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The Best Beaches Near Newcastle

Discover the perfect destination for your coastal holiday in Northumberland.

Where to stay when visiting Newcastle

Read on to discover the best beaches near Newcastle, and plan a fantastic day out for your next holiday in Northumberland. 

Check availability at our Northumberland holiday park:

Riverside Leisure park lake

Northern England

Countryside

Retreat

Badge path

Riverside

  • Waterside location
  • Fantastic facilities including indoor pool
  • Fly fishing (permit required)
  • Lakeside lodges available
  • Range of caravans and lodges for sale

Jump to:

  • Bamburgh Beach
  • Seahouses
  • Berwick Beach
  • Embleton Bay
  • Spittal Beach
  • Blyth Beach
  • Newton Haven Beach
  • Warkworth Beach
  • Alnmouth Beach
  • Cocklawburn Beach
Bamburgh beach with Castle in distance

Bamburgh Beach

Named the best beach in Northumberland, Bamburgh is renowned for its iconic coastal castle. Originally a Norman stronghold, the castle overlooks the sand dunes and provides stunning views of the sea and the Farne Islands.

The beach itself is sandy, with some interesting rockpools and good conditions for surfing. There's also a lovely walk along the shore to Stags Rocks.

You'll find the following facilities at this beach: parking, cafe and restaurant, toilets, and disabled facilities

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 16.2 miles / 29 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Cafe facilities

Seahouses Beach

Seahouses

This seaside town is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional fish and chips by the coast. Numerous tour operators offer sea excursions for those seeking an adventure. The rocky shore is ideal for exploring, and if you enjoy walking, there's a wonderful coastal trail between Bamburgh and Seahouses that provides spectacular views.

You can see plenty of fishing boats sitting in the harbour, and it's also a great spot for birdwatching. 

You'll find plenty of facilities nearby, including: cafe and restaurant, toilets, shop, and pub.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 19.2 miles / 34 minutes

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Cafe facilities

Berwick Beach lighthouse

Berwick Beach

During your stay, a visit to one of the most renowned border towns between England and Scotland, boasting such a rich history, is a must. The beach at Berwick Upon Tweed is the starting point of the Berwickshire Coastal Path, making it an ideal location for sea fishing or a leisurely stroll.

You'll find parking next to the beach, as well as toilets. There are more facilities in the town centre nearby.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 20 miles / 32 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Good for fishing

Embleton Bay Beach

Embleton Bay

Named BBC Countryfile’s best UK beach in 2017, this sandy shore is a beloved destination for many. Overlooked by the striking ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, it lies within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The beach is also a known breeding site for seabirds like Fulmars, Kittiwakes, and others, offering ample opportunities to observe the wildlife.

This beach is also perfect for activities like kite surfing, rock pooling, and wind surfing.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 22 miles / 38 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Pub nearby - The Grey's Inn

Great for watersports

Spittal Beach

Located by the Northumberland Coast Path, this sandy beach offers the perfect conditions for a range of activities including fishing, jet-skiing, and water skiing. Nature lovers will be pleased to know that you can often spot wading birds here, as well as the odd seal and dolphin.

You can find shopping and restaurant facilities in the town of Spittal, accessed by walking along the promenade.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 16.9 miles / 26 minute drive 

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Cafe facilities

Blyth Beach

Golden sands and colourful beach huts sit on this beautiful beach. As a designated area of Special Nature Conservation, you might be lucky enough to spot seals, dolphins, and porpoises from the beach. 

There's also a water sports zone and a surf school on the beach which is popular in the summer months, whilst winter brings fantastic fishing opportunities.

Facilities are aplenty here, with a cafe, toilets, a promenade, beach hut hire, and a children's play area.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 42.5 miles / 1 hour drive

Dogs allowed October to April

Parking available

Cafe facilities

Newton Haven Beach

Located in a sheltered bay, this beach is popular for walking, swimming, and water sports like surfing. Behind the sand dunes, you'll find the National Trust's Newton Pond, where you can find a variety of freshwater wildlife.

At the northern end of the beach, you'll find the quaint village of Low Newton, which is perfect for a quiet stroll and a relaxed drink in the pub.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 21.9 miles / 36 minute drive

Image source

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Ideal for surfing

Warkworth Beach

Less than a mile from Warkworth village lies a golden hidden gem. Enjoy gorgeous views of Alnmouth and Warkworth Castle when taking a stroll across this vast sandy beach. Or, you might wish to partake in water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and surfing. 

The nearby village is home to a historic castle, as well as some interesting galleries and shops.

There's free parking and toilets nearby.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 25.2 miles / 41 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Parking 500m away

Great for watersports

Alnmouth Beach

The quaint village of Alnmouth sits just behind this spacious, sandy bay. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll, riding a horse, or enjoying a picnic on the sand, this beach makes for a lovely day out. However, swimming is not recommended because the estuary drop can be dangerous.

This beach is part of the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you can spot plenty of wildlife here, too.  

There's a small free car park at the beach, as well as restaurant and shopping facilities in the village.

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 23.6 miles / 38 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Parking available

Cafe facilities

Cocklawburn Beach

Don't forget your camera when visiting the super photogenic Cocklawburn Beach, with its incredible views of the sea and nearby islands. An array of flora and fauna can be found here, particularly birds and wild flowers in the summer. 

This beach is popular with walkers, surfers, and kite surfers, as well as families - little ones love exploring the rock pools. 

  • Riverside Leisure Park - 17 miles / 28 minute drive

Dogs allowed

Limited parking available

Great for watersports

Northumberland is home to lush green countryside locations, but you can also find an array of coastal hidden gems here, too. Whether you're looking for a walk with your dog, a relaxing family day out, or the perfect water sports location, there's a beach near Newcastle for you.

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