Our favourite towns and villages in Northumberland

Seahouses

A charming fishing village, best known as the gateway to the Farne Islands – a nature reserve and breeding colony for seabirds and seals. Seahouses is a bustling harbour with shops to browse, cafés and restaurants to help you refuel after a windswept walk and a dune-filled rock-pooling beach. Dig a little into its history and discover daring Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, who rowed though the waves to help rescue shipwrecked seafarers in 1838. Gaze across the harbour to the Farne Islands, catch the ferry to watch the puffins in action, or set off for a bracing coastal walk to Bamburgh Castle. Return for a freshly caught battered cod and a packet of chips and stroll down to the beach with your supper. 

Alnmouth

The attractive seaside village of Alnmouth, with its pastel-hued houses perched above the river Aln, powdery sand beach pummelled by North Sea waves, and barely another soul in sight outside July and August, deserves a visit if you’re exploring Northumberland. In the heart of an officially designated AONB, it has a trove of independent shops, restaurants and dog-friendly pubs tucked down narrow cobbled streets. For a five-mile circular walk, head north along the beach, or on the public footpath above the dunes, towards Marden Rocks, then follow the path along the river. When you reach the village of Lesbury, cross over the river on a footbridge which takes you past the bird-filled Aln Estuary saltmarsh and back to the village. 

Bamburgh

Perched high on a rocky outcrop above a golden beach is the rather majestic Bamburgh Castle. Its rich history, dramatic views and treasure-filled rooms make this coastal fortress a must-visit, but you’ll find more than a castle here. Discover more about brave Grace Darling at the RNLI museum and visit her tomb within the cemetery of atmospheric St Aiden’s church, the site was founded as a place of worship in 635. The wide, sandy beach never gets too busy, dogs are welcome, and on clear days you can see all the way to the Farne Islands. There’s a leisurely walk along the stunning coastline to Budle Bay, part of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve bird sanctuary. Best to undertake this walk at low tide to witness the huge mudflats, it’s also spectacular at sunset. 

Amble

Resting on a headland at the mouth of the River Coquet estuary, Amble is a vibrant fishing town, filled with fish shacks and seafood eateries. About a mile off the coast, the beautifully named Coquet Island, easily reached by boat, is a remarkable puffin colony. Each spring over 35,000 seabirds cram onto the tiny island to breed. They’re celebrated every year at the annual puffin festival where locals and visitors can take part in guided nature walks, bird watching and history talks. Learn how to cook freshly-caught fish at the Northumberland Seafood Centre in town or take a surf lesson with the renowned Northside Surf School. 

Alnwick

Alnwick is an idyllic market town, all cobbled streets and elegant Georgian houses surrounded by wild, tempestuous countryside. It’s a buzzy place with a solid community feel. Stop off at the thriving monthly market if you happen to be here on the last Friday of the month, join the throng of tourists visiting its magical castle, made famous by featuring in the first two Harry Potter films, and don’t leave without spending a happy couple of hours at Barter Books. It’s one of the largest second hand bookshops in the UK, located inside a magnificent old Victorian railway station, with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a model railway running across the ceiling beams and a cosy café where you can feast on decent comfort food in front of a glowing fire.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea

This one might not top the list of Northumberland’s prettiest or most popular coastal towns but it’s definitely an under-the-radar contender with plenty going for it. It’s a sleepy place with a simply gorgeous beach where you’ll find, jutting out into the sea, Sean Henry’s bronze and steel ‘Couple’ sculpture. It appears to have divided opinion since it was erected in 2007, as part of a large-scale regeneration project, but it certainly adds to the drama when you witness a spectacular fiery sunset sinking over the horizon. Visit the Newbiggin Maritime Centre to learn more about the town’s history, culture and heritage. 

Corbridge

Corbridge has a genteel air and an independent spirit. It’s packed with charming boutiquey shops and cafés, plus a couple of welcoming pubs, a deli, a butcher and a wine bar. Visit the museum to see a display of rare Roman armour as well as strolling amongst remnants of buildings that stood here during ancient Roman times. Located just a few miles from Hadrian’s Wall and the popular coast path, it’s a super stop off after a bracing walk. After a couple of years hiatus, the town is bringing back its lively summer music festival in 2023.  

Featured places to stay in Northumberland

Explore all of our places to stay in Northumberland >

You might also like