Northumberland's coast is routinely named among the finest in England, and beaches like Bamburgh and Embleton Bay draw well-deserved praise. But this 40-mile Heritage Coast holds plenty of quieter treasures.
1. Cocklawburn Beach
Location: Just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, off the A1
Cocklawburn is Northumberland's best-kept coastal secret. Tucked below low limestone cliffs just a mile south of the Scottish border, this beach rarely appears on tourist lists despite being strikingly beautiful. The fossil-rich limestone pavement creates natural rock pools at low tide.
- How to find it: From the A1 south of Berwick, take the minor road to Scremerston. Look for a layby and footpath sign on the left.
- Best for: Rock pooling, fossil hunting, solitude.
2. Budle Bay
Location: Between Bamburgh and Belford, off the B1342
At low tide Budle Bay reveals vast expanses of golden sand and mud flats that attract enormous flocks of wading birds. In winter it hosts thousands of pale-bellied Brent geese from Svalbard.
- How to find it: Take the B1342 from Bamburgh towards Belford. Small car park at the viewpoint.
- Best for: Birdwatching, walking, photography. Swimming not recommended due to tidal currents.
3. Rumbling Kern, Howick
Location: Between Craster and Howick
This is not so much a beach as a hidden coastal cove. South of Craster, the coastal path drops down to a natural rock arch and small sandy cove where the sea rumbles through gaps in the rock. Atmospheric, sheltered, and virtually unknown.
- How to find it: Walk south from Craster for about 1.5 miles along the coastal path.
- Best for: Coastal exploration, wild swimming for the brave.
4. Cheswick Sands
Location: Between Holy Island and Berwick, off the A1
An enormous beach stretching over two miles. Despite its size and beauty, it sees a fraction of visitors that Bamburgh attracts. The sand is firm and golden, backed by high dunes.
- How to find it: Follow signs to Goswick Golf Club. Continue to a rough track leading to the dunes.
- Best for: Long walks, kite flying, horse riding.
5. Football Hole
Location: Between Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Beadnell, north of Craster
A small, sheltered cove almost invisible from the coastal path above. A crescent of sand and pebbles backed by low cliffs, with clear water and complete seclusion. Local swimmers know it as one of the best wild swimming spots.
- How to find it: From Low Newton-by-the-Sea, walk north along the coastal path towards Beadnell. After about 15 minutes, look for a narrow path descending through gorse.
- Best for: Wild swimming, picnics.
6. Beadnell Bay (South End)
Location: Beadnell village, south of Seahouses
Most visitors cluster around the harbour. Walk south for fifteen minutes to reach the quieter section where dunes rise higher and crowds vanish. The water is clear enough for snorkelling on calm days.
- How to find it: Park at the Beadnell Bay car park (NE67 5BJ) and walk south.
- Best for: Swimming, bodyboarding, peaceful beach walks.
Tips for Hidden Beaches
- Tides matter: Several beaches are best at low tide. Check tidetimes.org.uk.
- Come prepared: No facilities at most hidden beaches. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen.
- Dogs welcome: Northumberland beaches are generally dog-friendly year-round.
- Respect the dunes: Stick to existing paths and do not light fires.
- Wild swimming safety: Never swim alone. The North Sea is cold enough to cause cold water shock even in summer — enter the water gradually, consider wearing a wetsuit, and be aware that some beaches have no mobile signal for emergencies.
Northumberland's hidden beaches are not hidden because they are inferior. They are hidden because this coast is long, sparsely populated, and mercifully free of commercialisation. A short walk through dunes, a turn off a quiet lane, and you are standing on sand that feels like it belongs to you alone.
Sources & Useful Links
- Northumberland Coast AONB — Coastal protection and access
- Visit Northumberland — Beaches — Beach guide
- Northumberland County Council — Beaches — Beach safety information
- RNLI Beach Safety — Sea safety advice
- England Coast Path — Northumberland — Coastal walking route
