Visiting Northumberland by Train: What You Need to Know

Newcastle Station: Nearby Rail Hub

Although Newcastle is not in the Northumberland National Park, it is conveniently located to provide access. Moreover, as a major northern transport hub, Newcastle Station is the best place to arrive for many travellers to Northumberland National Park from further afield than the North East. Get from Peterborough to Newcastle in 2 hours 20 minutes direct with LNER. From there, you’ll want to hop on the Tyne Valley Line to access the national park, or take one of several local buses to reach your destination.

Hexham Station: On the Tyne Valley Line

If you want to take the train to the Northumberland National Park, take the Tyne Valley Line along the southern part of the national park and get off in stations like Wylam, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Riding Mill, Corbridge, Hexham, Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill, or Haltwhistle. These stations all bring you into the heart of the national park, providing access to miles of beautiful walking trails, and the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Site. From Manchester Oxford Road to Hexham will take you under three hours with TransPennine Express and Northern; from York to Hexham, you can reach the national park in under two hours with LNER and Northern.

Get out in nature

Northumberland National Park is the ideal place to reconnect with the natural world. Boasting some of England’s cleanest air and most pristine waters, the national park is the least visited in the country, meaning you’ll have no trouble tracking down peaceful hidden gems and remote footpaths. Whether cycling or walking, Northumberland Natural has stunning sights everywhere you go, from Linhope Spout waterfall in Ingram Valley, to the dramatic valleys of secluded College Valley.

Visit Hadrian’s Wall

A 73-mile stone wall that dips and dives across the Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall is an iconic visitor attraction in the North of England. Look out for intriguing temples and Roman bath houses along the route, as well as The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, a local hub with a fully-accessible grass roof and viewing platform, 80-seat café with panoramic views, and a free-to-enter exhibition.

Taking the train to Northumberland National Park is the best way to experience this unique and remote landscape. More environmentally friendly transport methods are encouraged, so you’ll easily be able to navigate the national park by bike, on footpaths, or with local buses. Some natural attractions even limit how many visitors can access them by car! 

If you’re entering Northumberland National Park from Newcastle or Carlisle, you’ll be able to take various Arriva, Go North East, or Stagecoach services. A popular choice is the Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus AD122, which runs daily and all year round, serving as a point of connection between major sites along the Hadrian’s Wall corridor between Newcastle and Carlisle. Hop aboard at Hexham Bus Station, Acomb, Wall, Chollerford, Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, Once Brewed (for The Sill), Vindolanda, Milecastle Inn, the Roman Army Museum, Walltown, Greenhead, or Haltwhistle Rail Station.

For unforgettable experiences in one of England’s most remote national parks, extend your stay in one of many characterful B&Bs, traditional inns, luxury hotels, or back-to-basics campsites. Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat or perfect romantic getaway, you’ll find accommodation to make your trip as special as the landscape you’ll be exploring. Make your home in remote Otterburn, charming Bamburgh, or the historic market town of Hexham. 

Nature seekers will enjoy spending time in Kielder Water & Forest Park, or if you’re bringing the whole family, you’ll also find an abundance of dog-friendly cottages and apartments. From Coquetdale to the Cheviot Hills, you really can’t go wrong. So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your trip to the Northumberland National Park by train today!

Seasonal travel advice for Northumberland

Northumberland amazes visitors all year round, from long Summer days perfect for exploring to Winter nights made for curling up by a log fire. If you visit in Winter, make sure to look to the skies: stargazing in the Northumberland National Park is a special experience. The park has some of the darkest skies in the country: gold-tier rated dark skies that are best observed in the colder months. Two of the best places to experience it all are at the Cawfields and Walltown Dark Sky Discovery Sites.

What to pack on your car-free adventure

Visiting Northumberland National Park by train is a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors, while minimising your environmental impact on this remote landscape. To get the most of your visit, wear comfortable shoes so that you can explore some of the more than 600 miles of waymarked footpaths and bridleways. If you want to enjoy the dark skies, you can do so with the naked eye, or bring a small, portable telescope (choose from reflectors, refractors, hybrid and Dobsonian).

Keep it wild!

When exploring the national park, help rangers protect the special landscape by sticking to footpaths and cycle trails where possible, to avoid harming native plants or ground-nesting birds. Do your bit to keep Northumberland wild, so everyone  can continue to enjoy the national park for years to come.

Visitor Information Centres

If you want friendly insider knowledge to help you navigate Northumberland National Park, head to The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre. There, you’ll have access to information on nearby accommodation, local attractions, public transport timetables, walking and cycling routes, and so much more. The other major tourist information centre is Walltown Visitor Centre, ideally located near the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.

Buy Cheap Train Tickets

Travelling to Northumberland National Park by train doesn’t have to cost more, with advance fares and split tickets from TrainPal. Wherever you’re headed, buy cheap train tickets to keep costs down and excitement up. Split your ticket to Newcastle to save as much as 45% on select routes, and add a Railcard for a further one third off your fare. 

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