Northumberland National Park highlights

Northumberland National Park Essentials

Northumberland National Park encompasses the central section of Hadrian’s Wall, featuring well-preserved Roman forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda. To the north, the Cheviot Hills offer granite peaks and the 18-metre Linhope Spout waterfall. The park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, providing clear visibility of the Milky Way. Historical sites range from the medieval ruins of Harbottle Castle to the Roman Temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh. Scenic highlights include the dramatic dolerite cliffs of Steel Rigg and the ancient woodland trail of Hareshaw Linn.

Wilson44691 / Public domain

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the Emperor Hadrian.

Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0

Housesteads Roman Fort - Hadrian's Wall

Housesteads Roman Fort was an auxiliary fort on Hadrian's Wall, at Housesteads, Northumberland, England.

Francis / CC BY 2.0

Roman Vindolanda

Vindolanda was a Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, which it pre-dated.

Carole Raddato / CC BY-SA 2.0

Roman Army Museum

The museum is set next to a section of Hadrian's Wall. It displays Roman artefacts and desribes the lives of soldiers.

Chris Gunns / CC BY-SA 2.0

Steel Rigg

A prominent viewpoint along the Whin Sill escarpment offering panoramic views of the Hadrian’s Wall landscape. The site features steep dolerite cliffs and provides access to some of the most rugged walking sections of the Roman frontier.

Mike Quinn / CC BY-SA 2.0

Walltown Crags

A dramatic section of Hadrian's Wall built along the steep edge of the Whin Sill. It includes the remains of Turret 45a and provides views across the Tipalt Valley toward the Pennines.

Walter Baxter / CC BY-SA 2.0

The Cheviot

The highest peak in the Cheviot Hills at 815 metres. Formed from an extinct volcano, the summit plateau consists of peat bogs and offers extensive views across the Scottish Borders and the North Sea.

Harbottle Castle

Harbottle Castle is a ruined medieval castle situated at the west end of the village of Harbottle, Northumberland, England, 9 miles west…

Temple of Mithras

A 3rd-century Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, located near Carrawburgh Fort. The site features foundation walls and replicas of three altars discovered during excavations, illustrating the religious practices of soldiers stationed on the wall.