Guide to Holidays along the Northumberland Coast AONB

Thinking of holidaying along the Northumberland Coast AONB and want to find out what this area has to offer holidaymakers?  Read Country Cottages Online’s guide for inspiration on what this glorious coastal area has to offer.  If you’re searching for accommodation to rent, we can help with that too.
 

Find Cottages in the Northumberland Coast AONB

 

What the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding National Beauty offers visitors
 

Much of Northumberland’s coastline is included in the AONB and this stretch of Northumbria’s coast is truly stunning with golden sandy beaches, historic castles and unspoilt countryside to discover.  Another great advantage of this area is that with it being located a bit off the beaten track in the North of England, compared to other tourist hotspots in the South West, that can get super busy in summertime, most parts of the Northumberland Coast AONB don’t seem to attract the big crowds of tourists that are sometimes found in other areas, making this a more relaxed place to visit.

Highlights of the Northumberland Coast AONB for Cottage Holidays include:

•    Alnmouth this seaside village with its colourful cottages, pubs, cafes and sandy shores, offers plenty of coastal appeal.  The beautiful sandy beach is backed by extensive sand dunes.

•    Bamburgh is not to be missed.  This village features a generous stretch of unspoilt sandy beach, as well as historic Bamburgh castle which sits proudly overlooking the sands. For coastal walks and rich history don’t miss Bamburgh.

•     Boulmer is a quaint traditional Northumbrian fishing village located along the Northumberland Coast AONB.  Fishermen’s cottages with unspoilt sea views are a feature of this village.

•    Craster is a quaint traditional fishing village which is well worth a visit.  Nature lovers will want to visit Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve which is a hotspot for birdwatching.  For those who enjoy walking, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are found around one mile's walk from the village of Craster.

•    Holy Island is a gem along the Northumberland coast.  Reached by tidal causeway (always check safe crossing times) and by boat, Holy Island is a fascinating place and home to the National Trust’s historic Lindisfarne Castle.

•    Keen wildlife watchers will want to visit Seahouses where you can get boat trips out to the Farne islands where you may lucky enough to see grey seals and seabirds.

 

Discover the Northumberland Coast AONB's Best Beaches

When enjoying a cottage holiday in an area such as the Northumbrian coast, it can be useful to know where to find the best beaches before you visit.  Sandy beaches tend to be the most popular option but it’s not all about the quality of sand, local parking and how busy the beaches are can also be an important consideration for many holidaymakers.

Luckily many of the beaches along the Northumberland coast are generous stretches of sand so that there is plenty of room for everyone, and the area even in high season doesn’t seem to get overrun by tourists, making this area of Northern England a great choice for a relaxed break with family or friends.
 

Top 3 Beaches along the Northumberland Coast AONB
 

•    Bamburgh beach – with its long stretch of unspoilt sands, this is one of Northumberland’s best beaches and the iconic castle towering over the beach only adds to its appeal.

•    Alnmouth beach – this again is a generous stretch of beach which is unspoilt and backed by sand dunes.  There are ample facilities like tea shops and country inns within Alnmouth to cater for visitors too.

•    Seahouses beach – serviced by a popular large village nearby with cafes and facilities galore including a number of car parks, this is a lovely generous sandy beach backed by grassy dunes.

Of course, whatever makes for the best beach for you, very often depends on what appeals to you.  If you prefer quieter hidden away coves, then the large beaches listed above may not be the best choice for you.  There are though so many lovely beaches along the Northumberland Coast that the real beauty is that there is something for everyone.
 

 

Discover Historic Castles on a Cottage Holiday in the Northumberland Coast AONB

The Northumbrian coast is dotted with fascinating historical castles.  Probably the most impressive, both in terms of its location and its condition is Bamburgh Castle.  This beautifully preserved castle is majestic as it towers 150 feet above the coastline below and has over 1400 years of history!

Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island is also not to be missed.  This historic fort dates back to the 1500s and offers superb views over Holy Island.

 

Whether you enjoy walking, wildlife watching, visiting historic sites or relaxing on the beach and making sandcastles, the Northumberland Coast AONB really does have something to offer everyone and lots to discover on a cottage holiday.