Springtime in Northumbria: Things to see and do

Make the most of the milder weather and longer days with a holiday in Northumbria. Venture out into the spring sunshine to enjoy everything the season has to offer, such as blooming flowers, blossoming trees and awakening wildlife. Whether you go for a wander through countryside or a stroll along the beach, you’ll discover breathtaking sights at every turn. There’s also lots of indoor events to enjoy should the weather turn gloomy, or you can just relax in your holiday cottage in front of the fire or in the hot tub!

Enter your dates into our cottage search to find the perfect property for you and your family, or continue reading to see our favourite things to do in Northumbria this spring!

1. Explore castle ruins

Have a wander around the ruins of Warkworth Castle to experience the sea of yellow daffodils that adorn the hill on which it sits each spring. Spend the day exploring this incredible fortress, once home to the powerful Percy family, and discover more about its role in the long-running war between England and Scotland. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the River Coquet and coast. The castle is host to an Easter Adventure Quest and St. George’s Day Pageant in April.

The nearby hermitage is well worth a visit too – just half a mile from Warkworth Castle, this unusual relic is tucked away by the river and only accessible by boat.

2. Snowdrop walks

The Snowdrop Festival begins in early February and lasts until the end of the month. Visit Howick Hall Gardens to see the first swathes of snowdrops sprouting from the soil – a wonderful way to welcome the arrival of spring. After admiring these beautiful dainty flowers you can warm up in the wonderful Earl Grey Tea House and enjoy a variety of teas, homemade and local produce, snacks and light lunches.

For more information please visit the Howick Hall Gardens website.

3. Birdwatching

Grab your binoculars and take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, home to a large colony of puffins – after spending the colder months at sea, they return to Northumbria in late spring to breed and raise their young. The puffin is often referred to as a ‘sea parrot’ due to its striking orange beak and beautiful markings. They burrow into the ground to create a chamber for their nest, in which they will lay a single egg which hatches in late May. You will also find a whole host of other seabirds nesting on the islands, including Arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills, eiders and shags.

4. Seal Spotting

The Farne Islands are also home to thousands of grey seals. You can easily spot them bobbing around in the sea or basking on the rocks in the spring sunshine. Seal cruises are available year round, and new pups appear later in the year in October, the perfect excuse to return to Northumbria for an autumn break! If you’re feeling brave, we highly recommend a diving tour to see what the seals get up to under the water.

5. Enjoy local food 

Northumbria is home to some wonderful seasonal produce, and one of the best ways to experience it is to visit one of the many food markets that regularly take place during springtime. Alnwick’s Easter Market is an annual event that celebrates local foods, with plenty of delicious street food and beverages on offer as well as entertainment for all. Rothbury Food and Craft Festival is also perfect for foodies that are looking for a true taste of the region, with stalls selling chocolates, whisky, fish and chips, cheese, jam and more!

6. Watch a meteor shower

Spring is a great time to go stargazing, as the nights are still long and dark enough to see bright galaxies and planets. Northumberland National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, the perfect place to watch the Lyrid meteor shower without being bothered by light pollution. Named after constellation Lyra, it lasts from around the 16th to the 25th April, and about 10 to 15 meteors per hour can be expected around the shower’s peak on a dark, moonless night.

There’s also lots of great shows at Kielder Observatory in March and April, including a Night Sky Safari and Jupiter Night. Click here for the full list of events.

7. Stay on a working farm

Get a true taste of country life by staying on a working farm, where you can take in the magic of newborn lambs skipping around fields. We have three cottages at Milton Mains, a working farm in Brampton close to the Northumbrian and Cumbrian border, nestling in the foothills of the North Pennines.

The Stable, The Byre and The Dairy are a row of three stone built cottages and Swallow, Swift, The Barn and The Hayloft Cottages are all skilfully converted from farm buildings and an old dairy. During the restoration many original features like beamed ceilings and exposed stonework have been carefully retained. The cottages provide a superb base from which to explore this region. Here you will find wild fells, stunning views and peaceful walks under big skies. Hadrian’s Wall is nearby with the forts of Birdoswald, Housesteads and Vindolanda all within a short drive.