The Northumberland coast is pure magic. Vast shorelines of dunes and beachgrass; craggy, dramatic rock formations; and dreamy villages of white-washed cottages and head-turning castles. The kind of place where you can walk all day without seeing the same thing twice, then finish in the most charming pub you’ve ever visited with sand still on your boots.
If you’re searching for things to do on the Northumberland coast, this list keeps it simple and practical: where to go, when to go, and what makes it special.
Here are 11 unforgettable things to do on the Northumberland coast.
1. Walk the coastal path
The Northumberland Coast Path is 62 miles of easy-to-follow trail hugging this AONB coastline. At first glance, that could cause some decision paralysis: where to start?
For step-by-step routes for both in our guide to Beadnell coastal walks. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do Northumberland coast-wide – and most of it is dog friendly.
And here’s a few more Northumberland coastal walks that are dog friendly (and include a pub stop!)
2. Explore a local market
Markets give you a real sense of coastal life: salty air, local crafts and a proper browse.
- Amble Quayside Market – Sundays
Browse crafts, street food and local produce along the harbour. Great combined with a stroll around the village.
- Alnwick Market – Thursdays & Saturdays
In the cobbled Market Place below the castle, with everything from cheeses and baked goods to handmade gifts. Just 25 minutes inland, so not right on the coast, but this 800 year-old market is not one to miss.
They make for a dreamy slow holiday morning.
3. Stargaze under Dark Sky skies
Northumberland is one of Europe’s largest protected Dark Sky areas, meaning crystal-clear night skies and, on lucky nights, the Northern Lights.
Discover the best places to see the Northern Lights in Northumberland.
When you stay at Beadnell Apartments, we include a Dark Sky Hamper, with:
✅10×50 binoculars
✅Red torch
✅Guide to the best stargazing apps
✅2 blankets, 2 camping chairs
✅Thermos flask
All you need to do is step outside, pour something warm, and look up together.
4. Visit Craster smokehouse for local kippers
Craster is a tiny fishing village with a big reputation for smoked seafood. Wander down to the harbour and you’ll find L Robson & Sons smokehouse billowing that unmistakable aroma from a Grade 2 Listed Building.
- What to buy: Craster kippers (smoked herring).
- Best enjoyed: With crusty bread, or as part of a lazy brunch.
A deliciously authentic Northumberland souvenir.
5. Watch the sunrise
On the east coast, sunrise is the main event.
With such a northern location, the sunrise times in Northumberland can differ wildly between seasons. If you’re there in summer, sunrise can be around 4am, but in winter it won’t be until around 8am.
Brew a coffee, wrap up warm and head down to…
- Beadnell Bay: Gentle, sweeping and easy to reach from our apartments.
- Embleton Bay: Castle silhouette plus empty sand – wonderfully atmospheric.
- Bamburgh Beach: The castle glows as the light comes up over the sea.
Tips:
- Check the sunrise time the night before.
- Bring a flask and a blanket.
Simple, free, and oddly romantic in all weathers.
Looking for somewhere to stay on the Northumberland coast?
Discover our five, luxury self-catering holiday apartments– perfect for couples and pet friendly.
6. Spot endless wildlife – from puffins to dolphins
If you love wildlife, this coastline is a dream.
- Farne Islands (from Seahouses): Boat trips run in season to see puffins (April to July), terns (April to July) and one of England’s biggest grey seal colonies (year round, but autumn for pups).
- Coquet Island (from Amble): A protected bird sanctuary with tens of thousands of nesting birds, including puffins; viewed by boat only.
- From shore: Spot dolphins, porpoises and even the odd whale along the coast – keep an eye on the horizon from Beadnell, Bamburgh or Embleton.
Binoculars from the Dark Sky hampers in our apartment pull the action much closer.
7. Get proper Northumberland fish and chips
Seahouses is the classic fish and chips stop on the Northumberland coast. Fresh catches come straight into the harbour, and several chippies have serious local loyalty.
Two long-standing favourites include:
- Neptune Fish Restaurant
- Lewis’s Fish Restaurant
Local tip: for a proper northern-style order, ask for “batter” on top. It can have a different name depending on where you’re from in the UK (“scraps”, “bits”, etc.), and if you’re in the north, it’s batter.
Wander down to the harbour and eat them in the salty air.
8. Go to a coastal pub
Yes, there are pubs in every corner of England – but coastal Northumberland does them particularly well: low beams, sea views, local ales and dogs snoozing under tables. A few to put on your list:
- The Ship Inn, Low Newton: Whitewashed, in-house microbrewery, right by the beach and very dog friendly.
- The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses: Packed with maritime character, harbour views, dog-friendly areas and proper pub meals.
- Bamburgh Castle Inn (Seahouses): Big terrace overlooking the harbour – ideal post-walk.
Great after a day of exploring.
Looking for more pubs on the Northumberland coast?
9. Surf the North Sea
Surfing might not be the first thing you think of when you search for things to do in Northumberland coast areas – but there’s a surprisingly large community of waterpeople here, and you’ll spot surfers heading out in their 5mm neoprene across the coast.
Bamburgh beach is one of the best known spots, and offers particularly special views with the castle set on the beach.
Don’t go out alone unless you’re an experienced surfer – otherwise, support a local surf school and get a lesson. They’ll provide the kit too.
10. Take a cold dip
If full-on surfing isn’t your thing, a cold water sea dip is one of the most invigorating things to do on Northumberland’s beaches.
- Best spots: Beadnell Bay, Embleton Bay and Bamburgh offer long, gently-shelving sands.
- When: Sunrise mornings are magical, especially followed by a hot shower and slow breakfast.
- Stay safe: Avoid big surf, enter slowly, and never swim alone. And don’t stay in the water too long – it is very, very cold.
Your Thermos from the Dark Sky hamper doubles as the perfect store for your post-swim tea.
11. Go rockpooling at low tide
For old-school seaside fun, wait for low tide and head for rocky sections of beach.
Some local favourites are Bamburgh Beach, Beadnell Bay, Longhouton Beach and Low Hauxley Beach – you’ll find shallow pools left behind by the tide.
Take:
- A small tub or bucket
- A net (optional)
- Plenty of curiosity
Look gently and you might spot starfish, tiny crabs, anemones and darting little fish. Please return everything carefully where you found it and avoid lifting larger rocks.
It’s nostalgic, slow and surprisingly fun as adults.
Stay in the heart of the Northumberland coast
If this list of Northumberland coast things to do has you mentally packing a bag, Beadnell makes an ideal base.
Our luxury, one-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday apartments sit right in the middle of the coastline, with Bamburgh, Seahouses, Low Newton, Craster and Alnwick all within easy reach.
You can:
- Walk straight onto the Northumberland Coast Path
- Come back to a stylish, cosy space made for two
- Stargaze with your Dark Sky hamper
- Let the dog snooze while you plan tomorrow’s adventure
Ready to turn these ideas into your own seaside story?