sand yachting northumberland

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Welcome to British Landsailing, the British Federation of Sand & Land Yacht Clubs (BFSLYC). We are the administrative body for sand yachting and land sailing in the UK.  The sport includes the competitive and recreational sailing of sand and land yachts. Here you can find out more about land sailing, where to learn and sail, competitions and all other aspects that contribute to this exhilarating green sport. 

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Our short guide to Northumberland

Welcome to the secret kingdom of Northumbria. From Berwick upon Tweed to Druridge Bay the beautiful Northumberland coast sweeps south, littered with the ruins of historic castles. Alnwick, home to the ancient Percy family, Bamburgh, standing on its rocky outcrop above a magnificent beach of clean white sand. Dunstanbourgh and Warkworth known by Shakespeare and Chillingham, said to be the most haunted castle in England. A visit to Holy Island is a must, as is a boat trip across to the wonderful Farne islands to see the nature reserve with its seals and puffins among others. Pretty fishing villages and stunning golden beaches are all linked by quiet country roads which make exploring this beautiful county and absolute pleasure. You will experience a wonderful sense of freedom under an endless northern sky.

Picturesquely situated at the mouth of the river Coquet, Amble is an important fishing centre and has an award-winning marina. There are walks along the River Coquet to Warkworth and south past the harbour to Hauxley with views of the Coquet Island. There are shops pubs and restaurants and regular boat trips from Amble.

Coquet Island

Lying a mile off shore is Coquet Island with its 80ft lighthouse built on top of the ruin of a medieval tower. It is an RSPB reserve for thousands of puffins, Ida ducks and the roseate tern, one of Britain’s rare seabirds. There are nature reserves at nearby Hauxley and Druridge Bay and at Druridge Country Park, there is a lake, visitors centre, picnic areas and access to beautiful, quiet, white sandy beaches.

is one of the jewels in the Northumberland crown, a historic village that is unspoilt by modern development and tourism. Dominated by the magnificent, medieval castle, the view along Main Street is one of the finest in the country. It is well worth spending some time in this very pretty village full of interesting art and craft shops, hidden cafes and friendly pubs. You can visit the castle and then walk along the river and row a boat to the ancient hermitage. Hidden by trees and carved into the rock, the hermitage includes a chapel, confessional and dormitory. The walk along the river is enchanting with a stunning view of the castle, perfect for photography enthusiasts. The award-winning beach is twenty minutes walk from the village, however visitors can drive with masses of parking along side the picnic area. Don’t miss a visit to Morwick Ice Cream Parlour just outside Warkworth, it’s a must for ice cream lovers!

Just north of Walkworth is the picturesque coastal village of Alnmouth, originally a medieval town, located on the estuary of the River Aln. With it’s colourful cottages and fishing boats moored in the estuary Alnmouth has been the subject of many Northumbrian paintings. A popular tourist attraction, this village has lots to offer including some lovely shops, restaurants and pubs as well as a beautiful beach. One of Alnmouth’s most unique and popular events, the annual art festival runs from the 25th – 26th June, which attracts local professional and amateur artists showing their work. You can also visit the Friary of St Francis where the monks allow the public to walk around the grounds close to the sea.

Boulmer, Longhoughton Alnwick

Boulmer, a small fishing village, home to the lifeboat station has an unusual pub called the Fishing Boat Inn with its terrace overlooking the beach. From here it is a short walk to Longhoughton. This mid Northumberland coastal village has a Saxon church and access to the well-kept secret beach aptly named Sugar Sands. This is the nearest coastal village to the market town of Alnwick which makes it a great location for Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Just up from the shore towards Howick, archeologists from Newcastle university have unearthed the best-preserved Mesolithic roundhouse settlement ever to be found in Britain. You can also visit the delightful Howick Hall and Gardens.

Boulmer Haven

Arm yourself with a tide time-table to plan the best time to visit this small sandy beach sheltered by about three kilometres of rocky reef running parallel to the shore, which is exposed at low tide. It has deep gullies and pools and many overhangs, and is thickly grown with all the most familiar inter-tidal seaweeds and rich in every kind of marine invertebrate - especially animals that are permanently attached to the rocks, such as sponges, bryozoans, sea firs and the soft coral, dead-man's fingers, aconitum digitatum. From the cottage you can walk down the lane and along the coastal path to the Fishing Boat Inn (approx 3/4 hour walk) or 3 minutes by car along the Boulmer road. Have lunch or dinner before 9pm. Not open Monday except Bank Holidays.

Craster, Embleton and Low Newton

Craster has been a fishing village since the 17th century and is today best known for its smoked salmon and kippers. A footpath from the village following green fields and along the rocky shore leads to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanbrough castle. This castle is among the most romantically sighted in the country and towers over the south end of the stunning Embleton bay, one of the finest in Britain. A walk along this beautiful sandy beach will bring you to the pretty village of Embleton. With its 18 hole golf course, said to be one of finest in Northumberland, the flora and fauna in the adjoining sand dunes are managed by the National Trust with the friendly clubhouse open to the public. The main street offers some great friendly pubs with restaurants. The small isolated 18th century fishing village of Low Newton by the Sea, owned by the National Trust is particularly picturesque with its horse shoe of white washed cottages centred around the village green. The critically acclaimed Ship Inn has its own micro brewery producing a variety of unusual ales and together with its freshly caught seafood this is a popular destination.

Beadnell, Seahouses

Beadnell is one of the most popular coastal villages in Northumberland and has a lovely 18th century church, which sits along side the Craster Arms pub and the village shop. This lovely old part of the village is just a few minutes walk away from the beach, perfect for crab hunting in the rocky pools or an early evening walk. Further along, just past the 18th century harbour, the beach suddenly sweeps into a beautiful west facing sandy stretch making this a popular destination during the summer period for all types of water sports. It also has a sailing club that organizes regular events during the season.

As small fishing villages go in mid Northumberland, Seahouses is unusual in the sense that it is bustling with all the holiday seaside attractions and classic paraphernalia. With colourful buckets and spades adorning the shop windows and worn out lobster pots waiting next to the harbour, this village has real seaside appeal. There are plenty of fish and chip restaurants, arcades, some lovely gift shops, pubs, a supermarket and boat trips to the Farne Islands with fine beaches that lie to the north and south.

The beautiful coastal village of Bamburgh, ancient royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria, is set in one of the most breathtakingly stunning areas the country has to offer. The village is dominated by the spectacular castle which stands overlooking the beach at one side and the village on the other. This dramatic position has made it a setting for many epic films. St Aiden, the celtic monk, who founded the monastery on nearby Lindisfarne (Holy Island) died in Bamburgh. When visiting the church, look out for the resting place of Grace Darling, the Victorian heroine, who bravely rescued sailors drowning in the north sea. There is a museum in her memory.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh CastleThe sight of red-sandstone Bamburgh Castle, standing on a rocky outcrop above a magnificent beach of clean white sand, is breathtaking. The walls and rocks below form a 150-foot precipice. Most of the visible parts of the castle were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was used as a boarding school to train servant girls. The first fortification was built in AD 547 by King Ida and was rebuilt by the Normans. The castle is open daily, Easter to September. North of the castle a cliff-top lane leads to a small lighthouse. The sandy beach, stretching southward to Seahouses, is studded with rocky reefs, but there is safe swimming away from the rocks. The village of unpretentious and charming sandstone houses is best known for its heroine, Grace Darling, who was born in 1815 in a house opposite the church and died of tuberculosis at the age of 26 in a house that is now a gift shop. At the height of a storm in 1838 Grace rowed an open boat to the rescue of shipwrecked sailors. The 21-foot boat in which (with her father, a lighthouse keeper in the Farne Islands) she saved five people from the wreck of the steamer Forfarshire is displayed in the Grace Darling Museum, which is open daily from Easter to the end of September.

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands is one of the main wildlife attractions in Northumberland. An exciting boat trip from Seahouses will allow you to visit thousands of seabirds and adorable grey seals in their natural habitat. At certain times of the year, visitors are allowed on two of the islands, Inner Farne and Staple Island but during the breeding season, from May to July, landing is restricted. The gorgeous puffins are the favourite with visitors but you may also see kittiwakes, terns, guillemots, shags, oystercatchers, razorbills, ring plover, petrels, eiders and of course, gulls.

Embleton bay and Dunstanburgh castle

One of England's most breathtaking beaches and only a few miles from your cottage, this is undoubtable one of the finest beaches in the country. With apricot-coloured sand, towering dunes and views to the dramatic medieval ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, you will rarely find such a dramatic setting. Its giant dune system shelters some quaint thirties summer houses; indeed Embleton seems lost in a time warp, and is still totally uncommercialised thanks to the protection of the National Trust. It's magical! There's also an intriguing collection of wartime pillboxes, which remain only because access across the adjacent golf course was denied to the demolition gang. A great golf course where visitors are welcome for food and drinks at the golf club, just off the beach. Great for kids.

Holy Island

Holy island is a tidal island and vehicles can only cross when the tide is low. Tidal times vary so check before leaving home. Also known by its Celtic name, Lindisfarne it was one of the principal centres of Christianity in the Dark Ages. There is a Priory, (English Heritage) which was founded by St Aiden but was dissolved and ruined in 1533 by Henry VIII in his dissolution of the monasteries. The castle that looks out to the sea was built using the stone from the ruined monastery. You can visit the castle, which is a National Trust property. The island is one of the top locations for bird watching in the North East. The sand dunes and salt marsh are a national nature reserve and an important winter home to thousands of seabirds.

A fantastic experience in the nesting season. This trip has made a big impact on some visitors. The National Trust allows visitors to land on Inner Farne and Staple Island between April and September. This is a world-famous seabird sanctuary and has the largest grey seal colony in England.

Sugar Sands

Sandy cove set in extensive rocks that skirt the headland and are exposed at half-tide. Access to the cove is by road from Low Stead Farm. This is a private little beach great for kids. Second cove to the left of the end of the lane is the best beach.

Alnwick, home to the powerful Percy family since 1309 has the best surviving Barbican castle in Britain. The castle grounds are famous for their Hogwarts connections as this is where much of the first Harry Potter was filmed. The spectacular Alnwick Gardens created by the Duchess of Northumberland is a must see, with the world’s biggest tree house, also a restaurant, hundreds of fountains and a poison garden. To pass through into the cobbled market town you must go under the narrow Hotspur gate which leads you into a bustle of market life. It retains much of its medieval character with some stunning architecture and the town boasts its own theatre. There are many good restaurants and shops. Alnwick is also home to the famous Barter books, the largest second hand bookshop in Britain.

Rothbury is one of the main tourist centres of Northumberland and is a small market town in the beautiful Coquet Valley. Although technically a town now it still maintains a village feel about it with lots of shops, hotels and houses clustered on the banks of the river. The views are spectacular from all directions and there is something to offer all through the year. A mile to the east of the town lies Cragside House, Gardens and Estate (National Trust) which was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity. Home to Lord Armstrong in the 19th century, a Victorian inventor, Cragside House was the wonder of its age. Built on a rocky crag, it is crammed full of ingenious gadgets with lots of places to explore. Rothbury is surrounded by some lovely walks and countryside with lots of Northumbrian character.

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Royal Northumberland Yacht Club

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Royal Northumberland Yacht Club is based in Blyth South Harbour in the North East of England. We run a regular programme of races of varying styles on week nights as well as full weekend events. We have a busy calendar of social events, including lively pontoon parties, and occasional educational talks lead by members of the club and external speakers. We are an RYA Training Centre running a full range of theory and practical courses and we also run first aid courses from time to time. Our club house is the HY Tyne III, a Trinity House Light Vessel (LV50) built in 1879.

And can finally relax @70 degrees north

Easter Weekend Opening times Opening times as follows Good Friday 12 - 8 bar only Saturday 12 - 10.30 Easter Sunday 12 - 10.30 Easter Monday 12 - 8 bar only

We will be serving proper Guinness and the zero stuff on Sunday. It is St Patrick’s Day after all.

ONE FOR YOUR DIARIES. Please consider joining NECRA this year, it’s done online and straight forward. It would be great to get a good fleet

Only a few tickets left get yours before they sell out. !

For one night only! The much sought after Tall Tales Mysteries troupe of actors are presenting their nautically themed murder mystery ‘Murder & Mischief’ at

Maintenance Notice Please be aware that we are carrying out some essential maintenance to the pontoons today. The water supply will be off to all

Club History

In this section of the website you’ll find a number of pages covering the rich history of the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club, including information about the fascinating history of the Club’s ...

Racing at RNYC

Racing under ISAF Rules is organised all year round for yachts of all sizes under the North East Rating Rule (NERR) handicap system. Download the NERR handicaps here The RNYC programme typically includes: Passage ...

The social side of any club is the glue that binds its members together, otherwise, in our case, we would be just a marina. The committee works hard for your enjoyment. We have new social team this year, ...

10 of the Best Beaches to Visit in Northumberland

Vasileia papazoglou.

Updated on: 18th July 2023

A beautiful county in the North East of England which borders Scotland, Northumberland boasts famous castles, parks and of course, beaches. The weather up north may not always be as predictable as in other areas but if you’re lucky enough to visit when the sun is shining, these are 10 of the best beaches to visit in Northumberland we would recommend.

1. bamburgh castle beach.

This sandy beach is perfect for a long walk and backed by sand dunes. What makes it really special, is the fantastic castle which towers over the beach, having stood guard above the Northumberland coast for thousands of years, the castle is quite the spectacle. If you’re visiting with children, they will most likely be impressed by the collection of arms and armour on display. This beach is also great for rock pooling and surfing, it is said to be a consistent spot for good waves and there is surf hire and lessons available. 

2. Druridge Bay

Running from Amble to Cresswell (where the Northumberland Coast Path begins), this seven mile sweep of beach is a great place to walk, cycle or surf, explore and appreciate the beautiful landscapes. There is also Druridge Bay Country Park which includes beach and sand dunes, a 100 acre lake surrounded by woods and meadows, a café and a children’s play area. The Bay is also a haven for birdwatchers and can only be described as a natural beauty of Northumberland.

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3. Seahouses Beach – Best Beaches to Visit in Northumberland

Approximately midway between Bamburgh Castle and Beadnell, Seahouses is a town popular with tourists and locals. With a harbour said to be built in the late 19th century that today provides shelter to many fishing boats and boasts boat trips to the Farne Islands where you may spot puffins, grey seals and even sometimes dolphins or whales, this area cannot be missed. If you are in need of some tranquillity and are looking for a beach with big open skies, this is for you.

4. Embleton Bay

Golden sand, unspoiled, backed by low dunes; Embleton Bay is a gem on the Northumberland coast. Wildlife is thriving here, with plants in the dunes including cranesbill, bedstraw, potentilla, wild thyme and wild vetch. There are also bay cliffs which are a breeding site for seabirds such as kittiwake and eider ducks. Embleton also overlooks ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and was actually voted as the best beach in the UK in 2017 by BBC’s Countryfile Magazine readers. It is also a dog friendly beach, so the pups can join!

5. Warkworth Beach

Less than a mile away from the historic village of Warkworth, this beach boasts long stretches of golden sand. The water is also a great reason to visit this beach as its quality is renowned and if you are interested in surfing there is the Northside Surf School in Amble where you can take lessons here, no matter your ability. Also, across the waters you can see views of Coquet Island, which is now an RSPB reserve.

6. Blyth Beach

At Blyth South Beach there is lots to do for families, groups of friends, or if you just fancy a day out by yourself. The beach has a zone for water sports such as jet-skiing, yachting and surfing- and yes you’ve probably guessed it, there is a surf school on this beach too! The beach itself is long, wide and full of golden sand, backed by sand dunes which are filled with wildlife and is a designated area of Special Nature Conservation. Maybe the most amazing aspect of this beach is the fact that marine life such as dolphins, seals and porpoises are known to frequent the area, so if you’re lucky you may just spot them.

7. Spittal Beach

On the Northumberland coast about half a mile south of Berwick-upon-Tweed is Spittal, which since the 18th century has been said to be a popular spa and bathing resort. This beach lies within an Area of Outstanding Beauty, it is backed by a promenade and stretches down from the mouth of the River Tweed to the cliffs at Bear Head. Within Spittal, you will find a family fun centre, shops, restaurants and cafés, or if you’re looking for more facilities you can make the short journey to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

8. Alnmouth Beach

Gaining its name from its location, sitting in a wide sandy bay at the mouth of the River Aln, Alnmouth Beach is in front of the pretty little village of Alnmouth. Although swimming is not normally recommended at this beach and is particularly dangerous towards the estuary mouth on a dropping tide, the scenery is beautiful and the area is perfect for a long summer’s walk or an afternoon exploring the wildlife.

9. Beadnell Bay Beach

In a horseshoe shaped bay just south of the village of Beadnell, is this wide and sandy beach. Beadnell is very popular for holidaymakers due to a large caravan park and plenty of other accommodation in the area, as well as the attractions it boasts such as a sailing club, shops for water sport equipment and a harbour where you will find places to eat. The beach is great for swimming, as well as sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing; a lovely choice for a staycation!

10. Cresswell Beach

This beach is set on the southern edge of Druridge Bay and is known to be one of the best on the Northumberland coast due to the fact it is largely unspoilt and other than at the height of the summer, never seems to get too busy. The sand is backed by extensive sand dunes and when there is a low tide, there are also some rocky areas which are great for rock pooling, the beach is also said to be good for fishing. Dogs are also allowed here so this is a great option if you’re looking for a pretty walking area.

Why not PIN this 10 of the Best Beaches to Visit in Northumberland

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Northumberland Sailing beaches

The beach guide has 4 sailing beaches listed in Northumberland. Check here for all sailing beaches in the UK

• Bamburgh Castle
• Embleton Bay
• Cocklawburn Beach
• Longhoughton
• Druridge Bay

1. Holy Island (Lindisfarne) Beach

The Harbour beach on Holy Island is the easiest to get to being on the shoreward side of the island. The beach itself isn't quite as pretty as the other expansive, sandy beaches in the area but there are great views of both 16th century…

2. Beadnell Bay

Beadnell Bay is a wide, sandy beach in a horseshoe shaped bay just south of the village of Beadnell. The glorious golden sand, curves around the bay forming a natural harbour. To the rear of the beach are grassy sand dunes and fields…

3. Warkworth Beach

Warkworth Beach is less than a mile away from historic Warkworth village, between Birling Carrs and Amble Breakwater. Visitors to the village often miss the beach, but those who make the trip are rewarded with a vast expanse of pristine,…

4. Amble Links Beach

Amble Links, south of Amble Marina and Harbour is a mostly sandy beach, with some shingle and rocks, backed by cliffs. Behind the beach is Park Leisure Amble Links Holiday Park. The beach is popular with walkers, families and for water…

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Newton Haven, Northumberland

• Katy Stickland
• February 1, 2018

Not only does this anchorage offer good holding but stargazing, birdwatching and a beautiful sandy beach, says Alastair Buchan

A mile or so south of the ruin of Northumberland’s 14th Century Dunstanburgh Castle lies Newton Haven, also known as St Mary’s Haven, Low Newton by the Sea or Newton Seahouses.

Stone Age people began a tradition of living by farming and fishing around Newton Haven that lasted until the early 20th Century, when fishing all but disappeared and farming became increasingly mechanised and less labour intensive.

The local watering hole, the Ship Inn, began life as The Smack in the late 1700s, and its microbrewery revived the custom of pubs brewing their own ale. In the early 19th Century, an open-ended square of cottages was tacked onto The Ship, giving the village the look of a terraced square.

In the 1700s, the Coastguard’s duties were primarily preventing smuggling. Bringing transhipped contraband ashore in fishing boats was a popular ploy, and the building of Coastguard cottages on the hill outside the village in 1828 was probably to watch over the fishermen.

St Mary’s Church, built as a mission room at the end of the 19th century, is a tin tabernacle. These prefabricated corrugated iron churches were developed in the 1850s and proved popular in rural areas. From 1902, it was used as a church and village hall until the Women’s Institute hall took on the latter role after the First World War. The WI hall closed in 1996, and the church, once again, became dual purpose.

Continues below…

Exploring Hope Cove, south Devon

This unspoilt, often overlooked haven in Devon can be a great anchorage, says Dag Pike

Runswick Bay, Yorkshire

Until the late 19th century Runswick Bay was a fishing village with a sideline in smuggling. Then, as tourism spread…

The Isle of Whithorn in Scotland

It may be slightly out of the way for those heading north, but this anchorage near the Solway Firth is…

The village is now a tourist destination popular with stargazers (it is within Northumberland’s dark sky zone), birdwatchers and various watersport enthusiasts. May to June is best for birdwatchers. The Newton Pool Bird Reserve just outside the village has two hides for visitors, including one with disabled access. In the 1960s, the bay was home to pioneering windsurfing schools and their legacy lives on today.

Provided there is not too much swell, the anchorage offers shelter from winds from the north-west, through west to the south. The Fills Rock dries for all but a couple of hours either side of High Water and gives some protection from onshore swell at Low Water but less so as the tide rises, when a second anchor to haul your bows round into the swell may be useful.

From around 55o30.9N and 01o37.2W the ridge-line of the cottages on the south side of Low Newton Green bears 240oT. This brings you into the anchorage clear of both Fills Rock and the rocks to the south of Newton Point.

Stay on this line until you are about to run out of water. To port the keep of Dunstanburgh Castle is just about to come in line with the most westerly of the permanently dry area of the Emblestone.

Turn onto this transit and anchor anywhere you can along it avoiding the inshore moorings. It is a good idea to trip your anchor. The bottom is sand and the holding usually good. Depending on the swell, dinghy landings may be a damping experience.

Boats that can take the ground can dry out inshore of the line of moorings.

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• Land Yachting

Land Yachting Experience Days

Uk land yachting and land sailing experience days.

Believe it or not, land yachting has been around in more primitive forms since ancient Egyptian times - it seems that adventurous souls have been experimenting with extreme sports for some time! Land yachting is like an ingenious fusion of motor racing and sailing, done on beautiful sandy beaches all over the UK! Harness the power of the wind as you sit in your land yacht, inches off the ground, and hurtle along the beach at speeds of up to 40mph, safe in the knowledge that no brakes is no problem, as you will have received expert instruction, and will be fully in control!

• Romney Marsh (2)
• £100 to £200
• £200 to £300
• £300 to £500

2 Land Yachting Experience Gift Ideas

Introduction to Land Yachting in Romney Marsh

• Spend two hours hurtling along a runway in Kent in a fantastic Land Yacht, with this fun, fast, and ...

Intro to Land Yachting in Romney Marsh For Two

• Share the thrill of land yachting with a friend during this two-hour joint experience in Kent!

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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.

Map of the best beaches in Northumberland

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Seas the day: The best beaches in Northumberland

Though popular with families, hikers, birdwatchers and watersports enthusiasts, Northumberland’s coastline is wonderfully unspoilt and crowd free.

• Post author By Gemma Hall
• Post date 20th July 2021

Between North Tyneside and Berwick-upon-Tweed lies one of the finest stretches of coastlines anywhere in England. For much of its 70-mile length, Northumberland ’s seaboard is a desolate sweep of sea, soft sands, dunes, offshore islands and rocky promontories, interrupted only by medieval castles and the odd old fishing village and town.

Though popular with families, hikers, birdwatchers and watersports enthusiasts, the coast is wonderfully unspoilt and crowd free, so much so that fellow walkers and cyclists often greet each other on passing. Here are just a few of Northumberland’s finest beaches.

Cresswell Beach

Cresswell’s soft sands are easily accessible from the coast road and the first family-friendly beach you come to as you cross into Northumberland. Picture a pristine bay, high dunes and a great ice-cream shop, Cresswell Ices, that also sells buckets and spades. The beach is reached via some steps to the rear of the shop, but to find your very own stretch of sand, head north out of the village for half a mile or so where a few paths snake through the dunes and on to the beach.

Also here is a nature reserve – a brackish lagoon fringed by reeds and a known stopping-off point for migrant birds (look out for pink-footed geese and snow buntings in autumn/winter). Cresswell village itself is not remarkable though it does shelter the ruins of a 14th-century pele tower (facing the ice-cream shop across the large green).

Druridge Bay

One of Northumberland’s most deserted beaches is a sweeping expanse of sand backed by high dunes that extends for six wind-whipped miles from Cresswell to just south of Amble. More popular with walkers than families with buckets and spades (who tend to gravitate to Cresswell), you’ll easily find a spot to yourself.

Behind the dunes is a broken chain of (sheltered) lagoons fringed by reedbeds and farmland that attract large numbers of wildfowl in winter. They are linked by the coast path, which takes a varied route along the beach, tracks and grassy dunes. The wetland nature reserves, which were reclaimed from old coal mines, attract rare migrants, as well as overwintering species, notably pink-footed geese, bitterns, short-eared owls and whooper swans.

Within the Druridge Bay Country Park (access from Red Row) is Ladyburn Lake, where there’s a visitor centre, café and large picnic area. If you have your own canoe, windsurfing board or sailing boat, purchase a permit from the visitor centre to use the lake (Apr–Oct); otherwise you can hire kayaks or stand-up paddle boards from the Coquet Shorebase Trust the day before you want to go out.

Alnmouth Bay

From the town of Warkworth, a glorious long stretch of pale sand backed by thick dunes shoots north to Alnmouth. To reach the beach, take the paved track heading east from the north side of Warkworth’s medieval bridge. After half a mile you come to a parking area with toilets. From here it’s a short downhill stroll to the beach. When you meet the dunes, a fingerpost directs you to Alnmouth (4½ miles) along the coast path.

If there were a footbridge crossing the estuary at Alnmouth, this would be one of the most popular beach walks in Northumberland. Unfortunately you get within a hop, skip and a jump (almost) of Alnmouth and have to turn back unless, that is, you’re prepared to remove your socks and shoes, roll up your trousers and wade through the fast-flowing water that crosses the bay – but be wary of quicksand. Alternatively, pick up the coast path that heads inland and follows the road into the village.

Sugar Sands

Whin Sill outcrops and limestone between the villages of Boulmer and Craster come together to create a very striking and unusual shoreline, particularly near Craster where horizontal sheets of rock heave in great shelves on to the beach. Hidden along this coastline are three sandy bays perfect for families.

The middle beach is Sugar Sands – one of Northumberland’s finest secluded coves. The bays are reached in quick succession from the coast path (a rough track for most of the way from Boulmer to Howick and suitable for cyclists).

Rumbling Kern

Such an evocative name for a beach (just north of Sugar Sands), piled with rocks and with plenty of holes and channels for the sea to roar through. At low tide this is a great bay for rock pooling and beachcombing. Its secluded location also makes it very private and you may well find you have this little sandy cove all to yourself. At the north end, there’s a tempting swimming hole cut into the rock.

The Victorian house on the headland (now a holiday cottage) is the Bathing House, built by the 2nd Earl Grey of nearby Howick Hall for his 15 children to stay in while enjoying a dip in the sea below.

Embleton Bay & Newton Haven

Between Newton-by-the-Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle is a glorious stretch of buttery-coloured sand (technically two bays) and one of the most popular family beaches in Northumberland. That said, even on hot days in summer, kite-boarders can still find an empty run of sand, and children can be lord of their own dune.

The most accessible rock pools are at the northern end by Newton but the Emblestones (halfway along) are also full of anemones, starfish, hermit crabs and so on. Look (and listen) out for grey seals hauled up on the furthermost rocks. Surfing and paddle-boarding lessons can be arranged throughout the year along Northumberland’s popular beaches, including at Embleton, through Northside Surf .

If it gets too crowded at Newton, wander north on the coast path (accessed via a kissing gate opposite the post box on the main road into Newton) over the headland to Football Hole – a small, secluded bay – and hunker down in the dunes.

Beadnell Bay

A pristine sandy beach padded with dunes and lapped by blue water is not easily found anywhere in England, but to come across one as crowd-free as Beadnell is rare indeed. Families, walkers and birdwatchers will love it here. Watersports enthusiasts (from beginners up) can book kitesurfing and paddleboarding lessons from KA Kitesurfing Adventure Sports based in Beadnell’s car park.

Halfway along is Long Nanny – an inlet by a hut that is well known for its breeding Arctic terns, little terns and ringed plovers that nest in the dune grasses. This is the largest breeding colony of Arctic terns on mainland Britain. The hut is manned by National Trust wardens around the clock until late July and it is the best place to watch the birds at close range without disturbing them.

Ross Back Sands

The beach at Ross is a gloriously deserted sandy spit that extends for three breezy miles from Budle Bay almost to Lindisfarne. Access is via a mile-long footpath through Ross Farm and across the dunes, which puts off the few travellers who venture to this remote place. A word of caution: make a mental picture of where the footpath enters the beach as it is difficult to find on your return.

Your reward, however, is an unbeatable panorama: all sky, sea and white sands with Lindisfarne Castle at one end and Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands at the other. A pair of binoculars will come in handy, both to check out the seals lazing on sand humps in Lindisfarne’s bay (best viewed from Guile Point) and to scan the sea for divers, grebes and scoters in winter, and terns in summer.

At the northern end of the spit on Guile Point (out of bounds from May to July because of nesting birds) you’ll see two triangular navigation towers. They help keep mariners on the right course through the dangerous waters that have claimed many boats, including the remains of two shipwrecks you see by walking the length of the beach. Keep in mind that from the main access point on to the sands (roughly the midway point of the spit) the towers look deceptively close but they take over an hour to reach.

Cheswick Sands & Cocklawburn Beach

Located far from any settlement of note means that those who do make it to this runway-straight stretch of desolate coastline between Lindisfarne and the distant outskirts of Berwick find it blissfully free of people. At low tide, the vast expanse of Goswick Sands north of Lindisfarne reveals itself. Take care here: the incoming tide progresses quickly across the beach.

At its northern end, Cheswick Sands merges with Cocklawburn Beach, a picturesque family-friendly cove, beyond some impressive limestone rocks (crumbling lime kilns are evidence of past industry on this stretch of the coast).The coastal cycleway (NCN route 1) running along the inland edge of the dunes makes getting here by bicycle straightforward; drivers can park at several rough pull-in areas reached from Cheswick (signed off the A1).

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Northumberland: Best Beaches for a Weekend Escape

Posted on 7th May 2019. In Beach Weekends , England , Nature & Outdoor , The Roundup , UK weekend breaks

Alongside its beautiful  must-see romantic castles and it’s warm and welcoming pubs , Northumberland is home to more than 30 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles – almost all of them are dog-friendly.

From hulking curved slices of sand and rock, to sheltered coves of folding dunes and dancing grasses, beaches in Northumberland have enough to keep you entertained for a weekend or longer.

But whichever Northumberland beach you choose, be warned: keep your heart guarded at all times. For if you don’t, it’ll be lost amongst the wild sands, and you will never want to return home.

Best Beaches in Northumberland for Families

1. Seahouses Beach

Bubbling with families during the summer, Seahouses Beach is popular thanks to the town on its doorstep – idea if you’ve toddlers who need feeding or need the loo.

The town lies on the Northumberland coast approximately mid-way between Bamburgh Castle and Beadnell with stunning views of the Farne Islands in the distance.

The beach itself is a gently sloping, sandy beach stretching north of the harbour backed by low, grassy dunes and rocky outcrops. Sit on the rocks eating fish and chips or, if you fancy a walk, you can trot up the coast to Bamburgh before heading back to enjoy a barbecue as the sun goes down.

Postcode:  NE68 7SU

Facilities: Pub nearby – The Ship

Dog-friendly: Yes

Parking: Yes

2. Craster Beach

More a stretch of rocky coastline than a place to build sandcastles, Craster beach is nonetheless a great spot for families to explore.

Park behind the Tourist Office and set off rock pooling, collecting shells and stones, and wildlife spotting along the coastline.

Look out for seals, eider ducks and a variety of other wading birds – dolphins have been known to play in the waters just off Craster.

As well as the beach, the small harbour of Craster itself is worth a detour. Make sure you try Craster’s smoked kippers whilst you’re there – the village is famous for them.

Postcode:  NE66 3TR

Facilities: Pub nearby – The Jolly Fisherman

Dog-friendly: No

3. Warwork Beach

Just a short walk from Warworth village is a lovely sandy beach that stretches for over 5 miles from the southern side of Alnmouth Estuary to the north, right down to the northern side of the Coquet Estuary at Amble.

Fringed with huge sand dunes, which are great for kids and dogs to explore, it also has plenty of rock pools, it is also home to the Northside surf school offering lessons every day of the year for all abilities.

If a dip in the sea takes your fancy, the water quality is good and the beach slopes gently with no hidden shelves or drops.

Postcode:  NE65 0SW

Facilities: Pub nearby – Hermitage Inn

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Best Beaches in Northumberland for Adventure

1. Beadnell Bay

With the only west-facing harbour on the east coast of England, Beadnell Bay is the place to come for thrills a-plenty.

This breeze-filled bay, which arches protectively up from the tip of Dunstanborough Castle to Beadnell’s unusual harbour and its two historic limekilns, is a mecca for surfers, windsurfers and wakeboarders.

In the town, there is a sailing club as well as shops where you can buy or rent water sports equipment. Snorkelling and scuba diving is also popular here too with some excellent wrecks to explore off shore.

Postcode:  NE67 5BN

Facilities: Public toilets; Pubs nearby – Beadnell Towers and Craster Arms

2. Alnmouth Beach

Another mighty beach awaits you at Alnmouth. It’s easily accessible with a car park right on the sea front as well as a golf course running the length of the beach.

If golf isn’t your thing, the beach offers plenty more opportunities to get active. During winter runners and dog-walkers pace its vast sands soaking in the quiet atmosphere.

It’s also becoming increasingly popular with surfers and kitesurfers. Sea fishing is another popular activity, as is horse-riding.

Postcode:  NE66 2RW

Facilities: Shop; Toilets; Pub nearby – Schooner Hotel

3. Amble Links Beach

Amble is commonly known as the friendliest port in the North of England and is well-appointed for adventure. South of town, you’ll find a mostly sandy beach, with some shingle and rocks, known as Amble Links Beach.

The  Coquet Shorebase Trust  is based in Amble, providing watersports training and courses powerboats, canoeing and kayaking for anyone that is interested.

Bird-lovers are well catered for too: Amble Links beach looks out onto Coquet Island, home to a large colony of puffins.

Although you can’t land on the island, you can get a boat trip out to see it.

Postcode: NE65 0SD

Facilities: Shop; Pubs nearby in Amble – The Old Storehouse and The Masons Arms

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Best Beaches in Northumberland for Peace and Quiet

1. Lindisfarne’s Beaches

Cut off from the world twice a day as the thumping North Sea rolls in, Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) has a shoreline of haunting solitude. Although this tidal island is known mostly for its medieval religious heritage, it is also home to these unspoiled beaches where you can sense the ghosts of centuries passing by:

The Links Beach – a heart-thumping sweep of gold flats where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the cliffs on the Scottish border. Coves Haven – a cosy quiet, remote nest of a beach, backed by high sand dunes. Keel Head – a secluded scoop of sand overlooked by the white navigation tower of Emmanuel Head. Harbour Beach – dotted with pebbles and boats, and probably the beach visitors see the most on their way to Lindisfarne Castle.

Postcode:  TD15 2SF

Facilities: Shops; Toilets; Pubs nearby – The Ship Inn, Manor House, The Crown and Anchor

Dog-friendly: Yes, but on a lead at all times

2. Ross Back Sands

One of the reasons Ross Back Beach is so deserted is thanks to the 1.5 mile walk you have to do, through a nature reserve, to get to its golden sands.

It’s worth the effort though: 3 miles of unspoilt dunes and beach awaits you, bringing with it utter solitude – even on a Bank Holiday.

The isolation of this Northumberland beach does make it a popular spot with naturists – you have been warned!

To get to the beach, park your car at Ross Farm, follow the road on foot past the farm buildings and cottage, then head along the path through the fields, until you cross the dunes to the beach.

Postcode: NE69 7AH

Facilities: None 

Dog-friendly: Yes, but not during seabird breeding season (1st May – 30th Jul)

Parking: Yes, 1 mile away

3. Low Newton Beach

Consider to be one of the most attractive villages in Northumberland, Low Newton has as an open-ended square of beautiful cream-washed cottages looking out onto the glorious sandy beach.

The village is almost completely National Trust owned and is home to  The Ship Inn  where you can sample some seafood delights before enjoy the peace of one of Northumberland’s best beaches.

The beach is so vast, that even if the car park is full you’ll feel as if its yours and yours alone.

Postcode:  NE65 3EW

Facilities: Toilets; Pub – The Ship Inn 

Best Beaches in Northumberland for Wildlife Spotting

1. Embleton Bay

Embleton Bay is a majestically wide sandy beach that stretches for miles into the distance, watched over by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

In 2017 it was voted Best Beach in the UK by BBC’s Countryfile Magazine. As well as its natural beauty, wildlife is abundant here.

The Bay’s nearby cliffs are a breeding site for seabirds, the dunes are home to all manner of flora and the local wildlife haven, Newton Pond, is located 80 metres behind Embleton Bay’s huge sand dunes.

Postcode:  NE66 3XQ

Facilities: Pubs in nearby Embleton – Greys Inn and Dunstaborough Castle Hotel

2. Druridge Bay Country Park

Reach the stunning 7-mile stretch of sand dunes and beaches of Druridge Bay, via Druridge Bay Country Park.

The park is home to a series of nature reserves where its residents include a herd of swans to rare birds like the Golden Eye Snipe.

It also features woodlands, a 100-acre lake and meadow. There is a visitor centre with toilets, a café, shop and children’s play area.

Postcode:  NE61 5EG

Facilities: Toilets; Cafe; Children’s Play Area

3. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

This small seaside town in south-east Northumberland is famous for its revamped beach, which eroded badly during recent decades.

Today birdwatchers flock to the town to watch the spring and autumn migration of North Sea seabirds.

Postcode:  NE64 6PD

Facilities: Toilets; Cafe; Shops; Pubs – The New Ship and Queen’s Head

Dog-friendly: Restrictions in place, check the signs

Best Beaches in Northumberland for Long Walks

1. Cheswick Sands

One of the biggest 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.

For walkers it’s perfect: not only do you have to walk to reach the beach, but there are then several miles of honeyed sands to explore.

On a clear day you can see past Berwick-Upon-Tweed to the Scottish Border.

Postcode:  TD15 2RW

Facilities: None

Dog-friendly: Yes, if kept on a lead

2. Bamburgh Castle Beach

Bamburgh Beach’s heart-thumping size knocks the breath from your lungs as you come on to it from amongst the grassy dunes that keep it hidden.

A magnificent spread of honeyed sands, packed hard and flat by ferocious North Sea winds, it runs and runs until the sands turn into a thick smattering of rock pools at its far end, ideal for kids. And all the time it’s watched by the majestic Bamburgh Castle.

Naturally, there are many walks you can do, including a walk along the beach to Stags Rocks, so named because of the white stag painted on the rocks. You can also follow trails that give you the best views of Bamburgh Castle and let you explore the town of Bamburgh itself.

Postcode:  NE69 7DF

Facilities: Shops; Cafes; Toilets; Pubs in nearby Bamburgh – Potted Lobster, Lord Crewe Hotel; The Castle Inn

3. Cresswell Beach

Cresswell Beach is also the starting point for the 62-mile Northumberland Coastal Path, a long-distance footpath, that ends at Berwick-upon-Tweed.

If you don’t fancy taking on the entire might of the coastal walk, then instead explore Cresswell Bay’s flat sands: at low tide, the sandy beach is vast and rocks are revealed at the shoreline.

Postcode:  NE61 5LA

Facilities: Cafe; Toilet; Restaurant

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In this article

• Family Beaches
• Adventure Beaches
• Beaches for Peace & Quiet
• Best Wildlife Beaches
• Beaches for Long Walks

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Canada , north america , travel stories, nova scotia: a warm welcome to northumberland shore.

• Published March 26, 2021

Welcome to the Northumberland Shore: with its collection of relaxing, rural communities and beautiful beaches, this part of the province is a popular seaside destination. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking trails, and opportunities for kayaking and sailing. Plus, the Northumberland Shore is home to an iconic vineyard and one of the province’s best breweries. Quiet communities along the Northumberland Strait, including Malagash, Tatamagouche, Pugwash and Amherst Shore, are all beautiful spots for cottaging, camping and beach trips. Visit Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore for its unique scenery, small-town feel, and stunning red sand beaches.

Where to Stay

Pugwash is a lovely town nestled along the shores of the Northumberland Strait. This area is popular in the summer with cottagers and visitors from around Nova Scotia and beyond. To learn more about an important piece of Nova Scotia’s history, visit Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site. Here, the village of Pugwash held the first Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs in 1957. The conference hosted 22 scientists from around the world – from both sides of the Iron Curtain – to discuss the threat of nuclear weapons. The conference was later awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1995 for its efforts, and the site is now a National Historic Site.

In the summer months, golfers head to Fox Harb’r Resort , one of the top destination resorts in Canada, and one of the only 5 star resorts in the country. Near Pugwash, golfers can also visit Northumberland Links, which overlooks the waters of the Northumberland Strait.

Tatamagouche is a not-to-be-missed seaside village with a bustling Main Street. An easy day trip from Halifax , here you will find an award-winning craft brewery, a bustling farmer’s market, handmade chocolates, fresh baked goodies, chowders, and bike rentals. If you’re looking to stay overnight in Tatamagouche, make sure to check out the Train Station Inn . The site is home of the former railway station for the village and has been turned into a unique accommodation base – you can spend the night in one of the renovated cabooses or boxcars.

The region is also home to some beautiful camping spots. Amherst Shore Provincial Park and Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park are two great options for campers. Pack your tent, waterproof jacket, insect repellant, and some warm layers, as it cools down at night. For those a little more adventurous, head to Pictou Island where you can stay in wooden tents or yurts, providing an off-grid experience with all the amenities, all perched alongside an unbelievable white sand beach.

What to See

Warm beaches.

The Northumberland Shore is home to Nova Scotia’s beach country, with distinctive red sands and warm waters. In fact, the waters around here are known “warmest waters north of the Carolinas.” The saltwater averages more than 22 C (72 F) in the summer — a far cry from the cool open Atlantic ocean water beaches near Halifax.

The warmth of these waters is a result of the shallow Northumberland Strait that separates the province of Nova Scotia from Prince Edward Island. Go straight to the source by striking out on the Malagash Peninsula to Blue Sea Beach Provincial Park, a wide and sandy beach with a marsh inland that is popular for birdwatching.

Melmerby Beach Provincial Park is a 2km stretch known for its particularly warm waters, ease of access with multiple parking lots, and the depth of its waters that tends to increase a little faster than other beaches in the area to make for more swimming opportunities.

Other great picks include Bayfield Beach Provincial Park is a beautiful sand and cobble beach near Antigonish, while Northport Beach Provincial Park is a great option for picnicking in the Amherst area. It boasts stunning red sands and warm water, making it a quintessential North Shore spot.

Tatamagouche

The seasonal Tatamagouche Farmers Market at Creamery Square is a great place to buy local products, crafts, produce and baked goods. Creamery Square is also a heritage complex featuring community museums, exhibits, collections and archives for the Northumberland Shore region.

For a glimpse at the town’s past, visit the historic Sutherland Steam Mill , located in Denmark, a rural area near Tatamagouche. Built in 1894, this steam-powered sawmill produced a number of products, including the famous decorations known as “Gingerbread Trim.” The machines are still working, so visitors can get a glimpse into how steam engines were used to power mills like this back in the day.

Pictou is known as the “Birthplace of New Scotland,” since the first wave of Scottish immigrants landed here in 1773 onboard The Ship Hector. Today, The Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou pays homage to this history and visitors can check out a full-size replica of the Ship Hector. Learn more about Nova Scotia’s Scottish heritage at the McCulloch Heritage Centre, also located in Pictou. This heritage site has an extensive genealogical archive, which helps people explore their family roots.

Along with Pictou’s Scottish connection, there is a long-standing fishing history to explore. Check out the Northumberland Fisheries Museum to learn all about the history of the fishing industry in this part of the province. The museum features artifacts from shipwrecks, a model lighthouse and an operating lobster hatchery. Here, the Adopt-a-Lobster program is a unique and successful ‘catch and release’ program that helps educate residents and visitors alike about the lobster life cycle. Visitors can give their lobster a name, receive a certificate commemorating the adoption, and release the lobster back into Pictou Harbor.

What to Eat & Drink

A few minutes from Tatamagouche’s Main Street you will find Sugar Moon Farm , a working maple syrup farm, known for its excellent restaurant. Tour the working farm before tasting delicious pancakes, locally made sausages, and, of course, many maple syrup treats! It’s easy to work up – or work off – an appetite by spending the day exploring some of the more than 30 km (18 mi) of trails surrounding the farm.

You can also enjoy a delicious meal of seafood chowder, fish cakes, bacon-wrapped scallops or other locally inspired dishes in the carefully restored 1928 Dining Car at the Tatamagouche Train Station Inn.

A trip along the Northumberland shore isn’t complete without a stop at Jost Vineyards . Sitting on the shores of Malagash Peninsula — with beautiful views of the Northumberland Strait — this vineyard is known for producing world-class wines. Visitors can tour the vineyard, browse the winery shop, and sample local wines. You can even rent a bicycle on site to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. The winery’s restaurant, Seagrape Café, also serves locally inspired meals to accompany your delicious glass of wine.

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Northumberland Strait - Maritimes

Photo copyright Province of PEI, 1999

The beauty of the Northumberland Strait is that it is the only body of water that embraces all three Maritime Provinces.  The Strait borders New Brunswick's eastern Acadian shore to the west, northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island to the east, and the heartland of Prince Edward Island to the north.  The Strait is sandy, warm and shallow, with very few rocks, and is virtually fog-free. Towering over this beautiful body of warm water is the Confederation Bridge, a 12.9-kilometer structure, completed in 1997, which connects PEI to mainland New Brunswick. It is an awesome sight for any boater and can be seen from miles away. Boaters cruising east from Quebec and Ontario can travel through the Bay of Chaleur, a popular whale-watching spot, off northeastern New Brunswick, and then head south, passing through a drawbridge near Shippagan, and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which leads to the Northumberland Strait. In the fall of the year, boaters may want to take the outside route around Miscou Island, to catch a glimpse at the fiery red moss peat bogs the island boasts.  Cruising southeast, the French Acadian coastline in New Brunswick is a scenic mix of fishing villages, waterfront cottages, woodlands and further down the coast sand beaches. About a two-hour sail from Shippagan brings you to the famous Miramichi River, one of the most popular salmon fishing spots in all of Canada.  The City of Miramichi lies about 20 miles in from the wide mouth of the river, which narrows as you go down. The river of more than 12,000 square kilometers is New Brunswick's second largest. It offers good protection, is well marked, and is navigable to Miramichi, a city of more than 18,000 people.  Going upriver, the city is an amalgamation of the former towns of Newcastle on the right side of the river and Chatham on the left. The marina at Station Wharf and the Ritchie Park Wharf are located right along the waterfront, where shops, restaurants and supplies are easily accessible.  The wharf at Ritchie Park in Newcastle boasts a shipbuilding theme and has a nautical playground for children. Miramichi Yacht Club is situated along the left bank of the river at Chatham, just before you pass under Centennial Bridge.  During the summer months, Miramichi is awash with Irish, folk and roll & roll festivals. While the Miramichi River winds upriver another 55 miles, the river is only marked for boaters for another five miles past the city, and requires local knowledge to venture further safely.  Cruising from the mouth of the Miramichi further southeast along the Acadian coast, boaters can marvel at the amazing sand dunes that blanket the coastline between Richibucto and Bouctouche, both of which have marinas for boaters.  Bouctouche is the native community of late billionaire K.C. Irving, New Brunswick's most prominent businessman, who left behind a fortune made from oil, lumber and shipbuilding. Located in Bouctouche is the Irving Eco-Centre, with its boardwalks and interpretive trails that provide for sensitive exploration of the long sand dunes. Another hour's sail along the coast brings you to Shediac, the lobster capital of New Brunswick. The town boasts a monster-sized lobster statue that is certain to draw attention. Friendly and inviting operators of full-service marinas are located both in the Town of Shediac and in nearby Pointe de Chene.  The Shediac area is home to Parlee Beach, a former venue for the real Beach Boys, who performed there in-concert in the 1980's. The popular sand beach has attracted as many as 25,000 people on a single day. For those that wish to cross the Northumberland Strait to Prince Edward Island, a close port to Shediac on PEI is Summerside, where a private full-service marina welcomes visiting boats. Prince Edward Island sits like a jewel in the Strait, strikingly beautiful, fringed with beaches ranging from white sand dunes to brilliant red sand bordered by clay cliffs and headlands. Farmlands, fields, golf courses, fishing villages and lighthouses are sprinkled along the coast. 

The City of Summerside offers a host of attractions. The 521-seat Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre hosts both musical and theatrical performances throughout the summer. Island life is captured on canvas at the Pete Exhibition Centre, a nationally recognized art gallery. Museums and walking tours of Summerside are other fascinating features of this seaside port. A cruise of 48 nautical miles east along the southern coast of the island will take you under the breathtaking Confederation Bridge and into the port of Charlottetown, the Island capital and birthplace of Canada's Confederation.  Boaters arriving in Charlottetown can dock at Quartermaster Marine, a full-service marina at Peakes Quay, close to shops, restaurants and other amenities and attractions.  One huge attraction for visitors is that every summer, The Charlottetown Festival stages the musical production of Anne of Green Gables, the internationally popular fictional character, created by island author Lucy Maude Montgomery.  Other key attractions include Province House, Founders Hall and the Confederation Arts Centre. The waterfront is also a hub of activity and each September is the venue for the PEI International Shellfish Festival. It is a great time to try wonderful homemade fish chowder and watch fishermen go head-to-head shucking mussels and oysters. Leaving Charlottetown and cruising east along the coastline, there are more picturesque villages, marine mammals, seabirds and plenty of fishing vessels.  The Northumberland Strait is home to many fishing vessels, although the designs here differ from the Nova Scotia inspired Cape Islander. Here the elegant Northumberland fishing boat is built at boat shops on the Strait in all three Maritime Provinces.

Sharing the Strait area is a ferry that shuttles back and forth between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Woods Island, PEI. Boaters cruising east along the Strait need to be aware of this larger vessel crossing.  Once on the eastern side of the Island, there are several marinas to visit, including Murray Harbour, Montague, Cardigan and Souris. Here boaters will find a change of scenery as some of these marinas are accessed through inland, tall-banked rivers. The distance from Charlottetown to Montague, almost mid-way up the eastern side of the Island, is 62 nautical miles. The north shore of the Island, which takes one into the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, offers boaters another experience, less sheltered but marked by sweeping capes and gorgeous sand beaches. Most popular among those beaches, mid-way along the north shore is Cavendish.  Cavendish not only has a spectacular beach, it is also referred to on the Island as "Anne's Land," because it is where the famed house that inspired the Anne of Green Gables story still sits.  Just west of Cavendish is Stanley Bridge, where there is a marina and a marine aquarium. Further west is Malpeque Bay, a scenic and busy fishing port, and a key spot for bluefin tuna fishermen.

Another choice for boaters cruising southeast down the Acadian coast from New Brunswick is to stick to the Nova Scotia coastline, which one picks up after rounding Cape Tormentine.  Following the landscape along the coast, boaters will be cruising parallel with what is known on land as the Sunrise Trail, and to boaters as the Sunrise Shore, with its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This is the north shore of Nova Scotia. The first place to berth coming from New Brunswick is at Pugwash, a harbour shared by lobster fishermen, salt boats and recreational boaters. There is both a marina and a yacht club. Cruising further along the north shore, a fascinating site from the water is the lush private Fox Harbour Golf Course, developed by entrepreneur, Ron Joyce, co-founder of the Tim Horton's coffee and donut shops. The resort area includes luxury waterfront properties and an airport. Joyce is a native of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, which is the next place along the Sunrise Shore to dock and visit. Barrachois Harbour is home to Sunrise Shore Marina & Cottages and the Tatamagouche Yacht Club, which both share the same location. Another public golf course is nearby and Tatamagouche is renowned for its Ocktoberfest gathering in September of each year, which draws people by land and sea. Venturing east from Tatamagouche, boaters will next find the waters of Pictou harbour. You can't miss the public marina, Hector Quay, as docked beside it is the tall ship Hector. The ship is on public display and can be boarded. Pictou's Scottish ancestors settled this area after disembarking from the original ship Hector in 1773.  Proud Pictonians celebrate their Scottish heritage each summer with New Scotland Days, which runs from mid-July to mid-September and features Gaelic music and dance. In mid-July, Pictou also holds its annual Lobster Festival, and is home to the Northumberland Strait Fisheries Museum. Boaters continuing to cruise eastward down the Strait, and rounding Cape George, can take shelter at a popular marina in picturesque Balantynes Cove in Antigonish Harbour, or further down the harbour at Cribbons Point. The Northumberland Strait, thus, offers boaters a wide range of scenic destinations—along with historical and cultural attractions—for those wishing to experience the true flavour of the Maritimes.

Reprinted with permission from Maritime Boating, Destinations and Marinas 2007 edition Author Rob Gorham

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Welcome to the Water

Top 16 Enchanting Spots in Northumberland

A wild, unspoiled, and remote corner of England, it is the most unpolluted place in the country in terms of noise, air, and light (so it makes a fantastic place to go stargazing)! Sparsely populated, it possesses a timeless, almost unearthly feel! 

Expect empty, endless beaches punctuated by the odd ancient castle perched on a rocky outcrop and wonderfully untamed rugged landscapes. From my many visits, here is a guide to my favourite spots…

1. Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

This tranquil spot is located off the coast of Northumberland, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which holds a special place in the history of the UK.

The mysterious island is only accessible by a causeway and has long held an important religious significance as this is where the Christian message was said to have flourished throughout the world.

The imposing Lindisfarne Castle, built in the mid-1500s, is teetering on the coastline and houses exhibits from different eras.

Just to the north of the castle is the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, a small but pretty flower garden designed by Edward Hudson in 1911. Explore the historic Lindisfarne Priory and St. Mary’s Church, both ancient and important places associated with holy pilgrimages.

I would recommend walking on the remote beaches of North Shore and Sandham Bay or spending the evening exploring the charming village shops and cafes; there’s much to see on this serene island! 

2. Hadrian’s Wall

A legendary landmark of Great Britain, Hadrian’s Wall stands true to the testimony of the Roman Empire. Also known as Picts’ Wall, Hadrian’s Wall sprawls over 70 miles from the North Sea to the Irish Sea.

This is one of the most interesting historic places to visit in England. It was built by the Roman army to serve the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years.

It dips and dives through outstanding landscapes, including beautiful valleys, pristine rivers, ancient forts, spectacular waterfalls, and lush green meadows. The wall itself is so impressive it was said to have inspired the Northern Wall in the popular TV series Game of Thrones. 

Northumberland is home to 33 miles of this intriguing structure, and here you can follow it along, discovering spectacular viewpoints, ancient artefacts, and Roman forts along the way. 

Step back nearly 2000 years by exploring the Housesteads, the best-preserved Roman fort. Explore the archaeological site of Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum and glimpse Roman life.

Visit the remains of a third-century Roman temple in Brocolitia and the Carrawburgh Fort, which features fascinating Roman bathhouses and barracks. The last stopover at this legendary site is a thick stretch of Hadrian’s Wall located in the pretty village of Heddon-on-the-Wall.

3. Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is the northernmost national park in England. It covers an area of more than 1,050 square kilometres. Cheviot Hills – located in the North of the park – are a range of beautiful hills that also serve as a border that separates England and Scotland.

The stunning hills in the south of the park give way to areas of rolling moorland, and this is also where the ancient Roman wall, Hadrian’s Wall (mentioned above), is located.

This wonderful area is home to some of England’s most pristine rivers, clearest air, and darkest skies. From beautiful valleys, prehistoric hill forts, Roman ruins, and rugged castles to spectacular waterfalls and lush meadows, in my opinion, the park is truly an extraordinary place. 

If you are a nature fan, then definitely include a visit to the gorgoeus Kielder Forest, which is home to northern Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s largest forest.

The midpoint of the National Park is where you’ll find bubbling River Coquet, rolling moorland, and rocky outcrops. Other highlights include hiking the park’s highest peak, The Cheviots Hills, exploring the hidden forts in the Breamish Valley, or visiting the scenic Linhope Spout waterfall. You’ll also discover peaceful beauty spots as you meander through the park.

The park covers a quarter of the stunning county. I recommend heading here for walks, hikes, cycling, or soaking up the wonderful, unspoiled, unpolluted scenery! 

4. Seahouses

Previously known as Sunderland, Seahouses is one of the most scenic villages  in England. Located 20 miles north of Alnwick in on the Northumberland coast’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Seahouses is both an alluring and beautiful coastal village, complete with a picturesque harbour where you can watch fishing boats gently bobbing in the bracing salty sea breeze.

Home to sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and towering cliffs, you’ll discover historic buildings, attractions, and gardens in wonderful Seahouses. I would suggest taking a boat ride to explore the incredible wildlife at the Farne Islands ( where you can see many beautiful seabirds, including puffins) .

I would recommend wandering around the independent shops or the pretty traditional houses, exploring the pretty Bamburgh Beach and Budle Bay, taking a scenic walk along the harbour, or heading out further and exploring the dramatic stretch of coastline complete with stunning views. 

5. Alnwick Castle

An iconic medieval castle about 85 miles from Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle is a beloved tourist attraction known as one of the best castles to visit in England. Built as a Norman defence in the 11th century, the castle is the residence of the current Duke of Northumberland.

Explore the beautiful grounds surrounding the castle landscaped by the British icon Lancelot Capability Brown, or visit the beautiful garden and enchanting country house located just adjacent to the castle. 

It’s also famous for having scenes filmed here for the Harry Potter movies, so if this castle looks familiar, you will know why. Both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets used this stunning location for shooting.

Learn about medieval history, take broomstick lessons or watch a movie screening; the castle is ideal for a family day out. 

6. Berwick-upon-Tweed

The northernmost town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed is nestled on the border of England and Scotland at the mouth of the River Tweed on the stunning East Coast. It makes a fantastic base for scenic walks along the Northumberland coast, but it’s also a charming and well-preserved market town that is well worth exploring.

It’s also home to some notable architectural features, including the famous Stephenson’s Viaduct bridge, which is often mentioned as one of the finest in the world.

Notable attractions in the town include Berwick’s Elizabethan walls and castle remains. Visit the historic Georgian mansion full of antiques at the Paxton House or take in the excellent views of the surrounding countryside from the beautiful Old Bridge on the Tweed River.

Brimming with cobblestone streets, castles, and beaches, Berwick has a vibrant cultural centre. The Maltings (a popular cinema and live arts venue) offers a variety of artists. Also worth visiting is the military history landmark of Berwick Barracks and the Main Guard, which displays the Army’s progress from the 17th century.

Make sure you scale the heights of the pretty Elizabethan town walls for seriously beautiful views across the vast beaches, the imposing North Sea, and the Tweed estuary.

Other highlights include nearby Marshall Meadows Bay, The Berwickshire Coastal Parth, and the beautiful sandy beaches accessible from the town (head for Cocklawburn Beach).

7. Bamburgh Castle

A short drive from Seahouses is the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, which has stood on the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years.

Neighbouring the village of Bamburgh, the beautiful Grade I-listed building, which towers 150 feet above the coast, was said to have been built between 420 and 547.

However, in more recent history, the famously striking castle captured the attention of the Victorian’s greatest inventor, William George Armstrong.

Today, it remains the private family seat of the Armstrongs. The Armstrongs have starred in many films and small-screen productions, from Transformers and The Last Knight to the Netflix hit Frontier and, more recently, the popular Last Kingdom series. You’ll have to pay, but it’s worth it! 

8. Hexham Abbey

A magnificent holy place in the heart of Hexham, Hexham Abbey stands near the confluence of the Rivers North Tyne and South Tyne. From the original building of the 7th century, the Frith stool, to the Night Stair and the Anglo-Saxon crypt, the beautiful Abbey has so much history surrounding it.

One of the most prosperous abbeys in the north of England at the time, Hexham Abbey today depicts several religious scenes and a tribute to the armed forces.

A sanctuary of breathtaking stained glass windows and incredible architecture, Hexham Abbey is a stunning place of pilgrimage and worship. It’s open daily from 10 am to 4 pm for visitors, and I highly recommend visiting, especially if you’re a history fan. 

Although Hexham Abbey is the jewel in the crown, the town itself is also a great place to explore. It’s known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, so stroll around Hexam’s many galleries before you leave!

9. Rumbling Kern

Although it’s small, this is a lovely and pretty beach. It’s in a rocky cove at Rumbling Kern near Howick, south of Cullernose Point. The beach is sheltered behind small cliffs that face inland from the sea. 

Today, a secret smuggler’s cove on the Northeast coastline, the tranquil beach of Rumbling Kern has lots to offer visitors. With plenty of sand, rock pools, grassy dunes and towering cliffs, the beach is revealed during low tide.

Sitting above the wave-battered rocks is the 19th-century Bathing House, a historic holiday cottage that belonged to Earl Grey (from the tea fame!).

A great sunrise and picnic location, the beach gets its name from the hole in the rock, which rumbles as the waves shoot up. The award-winning beach is great for couples, singles, and families who like to be away from the crowds!

10. Morpeth

Love shopping and sightseeing? The historic market town of Morpeth is also a great place to visit. Located in North East England (on the River Wansbeck), e ach street seems to offer something new, and you’ll get a chance to shop at the unique and individual shops dotted all over town.

Highlights include the 13th-century Chantry, which houses the town’s Bagpipe Museum and Northumbrian Arts and Craft Gallery, and the Turner Garden in the park. The garden commemorates a former resident, William Turner, who was the father of English botany.

A wonderful open space, Carlisle Park contains one of the four floral clocks in England. Morpeth’s famous landmarks include the ancient Morpeth Castle, the towering Morpeth Clock Tower, and the ancient Morpeth Chantry on the banks of the River Wansbeck. 

Overall, Morpeth has a unique combination of history, heritage, and stylishness that’s hard to beat! 

11. Wallington Hall

A historic country house located about 12 miles west of Morpeth, near the village of Cambo, Wallington Hall has been owned by the National Trust since 1942. An elegant 17th-century mansion built by Sir William Blackett, Wallington Hall is full of fascinating history.

With beautifully furnished rooms, mammoth paintings depicting 2000 years of local life, and beautiful walled gardens, Wallington Hall is a special and interesting place to explore. After visiting the house, stroll around the estate, which includes a beautiful pond and woodland. 

12. Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are a group of islands located off the county’s coast. Depending on the tide, there are between 15 and 20 islands, but this is a must for all crime drama fans. The first episode of the popular TV detective series Vera  was filmed here! 

Farne is a habitat for seals, dolphins, puffins, and many species of sea birds. Europe’s most important sea bird sanctuary is located on Staple Island, one of the outer islands, and offers the perfect bird breeding ground.

The islands in the Outer Group are Staple Island, the Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Big Harcar, and the Longstone. Staple Sound separates the two groups. The rugged, atmospheric and picturesque area is well worth exploring (you can catch a boat here from Seahouses). 

While the Inner Farne was home to St. Cuthbert for many years, Longstone Island is known for its legendary lighthouse and rocky outcrops. I recommend watching the super-cute seals sunbathe on the slopes of volcanic rocks or even try scuba diving here if you’re daring enough! 

13. Hindhope Linn

I personally think this is the county’s best-kept secret! Hindhope Linn is a spectacular waterfall in a quiet, captivating valley. A peaceful beauty spot tucked away in the old forests on the northeast edge of Kielder Forest past Blakehopeburnhaugh Farm, Hindhope Linn is a waterfall gem.

Connect with nature as you explore the scenic gorge, bubbling riverside, old Scots Pine, and larch trees. Hike to the waterfall, take a dip or enjoy a picnic in this magical location; Hindhope Linn is a perfect place for those seeking solitude in the lap of nature.

First, take the forest road (past Blakehopeburnhaugh Farm) and then walk over the trail (overlooking Blakehope Burn). However, it makes for a lovely scenic walk with friends, family, or pet pooch. 

Blakehopeburnhaugh is located at the northern end of the Kielder Forest Drive, where you will also find two picnic areas, a toilet block, and access to the popular Pennine Way long-distance footpath. 

14. Alnmouth

This is an attractive and characterful seaside village between the River Aln and a golden sandy beach. It was once a bustling merchant port many years ago, but today, it’s a tranquil spot that offers many delights.

Visitors seem to enjoy the fantastic collection of independent restaurants, traditional pubs, quaint tea rooms, an art gallery,  and gift shops.

The main draw is the long, wide, and gorgeous sandy beach; it’s known as Alnmouth Beach and is a popular but not too crowded place for families to spend the day .

When the tide is low, you can even walk along the coast to Boulmer and even further. Walk the miles of beach, cycle, watch the sunsets, or stargaze in the biggest Dark Sky Park; this is truly a wonderful place to visit! 

15. Bolam Lake Country Park

Bolam Lake Country Park is situated in the heart of the county, surrounded by historic landscapes and dramatic views. It’s one of the most beautiful country parks in the county, and the gorgeous scenery includes woodlands, wetlands, and open grassed areas.

It’s located about 9 miles west of Morpeth. Here, you can expect to see a large freshwater lake and a myriad of wildlife.

Stroll around the lake, explore the woodland, picnic, or admire the lovely views; Bolam Lake is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a day with family or friends. 

16. Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay 

This is a wonderful 14th-century fort on the coast of Northumberland in Northern England. It’s between the pretty villages of Craster and Embleton and is surrounded by some of the county’s most gorgeous landscapes and scenery. 

The structure you see today was built by Earl Thomas of Lancaster between 1313 and 1322, so history fans will love this place! Sadly, it’s now in ruins, but it’s still an imposing and photogenic sight and makes a great day out. 

Embleton Bay is a beauty spot overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and it is a wonderful place to explore. It’s known for its truly glorious land sandy beach stretching for miles!

It’s popular for water sports, bird watchers, and bathers – in fact, it offers a UK standard of bathing water quality so you can swim safely.

Beth Pinches – writer and photographer

Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road-tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or   Facebook .

Hotel Reviewing Experience – Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Jersey , Visit Sweden , and Israel Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Listed as a top UK travel journalist .

Portland Reviewing Experience – Lived in Portland for 6 months and spent many months scouting out all the coolest spots.

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Druridge Bay Country Park

Red row, druridge bay, northumberland, ne61 5bx.

Druridge Bay is a living landscape, rich in wildlife and with big plans for the future. The bay is a stunning seven mile stretch of sand running from Amble to Cresswell and is a popular place to ride, cycle walk, paddle and surf. Today there is just the sound of the surf and seabirds, but the beach has a fascinating and varied past.

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 pill boxes that were constructed to defend our shores. If you enjoy sailing you can launch your own boat on the park's lake.

Within the park you will also find a series of smaller nature reserves home to everything from a resident herd of swans to rare birds like the Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).

The bay has its own partnership which body is currently working to raise money to improve it further and turn Druridge into a nationally renowned wildlife tourism destination.

Druridge Bay Country Park has all the amenities you will need to enjoy a day at the coast with toilets, cafe and children's play area. The park is centred on a lake with surrounding meadows and woods which has been restored from an old opencast coal mine and is maturing into a very pleasant landscape for walks and picnics. In addition, 3 miles of high-quality beach and sand-dunes offer ample space to get away from it all.

Facilities include a visitor centre with information, toilets, a cafe and gift shop (open most weekends and school holidays), activities, water sports, bird-watching, walks, orienteering and cycling. For further details on any of the events contact the Park staff at Druridge Bay Country Park, Hadston, Nr Morpeth, Northumberland. NE61 5BX. Normal Car Parking charges apply throughout the year.

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Druridge bay country park review, people disappoint me, fantastic beach and country park., wonderful day out.

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Everything was reduced to wind, water and me: an exhilarating adventure in Northumberland

Our writer heads to north-east England to go coasteering, rockpooling and wing surfing – with dolphins and puffins offering moral support

I ’m standing by a sand dune listening to Kevin Anderson’s briefing on our coasteering trip, which is about to start. “Remember,” he says, “Seaweed slippy, barnacles grippy.” But my eye is being drawn to a strange object beside him. Is it a lectern inside a bag? Or a UFO that he found on the beach? Eventually curiosity gets the better of me and I ask what it is.

“That’s for another course. It’s a foil.” He takes the bag off to reveal two boogie boards – one thick and large, the other small and thin – connected by a strut. “You surf on the bigger board and use a hand-held inflatable wing – like a kite – to power it up. When you get some speed, it rises up and you go fast – it’s a hydrofoil. It’s new. Very powerful and very exciting.”

“Can I have a go?”

He hesitates: “Let’s go coasteering first.”

For my second UK adventure, I am in Beadnell, Northumberland, standing on what is, arguably, England’s greatest unsung treasure: the Northumbrian coast. From Tynemouth in the north to Berwick-on-Tweed this part of England is packed with wonderful beaches, islands, and cliffs, plus great little seaside villages, castles and ruins. Inland there is a lot, too: crags and hills to climb, dark skies to enjoy and wild waterfalls to swim in. But on this trip, I am sticking to the seaside.

Coasteering

We start at Howick, a few miles south of Beadnell, where the yellow sand beaches are smaller and interspersed with low cliffs and reefs.

Arriving at high tide, Kevin points out a few landmarks that we cannot see. “At low tide there’s a long reef out there with a shipwreck on the end: the Tadorne, a French trawler, that went down in 1913.”

Kevin worked for two decades at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, spending all his spare time racing sailing dinghies. Then one day a friend let him have a go on a windsurfer. It was a revelation. He sold his boat, resigned at Nissan and started a windsurfing school. Fifteen years later he is a Northumberland legend, mentoring young people to become top surfers, kite-surfers, windsurfers, and now as I discovered, wing surfers and wing foilers. His easy, friendly manner is matched by a careful attention to detail and he has an impressive knowledge of the sea, learned by sailing this treacherous coast from childhood.

The previous evening in Seahouses, I had spotted that dangerous heritage inside the Olde Ship Inn . Pieces of boat wrecks hang from the ceiling: lamps, figureheads and buoys. Hundreds of names and dates are plotted on a map of marine disasters for the area. Just a mile off Seahouses, of course, are the Farne Islands where, one winter night in 1838, a 22-year-old lighthouse keeper’s daughter called Grace Darling spotted the paddle-steamer Forfarshire wrecked on Big Harcar, a low rocky island about a mile away. She alerted her father and somehow the pair rowed a hefty boat across a raging sea to pick up survivors, an extraordinary act of heroism.

Unlike those shipwreck victims, we have crash helmets, life jackets and wetsuits. Kevin leads us into the sea. Amy, his assistant, swims with us to some rocks where we learn safe jumping techniques.

We swim into a little sheltered cove, then through a narrow tunnel into a deep pool where the water is a perfect aquamarine blue. Like this we swim and scramble our way to Rumbling Kern, a landmark plug of rock over a sea arch where we climb up and leap into the water. Kevin finishes the tour with a scramble down to a barnacle-encrusted rectangle of iron, all that remains of a first world war submarine. The entire morning is a brilliantly well-executed bit of fun.

We climb out next to the old bath house built by the 2nd Earl Grey, an 1830s prime minister whose name reminds us all that tea is needed. Fortunately the area has some tasty spots: The Landing right next to Kevin’s, KA Adventures HQ, is handy, but I try Carnaby’s cafe a few miles inland, which proves excellent.

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Rockpools and puffins

Of all the great sites along this coast, Bamburgh Castle stands out on its bastion of basalt, 46 metres above a superlative sandy beach. We walk north and reach Black Rocks Point lighthouse, which is surrounded by a clutch of wonderful rockpools. Some, like the Egg, have names, but my favourites are the tiny deep plunge pockets, miraculously sculpted by the sea with a few treasures in each: a handful of anenomes, a darting fish, and a shell selection.

It’s worth checking your exit before chucking yourself in: at least that’s what I say to Wilf, our dog, as I rescue him, again. On a sunny day, I’m told, the dark grey stone warms the tidal water up beautifully. On cloudy days, I can confirm, it doesn’t. We are rewarded, however, with the sight of two dolphins leaping vertically out of the sea a couple of hundred metres away. There is a pod of about 40 here and sightings are common.

Walk on from the point and there is a beach curving away towards Lindisfarne. A great adventure is to walk the sands across to Holy Island, a trip that requires an experienced guide, like Patrick Norris from Footsteps Northumberland . To get out to the Farne Islands, you need to join a boat trip with an outfit like Billy Shiels (from £20) from Seahouses harbour. Landing is still prohibited because of bird flu, but the boats delicately manoeuvre into position next to the cliffs, making up for that. You can get close enough to see the puffins with sand eels in their beaks; inquisitive grey seals pop up to look and the sea is so clear, you can watch them swim away underwater.

Wing surfing

Down on the beach at Beadnell, Kevin and his assistant James introduce me to wing surfing. First we inflate the bars that support the wing and spend time trotting up and down the beach, learning how this deceptively simple bit of kit behaves in the wind. Next we take paddleboards out on the water and, kneeling, I lift the wing. A gust comes banging in from the headland. The wing kicks and pulls in my hands. My body is the mast. The nose of the board gives a watery chuckle and spits out some spume. I am forging forwards. In an insanely complex world, everything has reduced to wind, water and me. I try not to fall off.

In every previous activity requiring balance, my first attempt quickly ends in a fall. I have no idea why: two left feet, both flat? But this time, I stay up and even stand. I love the direct visceral connection with the wind. I’m heading out to sea. I’m a long way out at sea. What’s Holland like at this time of year? I fall off. Kevin arrives on the rib and takes me back to the beach. I do this several times and manage to turn successfully.

Given time and practice, the next progression would be to exchange the paddleboard for a foil and go from wing surfer to wing foiler. A mere 10,000 hours later, I might make that rig leap from a breaking wave and fly like the experts. But I am very happy with a barge-like paddleboard under my feet and feeling the joy of the wind carrying me along this spectacular coast.

Accommodation was provided by Bamburgh Castle Inn (doubles from £116 B&B). KA Adventure Sports offers two hour wing surf/foil lessons ; c oasteering ; a lso kitesurfing, surfing, SUP and kayak hire For further information Visit Northumberland

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