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Visitor Guide

Northumberland County offers road trips that take you through rolling hills in the country or to small towns. Make a day, or more, out of it with shopping, dining and arts & culture experiences.

Download accessible and printable version of Top 5 Road Trips 2021 eBook

Take a Road Trip in Northumberland County

Port Hope and Around

40 km of Lake Ontario views, a chance to drop by Haute Goat to hug (shmurgle) an animal, and drive by historic churches and settlements.  Download the Port Hope map.

Timeless Cobourg and Rice Lake Views

Enjoy a 60 km loop taking you by serene shores, boutiques and bistros, Alderville First Nation, rolling hills and nature up close.  Download the Cobourg map .

Rolling Hills and Central Art Loop

Travel 62 km shopping for treasures, an artists' enclave in Warkworth, one-of-a-kind cafes, and rambling country roads.  Download this map .

Brighton Beaches and The Big Apple

Over 60 km of farm fresh produce, apple country magic, pristine beaches, an art gallery, a few museums and even theatre in a barn.  Download the Brighton map .

Trent Hills Chocolate, Cheese and Craft Beer

This is truly 75 km of authentic local flavours, views of the Trent River, memorable villages and towns, and the famous Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.  Download the Trent Hills map .

Try our 177km motorcycling route featuring some great Northumberland County attractions. Looking for a shorter trip? We've put together Google maps for East and West areas of Northumberland. Download the Motorcycle map .

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• > The Ultimate Northumberland Road Trip: Northumberland 250

The Ultimate Northumberland Road Trip: Northumberland 250

A 250-mile adventure across the land of dark skies, rolling hills and remarkable coastline.

One Northeasterner, inspired by his experiences of driving the Cabot Trail in Canada, the North Coast 500 in Scotland and – most recently – the Icelandic Ring Road (‘trips that are more about the journey than the destination’, he explains), set about creating a logical route to encompass his native Northumberland as a whole – meet NLAND250.

You’ll often find dedicated and considered driving, walking and cycling routes in areas with a wealth of varied and expansive beauty. Take Scotland’s North Coast 500, Devon and Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Highway, for example. In Northumberland however, there are few routes that allow you to take in the entire historic county and explore its contrasting landscapes. 

The 35-mile stretch from Alnwick to Lindisfarne, which is featured in Lonely Planet’s Epic Drives of The World (a showcase of 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth), is a popular way to take in Northumberland’s beautiful coast, but if you’re looking to explore the dark skies, chocolate box villages and lesser-known landscapes too, you would (until now) have been hard pressed to find a mapped-out route to help you do so.

Read More: How Northumberland Coffee is Serving Speciality Coffee Across the County

The new 250 mile route across Northumberland, which takes in Tweedmouth in the North, Kileder in the West, Allenheads in the South, and the majority of Northumberland’s rugged coast, is now free for the public to download. 

Broken down into four sections – the Northumberland Coast, Cheviot Hills, Dark Skies and North Pennines – it takes in some of Northumberland’s most iconic landmarks (think Bamburgh Castle and Sycamore Gap), as well as the more remote and lesser-known parts of the county. Giving you the freedom to explore Northumberland in one trip, whilst travelling on the more scenic roads around the county, it’s a unique adventure that can be completed by car, bike or on foot – as a whistle-stop weekend tour or a three-week adventure holiday.

The route organiser has also begun to collaborate with local businesses, meaning you’ll easily find food and drink recommendations, and some of the best places to stay if you’re planning on making a trip of it. So far NLAND250 have worked with BOX Pizza, Hesleyside Huts and Defender Camping, but are quickly building relationships with businesses big and small who are also passionate about helping spread the word about what Northumberland has to offer. Similarly, by collaborating with local content creators and photographers when curating their website and instagram page (@nland205), the route has now begun to develop exposure for local talent in the area too. 

Although the route hopes to encourage us Northerners to explore more of what’s on our doorstep (particularly with overseas travel somewhat limited at present), it’s also aiming to entice visitors from across the world in the same way many of the UK’s iconic driving routes already do. 

‘It’s a unique adventure that can be completed by car, bike or on foot – as a whistle-stop weekend tour or a three-week adventure holiday’

Read more: 13 beautiful photographs of northumberland like you've never seen it before, holy island.

Lying just a few miles off the Northumberland coast, Holy Island is cut off twice-daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides. Both an island and a picturesque village, Holy Island carries a wealth of history within its tidal walls. See the 12th Century priory and, rising from the sheer rock face at the tip of the island, Lindisfarne Castle.

Farne Islands

Animal fans rejoice: puffins, guillemots, eider ducks, razorbills, terns, grey seals (and their annual litter of about 1,000 pups), and, if you’re lucky, maybe a dolphin, porpoise or even a minke whale could pop up and say hello on these zoologically-diverse islands. 

No trip to this stretch of the Northumberland coastline would be complete without a visit to the impressive castle that once protected our shores. Sitting 45 metres above the sea, Bamburgh Castle was built in approximately 500AD and has witnessed many pivotal moments in British history, from the Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Viking invasions to the Wars of the Roses. 

Dunstanburgh Castle

The iconic ruined Dunstanburgh Castle, with one of the only three-storey keeps ever built, stands as a sentinel looking over the North Sea and the large sandy bay of Embleton. As one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England, it’s a must on any Northumbrian adventure.

Simonside Hills

There are few vistas more spectacularly and quintessentially Northumbrian than that of the Simonside Hills. Teeming with wildlife (as a Special Area of Conservation), the distinctive ridge stands guard above Rothbury and boasts 360 degree views across the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coastline.

Read More: Nine of Our Favourite Places to Eat near Alnwick

This most picturesque village, often used for film sets, was built from the remains of a 12th century abbey and is surrounded by some the region’s most spectacular and unspoilt countryside. 

Sycamore Gap 

Standing beside Hadrian’s Wall, Sycamore Gap’s tree is famed in part thanks to the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Previously crowned England’s Tree of the Year by the Woodland Trust, you’ll want to make the walk west from Housesteads to see it for yourself. 

Hareshaw Linn

Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rare ferns and lichen. Take a magical walk through an ancient woodland, crossing no less than six bridges to reach a beautiful nine-metre high waterfall.

Kielder Observatory

This astronomical facility sits within the largest protected Dark Sky Park in Europe, so if you’re going to enjoy an evening of truly spectacular stargazing anywhere, then it’s going to be here. Kielder Observatory boasts an unrivalled programme of stellar events all year round, and with some of the best equipment in the business at your fingertips, you’ll soon be transported to a galaxy far, far away.

GET THE ROUTE

Head to nland250.com/route and enter your email address to receive your free copy of NLAND250’s Google Maps route direct to your inbox. 

www.nland250.com

Related articles, must-visit hotels in the north east and yorkshire, the best european christmas markets to visit, ways to unwind this weekend, the best films to watch this halloween from the last 100 years.

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Planning a Drive Up the Northumberland Coastal Route

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Northumberland is England’s northernmost county and a super place to explore on a road trip. With many beautiful towns and villages, lovely beaches, numerous castles and Roman ruins you will find plenty of things to do in Northumberland to fill your itinerary.

Northumberland also has the largest protected area of night skies in Europe and offers visitors some of the best stargazing experiences and clearest night skies in England.

If you are planning a drive up the Northumberland coastal route , there are some beautiful coastal towns to visit along the route including Bamburgh, Seahouses, Craster, and Alnwick.

Due to the rather turbulent history with our neighbour to the north, there are over 700 castle sites (more than any other county in England) You will encounter some of these castles on your drive up the Northumberland coastal route.

Good to know! – We drove the route in a day but I would highly recommend booking a few night’s accommodation in some of the villages and towns along the way if you have time.

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

Seahouses is next along the northumberland coastal route, how to visit the farne islands from seahouses, bamburgh castle, the holy island of lindisfarne, book your accommodation along the northumberland coastal route, enjoy your travels in northumberland, taking the scenic drive along the northumberland coastal route.

The 39 miles Northumberland coastal route was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958.

The starting point of the journey for us was the village of Seaton Delaval from which we drove north. Our schedule for the day was to visit Alnwick and then follow the 35-mile coastal drive route from Alnmouth to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The drive is beautiful and if the weather is good I can guarantee you will have a lovely day out.

We joined the coastal route which is well signposted at Alnmouth (5 miles east of Alnwick).

You then pass through Boulmer, Craster, Embleton and Beadnell – all lovely little villages –  before arriving in Seahouses.

Just to the north of the village of Craster lies the first of the castles you will see on your trip. Dunstanburgh Castle , home to John of Gaunt it is now administered by English Heritage.

You can read more about visiting Dunstanburgh Castle in my post about the top 6 castles to visit in Northumberland.

Craster is also famous for kippers which are prepared in the village in oak-smoked barrels. If you enjoy art why not pop into the Mick Oxley Gallery which sells seaside-inspired arts and crafts.

After driving through Embleton you will next arrive at the small village of Beadnell.

From Beadnell to Bamburgh lies one of the most beautiful stretches of beaches in England. Pick a sheltered spot in Beadnell Bay and enjoy a few hours on the golden sand.

The area is also famous for water sports including surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, diving and snorkeling.

The Northumberland Coastal Path runs from Beadnell through Seahouses and on to Bamburgh Castle.

Read – Best places to stay along the Northumberland Coast

Seahouses is a town where I spent many happy summer days as a child with my Dad and brother.

You will find numerous arcades and amusements and gift shops and fish and chip shops and a great little harbour to look around. It can be very busy in summer so be prepared – parking can be an issue.

There are lovely beaches to explore to the north and south of the town. If you enjoy horse riding and are an experienced rider there are beach rides available. 

The view from the town towards Bamburgh Castle in the distance is pretty special too and the Farne Islands can be spotted offshore.

You can catch a boat to the Farne Islands from Seahouses. Although we had hoped to do this the weather was a bit too treacherous on the day we visited so we were unable to go.

The Farne Islands called the “Galapagos of  Europe” are home to seal and puffin colonies and definitely worth adding to your itinerary if the weather allows. 

There are 28 islands making up the Farnes of which only 3 are accessible – Inner Farne, Staple (May-July only), and Longstone.

To get over to the Farne Islands you will need to book on one of the boat trips that leave from Seahouses harbour.

The islands belong to the National Trust so if you are not a member expect to pay a landing fee as well as the costs for the boat trip.

After spending a few hours in Seahouses continue your drive along the coast towards Bamburgh.

You will see the famous Bamburgh Castle long before you arrive in Bamburgh itself. It is a magnificent structure and is still inhabited.

Home to the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria Bamburgh Castle is a castle on which myths and legends are based. It is also rumoured to have a ghost or two inhabiting its corridors.

We struggled to find parking in Bamburgh itself but if you are luckier than us and do manage to get parked in the village there is the Grace Darling Museum to visit as well as lots of lovely tea rooms and restaurants.

Your next stop will be the beautiful Holy Island of Lindisfarne where you will find a castle and an abbey to visit.

The castle was built in the 1500s during the reign of Henry VIII but for me, the highlight of a visit to Holy Island is the ruined abbey. It was at this abbey that monks wrote the beautiful Lindisfarne gospels.

A copy of the gospels can be found in the nearby church. Head to the British Library in London to see the real things.

It is vital to plan your visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne very carefully as tides cover the 3-mile causeway and cut off the island from the mainland.

We had checked the tides before planning our trip. This is imperative as the island is only accessible during low tides.

We arrived about 10 minutes before the designated safe time but the sea had receded enough for people to reach the island over the 3-mile causeway .

I would recommend that you take extreme care when crossing over to Holy Island.  Make notes of the safe times as apparently the lifeboats get called out regularly for stranded motorists.  The tide comes in extremely quickly.

Once across the causeway, you have to park (and pay) and then walk into the village itself to reach the castle and priory.

As I mentioned the ruined priory was the original home of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels and the initial burial place of St Cuthbert (now reburied in Durham Cathedral) The Abbey was founded in 635 AD by St Cuthbert but eventually abandoned in 875AD due to increasingly frequent raids by Vikings.

We had a lovely walk around the village and I purchased a bottle of Lindisfarne Wild Peach Liqueur from the gift shop. 

Lindisfarne Mead is a unique alcoholic fortified wine which along with the liqueurs is manufactured on the Island. There are lots of flavours available including strawberry, cherry and damson.

Learn more – Guide to visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Facts and figure to help you plan your trip along the Northumberland Coastal Drive

• The scenic coastal route runs between Alnmouth and Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
• It is a 35 mile trip.
• You will pass through a number of villages and towns – Boulmer, Craster, Embleton, Seahouses, Bamburgh and then on to Lindisfarne.
• Consider a detour to Alnwick to Barter Books – if you like books you may need a few weeks  hours there at least!!
• Keep an eye out for coastal castles along the way. 
• Take a look at the National Trust website for more information about visiting the Farne Islands.
• Make sure to check the tides for Lindisfarne before you set off.
• Make sure to wear a hat if you are going to the Farne Islands (seagulls dive bomb!)
• If walking is more your thing there is also the Northumberland coastal route to consider. This is a 64 mile stretch of the International North Sea Trail if you would rather walk along the coastline.
• Find out the differences between a road trip in the UK and the USA! 

There are lots of great accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes along the coastal route including hotels and B&B’s.

To be honest, any of the towns and villages are fantastic options to use as a base to explore more of the beautiful places Northumberland has to offer visitors.

You can find accommodation options for a range of budgets and travel styles in these articles:

• Best places to stay in Northumberland (Location & accommodation guide)
• Best Northumberland Coastal Cottages (for all budgets & travel styles)

I hope this guide to driving the Northumberland coastal route is helpful when planning your trip.

The Northumberland coast is a beautiful part of the UK and is a perfect area to explore by car.  It is still relatively off the beaten path for overseas visitors but really deserves to be part of your UK trip itinerary if you have time.

• Northumberland Travel Guide
• Top 10 places to visit in North East England
• Durham Travel Guide

If you are traveling to (and/or around) the UK why not join my UK travel planning community on Facebook

In the group can ask questions and research, plan and organise your trip. We are a friendly bunch (over 1500) and love sharing our knowledge and tips to help you make the most of your visit to the UK.

Away With Maja

Exploring northumberland: a coastal road trip itinerary.

Right before the ‘rona struck and the world went into lockdown, I had the most unbelievable weekend away in Northumberland. This county at the very north of England might just be the most underrated destination in the whole country! There is so much to do here that a weekend coastal road trip wasn’t really enough—a long weekend (3-4 days) would have been much better. Our itinerary focused mainly on the Northumberland Coast. But if you’re wanting to visit Northumberland for the weekend or longer, look no further! Here is a complete road trip itinerary for Northumberland and on the Northumberland coast.

What to See in Northumberland

There is a LOT to see in Northumberland, and more than likely squeezing everything into a weekend might feel a bit rushed. Hopefully you’ll have an extra day or two, so here’s what to see and do in Northumberland!

Hiking in the Cheviot Hills (Northumberland National Park)

If you like hiking and getting outdoors, definitely dedicate part of your Northumberland trip to exploring the Cheviot Hills. While the weather wasn’t on my side on this trip, this area is gorgeous. I attempted to hike up the Cheviot from Langleeford. While I had to turn back due to literally no visibility, I could still appreciate how beautiful the valley is.

It also felt really remote! While there weren’t very many people braving the elements, we only saw about 6 other groups on our 5-hour walk. Most of these were at either the beginning or the end. I definitely want to go back and see more of Northumberland National Park! But if you only have a weekend in Northumberland, don’t miss this incredible and scenic part of the country. If you are going out, make sure to check out my outdoor gear guide so you’re prepared! You’ll need the Cheviot Hills OS Map . I also use the OS Maps app on most of my hikes in the UK now.

Kielder Forest Park is meant to be wonderful for getting outdoors. It’s one of the best places for “dark skies” in the country. And of course, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most popular places to visit in Northumberland. As my weekend itinerary in Northumberland mainly focused on the coast, I won’t go into many details on visiting Hadrian’s Wall! I had actually planned to hike the entire trail (86 miles) in 2020, and did the hike in 2021! You can read about my 6-day itinerary for Hadrian’s Wall , or what you should know about Hadrian’s Wall .

If you’re not interested in hiking, I’d recommend spending most of the first day in Berwick-upon-Tweed . If I had had another day, this is what I would have done! Just 3 miles from the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed has a fascinating history as the city has changed hands so many times.

Lindisfarne (the Holy Island)

Next up on your Northumberland road trip itinerary is a visit to Lindisfarne, also called the Holy Island. This is one of the most unique destinations I have visited in the entirety of the UK, so if you’re visiting Northumberland this is a must!

Lindisfarne is also called the Holy Island as a monastery was founded here in the 600s. It was an important base for Christianity in the north of England. For monks who wanted to live remotely away from others, this tidal island was perfect!

You’ll need to plan out your visit in advance though—the island is accessed by a tidal causeway. Make sure to check the tide times from the Northumberland council website so you know when you can visit. Please be aware of this and please don’t take any chances! Just a few hours after we left, a group had to be rescued by the Coast Guard from the causeway. The tide times limited our visit to just over 1 hour when we visited. I would absolutely recommend longer—preferably 2 or 3 hours. But given the choice of spending all our time on Lindisfarne, and seeing nothing else of Northumberland, we chose to explore more of Northumberland.

There is a lot to do on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. You can visit Lindisfarne Priory (run by English Heritage ) or visit Lindisfarne Castle (run by National Trust). There is a walking path along most of the coast of the island (approximately 5 miles), which will take several hours. Make sure to check out the boat sheds along the harbor—these are made from old boats and now overturned and used for storage.

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland is home to some pretty amazing and imposing castles. Bamburgh Castle is built right along the coast, and should definitely merit a stop on any Northumberland Coastal Route road trip. Tip: if you’re driving south from Lindisfarne, definitely take the scenic route (marked with brown road signs) along the coast to get to Bamburgh Castle!

There’s a lot to see in Bamburgh Castle. The King’s Hall is magnificent, with the beams made with teak from Thailand. The State Rooms and the Keep tell the stories of the castle and its owners, and there are beautiful coastal views from the walls of the castle. Definitely give yourself a minimum of 1 hour to discover everything here.

Seahouses and Farne Islands

Seahouses is a large village right on the Northumberland coast. If you want to enjoy classic seaside fun, this is a great stop—there are plenty of places to get ice cream and fish and chips. But perhaps one of the best reasons to stop at Seahouses is to take a trip out to the Farne Islands. You can read all about my visit to the Farne Islands on a later trip! These islands are some of the best places for birdwatching in the whole country, with 23 species of birds nesting here including puffins!!!

Dunstanburgh Castle

Next up on the list of fantastic castles in Northumberland is Dunstanburgh Castle. This castle is run by English Heritage, so there is an entrance fee if you’re not a member to access the ruins. You can sign up to join English Heritage as a member here ! This was a real highlight of my weekend in Northumberland because of the coastal walk from Craster. It’s just under a 1.5-mile walk along the sea which is easy to follow. While it’s not paved, there is clearly a path and it wasn’t too muddy when I went in March. While the castle itself is mainly ruins now, there are some great views from the tower over the coast and surrounding area! You’ll need to park in the village of Craster to start the walk to the castle.

There is so much to see and do in Alnwick that it could easily merit its own weekend break and separate blog post. Alnwick Castle is one of the best places to visit in Northumberland. Parts of the first two Harry Potter movies were filmed here! The castle is only open seasonally (generally April-October) so make sure to keep that in mind when planning a trip. Alnwick Gardens is also incredible—so many beautiful plants and flowers to see! Barter Books is housed in an old train station and is especially popular on Instagram. I visited Alnwick in 2021, so read all about my trip to Alnwick here !

This pretty coastal village is located across the main A1 highway from Alnwick, nestled right along the sea. It’s smaller than Alnwick, but has the benefit of the coast and the estuary of the River Aln. The beach here is just spectacular, and the village is so picturesque—it looked like a postcard!

Warkworth Castle

The last castle I was able to visit on my Northumberland road trip was Warkworth Castle. This medieval castle is run by English Heritage, and has had its fair share of history through the Percy family and the Wars of the Roses. If you time your visit right, you can also visit the Hermitage, which is only accessible by boat along the River Coquet. This chapel is carved out of the rock and only open on certain times on certain days. Find out more information on the English Heritage site here —you can also sign up to join English Heritage here .

How to Get Around Northumberland

Driving is the best way to get around Northumberland. Having your own set of wheels will give you so much freedom! Northumberland is perfect for a road trip and I definitely recommend a car as the best way to get around Northumberland. You can visit some of the main destinations like Berwick-upon-Tweed by train. You can get there on a direct train from London (I always use Trainline for the best deals on train tickets). Alnmouth has a train station on the main line between London and Edinburgh, and there are bus networks to get you to Alnwick. But while there are buses along the coast, they just aren’t frequent enough to visit everything in a weekend or 3 days. So I would strongly recommend having a car to visit Northumberland.

One thing to remember when planning your road trip in Northumberland is parking charges. Nearly all of these places are accessed from car parks that charge a fee. I did some research beforehand and we ended up buying an all-day, transferrable, ticket for Northumberland County Council car parks at our first stop. This meant that parking at Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, and Craster (for Dunstanburgh Castle) was covered by this ticket. I also believe one of the car parks in Seahouses would have been covered too. The all-day ticket cost £5.50 and was well worth it. Note that it isn’t transferrable to all Northumberland County Council car parks, but for many of the ones we were visiting. Warkworth Castle has free parking for English Heritage members.

Where I Stayed

I was based in the small town of Wooler for my weekend away in Northumberland. We stayed at the Old Court House, which was absolutely wonderful. Our double room was spacious and the breakfasts were like something out of a dream—a full English on top of fruits, cereals, yogurts, etc. But what really set this B&B apart were the friendly staff. I felt genuinely looked after during our stay here. You can tell that the people who run the Old Court House care about giving their guests the absolute best time. If you’re looking for a welcoming and cozy place to stay in Northumberland stay at the Old Court House! You can read my full review of the Old Court House here .

UPDATE 2022: Unfortunately the Old Court House has closed. I still think Wooler is a fantastic place to base yourself in Northumberland!

Planning Your Trip

Looking for a tour to join? Check out these tours that take in the Northumberland highlights!

Northumberland might just be my new favorite destination in England. This is such an underrated part of the country, and exploring the area on a weekend road trip is a great way to see some of the major attractions! I will definitely be back to Northumberland, hopefully this year! I hope this guide helps planning your road trip around Northumberland!

Have you visited Northumberland yet? What were your favorite places?!

You might like my other posts:

A 6-Day Itinerary for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall

What You Need to Know About Hiking Hadrian’s Wall

Why You Should Visit Alnwick, Northumberland

Review: Old Court House B&B, Wooler

88 Incredible Places To Visit In Yorkshire

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To England’s Lake District

21 Of The BEST Places To Visit In The North York Moors

All of my England posts!

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8 thoughts on “ exploring northumberland: a coastal road trip itinerary ”.

[…] had a fantastic weekend away in Northumberland in March—this was my first real visit to this underrated part of the country! While most of the […]

[…] took me 3.5 years of living in England to get to Northumberland, and I’m so glad I finally made it! This was my last trip before lockdown, a weekend getaway to […]

[…] Exploring Northumberland: A Coastal Road Trip Itinerary […]

[…] seabirds in Britain is the Farne Islands, in Northumberland. I’ve loved my trips exploring the Northumberland coast. Whether you’re wanting to explore the Farne Islands or spot puffins, gannets, guillemots, […]

[…] Wall, an 84-mile, long-distance trail through Northumberland and across England. Having visited Northumberland pre-rona in 2020 (roadtripping along the coast), I fell totally in love with this underrated part […]

[…] Peak District is easily within two hours, the Lake District just over two hours away. I can be in Northumberland in two hours, Snowdonia in three, and I’ll get to the Scottish border in 2.5 hours. Manchester […]

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Northumberland

NORTHUMBERLAND, A LAND OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Unearth historical myths and local legends as you tour northumberland’s stunning natural landscapes and built heritage..

Known for its rich traditions and the distinctive character of its people, Northumberland is the northernmost county of England and stretches over almost 2,000 square miles of breathtaking countryside, award-winning coastlines, rolling hills and charming market towns.

Where to Stay

Food & drink, landmarks & attractions, things to do.

Follow in Roman footsteps along Emperor Hadrian’s mighty frontier and relive their story as you chart the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site from coast to coast across the county.

Delve into a turbulent past in one of the area’s many enchanted castles, or catch the tides and head over the causeway out to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the cradle of Christianity in England.

For the ultimate get-away-from-it-all experience, discover the dark skies of the Northumberland National Park and stay in the Sky Den, your own personal stargazing lodge in the Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Discover a land rich in magical and mystical tales – visit  Northumberland .

Magical Light Trails in North East England 

7 ways to explore the outdoors in North East England

Alfresco Summer Nights in the North East

Other places to go, south shields, tees valley, tynemouth & whitley bay.

Simply enter your email in the box below to sign up to the Visit North East England newsletter for the latest destination information, special offers and news from North East England.

Northumberland Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Northumberland Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful English county. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Northumberland!

Let’s plan your trip to Northumberland

With more castles than any other county in England, a stunning coastline lined with sandy beaches, pretty towns and villages, a tidal island with a rich cultural history and heritage, the remains of a Roman wall which marked the northernmost boundary of the Holy Roman Empire and a national park which boasts of the cleanest air, cleanest rivers and the darkest skies in England Northumberland in the North East really is the county with it all!

What you will find in this complete Northumberland Travel Guide

Northumberland Travel Guide – Map

Attractions and things to do in northumberland, accommodation in northumberland, when is the best time of year to visit northumberland, what do i need to know to plan the best trip to northumberland, how to get to northumberland, best tours to northumberland, books to read about northumberland, uk travel guides.

10 PRETTY TOWNS TO VISIT IN NORTHUMBERLAND

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO & SEE IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND

GUIDE TO DRIVING THE NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL ROUTE

GUIDE TO VISITING THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE

THINGS TO DO IN ALNWICK

GUIDE TO THE BEST CASTLES IN NORTHUMBERLAND

BEST PLACES TO STAY

IN NORTHUMBERLAND

BEST COASTAL COTTAGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND

You can find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

FAQs – Planning your visit to Northumberland

The weather in Northumberland can be unpredictable in every season. It can be cold and windy all year around so it is essential to pack accordingly.

Whilst the summer months can be hot there is always the possibility of a sea fret (a cool mist that covers the coast) and temperatures will drop considerably.

• Carry change for car parking! Prepare to arrive early in the day to secure parking at popular spots (or you may find you have to park some distance away)
• Check for low tide if you are planning to visit Holy Island.
• If you are visiting in summer prepare to enjoy the longer daylight hours (sunset can be as late as 9:50 in the evening!) Longer days means you can fit more into your itinerary!
• Enjoy some traditional food and drink including Craster kippers, Earl Grey tea, Newcastle Brown Ale, ham and pease pudding stotties and pan haggerty.
• Locals are called Geordie and have a very distinct accent.

Option 1 – By car/train/coach from London

Northumberland is England’s northernmost county. It is approximately 470 kms from London and takes around 5 hours by car (I would recommend stops in a number of other destinations on the way though!)

Tip – If you are planning a road trip around the UK the Northumberland Coastal Route is a beautiful drive and very popular especially during the summer months.

The train journey from London ( King’s Cross ) to Newcastle takes around 3 hours and is a lovely trip (stop off in York on the way)

Click here for timetables and prices of train tickets from London to Newcastle .

National Express Coaches travel regularly every day from Victoria Coach Station to Newcastle. This will be the cheapest but also the slowest option.

Option 2 – By car/train/coach from Edinburgh

Driving from Edinburgh to the Northumberland coast only takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, take the train from Edinburgh to Newcastle (around 2 hours) and pick up a hire car to explore Northumberland.

There are also day tours available from Edinburgh (see below for recommendations) which visit a number of top sights and attractions in Northumberland.

Click here for timetables and prices of train tickets from Edinburgh to Newcastle.

Option 3 – Fly into Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport is the nearest international airport for visitors to Northumberland. Pick up a hire car at the airport if you plan to explore Northumberland as it is the best way to get around the county.

Read – How to get around the UK (a complete guide to transportation)

If you prefer to take a day tour to the North East of England there are trips available from Edinburgh

• Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour – Discover the highlights of Roman Britain and Hadrian’s Wall on this small group tour from Edinburgh.
• Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria – Take a scenic, coastal route into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria. This tour includes a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne which once the most important centre of religious learning in the British Isles and the medieval market town of Alnwick.
• Alnwick Castle & Scottish Borders Day Tour – Cross the Scottish border into England and admire the beautiful scenery of the Borders and explore magnificent Alnwick Castle and its gardens.

Read more – Best books about (or set in) Northumberland

Find more practical tips, resources and inspiration for your UK travel adventures in my UK Travel Guides.

• Durham Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• York Travel Guide
• Chester Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide
• Bath Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Dorset & the Jurassic Coast Travel Guide
• The 9 Regions of England (An essential guide for itinerary planning)
• Best UK Staycations (Top Destinations for 2021 & beyond)
• 12 Best Day trips from London by train (+logistics, tips & maps)
• 12 pretty towns and villages in England (+ map & travel tips)

Feeling overwhelmed with the planning process? My step-by-step planning guide is the place to start!

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Storytelling for a better world

NORTHUMBERLAND road trip – a foodie five-day itinerary

If you’re looking for a UK adventure, look no further than Northumberland for a road trip in England’s most northern county. The home of Earl Grey tea, fresh seafood and stotties, it’s a foodie’s paradise.

And thanks to its remote location, its sandy beaches are pristine, Anglo-Saxon castles have been well-preserved and wildlife is thriving. It’s also an area famed for its dark skies, perfect for stargazing in the wilderness. And 2022 is the 1900th anniversary since Hadrian’s Wall was built so there’ll be lots of extra events on, an ideal reason to make this the year you complete this road trip. 

Here’s my suggested five day itinerary, which is a bit shorter than the full Northumberland 250 Road trip. And gives you some pointers of where to eat what!

The Pearl : A boat trip to the Farne Islands is a must to see wildlife and hear the tale of brave Grace Darling. Book ahead.

The Grit : You can get around Northumberland by public transport but a car is easier if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

DAY 1 –  ALNWICK / CRASTER AND DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE / HOWICK HALL GARDENS / ALNMOUTH / AMBLE

A short drive out of Newcastle, Alnwick is a historic town which makes a great base to visit the many seaside villages suggested on day 1. (See Where to Stay below)

From Alnwick , go cross-country to Craster . Park just outside of the small fishing village and make your way on foot to the 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle , a pleasant 1.3mile walk along the coastal path. Smoked kippers are a local delicacy if you fancy them for breakfast – buy them from the L.Robson and Sons smokery in the centre of the village. 

Hop back in the car and onto Howick Hall Gardens . Owned by Lord and Lady Grey, this is where the Earl Grey tea blend was invented in the 1800s. Sample some in their tea rooms once you’ve had a good ramble round the extensive formal gardens and arboretum. 

Then onto Alnmouth . Once a seaside retreat for Newcastle’s elite, Alnmouth is today a quiet village with a beautiful white sandy beach.

Finally, make your way to Amble , ‘the friendliest port in England’. Hop on a boat to Coquet Island for some puffin spotting (May to August). Then visit the lobster hatchery at the Amble Harbour village. Walk along the marina to dine at The Fish Shack but make sure you book ahead.

DAY 2 – ALNWICK / HADRIAN’S WALL / HEXHAM

Continue your Northumberland road trip by taking the B roads (B6342 and B6341) from Alnwick to Hexham. The cross-country route is spectacular. Winding country roads open up onto moors with purple heather in bloom, then sweeping vistas of green fields and valleys. Join the very straight Roman road outside of Hexham (B6318) and spend the day visiting ancient landmarks. The ruins of the temple of Mithras makes a brief but interesting stop. Then there’s the huge excavated Roman village and fort of Vindolanda – a proper attraction that requires booking tickets ahead.

To get up close and personal with Hadrian’s Wall itself which is celebrating its 1900 year anniversary in 2022, park at Steel Rigg and walk along to the Sycamore’s Gap. It’s also worth exploring the local visitor centre (they do decent homemade sandwiches) and checking out the 1900 anniversary festival happenings .

For a fancy dinner, head to the Beaumont Hotel next to Hexham Park. For something more relaxed, try Danielle’s Bistro for heartwarming dishes.

If you still have energy after a day of sightseeing, why not spend the evening stargazing? Book a tour at the Battlesteads Observato ry. Or go it alone by parking at Cawfields, Walltown or Stonehaugh and looking up at the night sky.

DAY 3 – HEXHAM / KIELDER FOREST / BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

Leave Hadrian’s Wall country behind and delve into the Kielder Forest , a huge nature reserve that stretches to the Scottish border. We stopped off in Bellingham for a two-hour walk to Hareshaw Linn waterfall . For lunch, head to the Rocky Road cafe for some delicious paninis or a full English. (Note: There aren’t many restaurants or cafes in the forest generally so make the most of places when they’re open!)

Alternatively, you may want to go for a walk by the Kielder reservoir, a huge expanse of water. Many people spend longer here, camping, fishing and cycling. On the northern tip of the reservoir, you’ll find Kielder Castle and its Minotaur maze, as well as the spectacular 12 mile long Kielder Forest drive which then links you up to the A68. This is one of the prettiest parts of the Northumberland road trip.

Then follow the river Tweed from Jedburgh through the borderlands all the way to Berwick. With its Elizabethan ramparts and distinct bridges, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a jewel in Northumberland’s crown, although it was in Scottish hands several times over a 400 year period until 1482.

For pre-dinner drinks, pick up a local pint of craft beer or cider at The Curfew micropub on Bridge Street. For dinner, Atelier offers generous and delicious tapas platters, or try and get a table at the popular Audela across the road.

DAY 4 – BERWICK-UPON-TWEED / HOLY ISLAND

Start the day with cake and coffee at the Mule on Rouge on Bridge Street and then rent a bike from Berwick Cycles next door. Follow the Lowry trail from the lighthouse to Hud’s Head to see where the British painter got his inspiration from.

For lunch, grab a locally smoked hot salmon box at the Corner House , a cafe that feels as comfy as your sitting room, near the military museum set in the 18th century barracks.  

Then hop in the car and continue your Northumberland road trip. Along the coast you’ll find Lindisfarne Island , also known as Holy Island as healer St Cuthbert settled here. Plan ahead as the causeway gets covered in high tide and you don’t want to end up stranded. Once on the island, you can walk to the castle, the priory and the observation tower – look out for the grey seal colony in the bay. Pick up some Lindisfarne Mead from the local distillery or try Lindisfarne Gin or Holy Island Gin at a local pub.

DAY 5 – BAMBURGH CASTLE / FARNE ISLANDS

Start the day across the Tweed at the Riverside Cafe which welcomes Berwickers for a Full Monty Stotty, a full English breakfast in a traditional bread roll. Portions are huge and will keep you going for hours!

Then head over to Bamburgh Castle – make sure you have booked ahead as they have limited visitor numbers. Perched on the top of the cliff overlooking the sandy Northumberland coastline, you can see why the Normans built a fortress to look out for friends and foe. Every window overlooks the sea or surrounding countryside. The castle looks like it was used as the mould for sandcastles, with its turrets and ramparts and flags. Walk round the rooms full of artefacts, notably a piece of gold from 400AD depicting ‘ the Beast of Bamburgh’. 

After a dose of history, finish your Northumberland road trip with a taste of the sea and Northumberland wildlife on a boat trip round the Farne Islands. Get your ticket from one of the many operators in the Seahouses harbour. We went with Golden Gate which is the only operator that lands on Longstone Island. The lighthouse is where local heroine Grace Darling lived with her parents. She gained fame in 1838 when, at the age of 22, she and her father risked their lives to save shipwreck survivors in the middle of the night. As well as learning about her life, the island is home to a healthy grey seal population. And the Farne Islands are a haven for birds, particularly puffins from May to August.

Back on dry land, grab the best fish and chips from Lewis’s Fish , recommended to us by a local. Take a seat on one of the many benches overlooking the Seahouses port as you tuck in.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

As you might have gathered from the itinerary above, Northumbria is full of unique spirits and delicious dishes to try as you go round the county. Here’s a recap of what not to miss:

• A cup of Earl Grey tea at the place it was created
• Locally smoked kippers for breakfast
• Ham and pease pudding stotty, a north-east England delicacy
• Local sustainable lobster and langoustines caught in the North Sea
• Mead brewed on Holy Island
• Salmon smoked just across the border in Scotland
• A full English breakfast stotty (a challenge!)
• Gins for nearly every place in Northumbria (Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick, Lindisfarne…)
• Fresh fish and chips overlooking a charming port

WHERE TO STAY

Close to Newcastle, the market town of Alnwick has its own castle and poison garden(!). For souvenirs, pick up some local mead, gin or tea at the A Taste of Northumbria. Or browse Barter Books, one of the biggest secondhand bookshops in the UK, housed in the Victorian Alnwick Railway Station. Open fireplaces, a model railway, antique books and a cafe make it worth a visit.

Bordering Hadrian’s Wall country, Hexham is a good base to visit the Western area of the county. It has its own 12th century and varied eateries.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

A stone’s throw from Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a lovely seaside city with independent shops and cafes, great restaurants and an easy road down the Northumberland coast.

ROUTE DIRECTION

Days 1, 2 and 3 explore the Southern part of Northumberland, from fishing villages to Hadrian’s Wall and the Kielder forest. Days 4 and 5 explore the Northern coastal road including Holy Island, Bamburg Castle and the Farne Islands. You could switch these around.

• Book attractions well ahead. Popular sites, particularly Vindolanda, Bamburgh Castle and boat trips, have limited visitor numbers and time slots. 
• Reserve tables at restaurants . We found most restaurants aren’t usually open outside of dining hours. So check opening times and book ahead so you don’t end up eating a Tesco sausage roll for dinner in your hotel room (talking from experience…)
• Make it your own . This itinerary is based on my experience but there are so many intriguing roads to explore, walks to go on, pubs to stop off at…use this as a guide and make it your own!

Liked this? Check out my other Coastal Break Ideas.

I love spending time in Northumberland. Craster kippers and Earl Grey tea go wonderfully well together for breakfast. I tend to enjoy them while on the road as my partner does not appreciate the aroma they leave in the kitchen when cooked at home!

Haha it’s true kippers are an acquired taste!

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New Girl in Toon

Inspiring Trips and Treats in the North

Tuesday 14 August 2018

A guide to our northumberland coastal route road trip.

17 comments

We're so lucky to live here aren't we! It's so difficult to pick a favourite spot. I actually don't think I can do it! I think you need a staycation in North Northumberland so you can visit Berwick and Holy Island too xx

We really are! We haven't booked a trip abroad this year because the weather has been so lovely here we've loved just pottering about on the Northumberland coast, it's like being on holiday without any of the expense! Good plan, maybe we should book somewhere overnight in the far north part!

I need to get up to the north and road trip! I had people telling me about the beaches up north, bt I'd never really associated that part of the uk with beautiful beaches. Somewhere else to go on my holiday list! Kate xx

It is such a huge secret so our beaches are not only beautiful but completely deserted! We get pretty decent weather too .. so yes please come visit!

This is so beautiful - and what a fabulous idea for a road trip! https://lizziedrippingblog.blogspot.com/

Thank you, we've loved it!

Rumbling kerns and the long walk to Howick Hall are also great spots to visit. Also between Druridge Bay Country Park and Amble is Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre with a great circular walk and a cafe serving great homemade scones with the most amazing views over the nature reserve and beyond.

Ooooh yes Howick Hall is on my list to visit, we've never been! The nature reserve sounds beautiful, thank you so much for that recommendation ... love that you know I'd appreciate a good scone recommendation!

Awww whenever I read your posts like this it reminds me of how much I love my home town :) Laura x LookAtMyClothes

It is so easy for us to take things for granted but we are truly so so lucky to live in such a fantastic part of the world! Tourists flock to beauty spots like the Lakes and you can't move for people, coaches and queues ... we have the gorgeous scenery, coastline, beaches and hills right here in Northumberland but without the huge throng of visitors - I honestly don't know how we've got away with it!

Ok now I'm excited to come home! I love Amble so much, my mum and step dad go for a week each summer with the dog and they just adore their cottage week there. Have never been to Druridge bay or the Farne islands so lots of new things to do (just a shame I'm heading back after summer is over!)

You have missed the best Summer ever (and I bet everyone keeps telling you that!) .. fingers crossed for a tropical Autumn!

Looks gorge! I really want to try and do a big trip up to the North East next year! x

OMG yes you must!!!

We took our 1st trip to Northumberland last week and found your fantastic trip/guide which we followed. Thank you for this as it really did make our week away very enjoyable.

I am so so glad! We really enjoyed putting it together and if it's made just one persons holiday then it was worth doing. Really hope you had a lovely break :)

Thanks for this -we are visiting round here in A few weeks and your recommendations have been noted. All sounds fantastic.

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Northumberland travel tips

With you every step of the way.

Take our expert advice and use our handy hints and travel tips before you visit Northumberland. From parking information to Holy Island causeway crossing times , we’ve got everything you need.

Be prepared for your visit or stay in Northumberland , and find out more about accessibility in Northumberland , and plan your travel routes in advance with our travel information. Scroll down for details about our dedicated Tourist Information Centres , where the staff are your personal source of inspiration . They're always on the end of a phone, ready to share their passion for Northumberland.

Getting Around

Getting here.

England’s most northerly county, Northumberland, lies next to Scotland in the north east coast of the country. Well connected by road, air, rail and sea, Northumberland enjoys excellent transport links.

Arriving from the south

As you travel northbound up the A1 look out for the mighty Angel of the North in Gateshead, a sign that you aren’t too far from Northumberland.

*Visit Northumberland via the A19 and pass through the Tyne Tunnels - built beneath the Tyne River in 1967 and 2011. If you’re passing through the Tyne Tunnels, pay your toll by midnight the day after your journey online at tt2.co.uk , via the TT2 app , using the automated telephone payment line on 0191 574 0030 or at any PayPoint retailer. You can also purchase your journeys in advance online at tt2.co.uk , via the TT2 app or at any PayPoint retailer, which remain valid for up to 12 months. If you use the Tyne Tunnels regularly - then consider a Pre-Paid account and save 10% on every journey through the tunnel. * Please note: Between the 7th June 2024 and 3rd March 2025 the Northbound Tyne Tunnel will be closed for 36 weekends for maintenance works with a bi-directional layout in the Southbound tunnel -  Find out more

From the north  

Cross the beautiful borders of Scotland making the historic market town of Berwick-upon-Tweed  your first stop, as you travel south on the A1.

Exploring Northumberland by car offers you history soaked views, dramatic coastlines and peace and tranquillity as you travel on some of the most scenic roads in England. Head along the A1068, the Northumberland Coastal Route, and take in the sights of our award winning coastline from behind the wheel. The 39 mile stretch allows you the chance to stop off at coastal villages such as Seahouses and Amble and stretch your legs on gorgeous beaches like Alnmouth and Druridge Bay . Roam along the A69 to the west of the county and cast your eyes over the indomitable Hadrian’s Wall as you drive alongside it. Enjoy a peaceful drive in the unspoilt countryside as you journey through Northumberland National Park . Explore the hills and valleys on the quiet roads of the North Pennines .

Parking in many areas of Northumberland is free including council car parks in Morpeth , Seahouses, Hexham , Alnwick , Berwick, Rothbury and Wooler . If you are using a short stay car park in these towns then you will need to display a parking disc which can be purchased from tourist information centres, local businesses and libraries. Always check signs in the car park for more information.

Why spend the day behind the wheel when you can hop aboard a bus! Journey to Northumberland with coach operators who offer various stop offs points and great links to Newcastle. Northumberland has excellent bus services which will allow you to enjoy a day out in the county, hopping from attraction to market town , admiring the stunning views and beautiful countryside from your window. It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a pub lunch, sample some local ale and let someone else do the driving! Get around for £2  -  Single bus fares for adults have been capped at £2 until December 2024. This offer is currently available with Arriva and Go North East, covering large parts of the county.

Northumberland is only 20 minutes away from the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields. Jump on the shuttle bus to Newcastle, provided by DFDS Seaways, where you can access Northumberland by train from Central Station or by bus from Haymarket Bus Station in Newcastle City Centre.

Land at Newcastle International Airport and you are on the cusp of entering Northumberland. Newcastle welcomes flights from across the globe as well as UK destinations.

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Travelling to and around northumberland faqs.

You can travel around Northumberland via public transport services such as train, bus and taxis. Bus services such as the X15 & X18 run from Newcastle upon Tyne and connect with Morpeth , Alnwick and the Northumberland coast . Northumberland is connected to National Cycle Network Routes such as Route 1 ( Coast and Castles ) and Route 68 ( Pennine Cycleway ). You can also cover large parts of Northumberland by foot on public footpaths such as the Northumberland Coast Path and the Hadrian's Wall Path , which also connect with train and bus services.

Bus: AD122 , operated by Go North East, from Hexham to Haltwhistle . Various stops located in Northumberland National Park along Hadrian’s Wall . Tynedale Links 680 , operated by Go North East, from Hexham to Bellingham on the edge of Northumberland National Park. 418 , operated by Border Buses, from Alnwick to Wooler , via the Coast , on the edge of Northumberland National Park. 267 , operated by Border Buses, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Wooler, via Ford and Etal , on the edge of Northumberland National Park. 464 , operated by Border Buses, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Wooler, via Lowick, on the edge of Northumberland National Park. X74, operated by Peter Hogg of Jedburgh, from Newcastle to Jedburgh, via Otterburn . Train: From Newcastle to Carlisle, operated by Northern. Closest stations to Northumberland National Park are Bardon Mill and Haydon Bridge .

The Ashington line is due to open in 2024 connecting Northumberland towns in the South East of Northumberland with Northumberland Park and Newcastle Central Station.

No, you can travel around Northumberland on public transport services such as train and bus to access the Northumberland coast and Hadrian's Wall Country . The county is also connected to various National Cycle Network Routes and public footpaths if you want to cycle or walk . Northumberland is a large, rural county so a car is advised to access our hidden gems .

Yes, Northumberland has several train stations, making it accessible from Newcastle, Carlise and Edinburgh. Key stations in Northumberland include Morpeth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Hexham, Alnmouth and Cramlington .

£2 single bus fare for adults. £1 single fare and £3 day ticket for young people aged 21 and under. Day tickets for unlimited bus travel in Northumberland for £5. Day tickets for unlimited bus, Metro and Ferry across all of the North East (Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland) for £6.80.

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Northumberland Castles & Coast Road Trip Planner

Price From: £4.99

Access this Northumberland road trip on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months to help with planning your break before you travel, as well as on your holiday, for £4.99. (Select 1 guest and any date as your 12 months starts the day you book so you can start planning quickly!) Includes: route and maps, destinations, attractions, activities, overnight stays (campsites, hotels & B&Bs), hidden gems, viewpoints, wild swim spots and lots more. Puts all the information in your hand, with embedded links for the most up-to-date information and saves you hours of searching so you won't miss a thing. Make the best of your holiday with this trip planner and maps. Fully-flexible to create your perfect stay from 3 nights to 14 nights. Explore the rugged beauty of Northumberland's coastline and its breathtaking beaches. Uncover a wealth of Roman history and delve into the fascinating stories behind the region's fortified castles. Immerse yourself in the history of iconic Northumberland castles. Visit islands, nature reserves, and northern Europe's largest man-made lake, surrounded by lush forests to explore. Treat yourself to the classic delight of traditional fish and chips while taking in scenic views from quaint coastal towns. Get the best out of your break with our user-friendly, online guide that will make planning a breeze. Simply cherry-pick from the options provided ensuring you won’t miss a thing! Northumberland Itinerary • The suggested mapped route is a fully flexible linear route that starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Hexham and heads to Kielder Water before heading back to the coast and following the coastline. The route can take 3 or 4 days (plus you will need to wait for the tide!), depending upon stops however you can adjust this to between 3 and 14 nights. Of course, you can tweak this route as much as you like to make your own perfect route. • The distance of this Northumberland road trip is around 177 miles (286m), with a drive time of around 5.5 hours without stops. This doesn’t factor in stops for Hadrian’s Wall - as there are several parts to visit and you may wish to spend a couple of days visiting all. Destinations Guide: • Save hours using our inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect Northumberland Castles & Coast driving route. • The destination guides cover 10 destination locations and information on detours and nearby on the route. Don’t miss any of the iconic Northumberland castles. • The destination guide includes over 50 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own England. • Use the guides for references and search the maps to locate viewpoints, hidden gems, wild swims, and more. The Uncover More map includes: • 40+ Viewpoints • 70+ Places of interest • 30+ Hidden gems • 4 Wild swim spots • 10+ On Screen locations The Overnight Stay map includes: • 60+ Campsites • 40+ Motorhome stops & almost wild spots • 40+ Hotels • 80+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

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Uncover britain.

Uncover Britain is your ultimate resource for planning and creating your own perfect road trip travel itinerary in the United Kingdom. Their road trips signpost you to everything you need to plan your own perfect route using our road trip plans for inspiration by car, campervan, or motorhome.

The Uncover Britain travel planners keep everything in one place; including destination travel guides, driving routes, overnight stays, attractions, days out and experiences, plus much more.

Save hours using their inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect trip, so download their Northumberland Castles & Coast Road Trip guide today.

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The Ultimate Tuscan Road Trip, New Riviera Maya Residences And More Travel News

Plus, five stunning hotel pools and the world’s first “endless cruise.”

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First Look At the Ritz-Carlton Residences Riviera Maya

I n a post-pandemic world, the leading hotel companies have expanded their branded residences portfolios with homes in some of the most coveted destinations. Later this year, Ritz-Carlton’s newest residential project, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Riviera Maya , will begin construction on the first phase of a development on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The community, which is expected to open in 2026, will feature 127 furnished residences (with prices starting from $1.8 million), and will also include a 300-room hotel with a spa and Kids Club.

Endless Cruise Sets Sail for First 15 Years

The Love Boat notwithstanding, most cruise enthusiasts expect to live on land again at some point. But on May 30, the Villa Vie set sail from Belfast, Northern Ireland, for marathon voyage that could last up to 15 years. Marketing itself as the world's ' first endless cruise ', the vessel’s inaugural itinerary will visit 425 destinations over three and a half years—all in a warm climate. Passengers can book trips for 35 to 120 days, or they can rent a cabin for one or three years. For those who want to go the distance, beginning at $99,000, passengers can buy an inside cabin for the life of the voyage. (Outdoor cabins cost $149,000 and those who want a balcony will pay $249,000.) And should some ambitious folks want to sail beyond the 15-year life of the Villa Vie, for $299,000 they can transfer to a cabin on a newly refurbished ship.

This is the published version of Forbes’ Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

The ultimate tuscan road trip for wine lovers.

Pisa may be renowned for its leaning tower, but it’s also the gateway to one of Italy’s newest DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) wine appellations. For those who want to take a road trip through the region, many Tuscan wineries have charming, rustic estates where visitors can spend the night after a day of wine tastings. Here are 10 vineyards in Pisa that welcome guests .

Want to visit a country that has a strong tourism economy ? According to a new report by the World Economic Forum, the United States has the strongest economy for tourism based on several factors, including airports and ports, natural and cultural resources, safety and security, price competitiveness and an openness to tourism. Spain ranks second in 2024 and Japan rounds out the top three.

5 Gorgeous Hotel Pools Worth Traveling For

If having a pool day—or week—is a vacation priority, here are five of the most beautiful hotel swimming pools worth the trip alone. From a dramatic rock-lined pool in Saudi Arabia to one overlooking rapids in Uganda, these splashy settings are all Instagram-worthy.

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10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

Scotland is a rugged and beautiful country that’s perfect for exploring on a road trip. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to discover. There are countless historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I absolutely love Scotland. It’s stunningly beautiful and I can never get enough of the countless changing landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and warm, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of times in the last decade, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. Home to just 5.5 million people, it’s a sparsely populated land, so much of your driving here will be out in the countryside. The country is just built for it.

But there are still a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least):

Table of Contents

1. Get Travel Insurance

2. rent the right vehicle, 3. be ready to drive on the left, 4. understand roundabouts, 5. know the speed limits, 6. add in time for scenic stops, 7. download the right apps, 8. bring a paper map, 9. understand how to drive on single-track roads, 10. don’t rush, suggested routes, scotland road trip faq, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

I never leave home without travel insurance . And I never rent a car without comprehensive insurance either.

I know, it’s an added expense. And chances are you won’t even need it.

But what happens if you do need it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for damage. And that could cost you thousands.

Scotland has lots of narrow, rugged, or single-track roads (more on those later) that can be tricky to navigate. Tire and windshield damage is common. Throw in the ever-changing weather, and you’ve got recipe for trouble.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out car insurance for your road trip. The peace of mind is worth it.

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars . When you book, it’s easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. The site makes it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You essentially have two choices when it comes to renting a vehicle in Scotland — and choice will drastically impact your trip. Your options are a car or a campervan.

A car will be cheaper and use less gas, but you’ll have to find accommodation each night. A campervan/RV will be more money and require more fuel, but you can sleep inside the vehicle and thus save money on accommodation. (It’s not my jam but to each their own.)

Both options make for an amazing trip, so there is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind that manual transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you want a vehicle with automatic transmission, you’ll need to specify that while booking.  

Traffic in Scotland flows on the left, just like the rest of the UK. This is the opposite of the US, Canada, and the majority of Europe (only Ireland, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you rent a manual vehicle, you’ll be switching gears with your left hand instead of your right, which has a bit of a learning curve. (Personally, I prefer an automatic).

Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, drive cautiously. Driving on the left can be especially challenging when you arrive at a roundabout (more on that below) or in a city. Take it slow at first, until you adjust.  

Roundabouts are a traffic circles that serve as intersections, instead of stop lights or stop signs. They force vehicles to slow down without stopping the flow of traffic. While they aren’t especially common in the US, they are incredibly popular in Europe (they reduce serious traffic accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are very common in Scotland. And they flow in the opposite direction (clockwise) than do those in the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, slow down drastically and yield to traffic in the roundabout until you have an opening to enter the traffic circle. All traffic flows the same direction in a roundabout.

If there are multiple lanes, you’ll need to be on an outer lane when exiting. The inner lane of the roundabout is for cars not exiting immediately.

When you’re ready to exit the roundabout, signal so cars behind you know you will be turning.

If you’re not comfortable when you arrive at a roundabout, just take it slow and signal your intentions. They are much easier to handle than you think!  

Posted speed limits in Scotland are written in miles. While this is helpful for Americans like me, travelers from countries that use kilometers will want to pay extra attention.

Common speed limits are:

• Built-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Dual roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are just guides, however. Always follow local signage to ensure safety. When in doubt, it’s always better to go slower rather than faster until you verify the speed. I’d write down some common conversions so you can have them handy if you get confused.  

I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you only have a few days, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Scotland, from quaint towns to scenic vistas to short hikes.

You’re going to want to pull over every few minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or abandoned castle. The landscape is so beautiful that even the average sights are Insta-worthy. For that reason, build in buffer time in your itinerary so that, if you decide to stop or take a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t recommend this enough. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you stumble into. And you definitely don’t want to be rushing from sight to sight either, so plan to be diverted.  

I know, when you head out on a road trip, the point is to get away from your phone so you can enjoy the local culture and stunning views. However, there are lots of apps out there that can help you save money, stay safe, and save time. Everyone road-tripping around Scotland should have the following apps downloaded to their phone:

• Met Weather – This is the best weather app for the UK. Conditions can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A helpful app for finding spots to park for your RV or campervan (including free ones).
• Flush – A helpful app for finding public restrooms.
• Petrol Prices – An app for finding and comparing nearby gas prices for when you need to refuel.

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map . I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Scotland is generally reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost (likely to happen if you’re driving through remote areas), or if there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it (they make nice souvenirs after a trip too).  

Once you get out of the cities, you may encounter single-track roads. These are essentially two-way roads that only have space for one vehicle. This means that if you encounter oncoming traffic, there is no room for you to pass one another.

Fortunately, these roads usually have passing areas built into them at regular intervals, allowing cars to pull over to make room. Take advantage of these when you see traffic coming, so that you can easily pass one another.

Additionally, take it slow around corners on single-track roads. Accidents can occur here because you can’t see oncoming traffic (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and always be prepared to stop.

Lastly, keep in mind that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can happen easily, especially if you’re pulling off to the side to make room for passing vehicles. For that reason, make sure you have a spare tire and that you also have insurance coverage for your tires, just to be safe.  

While Scotland isn’t huge, there are still a lot of things see and do here. It may be tempting to rush, so you can pack more into your itinerary, but I strongly encourage you to not do so. Quality, not quantity, is the name of the game. I’ve been on countless road trips around the world, and slower is always better. That means driving less and spending more time at each stop. Do that, and you’ll be able to soak in a lot more of Scotland’s unique culture.

Furthermore, chances are you’ll be driving on a lot of smaller, winding roads here, often surrounded by ambling farm animals to watch out for. That means, for safety reasons, you’ll need to slow down and really focus on the drive. Admire the sights, leave room for spontaneous detours, and forget about rushing from sight to sight. You won’t regret it!  

There are a few popular road trip routes in Scotland. They each offer different things to see and do, and each require different amounts of time to complete. To make the most of your time, pick the route that best suits your travel interests.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the best road trip routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – This is probably the most popular road trip route in the country. It loops around the northern tip of Scotland, usually starting and ending in Inverness. Popular stops include Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave , John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll want at least five days, though seven days would be preferable. Just keep in mind that it can get busy in the summer.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the Highlands that’s both a National Scenic Area and National Nature Reserve. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is just 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it an easy day trip (though I suggest stopping overnight, so you can really soak up the views). It’s also a part of several road trip routes, including the Argyll Coastal Route (listed next).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route along the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s a great alternative to the North Coast 500, as it’s less popular (and thus less crowded). Popular stops along this route include the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

While you could easily drive the distance in a single day, plan to spend at least three days. That will give you time to see the highlights without rushing.

Highlands Tourist Route – Cutting across the eastern side of the country, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a popular choice for history buffs, as there are numerous castle and museum stops, as well as the site of the last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is just 116 miles (187 kilometers), but at least three days are needed to take it all in.  

If you pick a shorter route or just want to do a weekend road trip to camp, three days will suffice.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? Some of the most scenic drives in Scotland include the Argyll Coastal Route, the entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Tourist Route.

Is driving in Scotland difficult? While driving in the cities can be a pain, once you get out into the countryside, it is very easy. Just use caution on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and remember that you have to drive on the left!

Can you drive onto the Isle of Skye? Yep! It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge.

What is the best month for a Scotland road trip? Generally, April-October is the best time to visit. Personally, I like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the changing leaves. It won’t be as warm, but prices will be lower and everything will be less busy.

Scotland is a beautiful destination and perfect for road trips. With stunning scenery, historic sights, plentiful hiking opportunities, and possible Loch Ness monster sightings, I think renting a car to explore is the best way to experience the country. Whether you want to discover the rugged coast or weave about the Highlands, having a car or campervan will make it both possible and affordable. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Scotland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Scotland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Scotland for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Travel app Sēkr can plan your next road trip with its new AI tool

Sēkr, a startup that offers a mobile app for outdoor enthusiasts and campers, is launching a new AI tool for planning road trips. The new tool, called Copilot, is available on the startup’s updated website and app, which is used by more than 100,000 users. 

The company was founded in 2016 with the goal of helping the “van life” community find campsites based on their needs, such as shower facilities, restrooms, overnight van parking or free Wi-Fi. The app also allows users to connect with fellow travelers who want to participate in outdoor activities together, like rock climbing or skiing.

After being acquired by van company Peace Vans in December 2023, the startup is under new leadership. Sēkr and Peace Vans CEO Harley Sitner was a user of the app for seven years but had noticed last year that the app had gone dormant. He learned that the founders of the startup were going to unwind the app due to the sudden shift in global fundraising climates in late 2022, despite having a strong user base. Sitner, who was a former product manager at Microsoft, was approached to acquire Sēkr in November 2023.

Fast-forward eight months, the startup is now looking to help people better plan the journeys to their destinations, while also updating the app with enhanced features that stay true to Sēkr’s original mission.

With the new AI-powered road trip planning tool, Sēkr is combining natural language processing with proprietary data from its community of users who have left reviews and ratings about specific places. Copilot also looks at publicly available data when creating road trip itineraries. The tool leverages OpenAI’s GPT, Meta’s Llama and others.

“For the millions of people traveling by van, car, or RV this summer, Sēkr Copilot will help you bypass hours of trip planning to quickly deliver a better itinerary,” Sitner said in a statement. “AI isn’t going to create a panoramic sunset, but it will help you overcome the notorious planner’s block, set you up for serendipitous moments, and connect you to an authentic road trip experience co-created by Sēkr’s incredible community of dedicated users.” 

Copilot can be accessed via the new “Trip Planning” tab on the startup’s website or app. Once users open the tool, they will be asked to answer a series of prompts about where they’re going and what they’re looking for. The tool will then provide a travel itinerary that has editable trip legs that include camping destinations, stops for food and outdoor activities. 

The idea behind Copilot is to help travelers discover unique places that they may not have known about otherwise. For instance, the tool may encourage travelers to check out a taco truck parked by the side of a dusty road in Baja that users have said offers better food than a five-star reviewed Denny’s outside of Los Angeles. Or, the tool may encourage users to explore secluded, unmarked areas in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land that overlooks scenic views. 

Sēkr is available on iOS and Android . The app’s basic features are free to use. Users can unlock premium features like, offline maps, event discount codes, and unlimited messaging and searching for $4.99 per month.

The startup previously received $2.25 million in seed funding led by Storyteller Overland, with participation from Backstage Capital, Techstars, Ad Astra Ventures, Crescent Ridge Ventures and Andy Ballester, the co-founder of GoFundMe.

Travel app Sēkr scores $2.25 million to bring campsite inventory into the digital age

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