By Parkdean Resorts on 14/08/2020
No holiday in the UK is complete without a trip to the beach, and where better to spend some quality family time than the spectacular Northumberland coast? Offering no less than 30 miles of glorious beaches, many of which remain unspoilt by mass tourism, this beautiful part of the world has been designated a Heritage Coast, as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
While the beaches are stunning, they are also flanked by historical castles and characterful villages, making holidays in Northumberland second to none. Below, we have handpicked five of our favourite beaches in the region, all within reach from at least one of our North East holiday parks. For even more inspiration on the best beaches to explore in Northumberland, head to our beaches page.
1. Bamburgh Beach
Perhaps the most iconic sight to grace the North East coast, Bamburgh Castle provides the magnificent backdrop to one of our favourite beaches in the region. Boasting a wide expanse of pristine, golden sand, there is plenty of room for everyone to find a space of their own on Bamburgh Beach.
It’s a fantastic place for children due to the high-quality sand, which is perfect for sandcastle building and playing beach games. Dogs are welcome here all year round too, so your pooch doesn’t have to miss out on all the family fun! The beach has also been voted one of the North East’s top surf spots if you’re looking for a more action-packed day out.
The village of Bamburgh is home to traditional tearooms, shops and cosy pubs, offering something for everyone. Additionally, you’re within close proximity to the harbour town of Seahouses, just a short drive or walk south of Bamburgh and celebrated for its tasty fish and chips and seaside charm. Plus, it has another fantastic beach!
Video courtesy of Graham Hare
2. Newbiggin South Beach
Formerly a thriving mining and fishing town, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea’s South Beach consists of a curving stretch of sand backed by a promenade and if you’re staying at Church Point Holiday Park, you can enjoy direct access.
Kids will love exploring the exposed rock pools at low tide, which host an abundance of fascinating marine life, and the water quality is excellent so is suitable for taking a dip when the weather permits. The beach is also dog friendly should your four-legged friend wish to tag along.
Situated next to the beach, the Newbiggin Maritime Centre provides a fun family day out with a small museum, children’s activities and a café serving up delightful home-made treats. Or take the 5-minute drive west towards Woodhorn Museum, a popular family attraction bringing Northumberland’s mining culture to life.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
3. Druridge Bay
Comprising 7 miles of golden shoreline and backed by grassy dunes, Druridge Bay is a must-visit when it comes to Northumberland beaches. Sporting the remains of defences placed during the Second World War, the beach stretches all the way from Amble in the north to Cresswell in the south, so is perfectly positioned if you’re staying in the nearby Cresswell Towers Holiday Park.
Druridge Bay is part of a country park, so the area is rich in wildlife, and surrounded by woodland, is a popular location for birdwatchers. The beach is also a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, offering up surfing, canoeing and sailing to name but a few, some of which take place on the lake within the park.
You’ll find plenty to do at Druridge, as the park has its own visitor centre and café, plus a recently refurbished children’s play area. However, should you want to venture slightly further afield, you’re within easy reach of the towns of Amble and Warkworth, each with their own brilliant beaches to explore.
Druridge Bay, Northumberland
4. Beadnell Bay
A haven for water sports fanatics, Beadnell Bay boasts a sweeping crescent of fine golden sand and is the ultimate beach in Northumberland for activity-seekers. Whether kitesurfing, kayaking or even scuba diving is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in some action-packed fun at Beadnell.
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Beadnell is also a great starting point for walkers, with many coastal walks to choose from. The sleepy fishing village is popular with holidaymakers, and a visit to the 15th century Craster Arms pub comes highly recommended - dog-friendly with a spacious beer garden, you can enjoy some hearty pub grub after an adrenaline-fuelled day on the beach.
Video courtesy of Fission Engineering
5. Embleton Bay
Often considered one of the safest Northumberland beaches due to it being so sparsely populated, Embleton Bay remains very much unspoilt, making it the ideal spot for families with children.
Overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, this sheltered sandy bay is located half a mile from the medieval village of Embleton and is accessed via a country lane towards the golf club it backs onto. The high water quality makes the sea suitable for swimming and other water sports like windsurfing, plus there are many rock pools for exploring at low tide, teeming with local wildlife.
Embleton Bay, Northumberland
With so many reasons to visit, book your next holiday with us now and experience the best beaches in Northumberland first hand. Don’t forget to share your favourites with us via our Facebook and Instagram pages!