A Day in Bamburgh and Seahouses
Two very different coastal towns are connected by a beautiful stretch of coast – the bustling harbour of Seahouses, and the historic, picture-postcard village of Bamburgh
Eat…
The Mizen Head is a renowned restaurant with rooms, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other locally sourced dishes with an excellent bottle of wine. They have six elegant double and twin bedrooms if you fancy spending the night in Bamburgh. In Seahouses many opt for fish and chips – Lewis’s on Main Street is a good bet – you could also grab a bench and watch boats coming in beside the harbour. While you’re here, visit The Olde Ship Inn for a pint in a wonderfully charismatic bar.
Sleep…
Whether it’s romantic getaways for couples or big family gatherings, Grace Darling Holidays offer characterful self-catering in Bamburgh, Seahouses and the surrounding areas. All cottages are four or five star, many of them pet friendly, with options for a castle view, country farm conversion or village cottage. Also don’t miss St Cuthbert’s House. An award-winning boutique B&B in Seahouses, it offers six bedrooms, big, cosy beds and lavish breakfasts.
Browse…
Front Street in Bamburgh has a few places to browse, including the Bamburgh Gallery, showcasing local art, the Pantry, a deli selling quality local produce from cheeses to chutneys, and R Carter and Son Butchers, for the perfect Bamburgh Banger. In Seahouses you’ll find a National Trust shop by the roundabout, and the area has its fair share of gift shops, selling souvenirs, buckets and spades.
Don't Miss
Bamburgh Castle, 45 metres above the sea and looming over the village, is impossible to miss. Visit to take in the sights, stories and secrets of the castle, which was once the royal seat of the kings of Northumbria. There’s plenty to explore, including the Medieval Kitchen, the Victorian King’s Hall and the Keep – the oldest surviving part of the castle.
Why not hit the waves yourself with a trip to the Farne Islands? Take a boat trip from Seahouses and see the medieval pele tower and Victorian lighthouse, as well as the famous seabird colony. Depending on the time of year, you might catch a glimpse of the friendly seals and puffins that visit the islands’ shores.
Golfers flock to Bamburgh, where the Bamburgh Castle Golf Club offers a particularly picturesque round. It’s short but tough, and boasts some of the best views in the country.
Around the Corner
The beach by the castle is popular, but head across the rocks to nearby Budle Bay, a vital bird sanctuary for North Northumberland. It was a busy port in the 13th century, but is now particularly popular with wind surfers and dog walkers. Alternatively, get on your bike and follow the area’s cycle routes to take in some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
