Northumberland. The land of wild beaches, castles in the sand and rugged terrain lashed by the North Sea. Lace up your walking boots and stomp along coastal paths where seabirds swirl, or kick off your shoes and make footprints on golden sands. Here’s our list of the best beaches in Northumberland to visit on your seaside break.
Bamburgh Beach
Best for: The perfect picture
With a magnificent fortress rising from its mighty sand dunes, Bamburgh Beach is a well-known beauty that’s probably Northumberland’s most photographed beach. Not only have you got miles of sand stretching from the foot of Bamburgh Castle, but you can also look out to the Farne Islands and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. No wonder this was once the seat of the Kingdom of Northumbria. Bag a holiday cottage in the village of Bamburgh and make the kingdom yours for a holiday.
Embleton Bay
Best for: History by the sea
While most people flock to the famous Bamburgh for the iconic castle-by-the-sea scene, the vast, empty Embleton Bay is another place steeped in history. The skeletal ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle mark the southern tip of its fine white sands, while at the northern end, you can find the name of Scottish pirate Andra Barton carved on ‘Vanishing Rock’. No longer the domain of kings and pirates, these days windsurfers rule the blustery seas, while the shoreline is reigned by a myriad of marine life beckoning you on a rockpool ramble at low tide.
Beadnell Bay
Best for: Watersports
If you’re looking for a slice of action in this beach paradise, take the plunge on Beadnell Bay. This sheltered horseshoe-shaped beach is where adrenalin junkies can try wakeboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing, or the really hardy can go wreck-diving in its murky depths. For a tamer ocean-bound experience, try kayaking or sailing, or if you prefer to stay on land, how about dune-sledging? The golden sand is also perfect for sandcastles, beach cricket and family picnics by the sea. Plus, there are plenty of sea view holiday cottages in Beadnell for your stay near near this beach.
Budle Bay
Best for: Wildlife
Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers grab your binoculars and make tracks to Budle Bay. These secluded, tide-ribbed sands surrounded by rolling hills, dunes and salt marshes, are part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Thousands of birds congregate here at low tide, particularly in winter, and it’s also a great location for spotting seals, otters, and even dolphins.
Druridge Bay
Best for: Barefoot beach walks
Kick off your shoes and scrunch the sand between your toes on this seven-mile stretch of golden sand that’s perfect for long beach walks in every weather. One of the finest beaches in Britain, Druridge Bay stretches from the bustling port town of Amble to the idyllic Cresswell village. Along the way, stop at the Hauxley Nature Reserve, one of the best wildlife-watching spots tucked behind the dunes, and rest your legs on the shores of Ladyburn Lake, which is fringed by 100 acres of woodland and meadows.
Ross Back Sands
Best for: Solace and shipwrecks
Northumberland is the perfect place to get away from it all, and nowhere beats this pristine three-mile beach for time out by the sea. Entirely cut off from the rest of the coast, and only accessible via a mile-long scenic walk, Ross Back Sands is nestled between Holy Island and Budle Bay. Bask in its remote beauty and seek out the shipwreck at low tide.
Blyth Beach
Best for: Quintessential seaside character
With its candy-coloured beach huts, ice cream kiosks, fish and chip cafés, and a bandstand, Blyth Beach boasts a nostalgic seaside vibe fused with a rich maritime and industrial heritage. Between West Pier in the seaside town of Blyth and the pretty harbour village of Seaton Sluice, you can explore the arc of sand and join in popular activities from jet-skiing to kayaking. You can also step back in time at Blyth Battery – a military museum housed in the WW1 and WW2 coastal defence buildings on the dunes.
Newbiggin Beach
Best for: Family beach days
Once battered by the tides, Newbiggin Beach has been transformed into a coastal haven for fun-filled family days out. Now protected by a sturdy breakwater, you can stroll along Northumberland’s longest promenade, or explore the unique Newbiggin Art Trail. Don’t miss the beautiful couple statue in the sea, just offshore from the beach, which is spectacular at sunrise. Or just relax on the beach, build sandcastles and go rock pooling on the shoreline while watching boats coming and going from the nearby Port of Blyth. See our coastal cottages in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
Cheswick Sands
Best for: Panoramic coastal views
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cheswick Sands, one of Northumberland’s biggest beaches. With its vast expanse of golden sand, dramatic black basalt rock pools, and rolling dunes, this coastal gem offers stunning panoramic views. On a clear day, you can gaze across the horizon, taking in the sights of Berwick-upon-Tweed and even Holy Island.
Spittal Beach
Best for: Victorian architecture by the sea
Step back in time at Spittal Beach, an 18th-century seaside spa resort still flaunting its Victorian elegance. Stroll along the picturesque promenade, taking in the fresh sea air and breathtaking views of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s Elizabethan Walls. Keep an eye out for the iconic Berwick Lighthouse, guiding ships safely into port. For a dose of old-fashioned fun, visit the Venetian Pavilion, where you can enjoy classic amusement arcade games and a delicious treat from the café.
Book a Beach Cottage in Northumberland
Find the perfect coastal cottage in Northumberland, and pack your flip-flops, walking boots and a sense of adventure to visit the best beaches in the North East on your next seaside holiday.
