This post was published by our writer Bethanie in September 2023. Please always check with venues direct for the most up to date info.
Northumbrians are spoilt for choice when it comes to countryside walks and cosy pubs serving delicious cooked roasts, all using local produce.
This post is making my mouth water just thinking about it.
As we enter the season of autumn, many of us look for ways to still get outdoors as much as possible. What could be a better reward after a bracing walk, then a sunday dinner that has been cooked for you and with no dishes to clear up?
Here is a roundup of our top five Sunday lunch spots with nearby walks:
1 - Bamburgh to Seahouses
- Parking: NE69 7BJ
- Pushchair/wheelchair friendly?: Yes if you stick to the path
- Length: 3-4 miles each way (a bus is available for the return journey)
- Recommended Sunday Lunch Spot: The Ship Inn or The Black Swan (both Seahouses Village)
- Playground: Bamburgh Village
Leave the car in the village of Bamburgh, parking in the large car park as you first enter the village or at the links car park on the outskirts. Both car parks are pay and display. I think the parking is a little pricey so if you can get a space right next to the beach in one of the free car parks then great. Free spaces are limited though.
From here you can drop down onto Bamburgh beach and head along the coast, south towards Seahouses. This walk is approximately 3 miles and you can keep to the beach or take the coastal path which mostly follows the road.
Once you arrive in Seahouses, head to one of the village pubs for your well deserved Sunday lunch. I'd recommend booking a table in advance. Our top recommendations are The Olde Ship Inn and The Black Swan. Both lovely traditional pubs with good food.
If you don’t fancy the walk back on a full stomach, there is a bus service that stops in Seahouses and will take you back to Bamburgh. (Please note these are less frequent on Sundays so plan your trip ahead.)
2 - Northumberlandia
- Parking: NE23 8AU
- Pushchair/wheelchair friendly?: Partially - most pushchairs / wheelchairs stick to the exterior path around the perimeter of the sculpture
- Length: As long/short as you like up to 4 miles to complete the full sculpture
- Recommended Sunday Lunch Spot: Snowy Owl Pub next door
- Playground: There are playgrounds in nearby Cramlington (check out Alexandra Park)
A gorgeous, cosy pub is The Snowy Owl near Cramlington. We have stopped here for breakfast before a long car journey or called in for lunch after a walk at Northumberlandia.
With roaring fires, little nooks and a tasty seasonal menu, The Snowy Owl is part of the Vintage Inns collection. If you like your classic countryside pubs, then this one’s for you.
Right next door to The Snowy Owl, is the famous Northumberlandia site. You will probably need to park here before driving round to the pub as it is situated just off a busy road.
Parking at Northumberlandia is free and it is free to get into the country park although donations are welcomed.
Northumberlandia, The Lady of the North, is a country park with woodland area and trails. It provides panoramic views across the county and towards Newcastle.
The paths are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it a perfect walk for the whole family.
Read more about accessibility here, to help plan your visit.
3 - Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle
- Parking: NE66 3TS
- Pushchair/wheelchair friendly?: You mostly walk on grass and it can be a little bumpy / muddy in places. I think an all terrain pushchair or mobility scooter would be ok but a manual pushchair/wheelchair may be a struggle
- Length: Around 1.5 miles each way
- Recommended Sunday Lunch Spot: The Jolly Fisherman
- Playground: Craster Village
This is already a popular walk for many people, but it is a great one to do with kids so I thought it was worth mentioning again.
Parking in Craster is only available in the large quarry car park just before you enter the village. The road through Craster village is for access only.
Once you have left the car in the car park, walk towards the harbour and bear left, following the footpath past a row of houses. From here you will be able to see the dramatic outline of Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. This is where your walk will be taking you.
The walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a little over 1 mile, through a grassy field which is flat, making this an ideal walk for kids. We normally just walk up to the castle before heading back, but you can extend the walk by following the coastal path along the Embleton beach.
Once you arrive back in the Craster village, head up the slight hill to The Jolly Fisherman Inn. A gastropub and seafood restaurant, with a fantastic menu serving freshly caught fish right in the harbour.
It was voted as having one of the best beer gardens in England and while it is a little pricey, it definitely makes for a nice treat. There is a good children’s menu as well as Sunday dinner and lunch menus.
4 - Sycamore Gap
- Parking: NE47 7AN
- Pushchair/wheelchair friendly?: I would be inclined to say it's not as although there is a flat route, it is still very muddy in places. I'd definitely recommend a sling over a pushchair.
Northumberland National Park do say this route is accessible though so if you're feeling up for a challenge, it may be worth a try with an all terrain mobility scooter. - Length: 2 miles each way
- Recommended Sunday Lunch Spot: Twice Brewed Inn
- Playground: There is a small playground at The Sill next door to the pub.
If you head towards the other end of Northumberland, you will find the Twice Brewed Inn, situated next door to The Sill and the start of the walk to Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall.
The Twice Brewed Inn is open from 9am daily, offering teas, coffees and homemade cakes. Food is served from 12pm in the restaurant, bar and conservatory areas.
Its location makes it the perfect stop for Sunday lunch after you have walked the section of Hadrian’s Wall to Sycamore Gap.
Sycamore Gap is thought to be one of the most photographed spots in the whole of the Northumberland National Park, after finding its fame because of its dramatic location.
You can read a more in depth description on how to walk to Sycamore Gap with kids in this previous post. It is one that is manageable for little legs and is approximately 2 miles there and back.
You can park closer to the start of the walk at the Steel Rigg car park, but this is a very small car park so you need to get there nice and early.
I would recommend parking at the pub if you are going to be calling in for Sunday lunch, otherwise there is parking at The Sill. 
Play Area a The Sill
The Twice Brewed Inn has grown in popularity so it is best to ring ahead and book a table. They also have amazing star gazing packages in their new planetarium space, which can be booked separately.
5 - Rothbury Riverside Walk
- Parking: NE65 7QR (90 spaces)
- Pushchair/wheelchair friendly?: Yes - the path is surfaced along the riverside
- Length: As long/short as you fancy
- Recommended Sunday Lunch Spot: Newcastle House Carvery
- Playground: Rothbury Riverside
Another favourite walking spot of ours, is the riverside walk in Rothbury. This is a flat route with scenic views and has a play park, so everyone is happy.
Parking in the village of Rothbury is free and there is a large car park right next to the river, over a bridge from the play park.
Park here and cross over the bridge, then turn left. You can then follow the footpath along to Lady’s Bridge, enjoying views of the Simonside hills and Coquet valley. There is a golf course on the other side of the river and the village itself has a handful of independent shops, cafes and pubs.
Once you have finished your walk (and maybe had a play in the park), walk into the centre of Rothbury and head towards the Newcastle House.
There are plenty of places to choose from to eat in Rothbury including the fabulous Italians (which annoyingly don’t take bookings over the phone so you have to chance your luck). But I have chosen Newcastle House for its Sunday carvery option.
The carvery menu changes every week but to give you an idea of what’s on the menu you can take a look at their website.
The Newcastle House is full of the charm and ‘local pub’ characteristics you would expect to find. The staff are friendly and combined with the riverside walk, makes for a lovely Sunday out with the family.
I am sure this has whetted your appetite for some delicious pub grub along with short walks that everyone can enjoy, the question is: where will you head first?
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