Fish and chips — the number one seaside delicacy. There’s nothing quite like it, especially after a lengthy walk along the coastline. Something about the fresh sea air tends to get the belly growling and the mouth-watering, but thankfully Northumberland’s coastal areas have a lot to offer.
If you’re visiting our wonderful county, then you’re bound to escape to the rugged shorefronts at some point during your stay. With this in mind, we want to make sure you’re prepared — especially if you get a hankering for some delicious food like fish and chips! So, where can you find the best fish and chips in Northumberland? Let’s find out.
Northumberland’s best coastal destinations and activities
The Northumberland Coast is a designated National Landscape — and for good reason. With 40 miles of coastline running from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to the River Coquet estuary in the Northeast of England, Northumberland offers some stunning coastal destinations suited to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Here are a few must-see areas — ideal spots for coastal walks and that all-important Northumberland seafood.
Bamburgh
Bamburgh itself is a small, yet historically rich village, but it is also blessed with a pristine shoreline. Amongst the drifting sand dunes, you’ll find a castle view from every corner. Bamburgh Castle isn’t afraid of making itself known, creating a truly magic walk along Bamburgh Beach.
It’s the perfect seaside destination for those looking to learn more about Northumberland, and you may even catch a glimpse of Holy Island of Lindisfarne (as featured on ITV’s Vera) and the Farne Islands as you look out onto the horizon.
Alnmouth
Recently featured on Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes, Alnmouth is a quaint and tranquil seaside setting. Whether you’d like to walk, cycle or horse-ride across the sand, Alnmouth offers all of the above. Beyond its pastel-coloured houses, you’ll see a huge selection of bird and wildlife species, making it an excellent coastal destination for bird-watching fanatics.
Alnmouth Beach is also dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend is more than welcome to join you on a short walk. If you fancy stretching your legs even more, you can even roam via St Oswald’s Way and the Northumberland Coast Path by bike using the Coasts and Castles Cycle Route. Or, if you fancy a touch of luxury, by horseback.
Seahouses
If you’re visiting Northumberland just for fish and chips, this would be our top recommendation. Seahouses is one of Northumberland’s historic fishing villages, offering daily boat trips to The Farne Islands for puffin spotting during the spring and summer months.
Roam the beaches, cast your fishing nets, and get stuck into the rock pools for hours of spotting and adventuring. If that doesn’t take your fancy, grab your bodyboard and hit the waves or explore the sand dunes.
These are just a few of the many coastal destinations Northumberland has to offer, so don’t forget to learn about Northumberland’s other seaside destinations.
The best fish and chips in Northumberland
After all that adventuring, we’d say it’s the perfect time for some hearty and fresh seafood. But where should you go in Northumberland to find your perfect catch? Let’s take a closer look at a few of our top fish and chip restaurants and takeaways in Northumberland — just make sure you have a snack ready as you read along, as you may get peckish.
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The Harbour View, Seaton Sluice
Looking for award winning fish and chips just outside of Newcastle? Head to The Harbour View at Seaton Sluice. Just a stone’s throw away from the hidden gem, stately home Seaton Delaval Hall, you can either takeaway fish and chips and wander down to the beach, or enjoy a meal to remember in their restaurant. So whether you prefer the classic cod and chips, a fishcake and mushy peas, or scampi and chips, enjoy traditional Northumberland fish and chips at The Harbour View.
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Robson & Son’s Craster Kippers, Craster
Fancy something a bit different? Within the peaceful village of Craster lies the world-famous traditional fish smokers — producers of the legendary ‘Craster Kippers’. With over 100 years of experience in smoking salmon and kippers, it’s definitely worth a stop on your itinerary.
Now, order your freshly smoked seafood, and grab your piping hot brown paper bag. All that’s left for you to do is find a seat overlooking Craster Harbour, and revel in the world-class taste experience.
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Neptune’s Fish Restaurant, Seahouses
Named the ‘plaice’ to be, Neptune’s Fish Restaurant has been a favourite for tourists visiting Northumberland for over twenty years. Located just a short walk from the Seahouses Victorian Harbour, it’s the perfect place for fish and chips to dine in or takeaway. For afters, there’s also an on-site ice cream parlour with a selection of speciality handmade ice creams available.
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The Fish Shack, Amble
As reviewed by The Hairy Bikers themselves, The Fish Shack in Amble provides passersby with fish and chips, locally smoked seafood, and freshly steamed mussels overlooking Amble’s beautiful harbour. It’s rustic and cosy, offering beautiful views, high-quality service, and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking to go all-out on your visit, they even offer ‘The Fish Shack Seafood Sharing Platter’. You’ll find a selection of dressed crab, roasted sea bream, tiger prawns, cod goujons, mackerel pate, north Atlantic prawns, furikake squid, Lindisfarne oysters, Scottish mussels, along with hot and cold smoked salmon. That’s without the included sides, sauces and dips!
Don’t worry — they also offer small plates, big plates, and even pizza, so you can take the whole family knowing they’ll be well-fed.
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The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses
Overlooking the picturesque harbour of Seahouses, The Bamburgh Castle Inn is the perfect place to eat, drink, sleep, and explore. It truly has it all, including a wonderful variety of home-cooked meals.
Take a look at their extensive menu, where you will find everything from hearty mains to delectable starters. In their ‘From The Fryer’ section, they have fish and chip dishes, all of which have been cooked in beef dripping for a delicious, traditional flavour. As standard, all fish dishes are served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and a lemon wedge — delicious.
A taste of the sea, from Northumberland to you
No matter where your adventure takes you, we can guarantee that you will find a fish and chip shop in every one of Northumberland’s stunning coastal towns and harbours. With their charming atmospheres and fresh, local catches, it’s an experience for the taste buds that will stay with you long after your stay.
Explore the best seafood eateries, restaurants and takeaway spots in Northumberland. Browse their menus — and why not find a cosy place to stay for that more-than-necessary post-meal rest?
At the end of your busy day exploring and adventuring, you’ll always have a fresh cone full of hot fish and crispy chips waiting for you in Northumberland.