Northumberland's Castles & Beaches

Leaving the Main A1 Highway at Morpeth on the B1337 heading north east towards the coast at Duridge Bay which is a must for wildlife lovers as is the entire coastline, then onto Amble at the mouth of the estuary of the river Coquet which dates back to the Anglo Saxons now has a small fishing industry after the Coal Exportation of the 19^th century receded.

As we leave Amble along the side of the Coquet river a majestic view of Warkworth Castle which attracts one into the market place of the medieval town, the river protects the town and castle on three sides. After viewing the castle and meandered through the town a pleasant walk along the riverside upstream where rowing boats can be rented allowing one to land on the opposite bank and visit Heritage carved into the sandstone river bank.

Continuing on north to Alnmouth a seaside town once a port used to export coal is an ideal centre for accommodation with a links Golf Coarse a short walk from the centre, which is one a number of such Courses along the Northumberland coast.

A detour inland of just a few miles to visit Alnwick the seat of the Duke of Northumberland is worthy of a lengthy investigation. After visiting the Castle and wandering through the Market town a visit to the Old Railway Station which is being used today to house Britain’s largest second-hand book shop.

A place to hunt out for a jar of ale is the Dirty Bottles Bar which is located down a lane near the Castle, a past Landlord was erecting a display in the window when he collapsed and died, a fate repeated to all who try to remove them from their position in the window.

Further north on the coastal road to Craster is Howick Hall & Gardens  once the home of Charles Grey, a past Prime Minister of England who in 1833 abolished slavery. A wander through the grounds which continue on to the beach though a nature reserve can be rewarding.

Craster is a small fishing harbour which still supports inshore coble fishermen and an Oak Smokehouse for their fresh herring from which produces Kippers for sale daily. While parked at Craster a walk along the coast to Dunstanbrugh Castle is a must, built in the 14^th century it has had a chequered history noted elsewhere on our web.

 The Castle can also be reached by footpath across the links Golf Coarse from Embleton a small village where Heritage Cottages  offer Self Catering Accommodation, a walk in the opposite direction to Newton by the Sea is equally rewarding, a small green once used to spread and repair fishing nets with white-washed fishermen’s cottages on three sides.

Heritage Cottages

Bamburgh - I. Lindsay

Next up the coast towards Bamburgh is Beadnell another small fishing harbour with camp site on the sea shore has the remains of some 18^th century Lime Kilns to view, then on to Seahouses a seafront fishing port with plenty sea view accommodation, from where Boat Trips to the bird sanctuaries on the Farne Island can be taken.  

Bamburgh with its impressive Castle standing high overlooking the town is the home of the Grace Darling Museum, in 1838 she rescued nine survivors from the wreck of the Steamship Forfarshire which ran aground near the lighthouse she manned with her father.

Continuing on up the coast to rejoin the A1 Highway at Belford we drive north a few miles to the turn off for Lindisfarne Island, at the turn off by the white public house is a notice board which gives the safe crossing times for the causeway.

The island offers accommodation and refreshments for those visiting the Castle, Walled Garden and Monastery noted elsewhere on our site.

Bee Hill Cottages near Holy Island offer Luxury accommodation for visitors on the coast.

If you decided to pass on the delights of Lindisfarne the A1 continues on to Berwick upon Tweed .

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