A practical guide to living in Northumberland, best places to live and moving guide.

Northumberland is a vast and breathtaking county in the North East, defined by its rugged coastline, ancient castles and sparsely populated uplands. Unlike urban counties, Northumberland’s identity is rooted in its wild beauty, dark skies and deep history as a borderland between England and Scotland.

The county functions as a rural and tourism-led economy, supporting agriculture, forestry and renewable energy, while offering residents arguably the most tranquil and spacious lifestyle in England.

Interesting facts about Northumberland

• Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England (over 70), largely due to its turbulent border history.
• Alnwick Castle starred as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films and is still the family home of the Duke of Northumberland.
• The county is home to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park (Kielder Water & Forest), the largest area of protected night sky in Europe.
• Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches across the southern part of the county.
• Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is accessible only by a causeway that is submerged by the sea twice a day.

Considering a house move to Northumberland?

Northumberland appeals to those seeking space, silence and scenery. It attracts retirees, remote workers and families who want to escape the rat race and live in a place where traffic jams are caused by sheep, not cars.

House prices vary a lot such as areas around coastal villages like Bamburgh are premium while inland market towns and rural cottages offer relatively lower cost of housing. 

Before finalising your move to Northumberland, it’s worth spending time experiencing the county from a resident’s perspective. Walk along the beach at Druridge Bay to feel the solitude and visit the market town of Morpeth or Hexham to understand the local amenities. Testing the train services on the East Coast Main Line (from Alnmouth or Berwick) can help you assess connections to Edinburgh and London, while a drive into the Cheviot Hills will reveal the sheer scale of the landscape.

If you are moving from another part of the UK, we recommend thinking about the logistics early. At Pickfords, our nationwide network is supported by local experience in Northumberland to help ensure smooth and well-organised home and office moves.

Things to consider before deciding to move

1. Location: matters If you’re planning a house move and researching for local removals services in Northumberland, understanding the geography is vital.

• South East (Cramlington/Blyth): More urban, commuter belt for Newcastle.
• Tyne Valley (Hexham/Corbridge): Affluent, riverside towns with good rail links.
• Coastal (Alnwick/Bamburgh): Historic, tourism-led, stunning scenery.
• Rural West: Very remote, agricultural, centered around Kielder and the Cheviots.

2. Employment and income stability: Employment is centred around public services, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing (in the south east). Many residents in the south commute to Newcastle upon Tyne or Sunderland.

3. Schools and family life: Northumberland operates a mix of two-tier and three-tier school systems depending on the area. The lifestyle for children is unmatched offering beaches, forests and history to explore on the doorstep.

4. Transport and commuting

• Rail: The East Coast Main Line stops at Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed (London approx. 3.5 hrs). The Tyne Valley line connects west to Carlisle.
• Road: The A1 is the spine of the county; the A69 connects east-west.
• Newcastle Airport is easily accessible for international travel.

5. Lifestyle and social environment: Life in Northumberland is slower and friendly. Village halls, country shows, walking groups and stargazing shape social life, making it ideal for people who value community and nature over urban convenience.

Best areas to live in Northumberland

Choosing the right area in Northumberland depends on your need for connectivity versus isolation.

Morpeth Morpeth: It is a thriving market town and the county’s administrative centre. It is affluent, with excellent schools (King Edward VI) and high-end shopping at Sanderson Arcade. With a 15-minute train journey to Newcastle, it is the top choice for commuters.

Hexham: Voted the happiest place to live in the UK multiple times, Hexham is a historic abbey town in the Tyne Valley. It has a strong independent retail scene, a cinema and a direct rail link to Newcastle. It feels cultured and community-focused.

Alnwick: Famous for its castle and gardens, Alnwick acts as the hub for the north of the county. It is picturesque, with cobbled streets and the famous Barter Books. It is perfect for those who want a rural town feel but need supermarkets and services nearby.

Just down the road from Hexham, Corbridge is a Roman town that is now a boutique destination. It is filled with delis, fashion shops and historic pubs. It is expensive but offers a very high quality of village life.

Ponteland: Located outside Newcastle (near the airport), Ponteland is known for its "celebrity" status and large, luxury homes. It offers a village atmosphere with city-style amenities and top-rated schools, bridging the gap between urban and rural.

If you are moving to Northumberland from another part of the UK, it’s also worth considering the practical side of the move early on.

Since long-distance moves often involve the A1 (which is single carriageway in parts north of Morpeth), considering removal companies that provide nationwide coverage supported by local knowledge of the North East will ensure a smooth and efficient move.

Things to do in Northumberland

Life in Northumberland is shaped by the outdoors. Residents enjoy walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path, visiting the Alnwick Garden (including the Poison Garden) and taking boat trips to the Farne Islands to see puffins and seals.

Stargazing at Kielder Observatory is a must-do winter activity.

Northumberland’s location offers a unique dual access. You can be shopping in Edinburgh or Newcastle in under an hour by train, yet live in complete rural isolation. This balance of connectivity and wilderness is a key part of everyday life in Northumberland.

Frequently asked questions

Is Northumberland a good place to live long-term?

Yes. It offers a calm, safe and spacious environment with a lower cost of living than the south, making it ideal for a relaxed long-term lifestyle.

Is Northumberland suitable for families?

Yes. The sense of freedom, safe and secure environment and access to nature, creates a wonderful environment for raising family. 

What should I consider when arranging removals in Northumberland?

When planning removals in Northumberland, it’s important to factor in the weather and roads. Winter can be relatively harsh in the uplands and rural lanes can be narrow for large vans. Whether you are moving locally or from another part of the UK, careful preparation and local expertise is essential before moving home.

How do removal companies in Northumberland support local and long-distance moves?

Experienced removal companies in Northumberland support a wide range of moves, from farm relocations to townhouse moves. Planning routes along the A1 and managing rural access are key considerations. For moves involving larger households or longer distances, working with an established removals provider ensures reliability.

Are office removals handled differently from home moves?

If you are planning to move your business and office in Northumberland, it requires a different approach. Commercial relocations often involve business parks in Cramlington or rural enterprise hubs, requiring coordination with logistics.

Does Pickfords also cover surrounding areas of Northumberland?

Yes. At Pickfords, we regularly support moves to and from Northumberland as well as across the wider North East including Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland and the Scottish Borders. Whether you are looking to move your home or considering an office relocation, you can trust our experienced move managers.