Step back in time and discover more about Northumberland's long and rich past.
Northumberland is a haven for history buffs, with historical sites dating back to the Roman era all the way to the modern day. From famous castles and historic houses to religious ruins, there's so much to help you learn all about the region's fascinating past.
With so much to explore, Northumberland is a fantastic spot for your next holiday, whether you're a history lover or simply looking for new places to explore.
With the iconic Hadrian's Wall running through the region, there are plenty of fascinating Roman settlements and forts to explore in Northumberland. Whether you're looking to learn more about daily life or wander the Wall, you're sure to find out everything you wish to know about the Roman era in Northumberland.
Found in the valley of the River Tyne, this is the best-preserved Roman fort in Britain, where 500 cavalry troops were once based. With imaginative interpretation, a museum and a fine example of a military bathhouse, there's plenty to help you discover more about the Romans and their empire.
47 miles / 70 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
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If you want to discover how people lived, worked and worshipped near Hadrian's Wall, this is the place for you. Founded well before Hadrian began building the Wall, it developed into the most northerly town in the Roman Empire, and you can still wander along the original surface of the main street, spotting the remains of town buildings.
60 miles / 70 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Explore moreFrom the dramatic cliff-side location of Lindisfarne Castle to the chilling dungeons of Chillingham, Northumberland is home to over 70 castles, more than any other county in the UK. If you're looking to uncover some of the region's dark secrets, discover more about notable families or a fascinating day out for the family, be sure to add these to your itinerary.
As the second-largest inhabited castle in England and one of Northumberland's most famous, no trip to the area is complete without a visit to Alnwick Castle. With a rich history brimming with drama, spooky legends and even starring roles in the world of film and TV, there's something to pique everyone's interest.
18 miles / 28 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
With its iconic position 150 feet above the Northumberland coastline, Bamburgh Castle's dramatic views are not to be missed. Step through centuries of history within the walls, explore the treasure-filled staterooms and admire the sweeping views of the Farne Islands for a visit the whole family will remember.
16 miles / 31 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Nestled on the island of Lindisfarne (better known as Holy Island), Lindisfarne Castle has a long history, from a former fort to the holiday home of a wealthy Edwardian bachelor, and makes a fabulous day out. With glorious coastal views, a rich past to discover and beautiful gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll, there's plenty for all to explore.
18 miles / 38 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Notorious for being Britain's most haunted castle, this 13th-century structure has a history spanning hundreds of years, from legendary battles to royal visitors. Whether you're looking to learn more about the castle's past, explore the beautiful grounds or brave one of their famous ghost tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
6 miles / 13 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Though now in a spectacular ruined state, Dunstanburgh Castle once defended a headland on the rugged Northumberland coast and dates all the way back to 1313. The site is famous for wildlife, with seabirds nesting on the cliffs in Spring and Summer months, and there are various walking routes that take you right by the castle to make a whole day trip of your visit.
23 min drive / 40 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Crowning the hilltop above ther River Coquet, this mighty Northumberland fortress is a magnificent place for a family day out. Discover how the Dukes of Northumberland lived, explore glorious interiors and hop on a ferry to the tiny rock-cut Hermitage for an unforgettable outing full of fun and facts.
25 miles / 42 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Whether you're looking for a rainy day activity or fancy a relaxing outing admiring magnificent interiors and beautiful gardens, Northumberland's array of stately homes won't disappoint. From exploring Britain's original smart home to wandering the gardens at Wallington, there's plenty for everyone to discover.
Known as Britain's original smart home, this pioneering house is packed with Victorian gadgets, illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics. Outside you'll find man-made lakes, rushing waterfalls and swathes of rhododendron, all creating a 1000 acre fantasty mountain landscape. With so much to admire and discover, it makes a great day out for the whole family.
19 miles / 28 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh and home to the Delaval family, this country house is a must-visit on your trip to Northumberland. With 900 years of history, the house has been a stage for drama, romance and intrigue, surviving fires, military occupation and potential ruin, making it one of the most interesting spots to visit.
45 miles / 60 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Nestled within the Northumberland countryside, Wallington is the largest intact estate owned by the National Trust, with 13,500 acres to explore. The historic house is set amongst rolling hills, where you'll find beautiful paintings, furniture and treasured collections, as well as a wonderful Reading Room and secret garden outside for hours of exploration.
33 miles / 49 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
Offering 30 acres of beautiful gardens and a Greek Revival mansion to explore, the unusual architecture of Belsay Hall is sure to fascinate. Inspired by Sir Charles Monck's honeymoon in Greece and Italy, the house provides a great day out for all, with rocky ravines, a scenic woodland walk, fantastic adventure playground and much more for everyone to enjoy.
40 miles / 60 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
From discovering more about daily life for miners in the 1930s to uncovering some of the region's spookier stories, there are plenty of museums to explore in Northumberland. If you're looking for a day out that's both fun and educational, these museums are the ideal choice.
Known as the smallest museum in Northumberland, The Ferry Hut used to give shelter to the ferryman who rowed passengers across the River Aln. It now stands as a museum of local history and memorabilia, making it a charming spot to visit to learn more about the area's past.
23 miles / 36 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
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Boasting a treasure trove of instruments to explore, this 13th-Century building is a fantastic spot for any music lover. With over 120 sets of pipes on display, originating from Scotland, Spain, Italy and beyond, you're sure to have a fabulous day out.
31 miles / 43 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
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The ideal spot for fans of the spooky and supernatural, the Northumberland Haunted Museum offers the chance for visitors to step into the shadows of history and explore a chilling collection of cursed objects, forgotten tales and real-life paranormal investigations.
26 miles / 44 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
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This mining museum is located in what was once the largest pit village in the world and now welcomes thousands each year. With a rich and varied programme of exhibitions, events, interactive displays and more, each showcasing what life was like for miners in the 1930s, the whole family are sure to have a wonderful day out.
37 miles / 49 min drive from Riverside Holiday Park
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If you fancy stepping back in time and discovering everything there is to know about Northumberland's history, Riverside Holiday Park makes a wonderful base.
Nestled on the banks of Wooler Water, there are plenty of historical sites right on the doorstep, as well as beaches, walking routes and much more, so you'll never run out of things to do. There's also lots to enjoy on-site, including a swimming pool, wellness area, soft play and a range of fantastic family-friendly entertainment for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Whether you're looking for a cosy caravan holiday or adding a touch of luxury with a hot tub lodge, there's something for everyone to have a fabulous holiday.
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