Northumberland has a huge array of exciting water sports and activities to choose from. Fascinating wildlife boat trips, amazing diving courses and adrenaline-pumping coasteering are just a few of the options, so read on to find out more and stick your oar in next time you visit Northumberland.
Diving courses with a conscience
The Fifth Point Diving Centre specializes in adventures that protect the ocean. From grey seal snorkel safaris, to beginners and advanced scuba diving sessions, you can take the plunge and have a fantastic experience with the guidance of expert instructors. All of their courses focus on the fundamental skills and knowledge required for divers to protect marine ecosystems, and they also hold regular beach and underwater clean ups that you can get involved in too.
Go with the flow at Ford and Etal
Glide along the stunning River Till with
Active 4 Seasons’ canoe trips in
Ford and Etal. Admire stunning views and an abundance of wildlife as you row, and don’t worry if you’re new to canoeing, as the trips are completely beginner-friendly and run by Ollie who has been coaching in Ford and Etal for over 22 years.
Find ospreys and eat canapes
...NOT the other way around!
Wild Intrigue, in partnership with Kielder Waterside, are running a fantastically quirky activity called the Ospreys and Canapes Cruise. Celebrating
Kielder’s outstanding conservation success story; the return of the Osprey, the cruise sets sail on Kielder water at sunset and takes you to spot the ospreys as they soar overhead and fish the tranquil water. Your Wild Intrigue guide will share the history, ecology and inspiring conservation story of the Osprey, and their expert eyes and ears will ensure you have the best chance of watching the birds themselves. And of course, as the name would suggest, delicious Canapés and prosecco will be served on board.
Get hooked at Till Fishing
Till Fishing is a fisherman’s paradise, and its situation in north Northumberland, beside a private stretch of the unspoilt River Till where there are excellent Trout, Salmon and Grayling fishing opportunities. From families wanting to give fishing a first go, to expert anglers wanting to come and experience Northumberland, Till Fishing is welcome to all and has its own set of stunning, riverside cottages so you can wake up to water views every day. If fishing isn’t your thing, wild swimming might be, and the cottages’ locations offer a serene spot for an invigorating morning swim or a refreshing dip after a day of exploring.
Stay current with Northside Surf School
Amble based Northside Surf School offers surf and stand-up-paddle board lessons on several beautiful beaches and rivers along the Northumberland coast. If you’re an experienced surfer, you can also hire equipment and discover Northumberland’s coastline independently. Owners and guides here have over 30 years’ experience in international surfing, so you’re in safe hands with their tailored surf coaching.
Do nothin' but look for puffins
Northumberland is renowned for its incredible wildlife boat trips, and a visitor favourite is always a trip to
The Farne Islands from Seahouses Harbour. The harbour is lined with small huts selling boat trips on the day, for example
Billy Shiels and
Serenity, where you can either buy tickets on the day or buy online in advance. During spring and summer, you can head out to see the hundreds of adorable puffins that return annually for the mating season. While you’re en-route, you’ll also see grey seals and maybe even dolphins.
Be oar-some with Adventure Northumberland
Adventure Northumberland offer some incredible activities, and all of them are water based. With them you can kayak with grey seals around
Coquet Island, coasteer from the rocky coastline at Howick, or kayak along
Craster’s stretch of coastline with
Dunstanburgh Castle in clear view. There are plenty more activities to choose from, so have a look for yourself and explore Northumberland by water.
Fin yourself with Berwick Boat Trips
Set sail from
Berwick Quayside with
Berwick Boat Trips and pick from a number of trips to suit your interest. A romantic sunset cruise, a historical cruise up the River Tweed, and a wildlife cruise out to the mouth of the river and into the North Sea are all on offer. With the potential to spot grey seals, dolphins and a myriad of birds along the way, these trips are unmissable when you are visiting Northumberland’s coast.
Take a sip by the sea
The excellent, seafront
Drift Cafe is renowned for its staggering seaviews, freshly cooked food and homemade cakes. A firm favourite with locals and visitors, their highly rated new addition, The Drift Chippy, serves delicious fish and twice fried chips. You can head inside the café to enjoy the decor and browse second hand books, paintings and prints, or sit outside and soak up the sunshine while you look out over the sand dunes.
So make a splash when you next visit Northumberland with our guide to everything water-based, and don't forget to take us in your adventures @visitnorthumberland.