Northumberland’s Heritage Coast
Northumberland’s coast is one of Britain’s most dramatic coastlines—a wild, beautiful landscape of castles, islands, fishing villages, and historic churches. While Bamburgh Castle is deservedly famous, the coast has far more to offer, from Holy Island’s medieval priory to Lindisfarne’s working fishing community.
This guide reveals Northumberland’s coastal heritage beyond the obvious, explaining what makes each location special and how to experience this extraordinary coast.
Northumberland’s Coastal Story
Northumberland’s coast has a rich history spanning centuries:
Roman period: Hadrian’s Wall ended at the coast (near South Shields), and Romans had coastal settlements at places like Housesteads.
Anglo-Saxon period: Monastic communities flourished on the coast, including Lindisfarne and Holy Island.
Medieval period: Coastal castles like Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth were built to defend against Scottish and Viking raids.
Tudor period: Coastal trade developed, with ports at places like Holy Island and Alnmouth. Coastal churches like Holy Island and Craster were built or rebuilt.
Georgian period: Coastal towns and villages were developed as fashionable resorts, though Northumberland remained more working-class than fashionable neighbours.
Victorian period: Coastal fishing communities reached their peak, with fish curing and herring fleets operating along the coast.
20th century: Many coastal communities declined as fishing became less profitable. Some areas developed tourism, others remained quiet working communities.
21st century: Coastal communities have adapted through tourism, heritage preservation, and new economic activities.
This history is visible in the coast’s castles, churches, and fishing villages, creating a layered landscape of different periods.
Essential Coastal Heritage Sites
1. Holy Island
Holy Island is one of Northumberland’s most remarkable coastal heritage sites—a small island connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, with a spectacular medieval priory. The island’s isolation and religious heritage have made it a place of pilgrimage and solitude for centuries.
What makes Holy Island special is its combination of isolation, religious heritage, and natural beauty. The priory’s ruins are remarkably preserved, and the island’s connection to the mainland is lost at high tide, creating a true island feeling.
Location: Holy Island, NE65 0DX
Access: From the mainland at low tide (check tide times). The causeway is approximately 1 mile round trip.
Opening: Island accessible 24/7 (at low tide); priory ruins always accessible
Cost: Free (though donations to the priory trust are welcome)
What to expect: Spectacular medieval priory ruins, island atmosphere, seabirds. Allow 1-2 hours for a full visit.
Important: The causeway is covered approximately 2.5 hours on each side of high tide. Always check tide times before attempting the crossing and never cut it close.
2. Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne is a traditional Northumberland fishing village that has maintained its character and working community. The village’s harbour, castle ruins, and traditional fishing cottages create a remarkably preserved coastal atmosphere.
What makes Lindisfarne special is its authenticity and continuity. This isn’t a tourist recreation but a genuine working fishing community, with a castle that tells the story of centuries of coastal defence and industry.
Location: Lindisfarne, NE67 7SQ
Access: By car (A1 north) or bus (service 418 from Alnmouth)
Opening: Village accessible 24/7; castle always accessible
Cost: Free (donations to castle maintenance are welcome)
What to expect: Working fishing harbour, castle ruins, traditional cottages, quiet village atmosphere. Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the village and castle.
Note: This is a living community. Respect residents’ privacy and don’t interfere with fishing operations.
3. Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle is one of Northumberland’s most spectacular coastal castles, though less famous than Bamburgh. The castle was built in the 14th century and was a major stronghold, defending against Scottish raids.
What makes Dunstanburgh special is its dramatic coastal location and relatively quiet atmosphere. The castle sits on a headland with spectacular views north and south, yet sees a fraction of the visitors that Bamburgh attracts.
Location: Dunstanburgh Steads, NE66 0DT
Access: By car (A1 north) or coastal path from Craster (approximately 1 mile walk)
Opening: 24/7 access (private land, though coastal paths are public)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spectacular coastal castle ruins, dramatic headland location, sea views. Allow 30-45 minutes to walk from Craster.
Walking: The coastal path from Craster is beautiful and approximately 1 mile each way. It offers spectacular coastal scenery and views back to the castle.
4. Craster
Craster is a small coastal village with a fine church and harbour. The village’s church (St. Peter and St. Paul) is a beautiful medieval building, and the harbour remains active, with fishing boats still using it.
What makes Craster special is its combination of medieval church and working harbour. The village has a traditional coastal feel that’s increasingly rare, with a church that’s one of the finest in Northumberland.
Location: Craster, NE68 7DR
Access: By car (A1 north) or bus (service 418 from Alnmouth)
Opening: Village accessible 24/7; church generally accessible (check for services)
Cost: Free (donations to the church are welcome)
What to expect: Beautiful medieval church, working harbour, coastal village atmosphere. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore the village.
Church: St. Peter and St. Paul’s is notable for its medieval architecture and excellent stained glass.
5. Warkworth Castle
Warkworth Castle is a spectacular coastal castle, though partially a private residence and partly a hotel. The castle has a complex history, with parts dating from the 12th century and others from later periods.
What makes Warkworth special is its scale and location. The castle is substantial and sits in a dramatic coastal setting, though its private status and hotel use limit access.
Location: Warkworth, NE68 7SQ
Access: The castle is visible from the coastal path and can be viewed from public paths, though the castle itself is private.
Opening: The castle is a private residence and hotel with limited public access. The exterior can be viewed from public paths.
Cost: Free to view exterior from public paths
What to expect: Spectacular coastal castle visible from coastal paths. Allow 10-20 minutes to view from public vantage points.
Note: This is a private residence. Respect privacy and don’t attempt to access private areas.
Hidden Coastal Heritage Gems
6. Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Low Newton is a small coastal village near Holy Island, with a beautiful church and a spectacular beach. The village feels remote despite being relatively close to more popular areas.
What makes Low Newton special is its remote feel and spectacular beach. The village’s church is beautiful, and the beach is one of Northumberland’s finest—a curve of golden sand backed by dunes.
Location: Low Newton-by-the-Sea, NE65 0DX
Access: By car (A1 north)
Opening: Village and beach accessible 24/7
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spectacular beach, beautiful village church, remote atmosphere. Allow 30-45 minutes to explore.
Beach: The beach is one of Northumberland’s finest, though access requires walking from the village.
7. Beadnell
Beadnell is a small coastal village south of Holy Island, with a beautiful medieval church and spectacular cliff scenery. The village feels remote and is surprisingly quiet for a location so close to popular areas.
What makes Beadnell special is its church and cliff scenery. The church of St. Mary the Virgin is a beautiful medieval building, and the cliffs to the south of the village are spectacular and relatively unspoilt.
Location: Beadnell, NE66 0HA
Access: By car (A1 south)
Opening: Village and church accessible 24/7
Cost: Free (donations to the church are welcome)
What to expect: Beautiful medieval church, spectacular cliff scenery, quiet village atmosphere. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore.
Cliffs: The cliffs to the south of the village are spectacular and relatively unspoilt, though access can be tricky.
8. Amble
Amble is a small coastal village with a beautiful medieval church and links to Holy Island. The village has a peaceful atmosphere and is often used as a base for exploring Holy Island.
What makes Amble special is its connection to Holy Island and peaceful atmosphere. The village is less visited than Holy Island itself, making it a good base for exploring the area.
Location: Amble, NE65 0DU
Access: By car (A1 north)
Opening: Village and church accessible 24/7
Cost: Free (donations to the church are welcome)
What to expect: Peaceful village, beautiful medieval church, coastal views. Allow 15-20 minutes to explore.
Base for Holy Island: Amble makes an excellent base for visiting Holy Island, with facilities including accommodation and a pub.
9. Howick
Howick is a small coastal village with a beautiful medieval church and spectacular coastal scenery. The village is located south of Alnmouth and has a peaceful, unspoilt character.
What makes Howick special is its church and coastal location. The church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a beautiful medieval building, and the coastal scenery around the village is spectacular and relatively little-visited.
Location: Howick, NE66 0NE
Access: By car (A106 south)
Opening: Village and church accessible 24/7
Cost: Free (donations to the church are welcome)
What to expect: Beautiful medieval church, spectacular coastal scenery, quiet village atmosphere. Allow 20-30 minutes to explore.
Scenery: The coastal views south of Howick are spectacular, with cliffs and dunes that rival the more famous areas further north.
10. Embleton Bay
Embleton Bay is a beautiful sandy beach south of Amble, backed by dunes and with spectacular views to Holy Island and Dunstanburgh Castle. The bay is relatively unspoilt and sees fewer visitors than more famous beaches.
What makes Embleton Bay special is its beauty and relative quietness. The sandy beach backed by dunes is one of Northumberland’s finest, yet it’s far less crowded than beaches further north.
Location: South of Amble, NE65 0DU
Access: By car (A1 north) and footpath from the village
Opening: The bay is accessible 24/7
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spectacular sandy beach, dune backing, views to Holy Island and Dunstanburgh Castle. Allow 30-45 minutes to explore.
Walking: The walk from Amble to the beach and along the bay is beautiful and takes approximately 20-30 minutes each way.
Northumberland Coastal Walking Routes
1. Holy Island and Craster Walk
This coastal walk (approximately 3 miles) connects two of Northumberland’s most interesting coastal heritage sites, passing along cliffs, beaches, and coastal villages.
Start: Holy Island (allow 1-2 hours)
Walk along: Coastal path northwards towards Craster (approximately 1.5 miles)
Explore: Craster village and church (allow 30-45 minutes)
Walk back: Coastal path southwards back to Holy Island (approximately 1.5 miles)
Total time: 3-4 hours including exploration
Total distance: Approximately 3 miles
Total cost: Free
2. Lindisfarne to Low Newton Walk
This walk (approximately 2 miles) connects a working fishing village to a spectacular beach, passing through coastal scenery and dunes.
Start: Lindisfarne (allow 15 minutes)
Walk along: Coastal path southwards towards Low Newton (approximately 1 mile)
Explore: Low Newton beach and church (allow 30-45 minutes)
Walk back: Coastal path northwards back to Lindisfarne (approximately 1 mile)
Total time: 2-2.5 hours including exploration
Total distance: Approximately 2 miles
Total cost: Free
3. Craster to Dunstanburgh Walk
This walk (approximately 2 miles each way) connects a beautiful village to a spectacular castle, along dramatic coastal scenery.
Start: Craster (allow 20-30 minutes)
Walk along: Coastal path northwards towards Dunstanburgh (approximately 2 miles)
Explore: Dunstanburgh Castle from the seaward side (allow 30-45 minutes)
Walk back: Coastal path southwards back to Craster (approximately 2 miles)
Total time: 3-3.5 hours including exploration
Total distance: Approximately 4 miles
Total cost: Free
Northumberland Coastal Churches
Northumberland’s coastal churches are some of the most interesting medieval buildings in the county:
Holy Island Priory: Spectacular medieval priory ruins on Holy Island.
Craster Church (St. Peter and St. Paul): Beautiful medieval church with excellent stained glass.
Lindisfarne Church: A small but interesting church in the fishing village.
Low Newton Church: A beautiful church near one of Northumberland’s finest beaches.
Beadnell Church: A beautiful medieval church with spectacular cliff views.
These churches are generally open during daylight hours (check for services) and welcome donations for their maintenance.
Coastal Wildlife
Northumberland’s coast is rich in wildlife, particularly seabirds:
Seabirds: Puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and many other species nest along the cliffs and islands.
Grey seals: Common around Holy Island and other coastal areas, particularly in autumn.
Whales: Dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales are occasionally seen from the coast.
Wading birds: Oystercatchers, curlews, and other wading birds are common in coastal bays and estuaries.
Coastal flowers: Sea pink thrift, sea campion, and other coastal flowers create spectacular displays in summer.
Coastal Heritage Etiquette
Respect private property: Much of Northumberland’s coast is private land. Don’t access beaches across private land without permission.
Respect fishing communities: Northumberland’s fishing villages are working communities. Don’t interfere with fishing operations or photograph fishermen without permission.
Keep dogs under control: Dogs are welcome on many beaches but must be kept under control, particularly around wildlife and livestock.
Take only photographs: Don’t remove anything from beaches or coastal areas.
Respect cliff edges: Northumberland’s coastal cliffs can be unstable and dangerous. Keep well back from edges.
Seasonal Coastal Visits
Spring (March-May): Good weather for coastal walking, seabirds returning to cliffs, wildflowers on dunes. Beaches generally quiet.
Summer (June-August): Best weather, but busiest time. Popular beaches can be crowded. Early morning offers quieter periods.
Autumn (September-November): Beautiful autumn colours, cooler weather, fewer crowds. Seabirds spectacular in autumn as they gather before migration.
Winter (December-February): Quietest time, but coldest weather. Coastal paths can be muddy and slippery. Spectacular winter light.
Combining Coastal Heritage with Other Activities
Northumberland’s coast has more than just coastal heritage:
Alnwick: A historic market town with a castle, shops, and facilities.
Bamburgh Castle: The famous castle is worth visiting for its historical significance and architecture.
Northumberland Coast AONB: The trail is a long-distance path that runs along much of Northumberland’s coast, offering spectacular coastal walking over several days.
Farne Islands: The Farne Islands are a group of islands off the coast, accessible by boat from Seahouses, with spectacular seabird colonies.
A Final Thought
Northumberland’s coast is one of Britain’s most extraordinary coastal landscapes—a dramatic combination of castles, islands, beaches, and historic villages that tells the story of centuries of coastal life. The coast has changed over time—from Roman settlements and medieval castles through fishing communities to tourism—but retains a strong sense of place and continuity.
The key to enjoying Northumberland’s coast is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, Bamburgh Castle is famous and worth visiting, but the coast has so much more to offer—Holy Island’s medieval priory, Lindisfarne’s working harbour, Dunstanburgh Castle’s dramatic location, and spectacular beaches like Low Newton.
These coastal sites represent Northumberland’s coastal heritage in all its variety—from holy places to working villages, from dramatic castles to beautiful beaches. They’re not just tourist attractions but living communities and historic landscapes that tell the story of Northumberland’s relationship with the sea.
So explore Northumberland’s coast, discover its hidden gems, and understand what makes this coastline so special. The coast is a palimpsest of layers—medieval priory, Victorian village, Georgian town, working harbour—each telling part of Northumberland’s story.
Northumberland’s coast is wild, beautiful, and deeply historical. It’s also surprisingly peaceful in many places, offering opportunities for solitude and reflection that are increasingly rare in modern Britain.
Discover Northumberland’s coastal heritage and understand why this coastline has inspired poets, artists, and visitors for centuries.
This guide reveals Northumberland’s coastal heritage beyond Bamburgh Castle, from Holy Island’s medieval priory to Lindisfarne’s working community, from Dunstanburgh Castle to spectacular beaches like Low Newton. Northumberland’s coast is a dramatic landscape of castles, islands, villages, and beaches representing centuries of coastal history. Explore this extraordinary coast and discover its rich heritage.