Northumberland Coast AONB tourist information

Visit Northumberland Coast

The stretch of coast that runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the mouth of the Coquet estuary covers 63 kilometres of coastline of north-east England, and has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The region is known for its quiet and very clean sandy beaches, backed by sand dunes, and for the islands just off the coast, such as the Farne islands and Lindisfarne. The islands and sand dunes along the coast features a wide range of wildlife, especially sea birds.

It is the quietness and quality of the beaches that will be one of the main things that strikes you - little need to battle among the crowds for a space even in the height of summer.

The region also contains some important castles and other important historical monuments, a consequence of the historical wars between the English and the Scottish.

The Coast on foot or bike

There is a popular trail that covers much of this stretch of coast, the Northumberland Coast Path, which is perhaps the best way to enjoy the scenery. The path runs from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and usually takes six days to complete (Cresswell - Warkworth - Craster - Seahouses - Belford - Fenwick - Berwick).

Cyclists are equally catered for with the Coast and Castles long-distance cycleway that follows the length of the region.

There are also numerous shorter walks and cycle rides for the more casual visitor seeking to enjoy the surroundings and wildlife.

Islands

Coquet Island
Farne Islands, a group of small islands reached by boat from Seahouses. They fall into two clusters - the Inner Group at about 3km and the Outer Group about 6m off the coast. Boat trips to the island allwo the large puffin population to be seen, along with some of the many other sea birds found here. See Farne Islands.
Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island) - a tidal island, that can be reached on foot at low tide. The island includes a wide range of birdlife, protected as the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, and Lindisfarne Castle. See Lindisfarne.

Towns and villages of the Northumberland Coast

There are a few towns and villages in the region, including some of particular scenic and historic interest.

Alnmouth - village and popular tourist destination, with a well-regarded golf course
Amble - marina town
Bamburgh - village best known for Bamburgh Castle, and for the great view of the castle, standing out on a short peninsula, from the long sandy beach
Beadnell - village and holiday resort
Belford - quiet, well placed village
Berwick-upon-Tweed - the most northerly town in England and a bustling market town
Craster - pretty harbour village near Dunstanburgh Castle
Cresswell - southern village, start of the Northumberland Coast Path
Embleton - quiet village
Newbiggin by the Sea - popular beach village
Seahouses - village, and starting point for trips to the Farne Islands
Tynemouth - sandy beaches at the southern end of the AONB
Warkworth - fortified village with impressive castle

Monuments

Bamburgh Castle. Without doubt the most photographed scene along the section of coast is the view of Bamburgh castle from the adjacent long sandy beach - and rightly so, because it is a very beautiful scene
Dunstanburgh Castle
Lindisfarne Castle
Warkworth Castle