This Northumberland Costal Escape offers golden sandy beaches, charming seaside villages, breath taking coastal walks, ancient castles, quiet country roads and endless opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re travelling by campervan, looking for hidden gems, or planning a relaxing countryside break, Northumberland delivers some of the finest scenery and most peaceful adventures in Britain.
Northumberland Coastal Escape
If you’re searching for beautiful beaches, scenic drives, peaceful villages and spectacular countryside without the crowds, Northumberland is one of the most rewarding places to visit in the UK. Often overlooked in favour of Cornwall and the Lake District, this stunning region offers miles of unspoilt coastline, dramatic castles, hidden coves, rolling hills and some of the darkest skies in Europe.
Why Visit Northumberland?
- 🏖️ Vast, uncrowded beaches
- 🚐 One of the UK’s best campervan destinations
- 🏰 Iconic castles including Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh
- 🥾 Spectacular coastal and countryside walks
- 🌿 Peaceful villages and hidden gems
- 🐴 Pony trekking and outdoor adventures
- 🌌 Dark Sky reserves perfect for stargazing
- 🚗 Scenic driving routes with very little traffic
Stay the night before you start the journey
For travellers seeking a quiet UK getaway packed with beaches, walking routes, scenic drives and beautiful villages, Northumberland Coastal Escape is hard to beat. It remains one of Britain’s best-kept secrets and a destination that rewards those who venture beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Day 1 – Coast, Castles & Beaches
📍 Bamburgh
Start your adventure in Bamburgh.
One of the most beautiful villages in England.
Highlights
- Bamburgh Beach
- Bamburgh Castle
- Grace Darling Museum
- Village pubs and tea rooms
Food Stops Along This Route
Handy places to eat nearby — perfect after a walk, beach stop or scenic drive.
🚶 Bamburgh to Budle Bay Walk
A peaceful walk many visitors miss.
Huge views across the coast.
Excellent birdlife.
Very quiet compared to the castle area.
📍 Budle Bay
One of Northumberland’s hidden gems.
Beautiful tidal estuary.
Fantastic for photography and wildlife.
📍 Seahouses
Small fishing village.
Grab fish and chips and enjoy harbour views.
Boat trips available to the Farne Islands.
🏖️ Ross Back Sands
A true hidden gem.
Few visitors.
Huge sandy beach.
No arcades.
No crowds.
Just sea, dunes and space.
Places To Stay Nearby
Campervan-friendly campsites, holiday parks and unique stays perfect for this adventure.
Day 2 – Hills, Villages & Pony Trekking
🐴 Kimmerston Riding Centre
Near Wooler.
Offers guided rides through beautiful countryside.
Suitable for beginners.
One of the most scenic pony trekking areas in Northumberland.
📍 Wooler
A lovely market town beneath the Cheviot Hills.
Quiet and authentic.
Great cafés and independent shops.
🚶 St Cuthbert’s Cave Walk
One of Northumberland’s most underrated walks.
Highlights
- Ancient cave
- Woodland
- Hillside views
- Very few crowds
Distance: Approx 4 miles
📍 Ford & Etal Villages
Absolutely charming.
Honey-coloured cottages.
Historic buildings.
Tiny roads perfect for a campervan adventure.
🚂 Heatherslaw Light Railway
A fun little hidden attraction.
Britain’s northernmost narrow-gauge railway.
Scenic Drive Home
Follow sections of:
Northumberland Coastal Route
through:
- Craster
- Low Newton-by-the-Sea
- Embleton
- Beadnell
all beautiful and much quieter than the UK’s better-known tourist areas.
Recommended Places To Stay
Highly-rated hotels and coastal stays perfectly placed for exploring Northumberland.
Campsites
Places To Stay Nearby
Campervan-friendly campsites, holiday parks and unique stays perfect for this adventure.
Hidden Gems Bonus List
If time allows, try and pop a few of these into the trip:
⭐ Dunstanburgh Castle
⭐ Newton Pool Nature Reserve
⭐ Holy Island Causeway (check tides)
⭐ Howick Hall Gardens
⭐ Preston Towerms into a spectacular display of reds, oranges and golds.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scenic drive in Northumberland?
The coastal route between Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell, Craster and Alnmouth is one of England’s most scenic drives, offering sea views, castles, fishing villages and beautiful beaches throughout the journey.
Can this itinerary be extended?
Absolutely. Northumberland has enough attractions and scenery to fill a week or more. Popular additions include Kielder Forest, Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle and the North Pennines.
Why choose Northumberland over Cornwall or the Lake District?
Northumberland offers many of the same ingredients—spectacular beaches, castles, walking routes and pretty villages—but with significantly fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter and more relaxing adventure.
What should I pack for this trip?
Bring walking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, a camera, binoculars for wildlife watching and beachwear if visiting during warmer weather
Can Holy Island be included?
Yes, but visitors must carefully check tide times before crossing the causeway. If timings allow, Holy Island makes an excellent addition to the itinerary.
Is Northumberland suitable for a campervan?
Yes. Northumberland is one of the best regions in England for campervan travel thanks to its quiet roads, spacious landscapes and range of campervan-friendly campsites. Roads are generally much less congested than those in Cornwall or the Lake District.
Is this trip suitable outside of summer?
Yes. Northumberland is beautiful throughout the year. Spring brings wildlife and wildflowers, autumn offers colourful countryside, and winter often provides dramatic coastal scenery with very few visitors.
Things to do in Northumberland
Where Will You Explore Next?
Choose a region and discover unforgettable walks, scenic road trips, hidden gems, places to stay and days out planned to help you explore more of the UK.
Scotland
Highlands, lochs, castles, islands and wild road trip adventures.
Explore Scotland →England
Historic towns, countryside walks, coastal escapes and hidden gems.
Explore England →Wales
Mountains, waterfalls, castles, coastline and breathtaking adventures.
Explore Wales →Cornwall
Beaches, harbours, coastal walks, coves and Atlantic views.
Explore Cornwall →
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