10 History Museums in Northumberland That You Shouldn't Miss

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, Vindolanda is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' - the Vindolanda Writing Tablets - and is one Europe's most important Roman archeological sites, with live excavations taking place every year. The recently fully refurbished on site museum provides a breathtaking exploration of the Trust's ongoing discoveries and accounts of Roman life. There are no other places on earth where it is possible to experience Roman Britain, Hadrian's Wall and history coming to life before your very eyes all in one space! Come and explore it for yourself and find out why Vindolanda is treasured worldwide.

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort, the Roman Army Museum is an authentic and dramatic tribute to Rome’s extraordinary military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s inspiring interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film, the museum pays unforgettable homage to Rome's military accomplishments in Britain.

Woodhorn brings to life Northumberland’s proud mining heritage, alongside an ever-changing contemporary arts and event programme – making it a fun and cultural day out. The museum is proud to house the Ashington Group Collection of artworks – commonly known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’. This iconic display showcases what daily life was really like for miners in and around Ashington from the 1930s. It celebrates the people and mining communities of south East Northumberland. Woodhorn has an annual membership charge: £7 - Adult (£6.50 for multiple adults in a group) £6 - Concession Free - 16 and under.

The RNLI Grace Darling Museum tells the incredible story of Grace Darling, a fearless young woman who became a reluctant celebrity. In 1838, Grace and her father William risked their lives to rescue stranded survivors from a ship wrecked in a fierce storm. This feat of bravery changed her life dramatically. Explore Grace's life and upbringing in the lighthouse, the events of the rescue that propelled her into the limelight and her status as a national heroine. During your visit you'll discover personal items and portraits of the Darling family, including the famous boat that Grace and her father used during the rescue. See if you can light up the lighthouse, and learn more about Grace and other female lifesavers too.

Built in the early 18th century to the design of the distinguished architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, the Barracks was among the first in England to be purpose built. The 'By Beat of Drum' exhibition gives you an insight into the life of the British infantryman from the Civil War to the First World War. A stone's throw away from the Scottish borders and located in a Georgian market town it also boasts a range of other temporary and permanent exhibitions to explore: The King's Own Scottish Borderers museum, the Berwick Gymnasium Art Gallery and the Berwick Museum and Art Gallery (please note that, while 'By Beat of Drum' is open every day, the opening times for the other museums varies).

Bailiffgate Museum and Gallery is an award-winning people’s Museum suitable for all ages and run by volunteers, where fascinating stories of the past are told about the town and district of Alnwick. The museum has now reopened with full Covid precautions, having been awarded the official "Good to Go" status. Displays are on 3 floors, with the uppermost floor host to a range of exhibitions on a variety of themes (see website for the current schedule). Recently receiving a £300,000 update, the Museum is housed in what was previously a church close to Alnwick Castle. It has been recognised as one of the 25 best places in the country for early years children to visit. Great for families there is lots to enjoy for adults too, detailing the stunning county and characters of Northumberland.

The House of Hardy Museum displays a variety of fishing tackle and associated products which were manufactured by Hardy's from the very beginning of the business in 1872 right up to the present day current products being manufactured today. The museum is not just a celebration of all things relating to Hardy's but of British manufacturing at its very best. The "Perfect" display cabinet is testament to a British design from the late 1800's which is still in production today! Guided Museum tours are now available at 11:00 and 14:00 daily.

Restored and fully operational Victorian watermill in North Northumberland which makes wholegrain, stoneground flour from locally grown cereals using traditional methods. Visitors can explore the building, watch the milling process from grain to flour, learn about life as a 19th century miller and much more! Hands-on activities for children. Visitor Centre, Gift Shop and Tearoom on site. Due to nature of building it is not wheelchair accessible. The Mill is open seasonally, from late March until the beginning of November.