- Play Hard
- 6th May 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
New openings, anniversaries and what’s on in Northumberland this spring
- Advertisement Feature
From freshly refurbished boltholes to Michelin-star arrivals, a century of forest and 200 years of lighthouse, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Northumberland.
Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or discovering the county for the first time, there has never been a better moment to head north.
NEW OPENINGS
Hadrian’s Hotel reopens its doors
Open now
If you’ve been searching for a proper Northumberland bolthole, Hadrian’s Hotel has your name on the door. Think crackling log fires, worn wooden floors and the kind of warmth that seeps into your bones after a long day on the fells. This beautifully refurbished retreat has just completed a full renovation and is now taking bookings, staying true to everything that made it special in the first place: a genuinely cosy, homely atmosphere where history and comfort sit side by side. It has everything under one roof- a gastropub, destination restaurant and boutique and cosy accommodation. Whether you’re planning a base for Hadrian’s Wall, exploring the national park, or simply in need of a proper switch-off, it delivers on every count.
Eshott Hall reopens under Wildhive
Spring
One of Northumberland’s most elegant country houses is getting a fresh chapter. The stunning Georgian manor near Morpeth has been acquired by the Wildhive Collection, known for their quietly luxurious, nature-led approach to hospitality, and will reopen this spring following a transformation that began last November. Expect graceful Georgian interiors paired with woodland cabins, a spa designed for genuine deep-down relaxation, and seasonal dining celebrating Northumberland’s extraordinary larder. Romantic, restorative and very on-brand for the county.
Freyja: a new Michelin-star experience is coming to Northumberland
Autumn
The team behind the celebrated Michelin-starred Hjem, arguably one of the most talked-about dining destinations in the North East, has announced a thrilling new venture. Freyja opens this autumn on the beautiful Close House Estate and, crucially, it comes with on-site rooms, making this a brand-new dining and accommodation destination for the county. Given the pedigree behind it, expectations are sky-high. We’ll be watching this one very closely.
Goswick gets its first new hole in 60 years
April
This is a big deal for golfers across the north. Goswick Links, the beloved coastal course south of Berwick, is about to unveil its first all-new hole since the 1960s. Ground was broken at the end of 2025, with golf course architect Tom Mackenzie overseeing the shaping of the tees, green and surrounds. For a course already blessed with some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the north, this new addition could very well become a favourite.
Kielder Castle returns
Autumn
After closing in 2020 and beginning a major refurbishment in August 2025, Kielder Castle is on track to reopen to the public later this year. Its return feels especially fitting in a year when Kielder celebrates its 100th anniversary – a homecoming for one of the great landmarks of this extraordinary corner of Northumberland, surrounded by miles of walking and cycling trails in the heart of England’s largest forest.
Fratelli’s brings Sardinian flavour to Hexham
Coming soon
Following the runaway success of its Ponteland outpost, Fratelli’s is heading to Hexham. Positioned right opposite the Abbey, this new Italian and Sardinian restaurant will bring authentic flavours, a stylish interior and, come summer, a sun-soaked al fresco terrace perfectly placed for long lazy lunches. Opening date to be confirmed, but this one is going to be popular.
The Coliseum Bouldering Centre – breathing new life into an iconic 100 year old building
Open now
Experience Northumberland’s first fully fledged bouldering facility. The Coliseum is built for progression at every level, with fresh climbs set every Monday and a safe, well-managed environment maintained through clear supervision, structured inductions and strong safeguarding standards. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned climber, this is one to check out.
WHAT’S ON IN NORTHUMBERLAND THIS SPRING & SUMMER
The Cheviot 7 Peaks Challenge
Recently launched
Fells Kitchen’s brilliant new take on the Three Peaks: 24 miles, 7 summits, a 13/14 hour target time — but with a posh picnic and homemade cakes at every checkpoint. Whether you’re a seasoned hillwalker or just someone who fancies a proper adventure with excellent snacks along the way, this one has your name on it.
Dirty Reiver — 10th anniversary
April
One of the UK’s finest gravel cycling events turns 10 at Kielder Forest. Three routes — 200km, 130km and 65km — through some of the most dramatic forest scenery in England. Entries are expected to sell fast, so check the website for availability.
Hexham Abbey Festival
Spring
Visit Hexham is planning a festival to mark a truly remarkable moment: 2026 is 750 years since the Vikings burned down Hexham Abbey. A town as historically rich as Hexham is the perfect setting for what promises to be a highlight of the spring calendar. Further details to be announced.
Northumberland County Show
Saturday 23rd May
One of the great fixtures of the rural calendar, a proper celebration of Northumberland’s farming heritage with livestock classes, country crafts, showjumping, local food producers and all the atmosphere of a traditional county show. A brilliant day out for all ages.
Belsay Horse Trials
15th – 17th May
Set in the grounds of the stunning Belsay Hall estate, this popular equestrian event draws competitors and spectators from across the region. Sport, beautiful scenery and an excuse to wander one of Northumberland’s finest historic properties, a very enjoyable day out.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: If you’re looking for the ultimate place to stay nearby, we know just the spot!
The Northumbrian – 5th anniversary
June
The ultimate endurance event returns to Kielder Forest for its fifth year, open to a limited number of individuals and teams ready to conquer the waters, forests and terrain that give this corner of Northumberland its unique, wild character.
MightyDub Fest
19th – 21st June
A joyful celebration of VW campervan culture set in the Northumberland landscape. A brilliant family day out with a great community atmosphere, extraordinary vehicles and, inevitably, excellent vibes.
Lindisfarne Festival
3rd – 5th September
Returning to the Northumberland coast, the Lindisfarne Festival brings live music, folk sessions and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere to one of England’s most magical settings. With Holy Island on the horizon and the coast stretching out around you, it’s a festival experience quite unlike any other in the country.
Berwick Lighthouse 200th birthday
17th October
On 17 October 1826, Berwick Lighthouse was first lit, casting its beam across the Tweed estuary for the very first time. Two centuries later, the Port of Berwick and The Maltings Trust will mark this milestone with a programme of events building throughout the year to the anniversary itself.
Berwick Food and Beer Festival
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th August 2026
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Berwick Food & Beer Festival, and if last year was anything to go by, festival goers are in for a treat like no other. The Parade comes alive across the 14th–16th August with live music, craft ales, bold street food and over 50 local producers. Two decades in, this one’s shaping up to be the best yet.
NORTHUMBERLAND MILESTONES & ANNIVERSARIES OF 2026
It’s not just new openings making 2026 special, this is a year packed with landmark anniversaries for some of the county’s most iconic places and organisations.
From Berwick Lighthouse turning 200 and Kielder Forest reaching its centenary, to the Northumberland National Park marking 70 years and The Alnwick Garden celebrating 25, the county has never had more to raise a glass to.
Langley Castle Hotel turns 40, the Vindolanda Trust marks 20 years of charitable status, and the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus, which carried 40,000 passengers in 2025 alone, celebrates two decades of sustainable access to one of England’s greatest landmarks. Northumberland has always had a way of surprising people. It’s bigger, wilder and more full of life than most visitors expect. This year, with so much to celebrate and so much opening up, feels like the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, one of England’s finest counties.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.