Northumberland

Northumberland

Locator map of Northumberland in the UK

Northumberland is a county in North East England. It is bordered to the north by Scotland, to the east by the North Sea, to the south by Tyne and Wear and County Durham, and to the west by Cumbria. The county town is Alnwick, although the largest town is Blyth.

Geography

Northumberland is known for its rugged landscape, which includes the Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland National Park. The county is sparsely populated, with much of its area designated as protected countryside.

Long Crag Summit in Northumberland

The River Tyne flows through the southern part of the county, and the River Tweed forms part of the border with Scotland. The coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

History

Historical reference to Northumberland in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Northumberland has a rich history, having been a center of Anglo-Saxon culture and the site of many battles between the English and the Scots. The region was once part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, a powerful early medieval kingdom.

The county is home to several historic castles, including Bamburgh Castle, which was the seat of the kings of Northumbria.

Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast

Economy

Historically, Northumberland's economy was based on agriculture and coal mining. Today, the economy is more diverse, with tourism playing a significant role due to the county's natural beauty and historical sites.

The port of Blyth is a key economic hub, supporting renewable energy projects and other industries.

Blyth East Pier Lighthouse

Culture

Northumberland has a distinct cultural identity, with its own dialect and traditions. The county is known for its traditional music, including the use of the Northumbrian smallpipes.

The Northumberland Plate is a famous horse race held annually at Newcastle Racecourse.

Landmarks

In addition to its castles, Northumberland is home to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across the north of England.

Morpeth Clock Tower in the town of Morpeth

The county also features the Alnwick Garden, a contemporary garden complex adjacent to Alnwick Castle.

Related pages

• Northumberland National Park
• Cheviot Hills
• Bamburgh Castle
• Hadrian's Wall