Best beaches in Northumberland

The beautiful, wild and remote stretch of the Northumberland coast is one of England’s most exhilarating places to visit. Home to more than 30 miles of captivating beaches and sheltered coves, many of them wrapped around spectacular castles and little seaside villages, they welcome families, dogs and adventurers to their shores, as well as those just looking for a little solitude.

Spend time nature-spotting, windsurfing and wreck diving or simply relaxing on the sands waiting for the spectacular sunsets to sink into the sea. Whatever you wish to do in Northumberland, there’s a beach for you.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER

Bamburgh

This is the most popular beach in Northumberland and for good reason. A wide expanse of pristine golden sand backed by sand dunes and dominated by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, this once Norman stronghold is a great location, regardless of what you do on your beach holiday. Children will love building sandcastles, rock pooling and splashing about in the shallows and it’s also perfect for long windswept walks, with or without the dog. With views of the beautiful Farne Islands and boasting consistent waves for surfing, this iconic beach really is a great all-rounder. Browse our Bamburgh cottages and find a holiday home near this amazing beach.

BEST FOR SOLITUDE

The Links Beach on Lindisfarne

The most exposed of Holy Island’s north coast beaches, The Links is definitely the beach for those who like their walks with a touch of haunting solitude. With the thunderous North Sea waves throwing themselves at the shore, it makes for great walking. The sandy beach stretches all the way to Goswick Sands on the mainland when the tide is out, so you can walk uninterrupted for miles with views of the Scottish border cliffs visible on a clear day. Stay nearby in our Holy island cottages.

BEST FOR KIDS

Warkworth Beach

BEST FOR WATER SPORTS

Beadnell Bay

With some good wreck diving for the more intrepid visitor on offer, this crescent-shaped beach is a mecca for those who love being out on (or under) the water. The only west-facing harbour on the east coast, this breezy bay has been calling windsurfers and water-skiers to its windy shores for years. Don’t be fooled though – this beach is not just for water sports enthusiasts; its rock pools and sandy beach are a summer haven for families and in winter, dog walkers and runners make it their go-to place, especially when its famous sunset is melting into the water behind them. Check out our range of lovely Beadnell Bay cottages.

BEST FOR COUPLES

Cheswick Sands

If you want to get away from the crowds, try this lovely vast stretch of sand between Holy Island and Berwick. The beach has stunning views in all directions – studded in between a quilt of patchwork fields and welcoming aquamarine waters lapping up at its shores. It’s the perfect place for a quiet afternoon, or if we may suggest, a sunset proposal with views of Holy Island in the background. If that isn’t yet on the cards, search for the rare marsh orchids dotted about in the dunes and spend some quality time with just your significant other and the sea for company. View our Berwick-upon-tweed cottages and plan a beach break today.

BEST FOR NATURE

Druridge Bay

Just a mile or so south of Amble, you will come to a magnificent country park and lake, home to many different migratory birds, swans and Canadian geese. Take a short walk through the extensive dune system down to the vast 7-mile stretch of beach where spectacular views await. Especially beautiful at low tide, the beach is home to some interesting species of bird as well as a section of flat rocks known as ‘The Scars’. Find a great holiday home within our collection of Druridge Bay and Cresswell cottages.

BEST FOR SCENERY

Sugar and Ross Back Sands

While this one is a bit of a walk to get to, it is certainly worth the wait. Not only is the name reminiscent of something you would find in the Caribbean, but the nearly-white sands could almost transport you there. Nestled between the market town of Alnwick and the majestic 14th-century ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, it’s a mile and a half walk from the parking area making it one of the most deserted beaches around. A closely guarded secret, this is definitely one to head to if you like your beach with a view and a touch of the tropics. Stay in an Alnwick cottage.

BEST FOR DOGS

Embleton Bay

Canines love the beaches of Northumberland. With long stretches of sand to run along and sparkling waters to splash in, it’s hard to pick a favourite. If we had to, we would probably say the dramatically beautiful and tranquil Embleton Bay with its flat sands and gentle shores: perfect for dogs of all ages and abilities. Our four-legged friends are allowed all year round and active dogs will enjoy whooshing down the dunes towards the sands. Dunstanburgh Castle also lies to the south of the bay where you will find some wonderful walkies. Stay in our Embleton cottages and have a holiday to remember.

Whichever type of beach you are looking for, we will have a property where you can base yourself. From pretty little village retreats for romantic escapes to larger properties for family holidays with or without your four-legged friend, you will be within driving distance of a selection of gorgeous Northumberland beaches. Have a look at our cottages in Northumberland to find your perfect property.