England's most northerly county is also one of its most rewarding for motorhome touring. Northumberland offers mile after mile of empty beaches, a coastline dotted with dramatic castles, and the vast rolling moorlands of the Northumberland National Park stretching away to the Scottish border. Add Hadrian's Wall cutting across the landscape, some of Europe's darkest skies for stargazing, and a genuine lack of crowds even in high summer, and you have a destination that feels almost made for motorhomers who want space and freedom.
Northumberland has a good spread of campsites, particularly along the coast between Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Coastal sites tend to fill quickly in summer, so booking ahead for July and August is advisable. Many offer hardstanding, electric hookup, and waste facilities. Inland, the Hadrian's Wall corridor has several touring parks and smaller sites, with the best access to the wall's central sections from sites near Haltwhistle and Hexham.
The county has a strong network of Caravan and Motorhome Club CLs and Camping and Caravanning Club CSs, many on farmland with basic facilities but outstanding locations. Britstops and similar schemes have a growing presence here — several country pubs and farm shops welcome overnight motorhome guests, particularly in the Coquet Valley and around Rothbury.
The Northumberland coast AONB has limited overnight parking in public car parks, with enforcement varying by location. Some harbourside car parks in villages like Craster and Seahouses are suitable for daytime stops with good access to coastal walks.
Start in Alnmouth and head north on the B1339, hugging the coast through Craster (famous for kippers and the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle) to Seahouses, the departure point for Farne Islands boat trips. Continue north to Bamburgh, dominated by its imposing castle, then across the causeway to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) — check tide times carefully, as the road floods twice daily. The route continues via the A1 to Berwick-upon-Tweed, England's most northerly town. Roads are well-surfaced throughout and suitable for all motorhome sizes, though the Holy Island causeway can be narrow.
Follow the B6318 (Military Road) from Chollerford west to Greenhead, running parallel to the best-preserved sections of Hadrian's Wall. Stop at Housesteads Roman Fort, the most complete fort along the wall, where a large car park accommodates motorhomes. Continue to Vindolanda for another excellent Roman site. The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre near Once Brewed makes a good lunch stop with motorhome-accessible parking. The Military Road is wide and well-maintained, suitable for vehicles of all sizes.
From Hexham, head north on the B6320 to Bellingham, then west on the C200 to Kielder Water and Forest Park. This is England's most remote area south of the Scottish Highlands, and part of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park — bring binoculars for the stars. Kielder Observatory runs public events year-round. The roads into Kielder are single-track in places and not ideal for motorhomes over 7m, but the lakeside road has several pull-in areas and the main car parks can take larger vehicles. Return via the B6320 and the A68 through Redesdale.
The coastline is the headline attraction. Bamburgh Castle and the Holy Island priory are must-visits, and the Farne Islands boat trips from Seahouses offer close encounters with puffins, grey seals, and thousands of seabirds from April to July. The beach at Bamburgh regularly features in lists of Britain's finest, and nearby Beadnell Bay is popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Inland, Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 73 miles across the county. Walking sections of the wall path is one of the great experiences in English heritage, and the forts at Housesteads, Chesters, and Vindolanda bring Roman Britain vividly to life. For tree-covered landscapes, Kielder Forest is the largest planted forest in England and offers cycling, walking, and art installations along the lakeshore.
Alnwick Castle and its remarkable garden are worth a day visit — the castle doubles as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Cragside, a National Trust property near Rothbury, was the first house in the world lit by hydroelectric power and sits in beautiful woodland grounds. Both have large car parks suitable for motorhomes.
Motorhome service points are available at larger campsites, particularly those along the coast and near Hadrian's Wall. Chemical waste disposal points can be found at sites near Seahouses, Bamburgh, and Haltwhistle. Fuel stations suitable for larger vehicles are spread along the A1, with Alnwick, Morpeth, and Berwick-upon-Tweed all having forecourts with easy access.
Some coastal village car parks have height barriers (typically 2.0-2.1m), so check before entering. The main A roads (A1, A697, A68) are all fine for large motorhomes. Minor roads in the Cheviot Hills and around Kielder can be narrow and steep — stick to B roads for comfortable driving in larger vehicles. Supermarkets with motorhome-friendly parking include Morrisons in Alnwick and Berwick, and Tesco in Hexham.
Overnight parking in public car parks is not generally permitted along the Northumberland coast. Campsites, CLs, and Britstops are your best options. Inland areas around Kielder and the national park have fewer restrictions, but designated sites are still the safest choice.
May to September offers the best weather for touring. June is ideal for the coast — long days, puffin season, and fewer crowds than July and August. Spring and autumn are quieter and excellent for walking Hadrian's Wall. Winter visits suit dark sky enthusiasts but many campsites close from November.
Yes, but only at low tide. The causeway is impassable for several hours around high water and there are no barriers — check the safe crossing times published by Northumberland County Council before you go. A car park on the island accommodates motorhomes, though space is limited in peak season.
Several campsites along the coast and near Hadrian's Wall offer motorhome service points including fresh water, grey waste disposal, and chemical toilet emptying. Some are available to non-residents for a small fee. Larger fuel stations on the A1 sometimes have water access points.
Northumberland contains the largest area of protected dark sky in Europe. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, centred on Kielder, offers some of the best stargazing in England. Kielder Observatory runs public events, and several campsites in the area market themselves as dark sky locations.
The A1, A697, and A68 are all suitable for motorhomes of any size. The B6318 along Hadrian's Wall is wide and well-maintained. Minor roads in the Cheviot Hills and around Kielder can be narrow — avoid unclassified roads in larger vehicles and plan your route using B roads or above.
Northumberland sits at England's northern frontier. Explore more of this part of the country, from the Dales to the Scottish Borders.
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