Great Drives in the North East: Alnwick to Kielder
With the longer days and better weather coming, road trip season is upon us! If you’re looking for a short getaway in the stunning Northumberland countryside, then this road trip from Alnwick to Kielder is the perfect adventure for you.
This scenic route winds its way through Northumberland National Park, taking you past villages, historical landmarks, and breath-taking natural beauty. It offers a little bit of everything –a touch of Northumberland’s history, and even the opportunity to see the stars in some of the darkest skies in England.
Start Point: Alnwick
End Point: Kielder
Length: 55 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour 35 minutes, without stops.
This drive could easily be completed in one day, but it’s a great idea to make a weekend of it and spread all of the activities over 2 days, so you’ve got plenty of time at each destination.
Start in Alnwick
Start your trip in Alnwick, a charming market town with a rich history. Alnwick offers a whole host of fun activities suitable for families: Why not explore Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England? Scenes for the Harry Potter films were famously filmed within the Castle grounds, from Quidditch matches to Ron crashing his dad’s flying car. Or why not browse the aisles of Barter Books? Housed in a former Victorian railway station, this quirky second-hand bookshop is one of the largest in England.
Head to Hareshaw Linn Waterfall
From Alnwick, take the B6341 north and start your journey towards Kielder. Your first stop on the way will be Hareshaw Linn, a stunning waterfall located near the village. There's a 2.5-mile walk that takes you through the countryside and past the remains of an old ironworks before ending at the waterfall.
Stop Off in Bellingham
After Hareshaw Linn, drive the short distance to Bellingham, a small market town that's a great place to grab a bite to eat. There are a few pubs and cafes in Bellingham, with options like Fountain Cottage Café and the Rocky Road cafe, as well as a selection of small shops.
Arrive in Kielder
From Bellingham, drive to Kielder, your final destination. Kielder is home to Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in England. There are plenty of things to do in Kielder Forest, including hiking, cycling, and fishing. Kielder is also home to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, which offers some of the darkest skies in England. If you stay until the night begins to draw in, the Kielder Observatory offers the opportunity for stargazing and astronomy talks. After a long day of exploring and adventuring, you can stay over in Kielder in a lodge or even camp, and there’s also plenty of local pubs to grab yourself a bite to eat.
This Northumberland road trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, making it a fantastic escape for a long weekend. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get going!
Whether you need a spacious SUV for optimal comfort on your road trips, or something more compact, we're sure to have the perfect car for you at Lloyd Motor Group. Browse our vehicles and start your journey with us today.
