St Cuthbert's Cave Northumberland
A historic sandstone outcrop steeped in legend, offering breathtaking Northumberland views and scenic walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
St Cuthbert's Cave Northumberland
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic sandstone outcrop steeped in legend, offering breathtaking Northumberland views and scenic walks.
"Magical and breathtaking views with a rich history, a must-visit in Northumberland."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small National Trust car park fills up fast. Aim for early morning, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Follow the Loop Walk
Enjoy a lovely loop walk around the cave with fantastic views towards Lindisfarne.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 460 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Cuthbert's Cave
Above Belford
A dramatic sandstone outcrop with a rich history, offering breathtaking views and a sense of ancient refuge.
Panoramic Northumberland Views
From the cave vicinity
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Northumberland countryside, including Lindisfarne on a clear day.
Woodland and Grassy Loop Walk
Surrounding the cave
A moderate, scenic walk through pine woodlands and grassy banks, perfect for dogs and nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Parking
Embrace the History and Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small National Trust car park fills up fast. Aim for early morning, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Follow the Loop Walk
Enjoy a lovely loop walk around the cave with fantastic views towards Lindisfarne.
📜 Research the History
Enhance your visit by learning about the legends of St. Cuthbert and the monks beforehand.
🌬️ Windy Day Precautions
On windy days, stick to the perimeter of the pine woodland for a safer approach to the cave.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small National Trust car park fills up fast. Aim for early morning, especially during peak season.
🚶♀️ Follow the Loop Walk
Enjoy a lovely loop walk around the cave with fantastic views towards Lindisfarne.
📜 Research the History
Enhance your visit by learning about the legends of St. Cuthbert and the monks beforehand.
🌬️ Windy Day Precautions
On windy days, stick to the perimeter of the pine woodland for a safer approach to the cave.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trails
This is a great spot for a dog walk, with plenty of space to explore. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Cuthbert's Cave for its historical significance, stunning natural beauty, and the enjoyable walking routes. The panoramic views are a major highlight, offering a sense of peace and wonder. Some visitors note that the car park is very small and can fill up quickly, and that the stones have been carved into, detracting slightly from the unspoiled feel.
"From the free car park follow the footpath up the hill and once you arrive to the top, follow footpath on your right approximately 1.5 miles walk. On a windy day I suggest to arrive to the cave following the perimeter of the pine woodland to avoid accidents. Very quiet but not unspoiled as many people carved names in the stones."
silvia sutton
"Rich with history. Do your reading before visiting and it’ll be all the more interesting!
Not a long walk from the car park, just up a moderate, short grassy bank. Lovely loop walk around this place, with wonderful views out to Lindisfarne."
Cara Wilson
"Follow the satnav, and it will take you to the carpark. Small but free room for about 7 cars so in summer I'd suggest going early.
Once parked, go through the gate, walk straight, and then turn right, following the path to the plantation and another gate. Go through the gate, straight until you see a break in the trees and the cave on your left.
Dog friendly.
No amenities
Magical and breathtaking"
alice ineveryland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Follow your satnav to the National Trust car park near Belford. From the car park, take the footpath up the hill. After reaching the top, follow the footpath to your right for about 1.5 miles.
Yes, there is a small, free National Trust car park. It can accommodate about 7 cars, so arriving early is highly recommended, especially during peak times.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to have a car for easy access. Taxis might be an option from nearby towns like Berwick-upon-Tweed or Alnwick, but confirm availability and cost beforehand.
From the car park, go through the gate, walk straight, and then turn right, following the path towards the plantation and another gate. Go through this gate and continue straight until you see the cave on your left.
The path is a moderate, short grassy bank, which may be challenging for wheelchairs and pushchairs, especially after rain. It's more suited for sturdy pushchairs or carriers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St Cuthbert's Cave and the surrounding area is free. The car park is also free.
St Cuthbert's Cave is an outdoor natural site and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No, the National Trust car park is free to use for visitors to St Cuthbert's Cave.
While the site is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting and potential safety hazards on the walking paths.
There are no official guided tours. However, local walking groups or historical societies may occasionally organize events. It's best to check local listings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic cave, enjoy the stunning Northumberland countryside views, and take a scenic walk around the area. It's a perfect spot for photography and nature appreciation.
Yes, children can enjoy the walk and the sense of adventure exploring the cave. Ensure they are supervised, especially on the paths and near the outcrop.
You might spot various bird species in the pine woodlands. The surrounding fields and hills are home to typical countryside fauna.
No, there are no amenities at the cave site itself. Visitors should come prepared with water and snacks. The nearest facilities will be in nearby villages like Belford.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light. Consider wide-angle lenses to capture the cave and the expansive landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Lenticular clouds can also add dramatic effect.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the cave and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant views. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The area around the cave itself offers many vantage points. Walking further up the hill provides panoramic views of the Northumberland coast and countryside.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current rules and guidelines for flying drones in national trust or protected areas before your visit.
The cave itself, the dramatic sandstone formations, the panoramic views towards Lindisfarne, and the surrounding natural landscape are popular subjects.
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