Northumberland National Park for walkers
Northumberland National Park brings together the wall landscape and inland places for walking. From the rocky ground around Hadrian's Wall to the wooded approach to Hareshaw Linn near Bellingham, a day can take several different shapes. Choose a route for the time and conditions available, and check access before leaving.
The Hadrian's Wall Path is a National Trail through part of the wider frontier landscape. A short section can be combined with a visit to Housesteads, provided you check the fort's separate opening and admission arrangements. The ascent from its lower car park is steep, so include it in your plans.
For a regional evening option, the astronomy experience shown here starts in Newcastle and includes transport, astronomy guidance and telescopes. Treat its meeting point and venue as part of that particular booking. Check the details before choosing it alongside an independently arranged day in the park.
Our take
For a regional dark-skies experience, this astronomy evening includes transport from Newcastle; its exact observing location is not specified.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tickets and experiences
Explore the available option for your visit.
Hareshaw Linn and Bellingham
Hareshaw Linn is a wooded gorge near Bellingham, with a nine metre waterfall and six bridges on the approach. The area is protected for rare ferns and lichens. The parish walking information describes the waterfall route as approximately one and a half miles each way. Check the current route condition before travelling, especially after severe weather.
Bellingham also has a village history walk starting at the Hareshaw Linn car park. Its themes include the former ironworks and railway history. This makes it possible to combine a look at the village's past with a separate walk towards the waterfall, while leaving enough time for the return journey and daylight.
Kielder Observatory and stargazing
Kielder Observatory has a forest location as well as an observatory and planetarium at Twice Brewed near the wall, opened in May 2026. Check which location is printed on your event ticket. Book an observatory event in advance for its specific date and venue; tickets are not sold at the door.
For the forest observatory, follow signs for Kielder Skyspace and Observatory from the C200 and allow for the forest approach. Navigation alone can mislead in a remote area. Take warm layers and suitable footwear, and download your ticket before travelling in case mobile reception is weak. Access arrangements differ between venues.
Cloud or rain does not automatically cancel an observatory event, and seeing stars or a particular object cannot be promised. The regional astronomy experience from Newcastle is a separate option, with transport and telescopes included. Check its own meeting point and programme when booking.
Access and safety in the park
Use public rights of way where land is not designated open access, respect protected areas and avoid disturbing ground nesting birds. Fallen trees can block woodland routes after storms; follow forestry signs and check current information. Wild camping requires the landowner's permission, so the park designation itself is not permission to camp.
Otterburn and Redesdale include an active military training area. Check firing information and obey red flags and lights; do not enter danger areas during firing. Published times can describe permitted daily firing periods, and activity can be arranged at short notice. Local warning signals matter even when planning information appears quiet.
Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, tell someone your intended route and return time, and check the weather. Avoid treating busy roads as an easy substitute for a closed footpath. Our travel guide can help you plan the journey to the wall area.
Northumberland coast and Farne Islands
Farne Islands and the Northumberland coastNational Park questions
Where is Hareshaw Linn?
The wooded gorge and waterfall are near Bellingham. Check route conditions before setting out.
Do I need to book the observatory?
Yes. Book the particular event and location in advance, and check your ticket before travelling.
Can I camp anywhere in the park?
Wild camping requires the landowner's permission. Check arrangements for your chosen place.