Are you looking for things to do near Haggerston Castle?
Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, a Haven run holiday park, is set in beautiful grounds with a grade 2 listed castle tower, lakes, and plenty of activities for the whole family on-site.
But, if you want to explore some of the Northumberland attractions near Haggerston Castle, there are plenty of options to keep you busy.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or want to explore some of the local history, there’s something for everyone within 10 miles of Haggerston Castle Holiday Park.
Andy Howey’s Birds of Prey Centre
Just a 6 minute walk from the holiday park, Andy Howey’s Birds of Prey Centre is a popular day out for all ages. Interactive, educational displays, unrushed opportunities to get up close to birds of prey, reptiles and insects in a fun, safe environment. Numbers are limited, so remember to pre-book.
- Owls, hawks, falcons, birds of prey
- Flying and handling displays
- Beautiful, landscaped gardens
- Snakes, spiders, lizards, and creepy crawlies
- Reasonably priced entrance
Cocklawburn Beach
This vast, windswept stretch of sand sheltered by grassy dunes is less than 3 miles from Haggerston Castle, along the stunning heritage coast.
Situated in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this secluded, unspoilt beach has beautiful views across to Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle. It is perfect for paddling, rock pools, surfing and coastal walks.
- Northumberland Coast Path and National Cycle Route nearby
- Steps leading down to the beach
- Gorgeous views
- Birdwatching, wildflowers
- Restaurant and play area 1.5 miles away
- Car park
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre is a traditional working farm and museum where you can learn about the history and importance of working horses and meet the majestic, gentle Clydesdales face to face.
The museum houses one of the largest collections of horse-drawn machinery and memorabilia from the heavy horse era.
Nostalgia for grandparents, learning and physical contact with the past for younger generations, this is a fabulous day out for the whole family, a 20-minute drive from Haggerston Castle.
- Visitor centre
- Rare Breed Clydesdales, foals in the stables
- Rescue/adoption centre
- Heavy horses and rare sheep in their natural surroundings
- Two picnic areas, indoor and outdoor, with fabulous views
- On The Hoof takeaway refreshments
- Gift shops
- Disabled access dogs welcome on a lead
Bamburgh Castle
Dating back to Anglo Saxon times, Bamburgh Castle is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and has stood guard over the Northumbrian coast for thousands of years.
There are 14 areas of the fortress open to the public, filled with treasures, stories, legends, and even a ghost or two.
The magnificent King’s Hall houses more than 3000 pieces of artwork, porcelain, and furniture.
Children love the armour, rare swords and shields and will delight in discovering the castle’s secrets on the Hope the Dragon trail.
- Fascinating archaeological finds, including the legendary Beast of Bamburgh
- Keep, towers, battlements and ramparts dating back to the 1500s
- Armstrong and Aviation Artifacts Museum
- Themed activities: wreath making
- Hope the Dragon trail to discover the castles’ secrets
- Cafeteria serving fresh food
- Picnic areas
Bamburgh Beach
Breathtaking Bamburgh Castle overlooks the broad expanse of pristine sands on Bamburgh Beach, with views out to the Farne Islands, home to puffins and seals.
After exploring the castle, the beach is perfect for paddling in the waves, sandcastles, picnics and beach games, and wonderful walks.
Sandy Hills dunes which shelter the beach, are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to various wildlife and rare species of insects.
- Summer activities, including archaeological excavations
- Surf lessons and board hire
Heatherslaw Light Railway
A ride on the 15″ gauge Heatherslaw Light Railway is excellent fun for all the family.
Carriages are pulled by steam locomotives “Lady Augusta” and “Bunty” for a 6.4km round trip along the pretty banks of the River Till.
Children especially love the train ride because the engine looks like Thomas!
The Cheviots’ fantastic views as the train puffs through the scenic Northumberland countryside to Etal, where you’ll find the Lavender Tea Rooms, a castle, and a drink at the Black Bull.
- Heatherslaw attractions: Boes Café, Heatherslaw Cornmill working water mill, heritage museum
- Ford & Etal Visitor Centre
- Shops, pottery
- The train runs every hour from each station
- Ride the train as often as you want to on a one day ticket
- Choice of covered and partially covered coaches
- Lovely natural surroundings, flowers and wildlife, otters, swans, herons, ducks
Lindisfarne Castle, Holy Island
Six miles from Haggerston Castle on the lovely Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle, looked after by the National Trust, is well worth visiting.
Plan your visit carefully because access to enchanting Lindisfarne Castle is across the tidal Holy Island causeway. For centuries, pilgrims and visitors have been drawn to Lindisfarne.
It’s quite a walk from the car park, and access is steep, but the scenery is stunning, the atmosphere mysterious and energising, and the views from the top of the castle are incredible.
- Natural beauty, rich heritage
- Birdwatching, wildlife
- Holy Island beaches, amazing views
- Shop, gardens
- Pubs, restaurants nearby
- Lindisfarne Priory
- Just 5 minutes away from the castle, 11th century Lindisfarne Priory is one of Holy Island’s most beautiful sights.
- An excellent place to explore, steeped in history, the world-famous Benedictine Priory was founded in AD634, destroyed during Viking raids, and re-built by the Normans.
- Atmospheric, beautiful location
- Historic English Heritage site
- Museum
- Shop
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Chain Bridge Honey Farm is about 8 miles from Haggerston Castle, a fascinating opportunity to observe and learn about the bees and sample all the distinct types of honey.
Visitor Centre, free entry, open 7 days a week, old machinery, hive displays, bee behaviour, beehives, bumblebees, wasps, and swarms
- Chain bridge
- Double-decker bus café
Berwick Boat Trip
Choose from a range of scenic trips along the River Tweed Estuary and out to sea, where you might catch a glimpse of a seal, a dolphin, and a kittiwake colony.
Visitors love the captain’s entertaining commentary, a pleasant, affordable way to go sightseeing on the Northumberland coast.
You can book your Berwick Boat Trip online six miles from Haggerston Castle.
- A choice of 1- and 2-hour trips: Bridges and Castles, Chain Bridge
- Wildlife, seabirds
- Informative, entertaining commentary
Norham Castle
Impressive Norham Castle is set on a high mound overlooking the River Tweed and was a much-besieged fortress during the many battles in the region.
Robert the Bruce attacked the castle on 13 occasions. Historic, atmospheric, this is a fantastic place for adults and children to explore less than 9 miles from Haggerston Castle.
- Free entry
- 12th century keep, towered bailey walls
- Turner information, castle portrayed in his paintings
- Beautiful church and facilities in village nearby
Ross Back Sands Beach
Said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Ross Back Sands is three glorious miles of dunes and golden sandy shore between Holy Island and Bamburgh, 7 miles from Haggerston Castle.
It’s a mile walk from the nearest parking area, so the stunning beach is often deserted.
- Spectacular views of Lindisfarne and Farnes
- Miles of unspoilt sands, solitude, peace
- Seal colony, wading and sea birds, restricted access during the breeding season
St Cuthbert’s Cave
It’s a beautiful walk up the hill through the woods to mysterious St Cuthbert’s Cave, with panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills and across the sea to Holy Island.
Monks brought St Cuthbert’s body here in ancient times, and the peaceful, atmospheric location is said to bring spiritual healing.
- Scenic walking trails
- Fantastic views
- History and legend