Discover the UK & Ireland Coast

Craster is a small fishing village on the Northumbrian coast with a small and attractive harbour. The harbour itself is protected by two areas of rocks, known as Muckle Car and Little Car.Craster is not so much a beach but a rocky shore with a view northwards to the spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. This is the nearest point of access to the castle and the 1.5 mile approach must be made on foot along a grassy path.

Longhoughton Steel is named after the rocks on the point. A number of small stretches of beach (Longhoughton Steel, Howdiemont Sands and Sugar Sands), mostly covered at high tide. The beaches are a mixture of sand, pebbles and rocks. No facilitates and to get to the beach it is best to walk along a track from the north end of Boulmer village.

Newton Haven beach at Low Newton consists of sand, sand dunes and rocks. This is a sheltered Bay popular with water sports enthusiasts and bird watchers. In the south part of the dunes is Newton Pool, a freshwater nature reserve owned by the National Trust, whilst looking south on the headland across the bay is the ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. Low Newton a short walk from the beach provides parking, toilets, pub and small shops.

Beadnell Bay is a horseshoe shape of golden sand backed by sand dunes. The bay is part of the Northumberland Coast AONB. Facilities include parking (charges apply Easter – October), toilets, harbour and cafe/restaurant.

Alnwick Castle is home to the Dukes of Northumberland and is very much still in use. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, and has been the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309, making this year the 700 year anniversary. Houses the Northumberland Fusiliers Regimental Museum.

Dunstanburgh Castle, a dramatic ruined castle in an impressive coastal setting. This dominates a lonely stretch of Northumberland’s coastline and was once one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England.