Enjoy a Traditional Seaside Break in Northumberland
From the iconic castle to crazy golf, these two contrasting neighbouring coastal villages have everything you need for a traditional seaside break, and a lot more
Eat
The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh is a popular bistro specialising in seafood, and has a dog-friendly bar area and some outside seating too. Over the road, in the walled garden, find fabulous gelato from the Pilgrims Gelato scoop shop. On the road out of Bamburgh (heading towards Seahouses), stop at Creel & Reel’s seafood trailer for fabulous seafood from local suppliers, cooked to order. In Seahouses, award-winning St Aidan’s Bistro has picture-perfect views towards the Farne Islands, Elan does good pizza at good prices, or for the traditional Seahouses experience, grab some fish and chips from Lewis’s to eat overlooking the harbour.
Sleep
In Bamburgh, the newly fully refurbished Lord Crewe is the place to go. The boutique hotel, with just seven beautiful bedrooms, serves great food too. The dog-friendly Victoria Hotel overlooks the village green and has a popular bar and brasserie. For an alternative try glamping at the boujee Bamburgh under Canvas. St Cuthbert’s House is an award-winning B&B in a quiet part of Seahouses, or try the Bamburgh Castle Inn overlooking Seahouses’ bustling harbour. If you’re looking for the perfect home from home, Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages, and Coquet Cottages both have great self-catering properties up and down the coast here.
Browse
In Bamburgh, Blackett’s inside the walled garden sells gifts, clothing and homewares. The local butcher, R Carter, often has queues out of the door for its Bamburgh Bangers, and is now home to takeaway pop-up BAM Burger, serving a Northumbrian take on classic American burgers. Down the road, tucked away, fish has been smoked on Swallow Fish’s Seahouses site since 1843. On Main Street, the eco-conscious Independent Food & Drink Store sells local produce and essentials, the Northumbrian Hamper has lots of special food stuffs and gifts too, and don’t miss the Farne Gift Shop for everything you need for a beachside holiday– and lots you don’t too. That done, pop over the road to Coxons where you can grab an ice-cream from the little window counter.
Don't Miss
Bamburgh Castle was once the home of the ancient kings of Northumbria. Explore the myths, legends and history which permeate the castle (dogs are welcome too) – don’t miss the Victorian Kings Hall and the Medieval Kitchen. The Grace Darling Museum is also worth a visit, as is the village’s Grade-I St Aidan’s Church. In Seahouses you can have a round of crazy golf at The Bunker, have an ice cream on the harbour and then waste a few hundred pence on the coin pushers at the amusements. Hop on a boat to the Farne Islands which are home to incredible (and important) seabird colonies and heaps of history. Golfers should note Bamburgh Golf Course – it’s a stunning 18 holes with some of the best views from any course in the country.
Around the Corner
Just to the south of Seahouses, past Seahouses Golf Course, is the village of Beadnell where the long sweep of Beadnell Bay makes it popular for water sports, and you can hire equipment and book lessons here. It also has the only west-facing harbour on the East Coast, bordered by ancient lime kilns. In Beadnell village find Beadnell Towers, a dog-friendly hotel with a great bar and restaurant – perfect for a just-off-the-beach sundowner, or head to Bait at Beadnell, a popular café in the car park open between 9am and 4pm (and occasionally in the evening). Need essentials? The village store has everything you want and is handily placed at the top of Harbour Road.
