Since ancient times, people from early Christian saints to famous Romantic painters have been drawn to Northumberland’s unspoiled shoreline.

A large portion of this Northumberland coastline is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The heart of the county is alluring, with its wide, unspoiled landscapes, distant walking trails, and magnificently starry nights.

But despite its idyllic appearance, Northumberland Coast significantly impacted English history, as evidenced by the region’s collection of historic ruin sites and decaying castles.

These days, the region is visited by horticulturists, ravenous foodies, hikers, and Harry Potter film enthusiasts drawn by the location’s appearances in the film series in place of invading Romans, Vikings, and quarrelling royal families.

1. Attractions on the Northumberland Coast

Be mindful that many attractions hibernate during the chilly winter months when making travel plans. It’s time to put on your comfortable walking shoes and start exploring the top attractions of the Northumberland Coast path now that spring has arrived.

1.1. Visit Amble

Amble, a picturesque Northumberland harbour town, is near the River Coquet‘s mouth. It is renowned for its beautiful coastline views and close proximity to wonderful sandy beaches with colourful beach huts.

The waterways around the town are a refuge for watersports, and you can go kayaking, canoeing, surfing, and sailing there. Enthusiastic fishermen will also be happy with the great fishing options. Boats of all sizes can be seen bobbing on the calm waters as you stroll around the marina and harbour.

Visit the adjacent Coquet Island by boat to witness a variety of birds and seals swimming in the water and lounging on the rocks. Trips to see puffins are also well-liked.

The charming St. Cuthbert’s Church and Castlemania Indoor Adventure Play area, which are great for entertaining kids, are nearby attractions.

1.2. At Charming Craster, Try the Seafood

Craster is a charming fishing community with a lot to offer. L Robson & Sons is a traditional fish smoker close to the modest harbour that has been making the renowned Craster Kippers for a century.

A fantastic bar with a seafront terrace, the Jolly Fisherman is well known for serving the finest Lindisfarne Oysters.

Given that the terrace is just adjacent to the Northumberland Coastal route, it’s the ideal site to end a nearby walk.

1.3. Bamburgh : Visit the Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh’s coastal community, which is less than 30 miles from the Scottish-English border, may seem small, but it’s packed with fun things to do.

Every year, it attracts a large number of tourists who are eager to see the stunning beach, picturesque coastline, great walking paths, and undulating sand dunes.

Around every curve, there are breathtaking vistas of the majestic castle. Of course, going to the impressive Bamburgh Castle itself is a pleasure.

Don’t forget to stop by the Grace Darling Museum, which honours a woman who swam through dangerous waters to assist in the rescue of stranded survivors of shipwrecks.

Golfers can play on the nearby course while biking and horseback riding. The cosy bars and eateries are ideal for unwinding after work.

1.4. Puffin Images From the Farne Islands

The Farne Islands, which are situated off the coast between Seahouses and Bamburgh, are a significant seabird sanctuary where 290 different species of birds have been identified.

Two of the islands, Inner Farne and Staple, currently allow boat landings from the end of March to the beginning of November. It is easy to go close to large groups of Arctic terns, shags, razorbills, eider ducks, and guillemots because the birds are unusually tolerant of humans.

The puffin, though, is its most recognisable resident. Observe them as they make their predictable boat trips out to sea and back in search of food, as well as their awkward walks to their nests with a beak full of fish.

1.5. Holy Island of Lindisfarne

It doesn’t matter which name is used to refer to the Holy Island, officially known as the Holy Island of Lindisfarne or Lindisfarne, it is the same location.

Spend some time exploring the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle and the ancient Lindisfarne Priory ruins. The walled garden surrounding the castle is also quite famous.

The warmer summer months bring a profusion of colourful blooms to the Gertrude Jekyll Garden.

Strong walkers can continue on to the remote northern beaches, but a leisurely stroll through the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, through the shelters made from overturned herring boats at the port, and through the island’s lone picturesque settlement is just as rewarding.

1.6. Visit Alnwick Castle to Experience its Enchantment

Alnwick Castle, built in 1096, is home to paintings by numerous Italian old masters and parklands that Lancelot “Capability” Brown created.

The current Duchess of Northumberland put a lot of love and effort into developing the 4.8-hectare site next door. Alnwick Garden is now a solo destination with a charming network of modern floral enclosures.

Its centrepiece is a magnificent 21-tiered water display, whose swirling jets periodically deluge onlookers.

Other garden highlights include the charming Treehouse restaurant, a spooky poison garden, and a bamboo maze.

1.7. Hadrian’s Wall Hiking

The Roman Emperor Hadrian decided in 122 AD to make the scope of his power clear to the northern Picts. The outcome was a 73-mile-long stone barrier that stretched across northern England from coast to coast.

The longest portion is located in Northumberland and tilts its way across beautiful scenery while passing some intriguing fort and temple remains.

The entire Hadrian’s Wall National Trail can be hiked. Start with the dramatic part at Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum in Northumberland National Park.

1.8. Travel to the Dunstanburgh Castle

The serene landscapes of Northumberland are littered with the remains of the area’s violent past as a troubled buffer between England and Scotland. The deteriorating ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are the most stirring of these.

Dunstanburgh Castle, located on an isolated headland between the communities of Craster and Embleton, was the scene of fierce combat during the War of the Roses.

The Earl of Lancaster, who was on his way to his castle to seek safety, was apprehended and later put to death by King Edward II.

Fortunately, today, the trip to Dunstanburgh Castle is more enjoyable. See its amazing magnitude come into perspective as it lay in ruins alongside the stunning shoreline.

Although the two-mile trek is a major attraction, you may purchase tickets to visit the castle, which is under the management of English Heritage, and scramble up one of the towers for breathtaking views.

Continue across the beautiful Embleton Bay horseshoe beach for a fresh crab sandwich at the Ship Inn, or head back in the direction of the Jolly Fisherman in Craster.

1.9. Sailboat to Warkworth Castle

On its way to the ocean, the River Coquet meanders lazily. Warkworth Castle is tucked into one of the hill’s U-shaped loops at the top. The little market town is guarded by the ruined medieval castle that was once the residence of the Dukes of Northumberland.

The castle itself doesn’t provide much to see, but the surroundings are worth visiting. Take a stand-up paddleboard tour or go for a quick riverside stroll to explore the castle and the neighbouring hermitage.

Northside Surf offers 2-hour trips where you will receive all the equipment and, if necessary, all the training. It’s a stunning section of the river and a fantastic activity in Northumberland.

1.10. Visit Berwick

Berwick Upon Tweed, the northernmost town in England and the final town in Northumberland before Scotland has historically been governed by both Scotland and England.

There are several activities available for people of all ages. You’ll find lots to make you smile in Berwick, whether you’re looking for a terrific location for a memorable family vacation or the ideal location for a romantic trip.

Beautiful parks like Coronation Park, the steep Castle Vale Park, and sandy beaches like Spittal Beach are ideal places to unwind. Alternately, engage in outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and cycling. Kids love the Swan Centre for Leisure, where they can splash around in the pool.

1.11. Step Out on the Northumberland Coastal Path

Stretching from Cresswell in the South to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the North, the Northumberland Coastal Path traverses through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Britain.

The trail goes through picturesque communities with taverns serving locally made beer and fish straight off the boat.

The full path, which is around 100 kilometres long, can be walked in 3 to 6 days, but you can choose some of the best sections and walk them in multiple days.

1.12. Visit the Beaches in Northumberland

The Northumberland Coast is the ideal place to base yourself for a weekend break in the UK because of its remarkable collection of stunning beaches. Here are a few of our top beaches to visit.

• Embleton Bay Beach

Embleton Bay Beach is a stunning beach with a wide expanse of golden sand that is overlooked by the crumbling remnants of Dunstanburgh Castle. It’s a perfect location to take in the vista while having a relaxing day.

• Beadnell Beach

Beadnell Beach is a kid-friendly vacation spot with a horseshoe-shaped bay that is ideal for water activities. In addition to teaching stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and kite surfing, KA Adventures also rents out equipment.

1.13. Seahouses

The huge village of Seahouses is located in the Northumberland Coast area of outstanding natural beauty between Bamburgh and Beadnell.

Seahouses are regarded as the Gateway to the Farne Islands, so head there to take a boat trip to one of the neighbouring islands.

On your travels, keep an eye out for a variety of animals, such as dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabird species. Additionally, you can plan scuba diving excursions to discover the underwater environment.

1.14. Arrive at a Grand Stately House

Because Northumberland is endowed with magnificent stately homes, it is a well-liked location in the UK for learning about the intriguing history of the area.

1.14.1. Belsay Hall

A large hall with pillars modelled after ancient Greek temples can be found at Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens. The oddity is completed by a medieval castle that is joined by a Jacobean manor house and a Greek Revival villa. Numerous odd plants can be found growing in the quarry garden among the channels in the rock.

1.14.2. Cragside House & Gardens

The mansion at Cragside House is a homage to its owner, industrialist Lord Armstrong, while the gardens are a mix of mazes, woodlands, and pathways. The Victorian inventor filled his house with hydroelectricity-powered modern appliances. Watch out for early fire alarms and elevators for passengers.

Final Remark

In conclusion, the Northumberland Coast is a beautiful place to stay, and there are many things to do.

The coastline is full of natural beauty, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can find a place to stay that suits your needs, and there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained.

Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty