Three of Northumberland’s Most Fascinating Historic Churches You'll Want to Visit
- Debby
- Sep 2
- 5 min read
Step off the tourist trail and into centuries of history. These three Northumberland churches are full of secrets, stories, and quiet beauty that will stop you in your tracks.
When you think of Northumberland, your mind might go straight to castles and coastlines, but some of the county’s most fascinating and atmospheric places are its churches. Tucked away in villages, hilltops and ruins, they hold echoes of ancient kings, pilgrims, Vikings and monks.
In this blog, I’ll take you to three of the most interesting historic churches in Northumberland. These aren’t your typical cathedral stops. They are places of power, peace and deep story, places where history comes alive in the stone walls, weathered gravestones and stained-glass windows.
I’ll share some personal reflections, little-known facts, and practical tips for visiting each one. Let’s go beyond the guidebook and discover the sacred heart of Northumberland.
St Cuthbert’s Church, Norham: A King’s Resting Place?
Norham village sits quietly on the River Tweed near the Scottish border, and its church is one of the oldest and most mysterious in the county. St Cuthbert’s Church has stood here for over 850 years, and legend has it that King Oswald of Northumbria, a sainted warrior-king, is buried beneath its grounds.
The church itself is beautiful in its simplicity, with a Norman doorway, a 12th-century chancel arch and peaceful churchyard. It’s easy to walk past this ancient building without realising the weight of its history.
Oswald was a key figure in early Christianity, uniting Northumbria and dying in battle for his faith. While his official shrine is in Durham, Norham locals have long believed his bones were secretly buried here to keep them safe from raiders.
St Cuthbert's expansive graveyard captured in the early morning Winter sun
This old stone church has witnessed many great historic events. In 1320, Robert the Bruce occupied and fortified the church while besieging Norham Castle, a siege that lasted for almost a year. The Scottish army succeeded in occupying the outer ward of the castle for just three days, but were then driven out again by the English.
I visited St Cuthberts on a beautiful Winter's morning just as the sun was beginning to rise. The churchyard was completely silent, save for the sound of birds. It’s a place that humbles you. Top Tip: After your visit, walk up to Norham Castle ruins nearby. The view from the battlements gives you a sense of the strategic importance this site once had.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Free roadside parking near the church
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leads
Opening Times: Open daily during daylight hours
Admission Charges: Free
Child Friendly: Yes
Facilities: None at site, but a shop and tearoom in the village, plus a fantastic butchers offering award-winning pies and hearty sandwiches
Café: The Mason’s Arms nearby offers warm meals and local ales
St Mary's Church next to the ruin of Lindisfarne Priory
St Mary’s Church, Holy Island: Pilgrims, Monks and Viking Ghosts
Set on the windswept shores of Lindisfarne, St Mary’s Church is steeped in history. This is the spiritual heart of the island, just steps from the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. It was from this place that St Aidan and later St Cuthbert spread Christianity across northern England and it was here that the infamous Viking raid of 793 AD sent shockwaves across Europe. The church you see today dates from the 12th century, but parts of it are much older, incorporating stones from the original priory. Inside, the calm is tangible. Simple wooden pews, carved memorials, and a stunning stained-glass window honouring St Cuthbert give the church a timeless quality.
The impressive wooden sculpture inside St Marys
St Mary’s is still very much a working church of the Church of England. It serves not only the tiny Island population, but also some 500,000 pilgrims and visitors who visit each year.
Don’t miss the wooden sculpture of monks carrying Cuthbert’s body it’s powerful, haunting, and one of the most moving pieces of sacred art I’ve ever seen. The graveyard around St Mary's has some very old and fascinating tombstone, it's well worth a wander around before you leave.
There are many old and interesting gravestones in the churchyard on Holy Island
Top Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon when the tide is low and the island is quieter. The atmosphere is very different without the crowds.
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Pay and display on the island
Dog Friendly: No dogs inside the church
Opening Times: Daylight hours, check tide times before visiting
Admission Charges: Free, donations welcome
Child Friendly: Yes
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and pubs on the island
Café: Pilgrims Coffee is a great spot for cake and reflection, there's also an ice cream shop nextdoor!
This beautiful church stands alone on the dramatic and wild Northumberland moors
The Church at Corsenside: A Hilltop Hidden Gem on the A68
You’ve probably driven past Corsenside Church without even knowing it. Set on a remote hill just off the A68 near West Woodburn, St Cuthbert’s Church at Corsenside is one of the oldest rural churches in Northumberland. It’s believed to date back to the 10th century, and it still feels incredibly isolated and atmospheric today.
Built from stone taken from Hadrian’s Wall, the church sits in a small, raised churchyard with views stretching across the Rede Valley. Inside, the nave is simple and ancient, with box pews and a rustic wooden roof. Lit only by natural lighting, there’s a sense of stillness here that is hard to describe.
According to local folklore, St Cuthbert himself rested here during the long journey to carry his remains across the north. Pilgrims would have stopped to pray at this very site, centuries before roads or settlements appeared nearby. The churchyard is filled with wild flowers in the Summer months, and is a haven for wildlife. Because of its remote location you'll probably find yourself alone with just your thoughts for company, which isn't a bad thing, it really is a place for calm and reflection. If you're a fan of the ITV detective series Vera, you might recognise the church from the 3rd episode.
Top Tip: Bring a flask and walk up from West Woodburn village to enjoy the views on the approach. The walk makes the arrival feel even more special. There is a self guided route map walk detailing the 5 mile trail from the village to the church, you can find it at West Woodburn & Corsenside - Revitalising Redesdale
Useful Information Points:
Parking: Small lay-by nearby or park in West Woodburn
Dog Friendly: Yes
Opening Times: Always open – follow the signs pointing down a dirt track road off the main A68
Child Friendly: Yes – ideal for quiet reflection
Facilities: None at the church, small shop in the village
Café: Bay Horse Inn in West Woodburn serves hearty food
Final Thoughts and What’s Your Next Northumberland Adventure?
I hope this blog has opened your eyes to some of Northumberland’s most soulful and historic churches. These are the kinds of places that don’t shout for attention but offer a deeper kind of travel experience; peaceful, personal and full of story.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might also love my guides to “The Northumberland Dickensian Villages That You’re Going to Fall in Love With” or “Three Haunted Castles That Shaped Northumberland’s Bloody History.”
Join our Northumberland 250 Adventures Group to discover more hidden gems, share your own photos, and get local tips on where to explore next. The quietest places are often the most powerful. Join us here.....Northumberland 250 Adventures | Facebook
Planning your own journey through the north? Grab your copy of our 377-page full-colour road trip guide packed with photographs, folklore, and unforgettable places like these. Your adventure starts here.
See you at the altar,
Debby & Jeff
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