Northumberland Coast

Northumberland is home to one of the most spectacular coastlines in England, most of which can be reached in under one and a half hours from Hexham, close to the centre of Hadrian's Wall Country. The golden sand beaches and bays of Northumberland stretch from horizon to horizon, and unlike beaches elsewhere in England, there is always a deserted patch of sand you can call your own. The vast majority of the coastline is extremely safe for swiming due to the shallow waters, whilst many miles of rock pools are waiting to be explored by inquisitive youngsters.

Bamburgh Castle beach

The area of coastline from Amble to Berwick has long been designated a Coastal Area of Natural Beauty, and it is easy to see why. Here you witness immense castles standing guard over long golden stretches of sand, whilst some of the UK's rarest seabirds breed and swoop across the sea.

Perhaps the best known stretch of coast to be found in Northumberland is the sweeping beach at Bamburgh, where the mighty Bamburgh Castle sits high atop a rocky crag keeping a watchful eye on those below. This spectacular landscape featured as a finalist on Britain's Favourite View, as voted for by the British public.

Approximately 5 miles to the north of Bamburgh lies the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne, only accessible by a causeway that floods twice daily, cutting the island off from the mainland. Holy Island's reputation of peace and tranquility draws many people to visit and find solitude amongst the ruined monastery, from where St. Cuthbert spread the words of Christianity to the Pagan masses. The island is also home to a unique castle, a Gertrude Jekyll garden and a colony of Grey Seals.

Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island
Puffins on the Farne Islands

To the south of Bamburgh is the ever popular, traditional seaside town of Seahouses, famous for the freshest Fish & Chips you can buy! The town is the departure point for boat trips to the National Trust managed Farne Islands, home to many thousands of breeding seabirds between April and July, including the cute and colourful Puffins. Watch out for the Arctic Terns as they divebomb passing visitors!

The third, and possibly most dramatic castle to be found on the Northumberland Coastal Area of Natural Beauty is Dunstanburgh Castle. The ruins of this once mighty castle stand out to sea to the south of sweeping Embleton Bay and can be quite an eerie sight on a misty morning walk. A fantastic walk can be had between Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle. Make sure you stop at the quaint Ship Inn when you return for some truly wonderful sea food.

Dunstanburgh Castle

This is only a brief introduction to the majestic Northumberland Coast, with many highlights waiting for you to explore at your own pace. If you would like more information about Northumberland's Coastal Area of Natural Beauty, please visit www.visitnorthumberland.com.