Northumberland Holiday Guide 2009
Many of Northumberland’s beaches are unparalleled in their raw
beauty and make the perfect location for a stroll or for family days
For an exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience, dive amongst the
out, rock pooling and picnicking on the clean sands. Alnmouth,
grey seals off the Farne Islands. You can take a boat trip out from
with its flat, open sandy beach is nigh on perfect, especially with
Seahouses harbour with Billy Shiel and while divers can discover
young children (though bathing less so). Bamburgh Beach, with
underwater shipwrecks or become acquainted with the colony of
its rolling golden dunes and Bamburgh Castle perched next to the
seals that inhabit the islands, non-divers are also welcome aboard
sea, is another favourite. For a truly idyllic walk, try the coastal path
for the ride. For the truly fearless, meanwhile, kite surfing offers
along Embleton Bay between Dunstanburgh Castle and the pretty
the ultimate rush. The Northumberland coast’s quiet beaches
seaside village of Craster. The stunning views here cannot fail to
and strong winds make this a popular hobby. From Budle Bay
impart a sense of peaceful well-being.
in the north down to South Blyth beach, there are many suitable
The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
destinations depending on wind direction. Contact NE Kite surfing
(AONB) covers 63km of coastline, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to
for tuition, equipment hire and more information on the sport.
the Coquet estuary. Alongside the rolling dunes and sweeping
beaches, you will find wildlife havens including the grey seal colony
Both along the coast and across inland lakes, a range of water
on the Farne Islands, as well as thousands of wild birds. In late
sports is available for both experienced enthusiasts and beginners.
spring and early summer, the cliff-tops come to life with kittiwakes,
Active4seasons, based in Berwick-upon-Tweed, but running
puffins, terns and other breeding birds. In the autumn and the
expeditions throughout north Northumberland, offers open canoeing,
spring, the area attracts songbirds including thrushes, robins and
river kayaking, sea kayaking and rock climbing activities. A large
warblers on their long migration. In the winter, wigeon, purple
number of Northumberland’s beaches are suitable for windsurfing;
sandpiper and light-bellied brent geese can be found searching
Budle Bay and Beadnell Bay are recommended for all sailors, while
for food amongst the mud flats and rocky shores. Visit www.
Bamburgh and Boulmer Haven are suitable for the more experienced.
northumberlandcoastaonb.org for more information on the area’s
wildlife, as well as a bird watching guide.
Just inland from the coast, Ladyburn Lake at Hadston is ideal when
the sea is too rough, while further inland, the Queen Elizabeth II
Long, empty beaches and glorious rural bridleways also make
Jubilee Country Park near Morpeth makes an excellent base for
this the perfect place to go horse-riding. The valleys of the North
beginners.
Pennines, the UK’s first UNESCO European and Global Geopark,
offer many popular routes crossing through areas teeming with
The largest marina for a variety of boats is at Amble, while you’ll
unique flora and fauna. Don’t forget your camera.
also find safe anchorage at Blyth South Beach, Beadnell Bay and
For beginners and experienced riders, adults and children
Spittal beach near Berwick-upon-Tweed. Low Newton-by -the-
alike, Shipley Lane Equestrian Centre in Alnwick offers one-off
Sea is popular for both dinghies and larger yachts, as well as
and regular sessions. The Coast, Castles and Cuthbert ride
offering a windsurfing school. Widely regarded as one of the most
takes in some of the county’s most glorious beaches on an
picturesque spots along the Northumberland coast, this is also an
inspirational journey. excellent place to moor up and enjoy a quiet pint at sunset.
FOR ALL CONTACT DETAILS GO TO WWW.VISITNORTHUMBERLAND.COM
Birdwatching on the Northumberland coast Horseriding along Alnmouth beach
www.visitnorthumberland.com 29
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