Northumberland’s best beaches

Here in Northumberland, we’re incredibly proud of our vast, unspoilt coastline, home to some of the finest beaches in the UK. Whether you're seeking windswept dunes, golden sands, or dramatic seascapes, you'll find them all along our shores. These beaches aren’t just beautiful, they’re also among the cleanest in England, with every major beach passing the Environment Agency’s rigorous water quality checks. It’s no wonder they’re a favourite for walkers, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

When planning your beach adventures, be sure to check the tide timetables online. Not only is it safer to explore when the tide is mostly out, but it’s also when Northumberland’s beaches reveal their most breathtaking beauty, with wide expanses of sand, hidden rock pools, and uninterrupted views that stretch for miles. Whether you're visiting for a peaceful stroll or a family day out, our coastline promises picture-perfect moments in every season.

Read on for inspiration on a coastal escape to Northumberland, and find the idyllic base to explore it all.

Warkworth

If you're staying near the picturesque village of Warkworth, this stunning beach is an absolute must-visit. Just a short walk from the village centre, Warkworth Beach offers over five miles of soft, golden sand stretching from the Alnmouth Estuary in the north to the Coquet Estuary at Amble in the south.

Framed by dramatic sand dunes, the beach is a haven for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers alike. Children will love exploring the rock pools teeming with sea life, while dogs can roam freely across the expansive sands. The beach gently slopes into the sea, making it safe for paddling, with no sudden drops or hidden shelves. Look out for the wreck of the Hanseat, pictured above.

Alnmouth

Nestled on the north side of the River Aln, Alnmouth Beach is a serene stretch of soft, golden sand backed by dunes and the charming village of Alnmouth. The beach curves around a wide bay, offering plenty of space for walking and wildlife spotting. While it’s tempting to explore both sides of the estuary, crossing the river is strongly discouraged (even at low tide) due to deep channels and fast-moving currents. Instead, enjoy the northern side’s safe, sandy expanse and the quieter southern stretch, which is often empty and ideal for peaceful walks.

Swimming is not generally recommended, especially near the estuary mouth, but the beach is perfect for building sandcastles, watching seabirds, or simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere. As part of the Northumberland National Landscape the scenery here is truly spectacular.

Amble Links

Amble Links Beach is a hidden gem on the Northumberland coast, offering a long, gently curving stretch of sand backed by grassy dunes and occasional rocky pools. This unspoilt beach has earned a Rural Seaside Award and is graded 'A' for cleanliness, making it the cleanest beach in the county.

Sheltered by extensive dunes, it’s a peaceful haven for walkers, families, and nature lovers alike. The beach is popular in summer, but thanks to its vast size, it never feels crowded. At low tide, rock pools reveal fascinating marine life, perfect for curious explorers.

Reachable from Amble, or enjoy a scenic walk along the coast from Druridge Bay Country Park and Beach which offers a visitor centre, a small café, and toilets open during the summer months. 

Bamburgh

Bamburgh Beach is one of Northumberland’s most iconic coastal destinations, offering mile upon mile of golden sands overlooked by the majestic Bamburgh Castle. With sweeping views across the North Sea to the Farne Islands, this beach sits within a National Landscape, and it’s easy to see why.

The beach is a Rural Seaside Award winner, graded 'Excellent' for its cleanliness, and is a favourite for walkers, photographers, and families alike. The vast, open shoreline is perfect for long strolls, beach games, and even horse riding. The dunes behind the beach are rich in wildlife and provide a natural windbreak on breezier days.

Just a short walk from the beach, the village of Bamburgh is well worth a visit.

Beadnell Bay

Beadnell Bay is a stunning, horseshoe-shaped beach with golden sands, backed by grassy dunes and a small, picturesque harbour. It’s the only west-facing harbour on England’s east coast, making it a unique spot on the Northumberland coastline.

A Rural Seaside Award winner, Beadnell Bay is known for its clean environment and excellent water quality. The beach is a favourite for families and watersports enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and even scuba diving. The calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. 

Boulmer

Boulmer Beach is a fascinating stretch of Northumberland’s coastline, offering a narrow sandy beach bordered by around two miles of rocky reef that runs parallel to the shore. At low tide, this reef reveals deep gullies teeming with marine life - a brilliant spot for children to explore and learn about the natural world.

The beach is part of a traditional fishing village that has retained its timeless charm. Fishing cobles are still pulled up the beach by tractors, and the Fishing Boat Inn remains the only place to eat and drink in the village, offering a cosy spot to enjoy local fare. 

Druridge Bay

Druridge Bay is one of Northumberland’s most dramatic and expansive beaches, stretching for seven miles along the coast. Backed by rugged dunes and open countryside, this golden sandy beach offers a true sense of space and freedom. It’s a favourite for long walks, wildlife spotting, and peaceful moments by the sea.

The beach is best experienced at low tide, when the shoreline opens up to reveal vast sands and sweeping views. It’s rarely crowded, even in summer, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter coastal escape. Whether you're walking the dog, flying a kite, or simply soaking up the scenery, Druridge Bay delivers a raw and beautiful seaside experience.

Embleton Bay

Embleton Bay is one of Northumberland’s most breathtaking and peaceful beaches. This wide, white-sandy bay is framed by towering dunes and overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, creating one of the most iconic views in the region.

Reached from the villages of Embleton and Low Newton, the beach is wonderfully quiet and unspoilt, with no commercialisation - just nature, sea, and sky. Families love it here, especially for its safe, open space and fascinating rock pools at low tide. The quaint 1950s seaside chalets perched above the dunes are protected by the National Trust, adding to the nostalgic charm of the area.

Sugar Sands

Tucked away between Boulmer and Howick, Sugar Sands is one of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets. With virtually white sands that resemble the Caribbean more than the North Sea, this secluded beach offers a truly special experience for those willing to make the journey. Check out the famous 'fence to nowhere' (pictured above).

Access is via a footpath from Longhoughton village, past Low Steads Farm, and although it’s a decent walk from the car park, the reward is a peaceful, sheltered bay with stunning views and a cosy, tucked-away feel. The beach is backed by grassy cliffs and rocky outcrops, which reveal rock pools at low tide, perfect for children to explore.

St Aiden’s Beach

Located just north of Seahouses Harbour, St Aidan’s Beach is a vast, sandy stretch that connects seamlessly with Bamburgh Beach, offering some of the most iconic coastal views in Northumberland. With the Farne Islands visible offshore and the dramatic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle in the distance, this beach is a favourite for photographers, walkers, and wildlife lovers.

The beach is backed by dunes and is perfect for long, leisurely walks, especially at low tide when the sands seem to stretch endlessly. Seahouses is also a popular spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space for dogs to roam freely.

Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage by the sea

Our luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland make the perfect base for exploring the region’s spectacular coastline. Wake up to the sound of waves, stroll to golden beaches from your doorstep, and spend your days discovering hidden bays, dramatic dunes, and iconic seaside views - all at your own pace. Whether you're beachcombing with the kids, walking the dog along endless sands, or simply soaking up the serenity, staying local lets you truly connect with the natural beauty of Northumberland’s coast.