10 Must-Visit Photography Locations in Northumberland
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Northumberland is one of England's most photogenic counties — dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, and vast open skies make it a paradise for photographers and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply want to capture beautiful memories on your summer holiday, here are my ten favourite locations that I return to again and again.
1. Bamburgh Castle
Perhaps Northumberland's most iconic landmark, Bamburgh Castle rising above the beach is a sight that never gets old. The best light hits the castle at sunrise, when the golden hour casts a warm glow across the stone walls and reflects in the wet sand below. Visit at low tide for the most dramatic foreground.
Browse my Bamburgh Castle prints →
2. Alnwick Castle
Famous worldwide as a filming location, Alnwick Castle is stunning in any season — but summer brings lush green surroundings that contrast beautifully with the medieval stonework. The Lion Bridge approach gives a classic composition, while the castle grounds offer endless angles.
Shop Alnwick Castle photography →
3. Dunstanburgh Castle
Accessible only on foot, Dunstanburgh rewards those willing to make the walk. The ruined towers silhouetted against stormy skies are one of my all-time favourite compositions. The coastal path from Craster is about a mile and well worth every step.
4. Seahouses & the Farne Islands
Take a boat trip from Seahouses harbour to the Farne Islands for incredible wildlife photography — puffins, grey seals, and Arctic terns nest here in summer. The harbour itself, with its colourful fishing boats, is equally photogenic.
5. Craster Village
This tiny fishing village is famous for its kippers, but it's also a wonderful photography subject. The harbour, the old smokehouse, and the views north towards Dunstanburgh make it a compact but rewarding stop.
6. Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Accessible only at low tide via a causeway, Holy Island has a magical, otherworldly quality. The priory ruins, the castle perched on its rocky outcrop, and the vast tidal flats create endlessly varied compositions. Always check the tide times before you visit!
See my Northumberland Coast collection →
7. Boulmer & Howick
These quieter stretches of coastline are less visited but no less beautiful. Rocky outcrops, sea caves, and wildflower clifftops make for intimate, detailed photography away from the crowds.
8. Alnmouth Estuary
The estuary at Alnmouth is a hidden gem — the curve of the river, the colourful village houses reflected in the water, and the wide sandy beach beyond create a scene that feels almost Mediterranean on a sunny summer's day.
9. Warkworth Castle & Village
Warkworth is one of Northumberland's most complete medieval castles, and the village below — with its narrow streets and the River Coquet winding around it — is a delight to explore and photograph.
10. Barter Books, Alnwick
Not a landscape, but one of the most atmospheric interiors in the north of England. The Victorian railway station converted into a vast second-hand bookshop, with its open fires and model railway running overhead, is a photographer's dream on a rainy day.
Take Northumberland Home With You
If you fall in love with these locations as much as I have, you can bring a piece of Northumberland into your home. I photograph these places in all seasons and all weathers, and my prints are available as fine art prints.
Shop Northumberland Castles → | Shop Northumberland Coast →
Amanda Jayne Bird is a Northumberland-based photographer specialising in landscape and architectural photography. All prints are available in a range of sizes — perfect as a gift or a lasting memory of your visit.