Northumberland's Best Hidden Beaches

Staycations are in this year, the opportunity to explore our home country and rediscover local treasures. Northumberland is fast becoming a staycation hotspots. With our sandy beaches, sparkling water and dramatic views, it certainly lives up to its name as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We thought to showcase some of Northumberland’s best spots, starting with our beaches. If you’re looking to enjoy a beautiful sandy beach, a worthy portion of fish and chips or encounter some of the infamous seal, dolphin pods or killer whales, get ready to feel the sand between your toes with some good views in sight whatever the weather.

Bamburgh Beach  

Bamburgh is a stunningly quaint village on the Northern stretch of the Northumberland Coast. Prepared to be taken aback by the wide, sandy beach which extends for miles overlooked by the dramatic Bamburgh Castle. Get lost in the deep sand dunes which back and shelter the beach front to enjoy your beach wander.

The beautiful white sandy beach stretches three miles southwards to Seahouses, and the world famous Farne Islands, notably David Attenborough’s favourite place in the UK to see magnificent nature. Seals, puffins and seabirds make the island their home each year.  A perfect spot to escape from all the hustle and bustle of modern life for an afternoon.  

Embleton Bay

A long stretch of golden sand that curves into the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Wander into Low Newton, reached down a small country lane, the village feels blissfully isolated from the rest of the world. Relax with a pint of real ale brewed in the village pub's tiny microbrewery, and watch windsurfers skim across the protected waters.

Beadnell Bay 

 The village of Beadnell has the only west-facing harbour, hosting a sandy beach in a horseshoe shaped bay to the south. Set up your deck chairs in a sheltered spot backed by impressive sand dunes, perfect for a spot of beach cricket. On the North Northumberland Heritage Coast, you are spoilt for choice for walks; heading south you can reach Low Newton, for a refreshment. Watersports are popular here, grab a board and have an afternoon of fun!

Alnmouth Beach

If it's a convenient bite to eat you're after following a gentle stroll along the sand, look no further than Alnmouth beach. Situated beneath the picturesque village of Alnmouth, the village is all about the beach, with a clutch of elegant red-roofed houses spilling down to the sand. Often popular with horse riders for the calm open sand, the village also offers a wide range of culinary delights to suit all, from cozy pubs to traditional fish and chips. 

Ross Back Sands 

For that off the beaten track stretch of coast that is totally unspoilt, look no further. The mile walk to reach it is worth the effort, beginning with remote cottages and fields of green. Often overlooked for Bamburgh Beach, which lies southwards, views of the dramatic Bamburgh Castle enjoyed to one side, with Holy Island to the other. You’ll be spoilt for choice of which way to look. You could be sharing the stretch with groups of seals, who often frequent this stretch, spending hours lazing in the sea breeze.