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Northumberland’s coastline is a place where tranquillity meets drama. Golden beaches stretch for miles, ancient castles tower over dunes, and fishing villages still hum with the gentle rhythm of coastal life.
Unlike many UK seaside destinations, Northumberland remains wonderfully unspoiled – a haven for travellers seeking big skies, quiet bays, wildlife encounters, and charming coastal communities rich in character.
In this guide, we explore five of Northumberland’s most beautiful coastal villages — Seahouses, Amble, Bamburgh, Beadnell, and Warkworth — each offering something distinct and unforgettable, ideal for Northumberland coastal holidays with family or friends.
Seahouses: Gateway to the Farne Islands
Seahouses is a bustling and friendly fishing village, beloved for its traditional seaside vibes and its role as the main departure point for boat trips to the Farne Islands. If you love wildlife, you’ll feel instantly at home here. Puffins, seals, terns, and even dolphins frequent these waters, and local boat tours run regularly throughout the year.
Life by the sea in Seahouses feels refreshingly down-to-earth. The harbour is full of character, with colourful boats, fresh fish stalls, and the smell of salt and frying chips drifting through the air. Its long sandy beach stretches north towards Bamburgh, offering spectacular views of the castle in the distance.
Walkers will enjoy the coastal path linking Seahouses to neighbouring villages, while families staying in Seahouses sea-view cottages can spend relaxed afternoons on the sands, watching waves lap the shore. And when the day winds down, there’s nothing better than grabbing fish and chips, finding a bench by the harbour, and watching the boats return under the setting sun.
Amble: The Friendliest Port with a Creative Soul
Amble has blossomed into one of Northumberland’s trendiest seaside spots. Known as “The Friendliest Port,” this vibrant coastal village blends maritime tradition with a fresh, contemporary feel. The harbour is the heart of the action – lively, colourful, and full of independent food and craft stalls housed in the iconic Harbour Village pods.
Seafood lovers will fall head over heels here. Amble has some of the best seafood eateries in the region, offering fresh catches straight from local boats. Crab, lobster, and smoked fish are staples, and you’ll find everything from casual beachfront bites to indulgent dining with sea views.
Beyond the harbour you’ll find plenty of Amble cottages by the sea while the town’s beachfront promenade and marina make it perfect for relaxed coastal strolls. Just offshore lies Coquet Island, a protected seabird sanctuary home to puffins, terns, and rare roseate terns. Although you can’t land on the island, boat trips take you close enough to appreciate its wildlife magic.
Bamburgh: Iconic, Majestic & Unforgettable
Few coastal sights in the UK are as striking as Bamburgh Castle, perched high on its dramatic volcanic outcrop overlooking one of Britain’s most stunning beaches. Bamburgh itself is a peaceful, picture-perfect village, filled with stone cottages, friendly pubs, and sweeping green spaces.
The beach here is nothing short of spectacular – vast, clean, and backed by rolling dunes. It’s ideal for long walks, photography, or simply sitting and soaking in the epic scenery. With the castle towering above and Holy Island visible in the distance, the views feel almost cinematic.
Surrounding the village are charming tearooms, historic churches, and Bamburgh cottages with sea views, many that allow pets. Bamburgh is also perfect for history lovers: the castle is incredibly well preserved and offers fascinating insights into the region’s medieval and Anglo-Saxon past.
Beadnell: A Haven for Watersports & Beach Lovers
Just a short distance south of Seahouses lies Beadnell, a beautiful coastal village known for its horseshoe-shaped bay, soft sand, and laid-back charm. The beach here is one of Northumberland’s most sheltered, making it a hotspot for water activities such as paddle-boarding, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, and sailing.
Beadnell’s harbour – one of the few west-facing harbours on the east coast – is small but picturesque, bordered by old lime kilns and a cluster of Beadnell cottages by the sea. It’s an excellent place for coastal photography or simply appreciating the gentle rhythm of village life.
The dunes behind the beach are home to wildlife, including rare seabirds, while the coastal paths connecting Beadnell to Seahouses and Low Newton make it a dream for walkers. It’s quieter than its neighbours, which gives it an intimate, peaceful atmosphere – perfect for couples, families, and anyone seeking a slower pace beside the sea.
Warkworth: A Riverside Village with Coastal Appeal
Although slightly inland, Warkworth earns its place in this coastal guide thanks to its close connection to the sea and its incredible village charm. Just a short walk from the beach at Warkworth Bay, the village is dominated by its magnificent medieval castle, which rises proudly above the River Coquet.
Warkworth itself feels like stepping back in time. Its main street is lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, artisan shops, cafés, and cosy pubs. A peaceful stroll along the river leads you to the Hermitage – a medieval chapel carved directly into the rock, accessible only by rowing boat.
The nearby beach is long, wild, and wonderfully uncrowded. Dunes stretch for miles, and the open sands are perfect for dog walkers, families, and anyone renting sea view cottages in Warkworth. It’s one of Northumberland’s best-kept secrets: a quiet coastal gem just minutes from one of the county’s most charming villages.
Discover the Magic of Northumberland’s Coast
From the bustling harbour at Seahouses to the peaceful sands of Beadnell, from the creative energy of Amble to the towering grandeur of Bamburgh, and the timeless charm of Warkworth – Northumberland’s coastal villages offer some of the most atmospheric and beautiful seaside experiences in the UK.
Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife encounters, fresh seafood, endless beaches, water adventures, or romantic castle views, Northumberland’s shoreline provides a refreshing escape from crowded coastal resorts elsewhere. If you are travelling with pets take a good look at all of the Northumberland dog friendly cottages or if you need to see more options for your next self-catering break, browse all of the UK coastal accommodation listed on Beach Stays, most of which is just a short walk to the beach.