With the recent re-opening of the railway line to some of Northumberland’s seaside towns and villages, this vast region known for its cliff-top castles, wild beaches and warm hospitality, is fast set to become one of the UK’s top coastal holiday destinations.
Sitting on the Anglo-Saxon border, and flaunting a unique mix of coastal beauty, rich heritage and rugged landscapes, Northumberland captivates visitors with pristine scenery where wildlife thrives, historic sites where you can step foot in the past, and an array of attractions for every season. In the wake of the rail revival, there’s never been a better time to set your compass north and discover this coastal gem for yourself.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or a peaceful retreat by the North Sea, here are our top attractions, experiences and things to do in Northumberland.
Island Adventures in Northumberland
Cast away on a cruise to the Farne Islands – a jagged, volcanic archipelago that’s one of the best places to see puffins in the UK. While puffin-spotting season is May to July, it’s a magnificent place to encounter seabirds and seals at any time of year, and a must-do on any visit to Northumberland. Many cruise operators, including Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, offer daily sailings from Seahouses (except Christmas Day). Find out more about puffin spotting off Northumberland’s coast.
Further south, take a cruise from Amble to the lesser-known Coquet Island, where you can also spot the likes of terns, kittiwakes and puffins.
Time your visit with the low tide, and you don’t need a boat to cross the causeway to Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop of Lindisfarne Castle, explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, and try the local Lindisfarne Mead. It’s also a fabulous place to witness the return of migratory birds in springtime.
Sandy Toes: Beaches and Coastal Walks in Northumberland
Bamburgh, Embleton Bay, Beadnell Bay… it’s no secret that Northumberland is hemmed by bountiful beaches reigned by the soundtrack of crashing waves and gulls soaring overhead. Bamburgh is often listed amongst the UK’s most beautiful beaches, its powdery sands and rolling dunes sweeping from the foot of the iconic Bamburgh Castle.
The gigantic expanse of Alnmouth Beach also frames the striking Alnwick Castle in the background, whether you’re padding along the golden sand or having a go at surfing the North Sea waves.
Northumberland’s Coastal Path spans over 60 miles, linking some of the region’s finest beaches and offering spectacular cliff-top views, wildlife sightings, and historic landmarks along the way. Popular sections include the route from Craster to Dunstanburgh and the walk between Bamburgh and Seahouses.
Make a Splash: Watersports in Northumberland
From stand-up paddleboarding to coasteering, there are plenty of ways to hit the water in Northumberland.
Scramble, swim and cliff jump along the coastline on a guided coasteering trip from Craster, or explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches on a kayaking tour with Adventure Northumberland. You needn’t worry about the cold when they’ve got heated changing rooms and winter wetsuits to stave off the chill of the North Sea.
If you’re keen to try surfing in Northumberland, tap up the experts at Northside Surf School in the seaside holiday town of Amble. Offering individual and group sessions, your instructors will find the best waves for your ability along the Northumberland coastline.
Alternatively, grab a paddle and try the increasingly popular watersport of stand-up paddleboarding in Northumberland. Get the kit and know-how for adventures afloat from KA Adventure Sports, which runs guided tours and group sessions at stunning Beadnell Bay, where there are hundreds of sea view holiday lets.
King of the Castle: Coastal Castles in Northumberland
Nowhere in the UK boasts a higher concentration of coastal castles than Northumberland. Every corner of its scenic shoreline seems to be punctuated by a mighty fortress built to defend its location on the border of Scotland.
Possibly the most popular of these – at least according to Instagram tags – is Bamburgh Castle, where you can immerse yourself in over 3,000 years of history with a range of interactive family experiences and seasonal events, then tumble through the dunes to the vast sandy beach in its shadow.
The whole family will love a coastal stroll to the 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle, where the North Sea breeze will bring a glow to your cheeks as you stand in the cliff-top ruins that were a Lancastrian stronghold during the War of the Roses.
Nudging lesser-known Warkworth Beach, the impressive Norman fortress of Warkworth Castle offers plenty to do for a family day out, and you can even hop on a boat trip down the river to seek out a chapel carved into the cliffs.
Coastal Capers: Top Seaside Towns and Villages in Northumberland
Northumberland’s wild and pristine coastline is smattered with idyllic towns and villages where you can soak up history and charm on the edge of picturesque beaches and harbours. With its stunning coastal holiday accommodation, pretty Seahouses isn’t just a base for boat trips to the Farne Islands but also a bustling harbour town packed with cosy pubs and restaurants where you can tuck into seafood landed by the local fishing fleet.
Another traditional fishing village, Craster is famous for its smoked kippers, which you can sample in many of the harbourside eateries. With Dunstanburgh Castle in view just over a mile away, it’s also a wonderful spot to take a stroll along the shoreline to get up close to these mighty ruins overlooking the North Sea.
Just inland from Alnmouth, we love a twirl around the charming streets of Alnwick. Its independent shops and cafés include Barter Books – one of the biggest second-hand bookstores in Britain and the popular Cookie Jar café and bakery.
North Sea Sights: Coastal Attractions in Northumberland
Not far from the coast, the Northumberland National Park offers plenty of viewpoints where the region’s stunning coastal panoramas fill your sights. Here, you can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails to rugged peaks and trace the footsteps of the Romans along Hadrian’s Wall.
On the edge of Druridge Bay’s seven-mile beach, explore the woodland and countryside trails of Druridge Bay Country Park, where you can peek out along the coast and spot wildlife, including migratory birds.
For a cultural family day out close to the coast, visit the Georgian manor of Paxton House, boasting a whopping 80 acres of woodland, riverside and parkland near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The brand-new railway line from Newcastle to Ashington (opening in December 2024) is set to make hopping between Northumberland’s coastal gems a cinch if you don’t want to drive. For a scenic steam train ride we also recommend hopping aboard the Aln Valley Railway, which leaves the coast near Alnmouth and crosses a 170-year-old viaduct built by Robert Stephenson.
Book Your Coastal Cottage in Northumberland
As well as plenty of visitor attractions for your seaside break, Northumberland is home to a huge collection of coastal cottages where you can relax between days out on land and sea. Whether you fancy a beach apartment or a cosy beach retreat, take a look at our self-catering holiday accommodation in Northumberland.
