Best way to explore the Northumberland Coast in 3 days!
The Northumberland Coast is a treasure trove of rugged landscapes, golden beaches, and historic castles. This 3-day itinerary ensures you experience the very best of this stunning region, from charming villages to breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Northumberland Coast has something for everyone.
This guide is inspired by our ‘No Fuss’ guidebook – Northumberland: The Ultimate Guide to Northumberland, The North East & North Pennines including incredible locations, practical tips, where you can find more Itineraries and and stress-saving hacks!
Now let’s get right into our 3 day adventure in the Northumberland Coast!
Day 1: Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bamburgh
Drive Time: 50 mins | Stay: Budle Farm Campsite
Kickstart your Northumberland Coast adventure with castles, tidal islands and sweeping beaches. Today’s short drives (just 50 mins total) mean more time exploring – from historic border towns to holy sites steeped in Viking legend. Pack your sense of wonder (and a tide timetable!).
Activities
Berwick-upon-Tweed
This border town’s got proper character – think cobbled streets and epic sea views. The Maltinga’s our top pick for a cuppa, mixing arts, cinema and cracking cake all under one roof. Time your visit right and you can tag along on the free Town Hall tours run by passionate locals. Parking’s easy at Castle Gate Long Stay where you can leave the motor for 24 hours no worries.
Cocklawburn Beach
If you’re after a peaceful beach day without the crowds, this is your spot. The mix of sand, dunes and rock pools keeps it interesting, plus dogs can run free year-round. On clear days you can spot Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle in the distance – perfect photo ops. Just watch your step on the steep path down from the free car park.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Timing is everything here – check those tide tables before crossing! Stop off at the Priory to learn all about the island’s fascinating spiritual history. We always stop at Pilgrim’s Coffee House – some amazing sweet treats here! Give yourself at least 3 hours to properly explore before the tide cuts you off.
Lindisfarne Castle
Perched dramatically on its hill, this place feels straight out of a fairytale. The views from the top over the Farne Islands are worth the entry fee alone. Don’t miss the quirky Gertrude Jekyll garden out back – it’s a hidden gem. Pro tip: National Trust members get in free, and dogs can explore the grounds too.
St Cuthbert’s Cave
Locals call this “Cuddy’s Cave” after the famous saint who supposedly rested here. It’s a gentle mile-long walk through lovely woodland to reach the dramatic sandstone overhang. Perfect spot for a picnic with a side of history. The National Trust car park makes access easy, just watch for tree roots on the path.
Day 2: Bamburgh to Seahouses
Drive Time: 15 mins | Stay: Beadnell Bay Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Today’s the day the Northumberland Coast really shows off – think epic castle views, watersports-ready bays, and a fishing harbour serving the freshest catch. With just 15 minutes of driving, you’ll trade rush hour for the roar of waves and seabirds.
Activities
Bamburgh Beach
This vast stretch of sand with the castle looming behind is proper Northumberland coast at its best. Surf’s decent here if you’re up for a bracing dip, or just enjoy a windswept walk. Dogs love it here – no restrictions mean they can go wild all year. Links Road car park lets you stay overnight if you fancy waking up to sea views.
Bamburgh Castle
History buffs will geek out over this fortress’s 3000-year story – even features in The Last Kingdom! (You can see props and costumes inside the castle!). Save a few quid by booking tickets online before you visit. They’ll close if winds get too high, so check the forecast to avoid disappointment.
Beadnell Bay Beach
That perfect horseshoe shape makes this a beaut for watersports – we’ve seen some cracking surf sessions here. The BAE does proper good wood-fired pizzas right by the car park – ideal post-surf refuel. Summer gets busy with the caravan park nearby but it’s worth it. £7 gets you all-day parking, or £12 if you’re overnighting in a camper.
Seahouses Harbour
This working fishing port is another characterful spot – watch the boats come in with their daily catch. Neptune’s does some of the best fish and chips along this stretch of coast. Boat trips to the Farne Islands leave from here – puffin spotting is a must in season. Seafield Road’s the cheapest parking at £6/day, but taller vehicles need to use Station Yard.
Day 3: Seahouses to Druridge Bay
Drive Time: 45 mins | Stay: Druridge Bay Camp & Caravan Site
The Northumberland Coast saves some of its best secrets for last: award-winning beaches, kipper smokehouses, and castle ruins straight from a fantasy novel. This 45-minute scenic finale is the perfect ending of your Coastal adventure.
Activities
Embleton Bay
Voted best UK beach for good reason – that view of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins is iconic. It’s properly wild here – no cafes or shops, just you and the seabirds. You can find roadside parking near the golf club, if you don’t mind a short walk. Perfect spot for a peaceful morning stroll before the day-trippers arrive.
Dunstanburgh Castle
This moody fortress has seen some proper drama over the centuries. The coastal walk from Craster is half the fun – look out for interesting rock formations. Entry prices change seasonally but it’s worth every penny for the views alone. Craster Quarry car park is your best bet at £8.50 for the day.
Craster Village
A beautiful little village, located within the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Famous for its kippers – Robson’s smokehouse has been doing them since 1906 (even the Royals are fans!). It’s a picture-perfect fishing village with cracking coastal walks. Parking’s a bit fiddly – bring coins as the signal’s patchy for card payments.
Longhoughton Beach
A proper hidden gem this one – rarely gets crowded even in peak season. Mix of sand and rock pools keeps it interesting for beachcombers. Dogs love it here with no restrictions at all. At just £3.30 for all-day parking, it’s a bargain compared to busier spots.
Warkworth Castle & Beach
This hilltop castle’s surprisingly intact – great for imagining medieval life. The nearby beach is a quiet alternative to busier spots, with golden sand and dunes. Free parking is a bonus, though the hill down might be tricky for some. No lifeguards here so swim with caution.
Druridge Bay
Seven miles of golden sand with fascinating WWII relics hidden in the dunes. The country park has all the facilities you need – loos, cafe and visitor centre. Wildlife spotting here is top notch – bring your binoculars. Parking’s easy and it’s a perfect last stop before heading home.
Ready to explore the Northumberland Coast?
The Northumberland Coast is a road tripper’s dream destination, where ancient castles stand guard over miles of golden beaches, charming fishing villages serve up fresh seafood, and breathtaking coastal walks reveal hidden coves at every turn. This carefully crafted 3-day itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey through the very best of this spectacular region, balancing must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path gems – all while keeping travel times short and stress levels low. We’ve included practical tips from parking advice to tide times, ensuring you can focus on making memories rather than logistics.
For those wanting to dive deeper, our ‘No Fuss’ guidebook – Northumberland: The Ultimate Guide to Northumberland, The North East & North Pennines – is packed with even more insider knowledge. You’ll find detailed 5-day and 7-day itinerary options, money-saving hacks, comprehensive accommodation guides (from wild camping spots to boutique hotels), and exclusive local recommendations that’ll transform your trip from good to extraordinary. We’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to!
