Nestled on Northumberland’s breathtaking coastline, the Beadnell to Bamburgh walk is one of the UK’s most scenic coastal walks. This stunning stretch takes you along miles of unspoiled beaches, past historic landmarks, and through picturesque countryside, offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.
And when the sun sets, the magic continues. With some of the darkest skies in England, this area is a haven for stargazers. Our 1-bedroom holiday apartments in Beadnell offer the ideal base from which to explore this unique part of the north east.
Beadnell to Bamburgh Walk: Everything You Need to Know
The walk from Beadnell to Bamburgh is a stunning 5.8-mile (9.3 km) route along the Northumberland Coastal Path, offering breathtaking sea views, golden beaches, and historic landmarks. Starting at Beadnell Bay and ending at the iconic Bamburgh Castle, this moderate walk takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.
The route is dog-friendly year-round, making it perfect for a seaside adventure with your four-legged friend. If the full walk feels too far, consider walking from Beadnell to Seahouses instead— a shorter stretch with equally spectacular scenery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km), one way
Duration: Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours
Start: Beadnell Bay
End: Bamburgh Castle
Follow the Northumberland Coastal Path north from Beadnell to Bamburgh on this breathtaking seaside walk. This 5.8-mile route takes you along golden beaches, past rugged dunes, and through the historic fishing village of Seahouses before reaching the imposing Bamburgh Castle.
Along the way, enjoy sweeping sea views, spot wildlife like seals and seabirds, and stop for fresh fish and chips or a cosy pub meal.
1. Start at Beadnell Harbour and Bay
Begin your journey at Beadnell Harbour, where you’ll spot the historic lime kilns—a nod to the village’s past. Originally built in 1798, after they fell out of use as kilns, they were used by local fishermen for curing herrings and today you’ll find they house hundreds of lobster pots. You could catch a glimpse of sparrows as they like to hide in the pots.
Head north along Beadnell Bay, a stunning stretch of sugar-sand and rocky terrain. It’s popular for watersports and home to nesting seabirds in spring and summer. Keep an eye on the horizon—you might spot seals or even dolphins cresting the waves.
2. Annstead Dunes and Beach
Following the Northumberland Coastal Path, you’ll walk behind Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve, a peaceful area rich with wildflowers and birdlife. The path soon leads to the long, open sands of Annstead Beach, offering uninterrupted coastal views as you approach Seahouses.
3. Seahouses – The Midway Point
Arriving in Seahouses, you’ll find a bustling harbour known for boat trips to the Farne Islands. This is the perfect place to take a break, grab some food or rest for a while at one of the coffee shops:
- Quick bite: Lewis’s Fish Restaurant – Grab some award-winning fish and chips to enjoy by the harbour.
- Pub stop: The Olde Ship Inn – A cosy, dog-friendly pub with a maritime theme, offering hearty food and local ales.
Strolling through the village, you’ll see historic fishing cottages alongside small shops selling local crafts and gifts.
If this walk is a little too long for you, you can make Seahouses your end point and stay a while longer before heading back.
Find out more about the walk from Beadnell to Seahouses.
4. North of Seahouses – Rugged Cliffs and Historic Sights
Leaving Seahouses, the coastline becomes more rugged, with rocky shores and grassy dunes. Keep an eye out for the WWII bunker along this stretch—a reminder of the area’s wartime history. The Farne Islands remain in view offshore, home to thousands of migratory seabirds every year. Our favourites have to be the puffins! They make the islands their home from around April to July.
5. Bamburgh Beach – The Final Stretch!
As you near Bamburgh Beach, the scenery opens up into a vast expanse of golden sand, with spectacular views to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) in the distance. The iconic Bamburgh Castle, perched high on a volcanic outcrop, dominates the horizon.
It’s a pretty special finish line: Bamburgh was named the UK’s best seaside town 2026 by Which?, taking the top spot for the sixth year running!
From here, you can:
- Explore Bamburgh Castle and its fascinating history.
- Wander into Bamburgh Village, where you’ll find cafes and traditional pubs.
Continue walking north towards Budle Bay, a haven for birdwatchers.
Stargazing Bonus
After sunset, the journey doesn’t have to end. This coastline sits near Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in England for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.
Whether you’re here for the adventure, the scenery, or the history, this walk is a breathtaking way to experience Northumberland’s wild beauty—by day and by night.
Discover everything you need to know about stargazing in Northumberland.
Plus, all of our Beadnell holiday cottages come ready with a Stargazer Hamper. In it, you’ll find:
- 1x 10×50 binoculars
- 1x red torch
- A list of our favourite astronomy apps
- 2x blankets to keep warm
- 2x camping chairs
- 1x Thermos Flask, perfect for hot chocolate