The exact definition of the “North Northumberland” coastline is up for debate, but we are going to focus on everything between quaint Craster and beautiful Berwick, England’s northernmost town which sits on the Scottish border. The staggering mid Northumberland coast and South Northumberland coast are covered in separate guides so don’t hesitate to check them out.
Northumberland’s coastline is scattered with castles, coves, walking routes and a myriad of other fantastic attractions, so we have pieced together a guide to help you plan your trip.
Don’t forget to have a look at our guide to North Northumberland’s countryside, just a 20 minute drive from the coast and home to amazing attractions such as Ad Gefrin, Ford and Etal and more.
Towns and Villages
There are so many stunning, seafront towns and villages along Northumberland’s North coastline, but here is a basic round up to help you begin your research:
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED - Berwick has a fascinating history, as its position on the English / Scottish border means it has changed territory numerous times. This tumultuous past can be sensed in the cobbled streets, old town walls and iconic bridges of this lovely coastal town. Enjoy some fantastic restaurants, a stunning beach and more here, plus there is a train station here so you can reach Berwick from London and Edinburgh directly using public transport.
HOLY ISLAND / LINDISFARNE - The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a staggering, causeway island, which can only be reached at certain times of the day due to the tide covering the causeway and cutting the island off from the rest of the world twice a day. Once you’re on the island, you can expect to be wowed by Lindisfarne Castle which teeters on the edge of the coast, mysterious Lindisfarne Priory, amazing views and excellent cafes and pubs.
BELFORD - Tucked away between the coast and the countryside, lesser-known Belford is a fantastic spot to get away from the crowds. Home to beautiful B&Bs, a handful of pubs and a fantastic farm shop, and within short distance from some of Northumberland’s best attractions, it is a gem of a spot and a must-visit while you are in Northumberland.
BAMBURGH - Bamburgh is one of Northumberland’s most famous villages, repeatedly voted “The Best Seaside Village” in Which’s survey and home to awe-inspiring Bamburgh Castle. The village itself is irresistibly picturesque, and you can enjoy amazing Bamburgh Beach with Bamburgh Castle towering over it, as well as the stunning high street which is lined with excellent cafes and restaurants including The Potted Lobster, a must-visit for seafood lovers.
SEAHOUSES - Seahouses is a popular spot on the Northumberland coast for that traditional seaside town feel. With a number of fish and chip shops to choose from, it is also the departure point for boat trips to The Farne Islands, where you can spot puffins from May to October and a number of other bird and sea life throughout the year, such as grey seals and dolphins.
BEADNELL - Beadnell is a watersports lover’s paradise, and staggering Beadnell Bay is a real highlight of this quaint village. Try your hand at windsurfing, paddleboarding and more, as well as enjoying the pristine golden sandy beach, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
LOW NEWTON BY THE SEA - This is a lovely spot which is home to a few pubs, a beautiful stretch of golden beach and amazing views towards Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle. The Ship Inn is a firm favourite here where you can sit and watch the world go by in their beer garden overlooking the sea.
SLEEP - Self Catering
Here are some accommodation highlights in North Northumberland, so you can have a relaxing stay on your next trip:
TREES AT TUGHALL - Trees at Tughall lies in a small section of woodland on Tughall Grange Farm, just a ten minute walk or two minute drive from Beadnell. Each cabin is beautifully designed with a calming, Scandinavian feel, offering log burners, large windows with built-in seating, double doors and covered porches, allowing for relaxation no matter what the weather throws at you.
TILL FISHING HOLIDAYS - Till Fishing Cottages are based on Tiptoe Farm, offering a unique family holiday destination on the picturesque banks of the River Till. Just a stone’s throw from the amazing Ford and Etal Estates and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with beaches, castles and gardens on the doorstep, these stunning cottages offer cosy open fires, beautiful surroundings and more.
CHERRY TREE & ALMOND APARTMENTS - Cherry Tree and Almond Apartments are set in Beadnell, perfect for anyone wanting to escape to the North Northumberland coast or countryside. Created with luxury and comfort at the forefront of every feature, the apartments offer spacious bedrooms and some have private enclosed gardens with a patio area, picnic table and lawn to enjoy warm summer evenings or crisp winter nights under the stars.
LITTLE HIDEAWAYS - Little Hideaways is a family-owned business offering breathtaking cottages in Seahouses. Close to unspoilt beaches, ancient castles, and fantastic willdife on the doorstep, their cottages can accommodate 2-6 guests. Week long stays are on offer from April to November and short breaks from November to April.
WEST ORD HOLIDAY COTTAGES - West Ord is home to three holiday cottage, all within five minutes’ drive from the hub of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ranging from cosy, riverside cottages to spacious Shepherd’s cottage, there is something for everyone here. Due to its position on the River Tweed, you can enjoy beautiful riverside walks, fishing and even a spot of tennis during your stay on their hard surface tennis court.
OUTCHESTER AND ROSS FARM COTTAGES - Tucked away between the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and the pretty village of Bamburgh, Outchester and Ross Farm Cottages offer a unique and romantic getaway. Stay in this Grade II listed stone tower which was originally an 18th century dovecote and enjoy stargazing in their purpose-built observatory, sailing in their three-bench canoe birdwatching in their on-site nature hide.
BORDER HOLIDAY HOMES - Border Holiday Homes offer four cottages which are spread across North Northumberland. Templars Cottage sits in Spittal just 50 metres from the golden sands of Spittal Beach.
Mill Wharf apartment is located in Berwick-upon-Tweed, overlooking the harbour and the peaceful river. Both are located near fantastic walking routes, excellent amenities and some of Northumberland’s best attractions.
SLEEP - Hotel and B&B
BEADNELL TOWERS - Beadnell Towers & Kitchen is a luxury, boutique hotel located in the heart of the charming village of Beadnell. With stunning decor, fantastic views and Beadnell Bay on the doorstep, you can indulge in the ultimate romantic getaway, bring the whole family, or enjoy a getaway with friends here.
LUCKER MILL HOUSE - Lucker Mill House Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully renovated bed & breakfast built in the late 18th Century. Ideally located in quiet Lucker, which is tucked away enough to get you away from the crowds but still just minutes away from peaceful beaches on the Northumberland coast. The lounge area has a window overlooking the south facing garden to enjoy the sun throughout the day, and a wood burning stove to sit beside on the colder nights.
MARKET CROSS GUESTHOUSE - Market Cross Guest House is a stunning, Grade II listed Georgian house and 5-star B&B in Belford. Offering four beautifully decorated rooms, you are sure to feel at home here and owners Steve and Amanda cook up freshly baked goods for guests every single day. If you want an elegant, boutique stay that retains that warm welcome you can expect from a small B&B, this is the place for you.
THE BAMBURGH CASTLE INN - The Bamburgh Castle Inn sits in one of the best seaside locations on the Northumberland coast, in beautiful Seahouses. Overlooking the picturesque harbour with simply unbeatable sea views, The Bamburgh Castle Inn is the perfect place to eat, drink, sleep and explore.
MARSHALL MEADOWS MANOR HOUSE - Marshall Meadows is nestled within twelve acres of staggering country gardens and is just a stone's throw from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Relax in the elegance of Marshall Meadows Manor House Hotel, or go for a unique stay in one of their luxury ‘pods’, with Northumberland’s dark skies overhead and sweeping views around you.
THE WALLS B&B - The Walls is a stunning period townhouse which is perched on the Elizabethan Walls in the historic old town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It is the only B&B to offer stunning views over the flowing River Tweed, and guests can enjoy the large Guest Lounge, award-winning breakfasts and magnificent views here.
THE SUNNINGDALE HOTEL - The Sunningdale Hotel is nestled away in the picturesque coastal village of Bamburgh and offers 20 rooms over three floors, with the majority having fantastic sea views looking out towards the Farne Islands and beyond. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast included in your stay, dine in the fantastic restaurant of an evening and enjoy the myriad of attractions on your doorstep when you stay here
GLEBE HOUSE AND GLEBE COTTAGE - The Glebe is a lovely old vicarage which sits on the edge of Bamburgh village, where you can either choose from Glebe House which accommodates up to eight guests, or Glebe Cottage which sleeps four. Pick from private patios for soaking up sunny evenings and cosy decor for winter nights.
BUDLE HALL - Budle Hall is a grand Georgian country house B&B, just one mile away from Bamburgh and boasting a peaceful private garden, fantastic surrounding walking routes to the coast and beyond and perfectly placed for visiting The Farne Islands, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and more of Northumberland’s amazing attractions.
SLEEP - CAMPING AND CARAVANNING
GLORORUM CARAVAN PARK - One of Glororum’s highlights is its sweeping sea views, as well as being beautifully maintained and positioned just a few minutes’ drive from Bamburgh. Whether you dream of having your own Northumberland caravan holiday home at Bamburgh or are looking for a serene spot to pitch up for a holiday, the facilities here are excellent.
SOUTH MEADOWS CARAVAN PARK - South Meadows Holiday Park is a premier destination for caravanning and holiday homes in the North of England, blending the beauty of its surrounding landscapes with fantastic facilities and nearby attractions. Options include Super Pitches, luxury lodges, glamping pods and more.
SPRINGHILL FARM - Springhill Farm offers a variety of accommodation types in a secluded spot between Seahouses and Bamburgh. Home to 12 cottages with log burning stoves, cosy Wigwams with awe-inspiring views, and touring caravan, mobile home and campervan pitches, it really does have something for everyone.
ELM BANK COASTAL PARK - Hire one Elm Bank Coastal Park’s luxury seaview holiday homes and enjoy a relaxed break with the Northumberland coast and the Scottish borders on your doorstep. All of their caravans and lodges have sea views and a decking area, plus there's no need to leave your four-legged friends at home as there are plenty of dog friendly options.
EXPLORE
Now you know where to stay, here are some tips on what you can get up to while you’re staying in the North Northumberland coastal area.
BAMBURGH CASTLE - Experience astounding Bamburgh Castle, the magnificent coastal fortress that stands over Bamburgh beach.
RNLI GRACE DARLING MUSEUM - The RNLI Grace Darling Museum tells the incredible story of Grace Darling, a fearless young woman who rescued survivors of the 1838 Forfarshire shipwreck.
THE FARNE ISLANDS - Visit The Farne Islands with Billy Shiels or Serenity to spot puffins, grey seals, and maybe even dolphins on a fantastic day out from Seahouses.
THE MALTINGS - Experience an annual programme of live performances, cinema, exhibitions, creative learning and engagement activities, workshops and community events at The Maltings in Berwick.
THE HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE - Head to this amazing tidal island (during safe crossing times only) and visit amazing Lindisfarne Castle and historical Lindisfarne Priory.
Don’t forget, when you’re staying along the North Northumberland coast you are never too far from the countryside. More information can be found on our North Northumberland countryside blog.
EAT
There are many excellent places to eat in this area of the county, but here are some of our top picks of eateries along the North Northumberland coast.
PILGRIM’S COFFEE HOUSE, HOLY ISLAND - This beautiful cafe on Holy Island roasts its own coffee, has a fantastic outdoor seating area and serves delicious cakes and other bakes goods.
NORTHERN EDGE COFFEE, BERWICK - Northern Edge also roast their own coffee and offer a cool spot to sit enjoy some lunch and a coffee in the heart of Berwick.
THE POTTED LOBSTER, BAMBURGH - If you’re a seafood lover then The Potted Lobster is a must-visit. Renowned for its exquisite, fresh menu, this award-winning restaurant offers a unique and relaxed dining in Bamburgh, where you are just a few moments’ walk from the very coastline your food is sourced from.
THE LANDING BEADNELL BAY - This amazing Tipi-style restaurant is based in Beadnell Bay. Enjoy sea views, log burners, fairy lights and fantastic food here.
THE SHIP INN, LOW NEWTON - An excellent spot to sit outside and enjoy the views across Low Newton beach, Beadnell Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle, or to cosy up by the fire inside if it’s too cold, this pub is a firm favourite amongst locals.
THE JOINERS ARMS, LOW NEWTON - Just a little further inland than The Ship Inn, The Joiners Arms serves exquisite food, and has beautiful decor as well as being dog friendly.
THE SUNNINGDALE HOTEL, BAMBURGH - Mentioned above for its beautiful hotel rooms, The Sunningdale Hotel also serves fantastic dinners if you aren’t staying here but are looking for a delicious meal.
THE BAMBURGH CASTLE INN, SEAHOUSES - Also offering rooms, The Bamburgh Castle Inn is a great spot for a bite overlooking Seahouses harbour.
BEADNELL TOWERS - Beadnell Towers & Kitchen is a luxury, boutique hotel with a superb restaurant attached if you’re seeking out an excellent evening meal or roast dinner in Beadnell.
AUDELA, BERWICK - Another excellent seafood restaurant to add into the mix, Audela is a beatiful restaurant in Berwick that uses the finest seasonal produce, sourced daily from their suppliers in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
There are so many more amazing things to do, places to eat and places to stay in North Northumberland but we can’t possibly fit them all into one blog. Take a look at our other pages for more accommodation options and attraction ideas.