Where is Northumberland?
Northumberland is located in the very northeast of England, bordering Scotland to the North and the English county of Tyne & Wear on its southern border. It’s neighboured by other counties including County Durham (to the west) and Cumbria (in the south).
Areas in Northumberland
Northumberland is made up of fourteen districts – each with its own unique character! Some of the most popular places for prospective home buyers include:
Berwick-upon-Tweed – the most northerly town in England, and a popular tourist destination, Berwick-upon-Tweed is situated on the north bank of the River Tweed and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Alnwick – home to Alnwick Castle, which has been used as a location for films such as Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, and also features the Alnwick Garden – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northumberland.
Bamburgh – situated on the Northumberland Coast and well known for its dramatic castle ruins, Bamburgh is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists.
Warkworth – a small village located in Northumberland with rich history, including the impressive ruins of Warkworth Castle, Warkworth Hermitage and the 12th century St. Lawrence’s Church.
Northumberland National Park – stretching from the Scottish border to the North Sea coast, this nature reserve has an extensive network of footpaths and cycle routes.
Hexham – a quaint market town in the north of Northumberland, Hexham is home to a large market square and the imposing Abbey which dominates the town centre.
Alnmouth – situated on Alnwick Bay, this charming coastal village is home to a wide variety of independent shops, restaurants and pubs.
Morpeth – Morpeth is known for its Georgian architecture and pretty riverside setting, as well as its annual Northumbrian Gathering which celebrates traditional music, dance and crafts.
Universities in Northumberland
While there are no universities in Northumberland both Newcastle University and Northumbria University are within easy travel distance. Both Universities have excellent reputations and offer a range of courses to suit everyone’s needs.
Newcastle University – Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world, Newcastle University is a prestigious institution with a global outlook. With campuses in Newcastle and London, as well as partnerships with institutions all over the world, Newcastle University offers its students an unrivalled educational experience.
Northumbria University – A modern and innovative university, Northumbria University takes a practical approach to teaching and learning. The location of the universities makes them accessible for students from all over Northumberland as well as those who travel in from south Tyneside or beyond Newcastle upon Tyne.
Top Schools in Northumberland
The top schools in the county include
Brinkburn Comprehensive School – A large, general comprehensive with an excellent reputation throughout the county, Brinkburn Comprehensive School offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on providing a good range of courses.
Whitley Bay High School – A specialist Business & Enterprise College, Whitley Bay High has excellent facilities for learning that include an impressive professional standard theatre, sports centre and swimming pool.
The Duchess’s Community High School – The Duchess Community offers the highest quality of education to all its students, with a strong focus on music and the arts.
St Thomas More Catholic Academy – An academy for children aged 11 to 18. A high achieving academic college that places great emphasis on extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities.
Population of Northumberland
As of the 2019 census, the population of Northumberland was 319,010. This is a decrease from the 2011 census, which reported a population of 322,762, making Northumberland one of the more sparsely populated counties in England. However, with the recent development of new housing estates in the north and south of the county, this number is likely to rise in the coming years.
