Belford Cottages by the Sea

Coastal Holiday Cottages Near Belford and Northumberland’s Beaches

Belford is a historic village surrounded by countryside, approximately four miles inland from the Northumberland coast. Its traditional stone cottages and coastal holiday homes offer accommodation within easy reach of Bamburgh Beach, Budle Bay and Holy Island. Visitors looking for beach cottages and sea view properties can also explore the nearby coastal villages, where long sandy beaches and walking routes stretch along the Northumberland coastline.

Belford Village, Bamburgh Beach and Budle Bay

Belford developed as a coaching stop on the old Great North Road and still has several historic buildings around its Market Place and High Street. The village has local shops, pubs and cafés, while St Mary’s Church and Belford Hall are among its notable buildings.

Bamburgh is around four miles east of Belford and has one of Northumberland’s best-known beaches. The wide stretch of sand is backed by dunes, with Bamburgh Castle overlooking the coastline. The village also has pubs, restaurants and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum. If you’re considering accommodation closer to the beach, explore our collection of Bamburgh cottages by the sea.

Just north of Bamburgh, Budle Bay is part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. At low tide, large areas of sand and mudflats are exposed, attracting wading birds and wildfowl. The bay is particularly popular for birdwatching and coastal walks, although visitors should avoid walking out across the tidal flats.

Holy Island, St Cuthbert’s Cave and Nearby Attractions

Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a short drive north of Belford. The island is reached by a tidal causeway and is home to Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne Priory and a small village with cafés and shops. Visitors must check the official safe crossing times before travelling, as the causeway becomes submerged at high tide.

St Cuthbert’s Cave lies inland from Belford, surrounded by woodland and sandstone outcrops. The cave is associated with the monks of Lindisfarne, who are believed to have sheltered here while carrying St Cuthbert’s remains away from Viking raids. Walking routes lead through the surrounding woodland and countryside.

Belford Hidden History Museum provides information about the village’s past, including its development as a coaching stop. Nearby, the countryside around Bowden Doors and the Kyloe Hills has further walking routes and views across Northumberland.

Seahouses is another popular coastal destination, with a working harbour and boat trips to the Farne Islands. Further south, Beadnell has a sandy bay popular for watersports and coastal walks.

For more places to stay near Northumberland’s beaches and historic coastal villages, browse our collection of cottages on the Northumberland coast, including properties around Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell and Alnmouth.