Newton-by-the-Sea

  • Newton-by-the-Sea

Stunning Village on the Northumberland Coast

Newton-by-the-Sea is well known as one of the most stunning villages on The Northumberland Coast, and with its spectacular views across Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle, it’s easy to see why.

Newton-by-the-Sea itself is a parish made up of two distinct settlements, the coastal Low Newton-by-the-Sea and High Newton-by-the-Sea, the latter of which is half a mile inland (despite its name). A path connects the two in just 10 minutes of walking. Both Low and High Newton are owned by the National Trust and have a whole list of attractions and things to do that make it a brilliant place to visit.

Brilliant Beaches For Walks

Newton Beach is absolutely mesmerising and a joy to visit. The best thing about it is that it never feels crowded, and it’s so big that even during peak times, you’ll be able to find a spot to set up shop and relax. You can take a dip in the water on a sunny day and enjoy it, as it’s the highest UK standard of bathing water quality!

For a short walk, visit Newton Point for amazing sea views and the chance to see the Farne Islands on a clear day. Look southward and you’ll see Embleton Bay set against the dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle.

And, if you fancy being more active, then why not take a walk along this vast beach? Keep walking until you get to Craster, and you’ll be able to see Dunstanburgh Castle up close, before stopping for some famous Craster kippers. Many people rate this long walk as one of the best in the country! It’s a circular walk so you’ll find your way back to the beautiful beach while taking in the sublime scenery.

You can also head north along the Northumberland Coast Path to Beadnell. It’s a beautiful, hour-long walk to High Newton from our Beadnell holiday cottages and you can follow the route easily with our Beadnell coastal walk guide.

Historical Sightseeing and Pubs at Newton-by-the-Sea

There are so many things to do in Newton-by-the-Sea that once you’re back from your walk there’ll still be plenty to occupy you! In the quaint hamlet of Low Newton-by-the-Sea, visit Low Newton Square where you’ll see the lovely 19th-century stone cottages that were once used by fishermen.

You can also stop by the historic Ship in the Square Pub (and microbrewery) for a refreshment, the building itself is a converted 18th-century house and offers views of some spectacular 16th-century turrets at the rear.

Over in High Newton-by-the-Sea, you can stop by this sleepy hamlet to refuel at The Joiners Arms and continue to make your way over to the unusual (but nonetheless striking) St Mary’s Church that features both stain-glass windows and a corrugated tin roof!

Grey partridges at Newton by the sea

Birdwatching & Wildlife

If you’re after some brilliant birdwatching, Newton-by-the-Sea won’t disappoint. In the area around the village, you’ll see so many species of birds such as common terns, eider ducks, curlews, and grey herons. And, it doesn’t stop there, the area is known for its pretty wildlife too like grey seals, harbour porpoises, roe deer, and brown hares.

Take a trip to the Newton Pool Bird Reserve to see a variety of rare birds. To find it, take a short stroll from the Low Newton public car park towards the village square and follow the path as it leads you behind The Ship Inn. Adjacent to the path is a wet grassland area that attracts a variety of wading birds, notable sightings include little and temminck’s stints, a pectoral sandpiper, and a baird’s sandpiper that had migrated from boulmer.

Further along the path, a newly constructed bird hide awaits at the edge of a freshwater pond, offering visitors a tranquil space to admire the stunning scenery and observe wildlife up close. Due to its proximity to the coastline, the reserve is frequented by migratory birds during the spring and autumn seasons, and it has even hosted rare species like the red-backed shrike, yellow-browed warbler, red-breasted flycatcher, and greenish and barred warblers.

Golf course near Newton by the sea

Great Golf Courses

One of the great things about the Northumberland coastline is that it’s blessed with amazing golf courses. If you’re travelling to Newton, then you won’t be far from some of the best courses in the country. There is a range of stunning ones within a very short distance, some of which are walkable! The closest one is at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club in nearby Embleton, just one mile down the road. Well worth the short trip if you want to get a few rounds of golf in on your holiday. And there’s also Bamburgh Castle Golf Club that’s within driving distance, offering a scenic coastal view and challenging play.

Wonderful Water Sports and Waves at Newton-by-the-Sea

Newton Bay is a prime spot for a range of water sports. With the right weather conditions, you can see brilliant waves that are ideal for surfing. In fact, some locals will tell you that Newton is the home of windsurfing in the UK. If these two sports aren’t your thing, then don’t worry. The bay is still perfect for yachting and kite surfing too. And, given that the beach is so large, you never have to deal with too many crowds or noise. It’s perfect for relaxing surfing or sailing!

If you’re looking to hire equipment or get some water sports lessons, check out Adventure Northumberland’s availability to see how they can help kit out your holiday with kayaks, SUPs, and coasteering activities. You can also try your hand at surfing with the help of the fantastic instructors over at NE Surf School in Bamburgh, too, just a 20-minute drive from Newton-by-the-Sea.

Waves at Newton-by-the-sea

Book Your Stay Today

Newton has to be one of the most picturesque villages on the coast. It’s the perfect backdrop for a summer holiday this year. If you’re stuck for things to do in Newton-by-the-Sea, then use this guide to enjoy your stay. We’re just a 10-minute drive away from this gem, so book your stay with us today.
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