Jemima Kirkwood
15 January 2021
Northumberland covers the north-east coastal region of England and boasts miles and miles of sandy beaches and glorious coastline that offers fun for all ages, all year round.
With its wide sandy bays and energetic coastal waves, it comes as no surprise that the Northumberland coast attracts those who are into water sports, and in particular those into surfing. Surfing to some looks like a rather dangerous sport, but to others, it comes as second nature to catch a wave, balance on a speedy board and surf along the water in style, although there is a little more to it than that!
Whether you are an experienced surfer who talks the lingo, or a beginner who is cautiously learning, the surfing beaches in Northumberland can host a multitude of levels. Great waves, large sandy beaches and gentle depths (with a few sudden drop-offs) all contribute to a fun day out surfing. Not to mention the magical scenery that surrounds you with its historic castles and a pretty coastline, and if you are lucky you may be joined by seals and dolphins!
If you have never been to Northumberland before, read on to discover some of the best surfing spots in Northumberland to try out…
Best surfing spots in Northumberland
Bamburgh Castle Beach
Bamburgh Castle Beach is a great beach for surfing in Northumberland and with its northerly and easterly swell it gets waves up to two foot bigger than the other beaches in the county. It isn’t a steep beach which makes getting in and out of the water really straight forward when lugging your board about with you. Avoid the sand bar to the south as it causes a strong current which is hard to paddle against, and there is a rocky patch to the north which disrupts the waves, so probably best to stick to the middle!
Feature cottage: Pepperclose Cottage | Sleeps 2
Beadnell Bay
Beadnell Bay is a glorious beach which curves around the coastline and can produce waves up to 12-15ft high! The best times to catch a good surf here are in the months of April, May, and September to November - the beach tends to be quieter and the waves are choppier. Many surfers choose to come and surf here due to the inland wind it often gets and the quality of the waves, there is little in the way to ruin them meaning you can ride them for hours if you get them on a good day! A helpful tip: the north end of the beach is said to be the best for surfing, especially during high tide.
Feature cottage: April Cottage | Sleeps 8 | 🐕🐕 2 dogs welcome
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Newbiggin by the Sea is best to surf in springtime and winter, and its quaint and sandy stretch is popular with surfers who come from all over. Much of the time you will have the water to yourself when surfing here which means endless and un-interrupted practice time, and on the windier days the offshore reef kicks up a lot of swell, producing great waves to cruise on. This bay is also a really nice one to paddle about in on the calmer days, so if the waves aren’t up to much you should still go out and see what you can find – perhaps a friendly seal or shoal of fish!
Feature cottage: By the Sea | Sleeps 6 | 🐕🐕 2 dogs welcome
Seaton Sluice
Seaton Sluice can be found on the Blyth Beach stretch and again, is best visited in the spring and winter months, especially around mid-tide. The beach holds an open and exposed position on Northumberland’s coast and this can make the water a bit temperamental, but when the wind comes in from the south it is ideal for those looking to catch a wave. Its sandy and shingly shore makes it easy to get in and out of the sea with your board, and those watching from the beach can enjoy making sandcastles and digging holes - just make sure you don't fall in them!
Feature cottage: Dunes | Sleeps 8
Amble Links
Amble Links is a really popular beach for all sorts of water sports where people come to surf as well as try activities like kayaking and kite surfing. The views over Coquet Island are one of a kind and surfing back towards land with the views of the sandy dunes is a magical experience – especially if you get to shore without falling off. At low tide, there are lots of rock pools to discover, so if you have kids you can take it in turns to entertain them whilst the other enjoys the surf. Many people come surfing on Amble Links as it is so big, and you can often find a quiet spot, with the beach all to yourself – the perfect conditions for practising your moves.
If you want to find out more about the area, check out our guide to Amble.
Feature cottage: Still Waters | Sleeps 4
Druridge Bay
Druridge Bay is said to be a perfect beach for beginners and surf lessons due to its wide bay and gentle waves. There are companies who run lessons and skills sessions here, as well as board and equipment hire, making it a safe bet for anyone wanting to learn. It is only a 10-minute drive from Amble and Warkworth and it stretches for miles offering up perfect conditions for all sorts of sports like bodyboarding and wakeboarding too. It is also a dog-friendly beach so the whole family can come and watch you.
If you want to find out more about this amazing area check out our guide to Druridge Bay.
Feature cottage: Herons Beck | Sleeps 7 | 🐕🐕 2 dogs welcome
Surfing schools in Northumberland
If you are looking for some surfing lessons in Northumberland, here are a few good businesses to contact. These Northumberland surf schools vary in pricing but all want to help you learn this amazing skill. This would be a great way to fill a few days with the kids, or if you are travelling as a couple or solo, this is a great way to spend time outside.
Surf shops in Northumberland
Do you feel you are at a stage where you need some cool surf kit? Check out these two Northumberland surf shops which sell everything from boards to wetsuits!
While some of you surf, here are some beachy ideas to keep the others entertained…
- Sandcastle competitions.
- Dig the biggest hole.
- Search for crabs and shellfish when the tide is out.
- Ball games – rounders, beach cricket and catch.
- Dune jumping – the beaches in Northumberland have amazing grassy dunes.
- Have a picnic – just remember to save some food!
- Sunbathing.
- Beach walks along the shore.
- Reading books and magazines.
There are so many other water sports to try out on the Northumberland coast, but as well as sea-based activities, there are a whole host of others to try out, places to visit and things to do.
We have listed a few beaches here that are great for surfing, but there are even more featured in our guide to the best beaches in Northumberland which will help you plan your next adventure with the family!
Stay in a Northumberland coastal cottage and surf
Have we inspired you to come and stay in Northumberland and try a spot of surfing? Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, a group or a family, we will have a self-catering cottage that will suit you. We even have cottages set right beside some of these amazing beaches. View the full collection today and plan your next Northumberland break by the beach.
Coastal cottages in Northumberland
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.