The Spectacular Beaches of Northumberland
Here in Northumberland we are particularly proud of our vast, unspoilt beaches as they are undoubtedly some of the finest in the UK.
Northumberland has some of the cleanest beaches in England and every major beach has been passed by the Environment Agency for the cleanliness of its water.
The following beaches have gained the highest rating in the Good Beach Guide 2011:
- Warkworth
- Amble Links
- Druridge Bay
- Bamburgh
- Seahouses
- Beadnell
- Low Newton
The Good Beach Guide is produced annually by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC) and ranks beaches around the country either 'fail', 'basic pass', 'guideline' or 'MSC Recommended'.
When planning your beach trips, remember to check the tide timetables in the information file in your cottage, as they are best enjoyed while the tide is at least partially or fully out.
Some recommendations for great beaches are:
WARKWORTH BEACH: Miles of soft, golden sands backed by an extensive range of dunes, a short drive or very pleasant 15 minute walk from the historic village of Warkworth. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded "B" or good for its absence of litter.
ALNMOUTH: Soft, golden sands on the north side of the quaint, red-roofed holiday resort of Alnmouth. A river flows out from Alnmouth, separating Alnmouth beach from Warkworth beach. You are not advised to cross this - even at low tide, due to dangerously deep channels with fast tide speeds.
DRURIDGE BAY: Can be found around a mile south of Amble from the main coastal route it's signposted 'Druridge Bay Country Park'. When you drive in you see a great country park with a lake which is home to many different types of migratory birds, swans and Canadian geese. You can walk all around the lake, which is very nice. There is a part where you walk alongside a field containing sheep however, so at that point you need dogs on leads. There are also stepping stones at the far side, which are large and flat. There's a little visitor centre, cafe and toilets, although the cafe may not be open during the winter months. You need to pay to park in the car park so have some coins with you. A short walk through the dunes takes you to magnificent Druridge Bay beach - certainly one of our favourites! It's vast and beautiful but check tide times before going there, as it's best experienced when the tide is well out. Click here for a beautiful panaramic view of the beach, provided by The Guardian.
AMBLE LINKS: An unspoilt beach with occasional rocky pools, sheltered by an extensive range of dunes. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded "A" or very good for its absence of litter - the cleanest beach in the County. DRURIDGE BAY: A long, gently curving sandy beach, best reached from the Druridge Bay Country Park which is also very beautiful with a large lake, home to many swans, geese and other migrating birds. There is a visitor centre with a small cafe with toilets open in the summer months. Good for its absence of litter. This bay becomes very popular in the summer, but is so vast it can never be described as "crowded"! One of our favourites. You will need some coins to pay for parking here.
SUGAR SANDS: This is a very special section of the coast and a closely guarded secret as it's a trek to get to them. The sands are virtually white and resemble Barbados more than Beadnell! Access is from the village of Longhoughton, along a path past Low Stead Farm. See this map of Sugar Sands for more idea. It's a decent walk from parking the car at Longhoughton, but well worth the walk.
SPITTAL BEACH: Soft golden sands on the south side of the Tweed estuary at Berwick. Graded "B" or good for its absence of litter.
BAMBURGH BEACH: Mile upon mile of long, golden sands overlooked by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. Just one of Northumberland's breathtaking, iconic views. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded "B" or good for its absence of litter. The pretty village is perfect to visit too, especially for a cup of tea in the little tearooms or to stock up on some of the best meat in the area at the renowned butchers shop there.
ST AIDAN'S BEACH, SEAHOUSES: An arc shaped sandy beach with rocky outcrops and rock pools offering good views of the Farne Islands. A Rural Seaside Award winner.
BEADNELL BAY: A golden, sandy horse-shoe-shaped beach overlooked by sand dunes and a small harbour. This is the only west facing harbour along the length of England's east coast. A Rural Seaside Award winner, graded "B" or good for its absence of litter. Not the prettiest beach, but interesting nonetheless.
EMBLETON BAY: Reached from the villages of Low Newton and Embleton, this dramatically beautiful and quiet, sandy bay is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Another iconic Northumberland view. A Rural Seaside Award winner and certainly one of the best beaches in the UK. The families that stay with us vote it the very best for children! It's just perfect, with towering dunes and quaint 1950's seaside chalets atop which are thankfully protected by The National Trust as they seem a national institution somewhat - we certainly appreciatge the absence of any kind of commercialisation here! The golf course is very popular and the clubhouse welcomes visitors (including children) for food and drinks. This would make a great seaside day out.
BOULNER HAVEN: A really interesting stretch of coastline, it's a narrow sandy beach which is bordered by about 2 miles of rocky reef running parallel to the shoreline. When it's exposed at low tide, it has deep gullies and lots of overhangs which are home to a myriad of plants and sea creatures such as crabs, seashells, sponges, sea firs, dead-mans fingers and lots of seaweed. Great for kids to explore.
NEWBIGGIN BEACH: The beach is framed by the town itself and its new sea walls and esplanade, overlooked by St Bartholomew's Church above a rocky outcrop. The town isn't particularly endearing, but efforts are being made to improve it.
BLYTH, SOUTH BEACH: Soft, golden sands to the south of Blyth Harbour, overlooked by a line of windmills on the harbour wall. Graded "B" or good for its absence of litter.
SEATON SLUICE BEACH: Long, golden sands stretching north from the picturesque harbour of Seaton Sluice.
