1:00 AM 2nd March 2026
Public Invited To Select Winner Of The Northumberland National Park Photography Award 2026
Pillars of light above Hadrians Wall. On this night there was a large Aurora predicted and I spent hours sat by the Ancient monument enjoying nature's fireworks.
Photo: Nick Thornton©
The Photography Award was created to mark Northumberland National Park’s 70th anniversary by inspiring photographers of all ages and abilities to capture the breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and vibrant communities that make Northumberland National Park special.
With no professional equipment required, entrants were encouraged to submit images taken on cameras or phones and reflect their own personal connection to the National Park’s outstanding 400 square miles of natural, cultural, and historical beauty.
The response has been exceptional. A total of 247 entries were received, showcasing an impressive range of perspectives and talent from across the region and beyond. These have now been distilled into a shortlist of 26 standout photographs across the Award’s two themes: People and Place.
IMAGES can be downloaded here. Please use captions and credits associated with each image: https://nnpa.resourcespace.com?c=795&k=6d4f7828b6
The category winners will be selected by Northumberland National Park partners, North East Community Foundation and Tarmac, proud supporters of the National Park’s 70th anniversary programme.
But the final, and perhaps most coveted, title is now in the hands of the public.
The People’s Choice category invites the public to pick their favourite photograph from the 26 finalists, who will be named, Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year 2026.
The online vote will run for two weeks from today, Monday 23 February on Northumberland National Park Authority’s website, with promotion across social media channels to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.
The winners of People’s Choice and People and Place categories will be announced in March 2026.
Prizes include:
? People’s Choice winner:
Named Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year 2026, a day in the National Park with a Ranger, exploring both iconic viewpoints and hidden gems and an iPhone 14.
? People and Place category winners:
A voucher to spend at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, plus lunch for four at Once Brewed Caf?.
All 26 shortlisted photographs will be brought together in a special exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, opening at the end of March, in time for the Easter holidays. This vibrant showcase will celebrate the photographers, the aspects of the National Park they have captured, and Northumberland National Park’s milestone anniversary.
Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “I’m delighted to welcome this year’s shortlisted finalists for the Northumberland National Park Photography Award. The breadth and variety of the entries has been remarkable, each offering a distinct perspective shaped by their personal connection to this special place.
“In our anniversary year, it is especially inspiring to see how these images capture the National Park in such unique and meaningful ways. After all, our National Parks were created to protect our finest landscapes while ensuring they remain places for everyone to access, enjoy, and experience. These finalists help tell that story beautifully and I encourage everyone to cast their vote to choose our Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year.”
Members of the public can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award on the Northumberland National Park website (one vote per person). The vote opened on Monday 23 February and closes at 11.59 hrs, Sunday 28 February.
The Photography Award forms a key part of Northumberland National Park’s 70th anniversary celebrations - honouring seven decades since its official designation in April 1956 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.