‑famous flooden battlefield and Northumberland’s only thatched pub, The Black Bull.
Bamburgh
Photograph by @karlosinternational
In the shadow of the mighty Bamburgh Castle lies a quaint village with a treasure trove of history.
The centre of the village is entirely made of stone and centred about a wooded green. The front street has a beautiful run of 18th‑century stone cottages, a number of which are now gift shops, eateries, and b&bs.
If you’re wanting to escape visitors in the village centre, take a walk down the Wynding ‑ a quiet paved lane heading north out of the village. This route offers some of the most dramatic views of the impressive fortress and 3‑mile stretch of golden sands to the South.
Corbridge
Photograph by @lovegreatbritain_no
On entering this handsome market town, the large double fronted houses of butter‑coloured sandstone make quite a first impression. Wandering around the village you’ll stumble across several vintage‑inspired cafes, antique shops, a rather special micro‑brewery and Forum Books (@forumbookscorbridge) ‑ one of the country’s finest independent book shops.
Heading down towards the riverside trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the magnificent seven‑arched bridge spanning the river Tyne that flows through this sleepy village. The bridge is the only crossing to survive the great flood in 1771 which washed away every other crossing along the Tyne.
Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Photograph by @matt_t_porter
Low Newton holds instant appeal with its sheltered, sandy bay and sea‑facing square of whitewashed stone cottages.
The hugely popular Ship Inn Pub (@shipinnlow) serves beers brewed on-site and crab sandwiches freshly caught in the bay that day.
Between Newton‑by‑the‑Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle is the glorious Embleton Bay, one of the finest stretches of beach on the Northumberland Coastline.
Ford
Photograph by @johntanner
Seemingly unchanged for over 100‑years, the village of Ford is a picture of rural peace.
Wander down the immaculate Main Street, marvel at the impressive fountain, and stop for ice cream at the charming village shop.
Nearby you’ll find Ford Castle, a staggering 13th‑Century fortified mansion with three surviving corner towers, an imposing gateway, and curtain wall.
Craster
Photograph by @mandycharlton
The smell of burning firewood wafts through the streets of stone cottages gathered around a snug harbour in the characterful fishing village of Craster.
White plumes pour out of the world‑famous L Robson & Sons smokehouse which has smoked fish here for well over 100‑years.
The kippers smoked in this stone building are a delicacy which is exported to food lovers across the country and is reputably popular with the British Royal Family.
Blanchland
Photograph by @liolaliola
Surrounded by rugged Northern Pennine scenery, a visit to this enchanted village is like stepping back into a time that once was.
Wander the sleepy alleys of this medieval settlement, discover its remarkable history and warm up by the fire at the historic Lord Crewe Arms.
Blanchland is your last stop before a scenic drive through the remote North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty.