Northumberland’s pristine coastline boasts over 30 miles of barely-trodden beaches. With a quintessentially British mix of historical landmarks and outstanding natural beauty, you can marvel at the castles standing guard along the shoreline while admiring smouldering sunsets, discovering hidden bays, and savouring fresh seafood.
Bamburgh Beach
If you like your beaches wide, sandy, dramatic and –usually blissfully peaceful, Northumberland’s the place for you. And what makes Bamburgh beach particularly special is the breathtaking castle dominating the skyline. This backdrop, combined with the pristine, sandy beach, makes it a perfect place for long, wind-swept walks. It’s also an excellent spot for surfing and is regarded as one of the most consistent spots on the coast. Opposite the beach, you also have the Inner Farne Islands, home of hermits and monks from the 7th century until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. And behind you, there’s Sandy Hills – home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare insects, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Druridge Bay
This magnificent, seven-mile sweep of beach runs from bustling Amble to peaceful Cresswell, where the Northumberland Coast Path begins. The bay is a popular place to ride, cycle, walk, paddle and surf. As well as pristine beaches, there are sand dunes and pools to explore, and the 100-acre Ladyburn Lake is fringed by woodland and meadows. Today there is just the sound of the surf and seabirds, but the area has a fascinating and varied past. Restored from an old opencast coal mine, the park has matured into a charming landscape for walks and picnics. In the 19th century, coal was mined nearby, and during World War II, Druridge Bay was thought of as a possible landing place for a German invasion. You can still see the anti-tank blocks and pillboxes constructed to defend our shores. A fascinating place to visit for the whole family!
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Embleton Bay
Embleton is a small village only a mile from the stunning Northumberland coast and is arguably most famous for its beautiful Bay. This wonderfully wide sandy beach that extends for miles into the distance is a sight to behold. The magnificent ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle also provide a dramatic backdrop to this gorgeous setting. You can easily reach the Bay from Embleton via a short walk East along a country lane. The beach is one of the most unpopulated on the coast, making it a tranquil and peaceful spot and safe for families. The Village is ancient, has records dating back beyond the War of the Roses, and has a 12th Century Norman Church.
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Cheswick Sands
One of the most extensive beaches on the Northumberland coast, Cheswick Sands, is a vast space of sand, black basalt rock pools and dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Not many beaches offer panoramic views like this. On a clear day, you can see past Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Border and all the way to Holy Island in the south. A very dog-friendly beach, your furry friend will love coming here, and the kids will love it too. It’s also a superb beach for walking and taking in the stunning vista all year round.
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