Destinations
Top destinations along the Northumberland coastline
Beadnell
Beadnell is a charming coastal village lying between rolling farmland and the dune fringed stretch of Beadnell Bay. Old cottages and pretty houses line the coastal road and in the summer the small harbour is filled with colourful boats, some of which bring wild salmon, crabs and lobsters to be served in local restaurants.
Home to beautiful lime kilns restored by the National Trust, Beadnell is unique as the only West-facing harbour on the East coast, making it an enchanting place to watch the sun set. The bay is home to an important colony of little and Arctic terns that can be seen swooping overhead. The bay also now has a stunning beach bar/ coffee shop called The Landing which is a must visit.
There are several restaurants and bars such as The Craster Arms and Beadnell Towers Hotel, Beadnell is one of the most popular destinations for visitors on the Northumberland coast. A day at the beach Beadnell Bay is fringed by sand dunes providing an ideal spot for picnicking and walking. The bay is fast becoming a favourite for water sports. Beadnell is very popular for all water sports lending itself to a host of activities such as surfing, sailing and scuba diving. Divers travel to the many islands and wrecks off the Farne Islands, kite surfers love the bay for its wide open water and accessible wind directions, and surfers flock here for the varied wind-angled sandbanks and reefs. ‘Give it a go’ Sign up for a water sports adventure with either Northside Surf School or Adventure Northumberland Being west-facing it is a great place to watch a glorious Northumberland sunset.
There is a car park close by and shower facilities available. The popular 14 mile Northumberland Coastal Run starts here in July. Cycling is particularly enjoyable due to the many quiet country lanes and bridle paths, where you will find spectacular views to the coast, and Cheviot Hills in the distance.
Beadnell Bay has a colony of little terns and the largest mainland colony of Arctic terns in the UK, making it ideal for ornithologists and nature-lovers in all seasons.
Visit the restored limekilns owned by the National Trust or find the ruins of a 11 th Century chapel at Abb's Neuk Point. Why not give ‘dune sledging’ a go! The village has a fish and chip shop – so grab yourself a portion and why not eat them out of the paper on the beach!
The Saltwater Café, and The Landing serve breakfasts, light snacks, lunches and afternoon tea throughout the day and stylish dining from 6pm
Seahouses
Seahouses is a fantastic location with so much to see and do. The high street has a great selection of eateries, independent shops and a convenience store so you can stock up on essentials.
Take a walk around Seahouses’ picturesque harbour or explore the amazing sandy beach, or there is the option to travel a little further to explore the coast at Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve or to enjoy a trip around the local coast with Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours.
Further from the property you will find the fantastic town of Bamburgh with its amazing castle and beach, and beyond that the historic Holy Island.
Seahouses is a lively working port that manages to offer the feel of a classic British seaside resort. Fishing boats leave the colourful harbour for lobster and crab, and the village is also the gateway to the Farne islands. With many restaurants, pubs and takeaways you will not be stuck for choice. And the bustling high street is the perfect place to get fish and chips or ice cream before perusing the many shops or the small amusement arcade. Seahouses makes an ideal family base for its great amenities and activities like touring the Farne Islands, playing a round of crazy golf or just spending the day at the beach.
You must take a boat to the Farne Islands which lie a few miles off the coast. As well as being the most exciting seabird colony in England, with over 23 species, it is also home to a large Grey Seal colony which in autumn welcomes over 1000 pups. There are also the islands that Grace Darling rowed past in her heroic 1838 rescue.
Just north is a beautiful beach that runs for miles more or less continuously to Budle Bay. There are extensive dunes to shelter in and rock pools to explore and you are treated to great views of the Farne Islands.
A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Seahouses is the ideal starting point to explore this magnificent part of England. Some of the best coastal walking in the country is on your doorstep as the Northumberland Coastal Path runs from Beadnell in the south, through Seahouses and on towards Bamburgh in the north.
The Great North Bike Ride starts from Seahouses in August each year and for 60 miles you are taken through stunning coastline finishing at Tynemouth Priory.
The 19th Hole Seahouses Golf Club is a small 18-hole course, the most fearsome hole is the 10th, a par three over the liquid fairway of an old quarry. It’s blessed with splendid views of the Farne Islands.
Alnmouth
Alnmouth has an array of arts, crafts and restaurants! An attractive seaside village bursting with personality and known for its painted houses, Alnmouth stands between the River Aln and the North Sea, enjoying the delights of a golden sandy beach and estuary with ‘bobbing’ boats and a great children’s playground. Once a proud merchant port, (and reputed to be frequented by smugglers), it’s now a peaceful haven with a wealth of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms along with an art gallery, gift shop, post office and village store.
Often mentioned as the most picturesque view on the route, Alnmouth’s nearby mainline train station (Kings Cross to Edinburgh) and regular bus service makes it an ideal car-free base.
Alnmouth’s stunning fine-sand beach is family friendly with good parking. For a stroll with the dog, a picnic in the dunes, or exploring the estuary and rock pools, it’s perfect for a family day out.
At low-tide, you can walk all the way along the coast, stopping at Boulmer and the Fishing Boat Inn for refreshments, before striking on to Craster and a return by bus. Alternatively, use the Northumberland Coastal Path at any time, or one of the village’s heritage trails that has something for everyone from amblers to ramblers.
The oldest golf course in town Golfers are spoilt for choice. Alnmouth Village Golf Club, founded in 1869, is England’s oldest 9-hole links course. A stray shot from the fairway could land you on nearby Alnmouth Golf Club, close to the village at Foxton Hall. This 18-hole course is famous for varied views along coastal parkland and breath-taking panoramic sea views from the 15th.
Alnmouth hosts a number of popular annual events and all visitors are welcome to participate. The popular Arts Festival in June has more than 100 exhibitors occupying over 30 village venues. During the summer holidays the fancy dress charity Raft Race attracts large crowds, and Volcano Night is great fun and quite a spectacle to behold! The idea of Volcano Night is to build a giant sandcastle, light a fire on top and keep it going till the tide comes in.
Or perhaps you’d prefer to sample a range of over 30 local ales at The Red Lion Beer Festival held in early October! ‘Give it a go’ Visit The Friary of Saint Francis and walk around the grounds or discover Church hill, cut off from the village after a storm in 1806. Search for Neolithic cup markings on the hillside of Alnmouth Wall. Take the train from Alnmouth Station to Edinburgh for a day out. Alnmouth is an artist’s paradise – so why not pick up a paintbrush and paint your favourite vista.
A spot of lunch or an evening meal The Hope and Anchor, Restaurant Italia and The Whittling House offer a great selection of food for all tastes from traditional pub food to the hand made wood fired pizza’s to Sunday lunches and local delicious seafood.
