Britain & Ireland

Best Beaches In Northumberland

The Northumberland coastline is blessed with over 30 miles of beaches, from long sweeping bays perfect for brisk walks, to sheltered coves which become delightful sun traps during the summer months. Dubbed a Heritage Coast and heralded an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, beach lovers are in for a treat here.

Here’s our pick of the best beaches in Northumberland.

Alnmouth Beach & Foxton Beach

Golf enthusiasts will love this beach as it’s located close to two golf clubs. With mesmerising views (look out for Coquet Island), lovely clean sands and plenty of space to spread a picnic, it’s a fantastic day out for everyone. Follow the coast up to the sands in front of Foxton Golf Club and you’ll reach a pretty section known as Foxton Beach. Pebbly and secluded, it’s a lovely spot to while away an afternoon.

Embleton Bay

With swathes of soft, biscuit-coloured sand and the ruins of the 14th-century Dunstanburg Castle occupying the headland, this is one of the wildest and most picturesque beaches around. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Northumberland, you’re in the right place. Embleton Bay plays home to dozens of rockpools that children will have great fun exploring.

Seahouses Beach

Sometimes nicknamed the ‘gateway to the Northumberland Coast’, Seahouses is a splendid place to get a taste of the good old British seaside. The beach here is backed by grassy dunes, with plenty of space for families to camp out for the day. The seaside town itself – great for curio shops, gastro pubs and chippies – is only a stone’s throw away. Sunsets are fab here and – if it’s clear – so are the views of the Farne Islands.

Beadnell Bay

This is probably one of the best beaches in Northumberland for families, thanks to its great accessibility, close to the lovable village of Beadnell. A super long crescent of white sand, it’s fantastically clean and has become a mecca for watersports enthusiasts, with everything from kite surfing and wake boarding to jet-skiing and sailing on offer. You’ll find a small and sheltered section at the north end, close to the village quay, and it’s the perfect place to build sandcastles – and perhaps even take a dip – on a warm and sunny day.

Bamburgh Castle Beach

Also known as St Aiden Beach, this long swathe of sand that looks out to the dramatic Bamburgh Castle is one of the most scenic – and pristine – bays you’ll get here in Northumberland. Fringed by sand dunes, it’s perfect for long, refreshing walks and is another magnet for rock pooling – so pack your wellies and prepare for a beauty.

Druridge Beach

With seven miles of sand backed by grassy dunes and an abundance of wildlife on its doorstep, Druridge Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Northumberland for its wow-factor. It’s situated between the charming fishing town of Amble and the popular bird-watching area of Creswell, and is a popular spot for watersports and scenic walks. Nearby, the family-friendly Country Park has its own meadow and woods, as well as a lake where you can take surfing and sailing lessons. Meanwhile, East Chevington and the previously-mentioned Creswell play home to all sorts of birdlife.

Ross Back Sands Beach

Even if you don’t visit Holy Island, admiring it from a distance is a must. And one of our hidden gems – and a beach where you can spot the famed island – is Ross Back Sands Beach (or Ross Beach), a remote sandy bay found between Lindisfarne and Bamburgh. You’ll need to walk for about 1.5 miles from the nearest car park to reach it but, we promise you, the trek pays off. You’ll barely see another soul, and as well as Holy Island’s Lindisfarne Castle, you may clock Bamburgh Castle in the distance too.

Warkworth Beach

This is another beach you’ll want to pop on your radar if you’re looking to bypass the most popular areas, as it’s one of the best beaches in Northumberland for a bit of privacy and seclusion. Located north of Amble, by the pretty village of Warkworth, those in the know come here for its sensational views (again, look out for Coquet Island), deserted feel and remarkable clean sand. If you’re here with the kids, it’s a lovely spot for beachcombing – tie it in with a mosey around Warkworth, known for its dramatic medieval castle. Head-clearing hikes and romantic sunset strolls here are also a must.