Discover Camping at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Read Time: About 16 minutes
Lindisfarne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ian Ward
Welcome back to another update on your Northumberland road trip. The fifth leg of our Northumberland roadtrip winds by the Northumberland Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with oodles of natural beauty, wildlife and pristine beaches. This fifth part of the itinerary on our campervan roadtrip, takes a look at the many attractions along the way, ranging from marshlands and castles to beaches.
Northumberland Coastal Route. Walkwithwilliams
This stunning stretch of coastline blends a variety of open-air pursuits, awe-inspiring views, big skies and the relaxing lull of the ocean lapping the golden sand beaches for an eventful escape. Pack your walking boots or hoist bikes at the back of your campervan and take in the vistas along the gorgeous Northumberland Coast Path. There's something special about exploring the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and coming across fabulous campsites in Northumberland where the first thing you see each morning is that stunning coastline stretching out before you.
Druridge Bay Country Park. Nellyacockapoo
Uncover historical landmarks, stunning beaches, and wildlife in a spectacularly beautiful area, boasting 7000 years of human history. Experience some of the finest coasts walking in the UK, extending some 62 miles from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and stumble across a delightful collection of dramatic castles, rocky headlands, crumbling castles, and high cliffs that offer jaw-dropping vistas of the coastline, plus the opportunity to observe nesting birds.
Druridge Bay Country Park is worth stopping for arguably the prettiest stretch in Northumberland and is one of the first places you'll get to if you're driving north up the coastline. Enjoy three miles of stunning sandy beaches plus the freshwater Ladyburn Lake, nestled amid pine woods and meadows. The kids can indulge in watersports while the more laidback embark on relaxing strolls and admire the wildlife.
Walk on (or drive) to Walkmill Campsite, and look forward to a restful escape in a tranquil hideaway amid beautiful rural surroundings. Kick back on the peaceful and private site on the banks of the River Coquet.
Grab a bite to eat at the bustling port town of Amble, 4 miles up the road from the country park. Tuck into fresh fish and chips, followed by some of the best ice creams in the county. Take a relaxing walk around Amble Harbour Village and watch the boats bobbing in the water, backed by colourful beach huts. Though small, Craster packs oodles of charm into a delightful location best known for its lovely harbour and laid-back atmosphere. Take a break from driving to sit at the harbour and soak in stunning ocean views, perhaps with a fresh helping of kippers, favoured by food lovers across the country and the British Royal Family.
Ladyburn Lake. I_am__Teddi
Take a short 2-mile walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh, easily one of the most captivating routes along the coast, and enjoy gorgeous views of the North East shoreline. The route is flat, requires minimal effort and ends at the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, where one can see famous sea birds and look out towards Bamburgh Castle on a good day.
Amble Harbour Village. Lynnethm
Stop for a hefty slice of homemade cake at Warkworth, home to beautiful streets, lovely sandstone-hued houses, and Warkworth Castle. Alnmouth is perfect for pottering around and rests on an extensive beach that is excellent for seaside frolics with the nippers. If you'd like to sunbathe and prefer lounging a sizable portion of sand, hop on over to Embleton Bay.
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Low Newton has the most popular pub on the Northumberland stretch, the Ship Inn. It is perfect for canine owners who can sit down to a delicious meal after following the long but rewarding coastal path from Beadnell to Low Newton. Seahouses is a quintessentially English seaside town with ice cream shops, arcades, souvenir shops, and more. Between April and July, hop on a boat ride to the Farne Islands to see puffins, or visit Bamburgh with a visit to the very special Bamburgh castle.
- How Long is the Northumberland Coast Path?
- Where Does the Northumberland Coastal Path Start?
- What is the Geography of the Northumberland Heritage Coast?
- Best Campervan Road Trip Northumberland Coast National Landscape
- Camping at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
- Best Campsites at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
- Tent Camping at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
- Northumberland Coast National Landscape Camping Cabins
How Long is the Northumberland Coast Path?
The Northumberland Coast Path is a popular long-distance trail meandering past sweeping beaches, magnificent castles, and impressive rock formations. The route extends along 100 kilometres (64 miles), and huddles next to the coastline for the most part, heading inland at Belford and Fenwick. Expect glorious far-reaching views on clear days, courtesy of the level terrain. A large portion of the path rests on public rights of way: however, there are sections where the route uses permissive paths, minor roads, and beaches.
Dunstanburgh Castle. Bucaneer
Look forward to exploring wild and empty expanses of near endless beaches with imposing castles in the background, and glorious off-shore attractions like Croquet Island, the Farne Islands and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. We recommend factoring a day or two of rest, depending on how far you want to walk each day, and how long you plan to explore castles like Dunstanburgh, Warkworth, and Bamburgh, a majestic castle in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, famed for its Elizabethan town walls.
The Barn At Beal is a lovely campsite with spectacular views across Lindisfarne and the enclosing areas. The site rests on the same grounds as a restaurant and coffee shop. Tent and touring vehicle users are most welcome.
Nature lovers can spend hours upon hours marvelling at a diverse range of flora and fauna, one of the many things the Northumberland coast is reputed for. Observe wading birds like ring plovers, oystercatchers, herons, waterfowl and on glittering estuaries and vast wetlands, while offshore islands are home to puffins, razorbills and guillemots. An enchanting array of plant life like sea campion, fairy flax, and southern marsh orchids thrive in the grasslands, salt marshes and dunes.
Embleton Bay. Northumberlandcoastnt
Walkers can sign up for the Northumberland Coast Path Passport, which highlights certain locations and businesses that will stamp your passport. The list of supporting cafes, restaurants, shops and other businesses are not listed online,and walkers must complete two stamps a day to obtain a certificate at the end of the walk.
Where Does the Northumberland Coastal Path Start?
Lindisfarne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Guiville
The Northumberland Coastal Path starts in the southern end of Druridge Bay in the picturesque village of Cresswell. It then winds its way along the Northumberland Coast, taking in the fishing town of Amble, and sleepy coastal villages like Warkworth, Alnmouth, Craster, Seahouses, and the village of Bamburgh and its mighty castles.
From Bamburgh, the path heads inland for a bit, snaking past the coaching village of Belford before heading towards the fine views of the Cheviot Hills. The route then descends back to the coastline, winding past the open landscapes of Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, before striking north along the sandy shores of windswept clifftop paths to the River Tweed and the lively border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The route is generally flat with a few steep climbs, and the walking surfaces are generally good, although certain sections become muddy in the rain.
What is the Geography of the Northumberland Heritage Coast?
The Northumberland Heritage Coast holds a diverse and stunning geography, featuring a blend of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, undulating dunes and pretty coastal villages.
The Ship Inn, Low Newton Jif__
The coastline is punctuated by long stretches of sandy beaches, including popular spots like Bamburgh Beach, Alnmouth Beach, and Druridge Bay. These beaches offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Dramatic cliffs loom over the ocean along much of the coastline, and provide jaw-dropping viewpoints and habitats for various seabirds. Off-shore, there are several islands and rock formations that add to the coastal landscape. The farne islands, a group of small islands, are renowned for their seabird colonies and are accessible by boat from Seahouses.
Hetton Hall is a simple, well-maintained, peaceful campsite with fantastic vistas and ample opportunity to get out in the great outdoors. Look forward to verdant surroundings, unrivalled tranquillity.
Inland, there are extensive dune systems and nature reserves, such as Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve and Druridge Bay Country Park, providing important habitats for wildlife and are great for walking and birdwatching. Don’t forget to explore the quaint coastal villages and historic castles dotting the landscape, adding to the charm and character of the area. Bamburgh Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Northumberland Coast, and a must for history buffs.
Best Campervan Road Trip Northumberland Coast National Landscape
Farne Islands, Northumberland. Riaboertjes
From some of the quietest beaches in England to majestic castles and wild landscapes brimming with puffins and other aquatic creatures, the Northumberland coastline is a delight for all ages. Canines are welcomed on almost all beaches, and there’s ample room for the kids to scamper on golden beaches, undisturbed by the usual holiday crowds. Seaside castles loom over azure waters, and puffins call out from craggy islands, creating a wonderfully wild and unique location to discover in a campervan. Our campers in Craster, famed for its lovely harbour, are a great start to exploring the Northumberland coastline. When you're wandering through the breathtaking Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you'll quickly realize why so many people choose our fantastic campervan hire in Northumberland to discover this wild, beautiful coast.
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Campervans in Rennington are just 6 km from Alnwick and convenient for anyone driving along the A1. You could also consider hiring a campervan in Longhoughton to escape the crowds and start your holiday near the coast. Check Camperbug for campervan hire if you need a camper.
Remember to scroll to the end of the page to find more campervan owners in towns near your preferred destination of hire.
The small village of Craster, tucked around a lovely harbour, is famed for its delicious kippers and other smoked delicacies and is a fine spot to start your holiday. Take your campervan rental in Craster over to the Dunstanburgh Castle, or drive to Cullnernose Point via Howick to watch the kittiwakes nesting in the jagged cliffs. Spot more birds at Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve and admire the green settings whilst observing rare species like red-breasted flycatchers and icterine.
Coquet Island, England. Emma.Oogieboogie
If you’d like to stretch your legs before driving into the sunset, why not explore the beautiful coastal walks? The Ship Inn, a popular local pub, is a must if you’re a foodie and want to stop for a quick bite. With over 41 campervans and motorhomes within 60 of Craster, you’re bound to find the perfect van for your coastal adventure. Take a look at more models in Chathill campervans, Beadnell campervans, Alnwick campervans, and Seahouses campervans, too, and since you're practically neighbors with Scotland here, our fantastic campervan hire in Edinburgh is brilliant for anyone wanting to see both sides of the border.
Cheviot Hills. Aldersnaps
Our campervan rentals in Rennington come in an array of models and sizes and offer a range of amenities for a comfortable road trip. Book a van starting at £65 a night, and spend a glorious holiday immersing your senses in the alluring Northumberland coastline. Find campers with pop-top roofs, solar panels, plus other handy conveniences, and enjoy the comforts of home on the road. If you’re looking for campervan owners in nearby towns, look at our vehicles in campervans Belford, campervans Felton, campervans Rothbury and campervans Wooler.
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If you’d like to hire a van near the Northumberland Coast, our campervans in Longhoughton are perfect for getting to the beach in no time. Set an easy four and a half miles from Alnwick, the village is well-positioned for getting around and is close to larger towns plus local attractions. We list 44 campervans and motorhomes within 60 miles of Longhoughton, plus more options in nearby towns like campervans in Ashington, campervans in Lesbury, campervans in Hipsburn and campervans in Alnmouth.
Camping at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Carolmacleodphotography
Sleep under the stars near the Northumberland coast and wake up to spectacular views with the thrills of the seaside just minutes away. With the sea as your soundtrack, wide open beaches at every turn, and the uncrowded delights of the isolated coastline at your disposal, campsites in and around the Northumberland coastline provide the perfect settings for a camping escape. Hire a campervan on the Northumberland coast from our locations below and opt for a remote campsite with unrivalled peace, or set up camp at a larger holiday park with all the facilities of home in an unspoilt setting. Our camping locations in Embleton are just a mile from the sea. Campsites in Low Newton by the Sea are ideally located near a fine beach, while camping bases in Belford blend the best of the coast and countryside. The beauty of touring the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is that you're perfectly positioned to discover marvellous campsites in Edinburgh too, giving you a taste of Scotland's stunning landscapes as well. Visit our main page or more campsites in the UK.
River Tweed. Ravens_Sister
Tucked between the countryside and the coast, Belford is often overlooked for larger seaside resorts, providing a barely-trodden spot for exploring Northumberland and camping. The former coaching town enjoys a long history of welcoming guests and holds a cluster of shops, restaurants and inns catering to campers and guests of all seasons. Wander from the countryside to the coastline in no time, and spend a day exploring local attractions like St Cuthbert’s Cave. Sit down to hearty meals at the pub, or whip up your meals with organic produce and delicious meats from the local vendors. Book a campsite in Belford and enjoy the warmth of the close-knit village. Don’t forget to use our filter system to customise your search. Click on your camping accommodation icon at the start of the page, and let the system filter out all campsites nearby. We also have a selection of fabulous campsites in Bamburgh, campsites Chathill, campsites in Wooler, campsites in Beadnell , campsites in Berwick upon Tweed, and campsites in Cornhill On Tweed.
Budle Farm Campsite is a small, friendly site set on a working farm with fantastic views and an ideal position a mere five-minute stroll from the nearest beach. Campers are welcome to pitch a tent or park a touring vehicle of choice anywhere at any angle to enjoy the uninterrupted vistas.
Small yet enchanting, Low Newton by the Sea is a picturesque location with charming white fisherman cottages and a beautiful stretch of coastline. The National Trust almost entirely owns the fishing village and rests on a lovely curved beach perfect for exploring rock pools and swimming in the shallows. Dig your toes in the sand and watch windsurfers skim across the glittering ocean, with the remains of Dunstanburgh Castle standing tall in the distance. The local pub in the heart of the village serves authentic food, and the town has much to offer. Find a campsite in Newton by the Sea and fall in love with this beautiful corner of Northumberland. Check out more campsites in Felton, campsites in Rothbury and campsites in Rennington.
Bamburgh Beach. Robtheriddler
Campsites in Embleton are perfect for lazing on the famous Embleton Bay, a stunning wide sandy beach stretching into the horizon. The majestic Dunstanburgh Castle provides a beautiful backdrop over the bay, and the most unpopulated coastline in England is safe for seaside frolicking. Visitors can access the village via the Northumberland Coastal Route and spend glorious days basking in the sunshine. You can also use our handy map feature at the end of the page to explore camping options nearby. Why not take a peek at more campsites in Longhoughton, campsites in Adderstone With Lucker, campsites in Alnmouth and campsites in Eglingham?
Best Campsites at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
Alnmouth Beach. Ianmaxy60
Northumberland is full of stunning beaches and gorgeous coastal landscapes that are as uncrowded as they are scenic. If a seaside escape is on your cards, over 2000 hectares of Outstanding Natural Beauty beckon, with much of the area owned by the National Trust and designated as a Heritage Coast. The irresistible settings provide a delightful playground for camping sorts. Savour the taste of outdoor living in a campervan or a tent with our selected camping locations below. Westfield Paddock Caravan Site is only a five-minute drive from Seahouses, and Ancroft Country Park combines a tranquil location with quick access to local attractions. Fowberry Farm is a beautiful site for dog owners and welcomes up to four pets per pitch.
Westfield Paddock Caravan Site in Seahouses
Westfield Paddock Caravan Site, Seahouses
Settle on a spacious pitch on the edge of the Northumberland Coast AONB and spend your days tucked away on lush farmland with gorgeous rustic views at the Westfield Paddock Caravan Site. The owners warmly welcome families and four-legged companions to savour a slice of peace and open views paired with amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging facilities, chemical disposal, and recycling. Fire up the grill and sizzle barbeque bits courtesy of the nearby food shops, or stroll into Seahouses packed with pubs and let someone else cook. There are many opportunities for cycling and walking, plus several attractions, including Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle.
Ancroft Country Park in Berwick Upon Tweed
Ancroft Country Park, Berwick Upon Tweed
Ancroft Country Park, hidden amid the greenery of Ancroft Village, is central yet peaceful enough that guests often feel away from it all. Stretch out on beautifully manicured grounds and spend your days exploring the best of Northumberland. The new owners, the Lamb Family, who also own Barmoor Castle, are adding many improvements to the campsite and look forward to welcoming you and your pets. There are many opportunities for cycling and walking, plus several attractions nearby, including Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle.
Fowberry Farm in Bamburgh
Fowberry Farm, Bamburgh
Fowberry Farm is a brilliant campsite, and its location serves as its strength. Follow a footpath winding just under a mile leading to Bamburgh in one direction and Seahouses in the other. Spacious pitches for touring vehicles with ample room in between rest on a lovely working farm. The campsite has only eight pitches on both grass and hardstanding with 10 amp electric connections and plenty of space for larger motorhome models. Limited plots and oodles of greenery ensure a tranquil escape and many pitches allow you to enjoy a lovely view of Bamburgh Castle.
Tent Camping at Northumberland Coast National Landscape
Cullernose Point. Sophiejasmine
There’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than with a road trip combined with restful nights at quiet camping locations. If you’re the type who enjoys traditional camping under canvas, the Barn at Beal campsite is a fantastic location for tent camping in Berwick upon Tweed. The site boasts panoramic vistas of the Northumberland Coastline, and offers a range of services, including a restaurant, coffee shop, and bothy bar. Discover, explore and relax at Beadnell Bay Camping And Caravanning Club Site, a fab site with sweeping views over the Northumberland Coast and the Cheviot Hills and the site is ideal for tents. Anyone venturing in from the Borders can kick back at Shepherd's Rest, a certificated site, just 10-minutes from the town and convenient access to Holy Island, Seahouses, Alnmouth, and Cragside.
Shepherd's Rest is a quiet campsite set with the lush Scottish borders within easy reach of the golden sand beaches of Berwick upon Tweed. The site portrays the genuine spirit of country life and presents visitors with stunning sceneries of open farmland.
Northumberland Coast National Landscape Camping Cabins
St Cuthbert Cave. Chrismacc009
Want to stay in a camping cabin? These handy accommodations are ideal for winter camping and rainy days, offering a range of comforts like shelter from the elements, heating, electricity and decked areas for soaking in the vistas. Consider staying at Pot A Doodle Do Wigwam Village, a fab glamping space with an array of accommodation options, including a range of wigwams ranging from the standar to decked out ensuite abodes complete with a kitchenette, shower room, a small fridge, a colour TV and crockery for four guests. Scoutscroft Leisure Park is another fab spot for those venturing in from the Borders. It has a range of excellent cabins with space for four adventurers. For more cabin friendly camping locations in Northumberland, check out Waren Caravan Camping Park, a sheltered site with superb facilities, a heated outdoor splash pool, plus heated and insulated wigwams.
Pot A Doodle Do Wigwam Village is the perfect base if you want to pack light or upgrade from a traditional camping holiday whilst exploring Berwick Upon Tweed in Northumberland. The site holds nine wigwams, each with space to hold up to four adventurers.
And there you have it! A delightful tour around Northumberland’s designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So far, we’ve taken in the sights of the North Pennines AONB, made our way through the Northumberland National Park, and pottered around the vibrant towns of Morpeth and Alnwick. The final stop along our Northumberland road trip. Our An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland takes us from the Northumberland Coast AONB to vibrant Bamburgh, home to 3000 years of history, gorgeous beaches, and crumbling castles.
Barmoor Castle. Eljay0187
There are several routes leading into the Historic Coastal Village of Bamburgh from the Northumberland Coast. Take the B1340, which is the fastest route and get there in 21 minutes, or hop on the Main St/B1340 and B1340 and you’ll be there in the same amount of time. The B1340 and B1341 is a 27 minute drive and the longest route covering 11.8 miles.
Stay tuned for our final update on our exciting Northumberland road trip. We’ll be back with more attractions for the whole family, fantastic camping spaces, and a list of campervan hires nearby.
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