With dramatic views, striking beauty, rugged coastline and miles of golden sands this collection of Northumberland beaches offer something for everyone!
Stretching for 40 miles the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an awe-inspiring part of the UK. In addition to thriving wildlife, vivid history and dramatic scenery, the AONB is home to a wealth of stunning Northumberland Beaches.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach for warm summer days, dog-friendly Northumberland beaches or wish to simply immerse yourself in nature. Our guide to the best beach in Northumberland will help you pick your favourite!
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Northumberland Beaches FAQ
The Best Northumberland Beaches
Northumberland Beaches Map
Northumberland Beaches FAQ
Does Northumberland have a beach?
Yes of course! Northumberland is home to 62 miles of breath-taking coastline meaning there are countless beautiful beaches to explore. With over 35 beaches, Northumberland is a haven for beach lovers.
Can you swim in the sea in Northumberland?
Beaches in Northumberland are great for swimming as the water quality is generally excellent. There are even five EU-designated bathing beaches; these are Bamburgh Castle, Seahouses – St Aidens, Beadnell Bay Beach, Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Warkworth. This means that the water quality is monitored weekly between May and September. However, there are no lifeguards present on Northumberland beaches so keep yourself safe. Learn more about respecting the water with the RNLI.
Has Morpeth got a beach?
Morpeth does not have its own beach. However, it is less than 10 miles to the nearest beaches which include Newbiggen-by-the-Sea and Cambois Beach which you can learn more about in our guide to the best Northumberland beaches.
Has Seahouses got a beach?
Seahouses has access to two stunning beaches. The beach north of the harbour is St Aiden’s Dunes which is connected to the spectacular Bamburgh Beach. South of the harbour is a smaller beach which stretches all the way to Beadnell.
Which is nicer Bamburgh or Seahouses?
Both of these Northumberland villages are beautiful. They ooze charm and boast access to swaths of golden sand; the perfect coastal getaway destinations! However, in my opinion Bamburgh is better than Seahouses. I was totally in awe of the majestic Bamburgh Castle that dominates the horizon as you drive into the village. I was even more impressed by the beach that sits behind the castle; the soft sand, azure water and castle in the background made this an unforgettable getaway.
The Best Northumberland Beaches
1. Alnmouth Beach, Alnmouth
Kicking off our guide to the best Northumberland beaches is Alnmouth Beach. This large, breath-taking beach lies at the mouth of the River Aln in the idyllic coastal village of Alnmouth. This charming village is a haven for those who love to be by the sea!
Pack up your beach essentials and spend the day on this Northumberland beach’s golden shores. Enjoy basking in the summer sun or leisurely walks along the shoreline. Alnmouth Beach is dog-friendly all year round, making it the ultimate dog-walking spot.
Swimming is cautioned against on Alnmouth Beach due to the strong tide from the river; but don’t worry other places in this guide are ideal for those looking to take to the open water.
After whiling away your day on the beach venture into the quaint village of Alnmouth the end the day on a high with ice cream or continue exploring by venturing inland to discover the historic town of Alnwick!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Yes, parking is available in the car park along the seafront. £3.50 for a car/small van daily ticket and £2 for a car after 4pm
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NE66 2RZ
2. Bamburgh Beach, Bamburgh
Undeniably one of the best beaches in the UK, Bamburgh Beach is truly a sight to behold. This Northumberland beach is hidden away from the main road by the majestic Bamburgh Castle that dominates your view into the village of Bamburgh.
Follow the curve of the road to find Links Road car park and a path that leads down to the astounding beach. Spend the whole day here building sandcastles with the kids, throwing the balls for your beloved pooch or admiring the views across the North Sea to the Farne Islands.
Bamburgh Beach is renowned for its great surfing opportunities. Experienced surfers can take to the open water to catch waves. If you’re a beginner this beach is home to NE Surf School; you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the pros in no time!
Don’t forget to venture into the village to immerse yourself in history at Bamburgh Castle. Unearth over 3000 years of history at this castle that was once the seat of the Kings of Northumbria. An unforgettable day for the whole family!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is available at the Links Road car park opposite Bamburgh Castle. 3 hours for £5, 4 hours for £6, 5 hours for £7 and all day £8.
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE69 7DF
3. Beadnell Bay Beach, Beadnell
Next up on our list of the best beaches in Northumberland is the vast Beadnell Bay Beach. With awe-inspiring and far-reaching views across the bay, this beach is a must-visit for anyone visiting Northumberland.
A popular tourist destination, Beadnell Bay Beach is a thriving hub of fun activities. Watersports are hugely popular on this beach in Northumberland; thrill seekers will be in their element! Ride the waves on surfboards or try your hand at windsurfing and kitesurfing.
There is also a sailing club here so you can appreciate the beauty of the open water. Visitors to Beadnell Bay can even delve into the depths of the North Sea by joining The Diving Centre on one of their Beadnell dives.
This Northumberland beach is sure to be a family favourite!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however during the summer months there is a seasonal restriction due to breeding shorebirds. Please consult the signs along the beach and abide by the rules
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is available at the Beadnell Bay car park. Free for up to 1 hour, £5 for 3 hours and £7 all day.
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NE67 5EE
4. Cambois Beach, Cambois
Cambois Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches on our guide to the best beaches in Northumberland, perfect for those looking for a quieter spot. When the tide is out this beach is huge, making it a must-visit for those looking to walk their dogs in the sea air.
Look forward to refreshing walks here, and if you’re early enough you can marvel as the sun rises behind the horizon, projecting an orange haze across the sky,
During the summer this Northumberland beach is perfect for a family day at the beach, there is ample space to run around and very few crowds. Cambois Beach is a local best-kept secret!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking available at The Buccaneers car park, NE24 1SJ
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE24 IRJ
5. Embleton Bay, Embleton
With endless golden sands, surrounded by greenery, the silhouette of Dunstanburgh Castle in the background and the lapping swell of the North Sea it’s easy to see why Embleton Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Northumberland.
This stunning horseshoe-shaped beach is nestled on the outskirts of Embleton and is an idyllic place to spend sunny days. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun’s rays, play beach games with the kids or go wild swimming, this Northumberland beach is the place to be.
Embleton Bay Beach is backed by picturesque, grassy sand dunes and the Northumberland Coast Path which stretches an incredible 62 miles and meanders through a range of tranquil, coastal villages. A haven for keen ramblers and undeniably one of England’s best beaches.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is limited, however, you can park on the road near Dunstanburgh Golf Club or in the village of Embleton
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE66 3DT
6. Holy Island Beach, Holy Island
Nestled off the North East coast near Berwick-upon-Tweed is the idyllic and historic tidal island of Lindisfarne. More commonly known as Holy Island! Dating back to the 6th century, Holy Island is not only home to a wealth of history but also beautiful beaches.
Closest to the village is Holy Island Beach a shoreside beach with unbeatable views back to the mainland and up to the majestic Lindisfarne Castle. Venture into the castle to unearth a vivid history.
Holy Island is also home to two other popular beaches Keel Head and The Links. Both of these Northumberland beaches are backed by stunning sand dunes, boast large stretches of golden sand and are at the mercy of the swells of the North Sea. Perfect for beach lovers seeking seclusion and wilderness!
After a day spent on either of these beaches in Northumberland, be sure to immerse yourself in the Island’s heritage at Lindisfarne Priory, the church of St Mary the Virgin and the Lindisfarne Heritage Centre.
Be sure to check the tide times and safe crossing times before venturing to Holy Island as high tide makes the causeway inaccessible and dangerous.
Type of beach: Sandy and rocky
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round, however, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times to protect local wildlife
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Pay and display parking is available in the designated visitor car park in Holy Village. Please check the tides before attempting to cross the causeway to the island.
Public toilets: No
Postcode: TD15 2SP
7. Ross Sands, Ross
Ross Sands is next up on our guide to the best Northumberland beaches. Overlooking Holy Island this secluded Northumberland beach is perfect for people looking to escape the crowds that descend to the shores in summer.
The fantastic views across the sea and towards both Holy Island and The Farne Islands make the mile walk to this beach more than worth it. Spend a full day on this sandy beach by packing everything you’d need; enjoy a picnic on the shore or bring a bucket and spade to challenge each other to a sandcastle competition.
Ross Sands is also part of Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve which is home to seals, rare birds and other animals. A must-visit Northumberland beach for wildlife enthusiasts.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, however, there is a seasonal dog ban during seabird breeding season between 1st May and 30th September. Dogs must also be kept on a lead at all times throughout the year to protect wildlife
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is available in Ross and it is around a mile walk to the beach
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE70 7EN
8. Rumbling Kern/Howick Sands, Howick
Overlooked by the Grade II listed Bathing House, a holiday home constructed for former Prime Minister and second Earl of Grey Charles Grey in the early 19th century, is our next Northumberland Beach. The unique beaches of Rumbling Kern and Howick Sands lie next to each and are a favourite for keen rock poolers.
Aptly named after the rumbling noise made as the waves crash through the rocks. Rumbling Kern is a rocky haven. The perfect spot for families looking to explore marine life in rock pools. Howick Sands offers a slightly more sandy alternative ideal for lounging after traversing through the rocks.
Both of these Northumberland beaches benefit from spectacular sunrises as well as unbeatable night skies. Admire the twinkling stars as they fill the sky above; if you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis!
Type of beach: Sandy and rocky
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is available next to the farm on the road down to the beach. Parking is free but there are limited spaces
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NE66 3LH
9. Spittal Beach, Spittal
Resting close to England’s border with Scotland, Spittal Beach is another of the best beaches in Northumberland. Backed by a promenade visitors to Spittal Beach can choose to walk along the soft sand or stay sand free!
Throughout history, this Northumberland beach has been a popular spa and bathing resort for both locals and tourists. Today you can expect a traditional seaside experience coupled with an array of wildlife. Spot the wading birds residing nearby, seals floating in the sea and even the odd dolphin.
If you’re looking to connect more with the wildlife that calls the Northumberland Coast their home, travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed where you can embark on boat trips. Enjoy bobbing along the river, in the estuary and out into the North Sea with Berwick Boat Trips.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking available at Spittal Beach
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: TD15 1RJ
10. Sugar Sands, Howick/Boulmer
Another hidden gem of the Northumberland coast, Sugar Sands Beach lies close to the picturesque village of Longhoughton. During summer this Northumberland beach can easily be mistaken for an exotic beach in the UK.
An idyllic spot, Sugar Sands Beach is a secluded spot for those looking for a quiet spot to relax on the sand while the waves crash against the shore. Alternatively, bring your beloved pooch so you can both stretch your legs in the brisk sea air.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, the Northumberland Coastal Path runs close by providing access to the endless charming coastal villages, rocky coves and other stunning Northumberland beaches.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking is available on the grass next to the beach. Drive down Crowlea road and pass Low Stead farm then turn left to find the beach and parking.
Public toilets: No
Postcode: NE66 3AL
11. Warkworth Beach, Warkworth
Concluding our guide to the best beaches in Northumberland is the delightful Warkworth Beach. This large sandy beach encompasses all the best parts of quintessential British beaches. Expect golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see and the dramatic swells of the North Sea.
This Northumberland beach is the perfect spot all year-round. While away summer days with the whole family down by the sea; you can even bring your pooch as Warkworth beach is dog-friendly. The rest of the year the beach is the ideal spot to catch a wondrous sunrise and sunset!
The beach also boasts far-reaching views across the sea; Coquet Island can even be seen on the horizon. In the summer this tiny island is home to over 35,000 seabirds including the clowns of the sea, puffins! You can’t visit the island but if you’re intrigued boat trips are available in Amble.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Free parking available for up to 6 hours at Warkworth Beach car park, NE65 0SW
Public toilets: Yes
Postcode: NE65 0SW
Northumberland Beaches Map
Experience the serenity of the best Northumberland beaches by staying in one of these Northumberland cottages. If you’re looking for more exciting ideas for your itinerary then check out our Northumberland Travel Guide.