Northumberland has received a tourism boost after St Cuthbert’s Way was named as one of Lonely Planet’s top travel experiences for 2027, featuring in the prestigious Best in Travel 2027 list.
Stretching 62 miles, the historic route takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland, culminating on Holy Island, one of Northumberland’s most iconic destinations, where the dramatic causeway’s links to Christian heritage add an unforgettable final chapter to the experience.
Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list brings together 50 destinations and travel experiences selected by its global community of travel experts. St Cuthbert’s Way is featured alongside a diverse collection of experiences from around the world, including Ireland’s Killary Fjord, France’s Route Napoléon and India’s Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The recognition shines a global spotlight on one of Northumberland’s most distinctive experiences, combining dramatic landscapes, ancient heritage and the opportunity to explore the county at a slower pace.
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Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: “We are thrilled to see Northumberland featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027. This recognition shines a global spotlight not only on St Cuthbert’s Way, but on the wider range of world-class experiences that make Northumberland such a distinctive destination. Visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes, rich history and heritage, outstanding local food and drink, wildlife and nature experiences, cycling adventures and the unique tradition of pilgrimage, including the iconic crossing to Holy Island.
“St Cuthbert’s Way perfectly captures the growing demand for more meaningful travel experiences. Whether visitors come to walk, reflect, explore our coast and countryside, discover our historic sites or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, Northumberland offers an unforgettable journey and a genuine sense of place.”
Together with St Oswald’s Way, the route forms part of a wider network of Northern Saints-inspired journeys across North East England, linking spectacular landscapes, rich heritage and places of pilgrimage. These trails offer visitors opportunities for reflection, discovery and immersive walking experiences across some of northern England’s most distinctive countryside and coastline.
Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Northumberland and a real tribute to everything our county offers visitors. Alongside St Cuthbert’s Way, we are home to some of the UK’s most celebrated walking landscapes, from the Northumberland Coast Path, which recently marked its 20th anniversary, to Hadrian’s Wall Path and the new Roof of England Walk across the North Pennines National Landscape.
“Global recognition like this brings more visitors to the county, which in turn supports the businesses and communities along these routes that are at the heart of our local economy.”
The Lonely Planet recognition comes at a time of sustained growth for Northumberland’s visitor economy which has more than doubled in value over the past decade, reaching a record £1.58 billion in 2025. The latest figures demonstrate continued growth in the value of tourism to the county, with expenditure increasing faster than visitor numbers.
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland, said: “It is wonderful to see St Cuthbert’s Way recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the best experiences in the world to enjoy in 2027. Britain is blessed with so many breathtaking landscapes, stunning coastlines and remarkable history and heritage that it is fitting that a trail, which effortlessly combines all three, has received such a glowing endorsement by global travel experts.
“With more than one in three international visitors enjoying countryside walks during trips to the North East, and as VisitEngland launches its major domestic coastal campaign, we can’t wait to welcome more people to explore St Cuthbert’s Way and the great tourism businesses along its route.”
As experience-based travel remains a top travel trend, Lonely Planet leads the way with global recommendations, tried and tested by Lonely Planet editors. Travellers can plan with the new Lonely Planet App and bestselling Lonely Planet travel guidebooks, and book trips to many of the destinations with Lonely Planet Journeys.
