Northumberland Coast

The Northumberland coast between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Amble is one of the most extraordinary stretches of coastline in England – castle-topped headlands, vast expanses of sand that are empty even in summer, the Farne Islands seabird and seal colonies just offshore, and the tidal island of Lindisfarne connecting to the mainland twice a day across a causeway.

Bamburgh Castle on its basalt crag above the beach is the most visually striking castle on the English coast – the combination of the fortress, the long beach below and the Farne Islands in the middle distance makes it one of the most photographed views in northeast England. Dunstanburgh Castle on its clifftop promontory north of Alnwick is less visited but perhaps more atmospheric in its semi-ruined state.

Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is accessible twice a day via a tidal causeway – the crossing times are posted at the causeway and must be checked before attempting, as the causeway floods quickly and vans have been stranded. The island has the ruins of a 7th-century priory, a National Trust castle and a small village with a good range of accommodation and food. Arriving on the last crossing of the evening gives the island a completely different atmosphere once the day visitors have gone.

Druridge Bay to the south is a 7-mile arc of sand dunes with a country park and a van-friendly car park at Cresswell at the southern end. The bay rarely feels crowded even in summer. Overnight options along the coast are good, with several campsites positioned within walking distance of the beach and a number of car parks that permit overnight stays.