Northumberland

Northumberland’s coast features dramatic landscapes and magnificent castles clustered round quiet sandy coves and quaint fishing villages. 

It’s blessed with more castles than any other county and more than 30 miles of spectacular beaches. Visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle or Coquet Island, home to more than 35,000 seabirds.

Along this wild and rugged coastline, discover fishing communities clustered round sandy coves, try adrenaline-pumping water sports or simply relax in a deck-chair.  If you’re a nature-lover, head to one of the reserves like the Farne Islands, Coquet Island or Druridge Bay.

Each village, beach and bay has a unique narrative that can be discovered alongside your day at the beach, such as old smokehouses, crumbling castle ruins and adorably uncoordinated puffins!

For some more ideas of things to do on the Northumberland Coast why not drive across the causeway to the fascinating Holy Island of Lindisfarne, birthplace of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels. Visit the Lindisfarne Centre to turn the pages of a virtual version of the historic manuscript.  

Did you know that Alnwick Castle, the location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, is the second-largest inhabited castle in the country? It is a must visit for your Northumberland trip, featuring sumptuous state rooms and superb gardens. 

For the green-fingered, a visit to Howick Hall and Garden is a must, home of Earl Grey tea. 

Scattered a couple of miles off the coast near Seahouses you’ll see more than 23 different bird varieties – this is a bird-lover’s paradise.

Northumberland’s coast is so much more than sea and sand. 

Look beyond the rugged dunes and you’ll find one of the UK’s most intriguing coastlines, shaped by a fascinating, turbulent past. 

Check out our blog 48 hours on the Northumberland Coast for some more inspiration for your next staycation.