Places to stay on the Northumbrian coast

Northumberland, also known as Northumbria is often called “England’s best kept secret.” Sitting alongside the Scottish Borders and edged by the North Sea, this is an area of dramatic scenery and rugged coastline and has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. With castles, The Holy island of Lindisfarne and miles of spectacular coastline, Northumberland has so much to offer the visitor. The following are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Northumberland.

Sitting beneath the walls of its magnificent castle the town of Bamburgh is visible for miles. The town has one of the finest beaches on the Northumberland coast and the stretch of golden sands make it an ideal place for families. The castle itself is open to the public as is the thirteenth century St Aidan’s church. In the grounds of the church lie the remains of Grace Darling, the town’s most illustrious daughter. She and her father saved many lives from a shipwreck in 1838. A museum in her name chronicles contains the original rescue craft used by Grace and her father. Bamburgh has a number of accommodation options from hotels to campsites and there are miles of walking and cycle trails nearby.

Acclaimed as the most picturesque town on the region’s coast, the town of Berwick on Tweed was originally part of Scotland. The Georgian red roofed houses with pink grey stone walls make this an attractive place to stay. The town has plenty to offer the visitor, with restaurants, museums an art centre dedicated to Lowry and historic city walks.

Seahouses is a typical fishing port and holiday town. The “Gateway to the Farne Islands” welcomes more and more visitors each year. As well as its bustling harbour the area has miles of golden beaches and sand dunes, with the Cheviot Hills sitting majestically in the background. Traditional fish and chips are highly recommended here with the fish coming from the day’s catch and a boat ride will take you out to the beautiful Farne islands where you can view the Puffins and wild birds.

Alnmouth is a pretty coastal village and is an ideal destination for those wishing to take in a round of golf as the area has two good golf courses. Alnmouth is also the home of the Friary of Saint Francis, the most northerly community of the order in England. Visitors are welcome and can take in the peace and tranquility of the Friary as they walk beside the coast.

Whitley Bay is the modern holiday resort that grew from the village of Cullercoats. Once a rival to Blackpool, Whitley Bay has all the features of a traditional British seaside holiday. Golden sands, an amusement park (Spanish City) and an abundance of nightlife. The sea is totally safe for bathing and there are plenty of amusements along the seafront to keep all the family entertained. For those looking for a little respite from the crowds the St Mary’s Island Lighthouse is nearby. Accessed by crossing a causeway and climbing 137 steps the views from the tower are spectacular and allow the visitor a different aspect of the coastline.

Northumberland offers a variety of accommodation and destinations for the holidaymaker and really does have something to please everyone. Find out more about Northumberland cottages here.