Beaches of Northumberland

An area of outstanding natural beauty

One of the most visited attractions has to be the miles and miles of golden sandy beaches. Everybody here is very proud of the vast, unspoilt coastline which is without a doubt some of the best in the UK. Unlike many beaches in Britain, Northumbria's coastline is yet to be truly discovered. You will never have to look for a place to rest your beach towel and soak up some sunshine and walking the dog will never be the same again. You can also be rest assured knowing most of the beaches have won awards and passed Environment Agency tests for the quality and cleanliness of the water.

Below is a list of the best beaches to visit during your holiday:

Alnmouth

The red roofed resort of Alnmouth has Northumberland's oldest port with a pretty beach and golden sands running North from the estuary.

Bamburgh

A rural seaside award winner, graded 'B' for its cleanliness and absence of litter. Bamburgh is home to miles and miles of beautiful golden sandy beaches stretching to the north and south. You cant miss the amazing red sandstone Bamburgh Castle standing above looking out over the Farne Islands.

Beadnell Bay

A rural seaside award winner graded 'B' for its cleanliness and absence of litter. Beadnell has a golden sandy beach overlooked by dunes. Its also home to the only west facing harbour along the East Coast.

Druridge Bay

A long, gently curving sandy beach, best reached from the Druridge Bay Country Park which is also beautiful with a large lake, home to many swans, geese and other migrating birds. There is a visitor centre with a small cafe and toilets open in the summer months. Good for its absence of litter. This bay becomes very popular in the summer, but is so vast it can never be described as crowded.

Embleton Bay

A rural seaside award winner, graded 'B' for its cleanliness and absence of litter. Embleton Bay is overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and is reached through the villages of Embleton and Low Newton. Its a quiet sandy bay not to be missed.

Spittal Beach

Seaside award winner, graded 'B' for its cleanliness and absence of litter. Spittal has soft, golden sands that run south from the estuary of the Famous river Tweed at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Spittal has a promanade with many family activities or just sit with an ice-cream looking out to sea.

St Aidans Beach, Seahouses

A rural seaside award winner. A lovely sandy beach that stretches out to Bamburgh to the north and to the south forms rugged rocks emerging from the sea hiding many rock pools and treasures to be found. The harbour at Seahouses is not to be missed. Various boat trips from fishing to trips around the Farne Islands are to be had, or sit back and relax and watch the fisherman depart and arrive with their daily shellfish catch.