Spring in Northumberland
Seasonal Highlights near our Wooden Star Cottages
Spring in Northumberland always feels like a season that arrives quietly, before suddenly everything seems to happen all at once! Many of springtime’s most memorable experiences are short-lived during April and May, which makes it a particularly rewarding time to visit if you know what to look out for. From blossom displays and tulip fields to lambing season and early garden openings, plenty is happening across the county at this time of year.
Blossom and Spring Gardens
One of the most striking signs of spring arriving is the appearance of blossom across Northumberland’s gardens and historic estates. One of the best-known places to experience this is Alnwick Gardens, where the famous Taihaku cherry blossom is often a highlight of the season.
This dramatic display of large, pale blossoms creates a short but unforgettable window of colour, usually at its peak in late April or early May, depending on the weather. Alongside this, the wider gardens begin to shift into full spring colour, with seasonal planting and tulips adding layers of interest throughout the site.
Spring is also a good time to visit gardens and estates across the wider county. Many feel quieter than in summer, making it easier to enjoy the space at a slower pace — whether you’re exploring formal gardens or simply enjoying a peaceful walk through parkland as the season changes.
For more information about tickets, and the live Taihaku ‘Blossom Watch 2026’ visit the link below.
Tulip Fields at Brocksbushes
New for 2026, are tulip fields at Brocksbushes Farm Shop near Corbridge. With 160,00 tulips and over 30 varieties, this new experience offers an eye-catching and a popular site to photograph this spring in Northumberland.
The tulip fields are only open for a limited window, but when in bloom they create a striking and colourful landscape that feels quite different from the surrounding countryside. Rows of colourful tulips stretch across the field, with carefully created photo opportunities including a viewing bridge, windmill and other seasonal features that make it a particularly popular spring visit.
Brocksbushes itself is a well-established stop for visitors, combining a farm shop, café and children’s play barn alongside its seasonal attractions. It’s an easy place to spend a relaxed couple of hours — whether that’s picking up local produce to take back to your cottage, stopping for lunch or coffee, or simply enjoying a spring outing in the countryside.
At the time of writing, the tulip fields are in full bloom (April), although they are strictly ticketed and must be booked in advance. For more information and to book tickets visit the website below
Family Experiences and Lambing Season This spring in Northumberland
For families visiting Northumberland in spring, one of the most memorable experiences is seeing the countryside come to life — quite literally.
Lambing season takes place across the region during spring, and while access varies depending on farms and events, there are often opportunities to see lambs in nearby fields, as well as visit local attractions offering seasonal experiences such as bottle-feeding sessions.
For children especially, this is often a highlight of a spring break. Seeing newborn lambs, learning a little about rural life, and exploring the countryside at a time when everything feels fresh and new creates a very different kind of holiday experience compared to other times of year.
It’s also a gentle reminder of just how rural Northumberland still is. Even close to market towns like Hexham or villages around Bellingham, farm life and open countryside are on your doorstep. While local farmers are very used to visitors enjoying the landscape, they kindly ask that lambs are not touched or moved. Even if a lamb appears to be alone, it’s mother is often nearby and human contact can risk it being rejected if our scent is transferred.
As such, for those who would like a more interactive experience, Whitehouse Farm Centre near Morpeth, offers daily bottle-feeding sessions throughout the season, usually running until the end of May, with sessions at 11.15am and 3.30pm. It’s a popular choice for families and provides a safe and structured way for children to experience lambs up close.
The Countryside Landscape
In addition to specific seasonal attractions, one of the most rewarding things about visiting Northumberland in spring is simply watching the landscape change.
Around Hexham and the Tyne Valley, walking routes begin to open up fully after winter, with longer daylight hours making it easier to enjoy gentle evening strolls or relaxed weekend walks. Hedgerows start to green up, wildflowers appear along paths, and the countryside feels noticeably more active than in the colder months.
Further north towards Bellingham and the edges of Kielder, the landscape becomes quieter and more expansive. This is a particularly good time for guests who prefer space and solitude — the kind of walks where you might not meet many others, just wide views, woodland trails, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife.
From April onwards through to mid-August, this area also becomes one of the best places in the UK to spot ospreys as they return to nest around Kielder Water. Visitors may be lucky enough to see them in flight over the reservoir, and sightings are often reported at key viewpoints across the area. For those planning a visit, the Kielder Osprey Project provides updates, events, and a live webcam, offering a fascinating way to follow the birds throughout the season.
Exploring From a Comfortable Base
With so much happening across the county in spring, having a well-located base makes all the difference.
Our cottages across Hexham, Bellingham, and the surrounding countryside are ideally placed for exploring seasonal highlights like gardens, farm shops, spring lambs and market towns. Whether you prefer being close to amenities or tucked away in quieter rural surroundings, there are plenty of options that make it easy to experience spring at your own pace.
Spring is therefore a great time to visit Northumberland. In a single day, it’s possible to: visit one of the unique gardens in bloom, stop at a farm shop or café, see lambs in nearby fields and enjoy a countryside walk in the evening light.
It’s this variety that makes the season so appealing — especially for those looking to balance outdoor activity with a relaxed holiday break. Whatever you have planned, spring is a wonderful time to discover more of what Northumberland has to offer.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.