Northumberlandia, also known as the Lady of the North, is a huge land sculpture near Cramlington in Northumberland. While not as well known as the Angel of the North, a visit to Northumberlandia should definitely be added to your Northumberland itinerary.
What is Northumberlandia?
Northumberlandia is the world’s largest human landform sculpture. It’s made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil and stands 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long. The sculpture sits in 46 acres of parkland with four miles of footpaths to follow both on, and around, it.
The history of Northumberlandia
The project to build Northumberlandia was called ‘Restoration First’ and, using land owned by the nearby Blagdon Estate, the plan was to provide a new landscape for the community to enjoy using clay and soil from the Shotton surface coal mine.
Work began on Northumberlandia in 2010 and was completed in 2012 at a cost of £3 million which was privately funded by the Banks Group, the company who worked the mine, and the Blagdon Estate.
Land artist Charles Jencks was approached to design a landscape sculpture and, using the Cheviot Hills as his inspiration, he designed Northumberlandia in the form of a reclining female figure.
Northumberlandia was officially opened by Princess Anne in August 2012.
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Exploring the woodland trail
Between the car park and Northumberlandia itself is a small woodland trail – it’s designed for children but this big kid enjoyed it too.
There’s a winding path through the trees where you’ll find plenty to keep young ones amused including the nature trail rubbing discs, a storytelling area, a mini beast mansion, and a bird feeding and viewing area.
On my most recent visit there was a festive robin trail with ten robins hidden in the trees waiting to be discovered, and regular seasonal activities are held throughout the year.
Walking around Northumberlandia
There are around four miles of paths winding up, over, and around the sculpture, ranging from gentle slopes to short, steep climbs.
A sign at the entrance gives four suggested walking routes to choose from depending on how much you wish to see and how much time you have. They can be easily combined so you can see as much, or as little, of Northumberlandia as you want.
The scale of Northumberlandia means that, at first sight you might just think that you’re walking along a series winding paths between grassy mounds. But, once you start to climb it becomes apparent that these mounds make up the form of a reclining woman.
As you enter the area there are two viewing mounds immediately to your left – from the top of these you can make out most of the form of the sculpture including her right hand with the finger pointing towards you.
You can then walk along this right arm across her breasts and up on to her forehead.
There are a series of paths around her head but, to reach the viewing platform at the top, you’ll need to take the steps. There are two sets – a longer, more gradual set plus a shorter steeper set.
On my first few visits you could actually see what remains of the mine from the viewing platform on her head. However, the mine closed in 2020 and the land has been restored for conservation and agricultural use including the planting of over ten miles of hedgerows.
From this platform, if it’s a clear day, you can also see the Newcastle skyline in the distance, the Cheviot hills, and the North Sea as you look towards the Northumberland coast.
There are other viewing platforms on the sculptures ankles, knee, hip, and breasts – each viewing spot gives another dimension to Northumberlandia.
What else is there to do near Northumberlandia?
There’s plenty to explore nearby especially if you’ve travelled to Northumberlandia by car.
Eat for England sculpture
A quirky addition to the countryside near Cramlington is the giant spoon sculpture which is next to a public footpath between two farmers’ fields. It’s not signposted but the easiest way to reach the giant spoon is to park in the Bay Horse Inn and then go through the underpass across the road and follow the path until you see it. It’s only a short walk but can be very muddy.
Plessey Woods Country Park
A short drive away towards Bedlington, Plessey Woods has some lovely woodland trails and walks along the banks of the river Blyth.
Blyth beach
If you’re after some sea air then it’s a fifteen-minute drive to Blyth where you can park at South Beach and walk along the sand dunes to Seaton Sluice.
If you don’t fancy a walk you could just call into Coastline for some of the best fish and chips in the area.
Seaton Delaval Hall
Just a few miles from Blyth on the way to Seaton Sluice is Seaton Delaval Hall, a lovely National Trust property with some beautiful gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Northumberlandia
What are the opening hours for Northumberlandia?
Northumberlandia is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. During times of bad weather it’s worth checking before you set off as it does sometimes close for safety reasons.
How much does it cost to visit?
It’s free to enter Northumberlandia but there’s a donation box at the entrance for car parking to help with the upkeep of the site.
How long does it take to walk around Northumberlandia?
If you want to walk around the whole area, including the woodland trail, you could easily spend a few hours at Northumberlandia. If you just want to head straight for the top (of her forehead) to admire the views you’ll only need around thirty minutes.
How difficult is the walk?
It’s not a difficult walk, particularly if you just want to walk around the sculpture. However, if you’re wanting to walk over it to some of the viewing platforms then be aware that some of the paths are steep in places.
When is the best time to visit Northumberlandia?
There’s not really a bad time to visit Northumberlandia although weekends are obviously busier. I’ve been in all seasons and at different times of the day and there are always other people there but it never feels crowded.
One of the things I love about Northumberlandia is that it was created to evolve over time and with the changing seasons so no two visits are the same.
Is Northumberlandia suitable for children?
Absolutely. The woodland trail is particularly kiddy friendly with plenty to keep young ones entertained.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
The lower paths are wheelchair-friendly, but there are steps to reach the viewing platform on the head of the sculpture.
Are dogs welcome at Northumberlandia?
Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
What should you wear when visiting?
Depending on when you visit, it can be muddy so make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear. It can also be very windy on some of the viewing platforms so dress accordingly.
What facilities are there at Northumberlandia?
There’s a visitor’s centre and café that is open daily selling food, drinks and souvenirs. There are also toilets at the rear of the building.
It’s worth checking the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website for seasonal opening hours of the café and toilets.
What wildlife can I see?
There’s loads of wildlife at Northumberlandia although, obviously, there’s no guarantee you’ll spot anything.
On our last visit we sat for a while at the bird feeding and viewing station in the woodland trail and watched lots of blue tits and coal tits. We also saw a kestrel hovering over the grass at the entrance near the car park.
Getting to Northumberlandia
Northumberlandia is just outside the town of Cramlington, about ten miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.
By car
Northumberlandia is easily reached by car from the A1. If you’re coming from Newcastle you’ll need to take the A19 exit towards the A189 and then head to the A1068 where it’s signposted.
By bus
If you’re travelling by public transport, you can get either the X21 or X22 Arriva bus from Newcastle Haymarket. You’ll need to get off at the Beacon Hill/Fisher Lane roundabout. It’s then a short walk to Northumberlandia.
Arriving by bus means that you won’t be using the main entrance so you’ll enter the site near the sculpture’s legs rather than seeing the head first!
Final thoughts
Walking around Northumberlandia is a great way to spend a few hours and is ideal for walkers, nature lovers, photographers, and for family days out.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this and that you’ll find it helpful with planning your own trip to Northumberlandia. I’ve been many times and it’s been interesting to see it evolve over the years, particularly now that the remains of the Shotton surface coal mine can no longer be seen.
Please feel free to drop a comment below if you have any questions or have explored Northumberlandia yourself.
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How cool is this? I love how there are so many unique sculptures etc. around Northumbria. So creative. It would be really good if there was someone who started a short flightseeing company around here so you could properly see them all from above (maybe I should trademark that idea). Love the trails at Northumberlandia, so many paths to take and so many viewing spots to see different perspectives. And lucky you had a clear day. I must remember this for my next visit, of which you’re helping me curate quite the itinerary
Flightseeing would be great – I’ve always said it would be great to see it from above. It’s not too far from Newcastle Airport either – I always look out of the window when I’m flying in or out to see if I can catch a glimpse but no luck yet!
Looks beautiful, especially when the sun shines on the land. It reminds me of home back in Ireland. Seaton Delaval Hall looks like an incredible place to visit. I’d love to walk along Blyth Beach, and there’s no doubt the viewing point would be the most exciting part.
It’s stunning when the sun is shining – definitely as green as Ireland, and often just as wet!!
I love this! What gorgeous landscape! You had a lovely day of exploring and I enjoyed following along with you. I will definitely be looking forward to including Northumberlandia on my next UK visit.
It really is lovely. I was lucky enough to see it growing from nothing to what it is today and always like to have a wander there whenever I’m in the North East.
Wow this looks absolutely incredible! I would love to see more landform structures because how cool!!!
I’m always on the lookout for street art whenever I travel so maybe I should branch out and start looking for these too. It would be great if more could be built to regenerate regions.
I’ve never heard of the lady of the north, thanks for sharing all about her! Northumberlandia looks really unusual and I’ll definitely see if I can manage a visit.
It’s a nice place for a stroll if you’re in Newcastle as it’s close enough to the city even if you’re using public transport.
What a cool landmark, I have not heard of it before but I am glad you have introduced me to it. I dropped a pin on Google Maps and see this The Lady of the North is near Newcastle, which I have not yet visited. I did check out an aerial view of the site and it reminds me a bit of those giant horse paintings in the hills down in Cornwall. Sites like The Lady of the North make England and the British Isles so enchanting for me.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
It’s a great landmark. It was being built on my very first visit to Newcastle and I watched the construction over the years each time I drove past so it was great when it was finally complete and it’s been interesting to see it change over the years.