Considering going to Northumberland coast for a holiday , have done Bamburgh before, found somewhere near Ashington.

I know there are a few posters from up that way, what is the Ashington / Newbiggin by the Sea like?

It won’t be long before Ashingtonclaret will be posting, he’s the expert!

Drive to Lindisfarne - the windiest place I've ever been to. Brilliant though.

dougcollins wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:19 pm

Drive to Lindisfarne - the windiest place I've ever been to. Brilliant though.

We did Holy Island when we stayed in Bamburgh, the weather was decent for November. Stunning place, we did walk from Bamburgh up to Budle Bay , now that was windy, the wife loved it

My mum broke her leg on Lindisfarne island. Take care

I always quite like the boat trip to the Farne Isles at this time of year. Not so many birds, but loads of seals and the trips are way less busy.

Beautiful part of the country .I am biased as my wife is from Bedlington. Not a lot in Newbiggin but a decent beach. Further north towards Cresswell, beautiful beach and further north again to Alnmouth and Seahouses. South of Newbiggin is Blyth and Whitley Bay. A lot of work has been done in and around Blyth with another lovely beach. Enjoy.

When did people start doing places rather than visiting them?

Don't go next week, the mother in law will be there.

Northumberland Zoo is a good day out, especially if you have youngsters with you.

Don't swim it's bloody freezing.

Alnwick is a lovely little town. Harry Potter was filmed at Alnwick Castle.
Would also recommend a visit to Craigside Eatate. Very interesting place.

Cresswell is our ‘go to’ place. Indeed, we even drove just under two hours for a walk there in Christmas Day.

Druridge Bay
Alnmouth (THE reason we bought our cocker spaniel)
Embleton

If you want a hidden gem, Ross Sands…hardly anyone goes there!

I've cycled the Coast and Castles route down the North East coast, Edinburgh castle to Tynemouth Priory over 3 days, a fantastic experience.

Warkworth Castle and village are worth a look. Lots of wind up here so bring your big coat.

Druridge bay nature reserve is excellent, great beach, lots of woodland walks, lakes, and visitors centre, all from reclaimed mining

Amble is still a fishing town
Great seafood restaurant and Amble butchers pies are even better than Haffners

Warkworth
Brilliant castle and great riverside walks with boat hire and the Hermitage worth a visit.

Alnmouth
Quirky village, great beach.

Alnwick
Already mentioned above. Castle great, castle gardens out of this world. Barter books largest 2nd hand bookshop in UK based in old railway station with wonderful cafe.

Newton on Sea
Fantastic beach and dunes with fantastic little pub all homemade food

Craster.
Quaint harbour, easy walk to Dunstanburgh castle
Crater smokehouse, get some skippers and smoked prawns.

Seahouses
Like Blackpool ok it has two arcades. Lovely harbour get boat out to Farnes. Smokehouse as good as Craster

Bamburgh
Probably most photogenic castle in UK. Lovely village and brilliant butchers for homemade pies. Beach superb

Hope this gives you some ideas. Did I forget to mention that the food is great.

Amble is worth a visit if you like a fishing town, still got a working harbour to have a wander around, plus some good bars,restaurants, cafes etc.

jdrobbo wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:38 pm

Cresswell is our ‘go to’ place. Indeed, we even drove just under two hours for a walk there in Christmas Day.

Druridge Bay
Alnmouth (THE reason we bought our cocker spaniel)
Embleton

If you want a hidden gem, Ross Sands…hardly anyone goes there!

Shh about Ross sands, it's a secret.

Thanks for the advice, have booked a place in Lucker. Will go further down the coast this time and certainly a visit back to the butcher in Bamburgh.

Lovely guys in the Butchers even if they're Toon fans

Craglands

NT house and grounds

Got some lovely walks in it

Lancasterclaret wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:52 pm

Craglands

NT house and grounds

Got some lovely walks in it

Don't you mean "Cragside" nr Rothbury in Northumberland Lancaster

Armstrong's place with the Hydro Electric etc etc fantastic place ... impressed with the kitchens with the mechanical implements Rotisserie etc

A mad adventure for me presented itself with bunging a farmer some money pitching up a tent in a random field at warden rock nr hexham & exploring the area henceforth but properly interacting with nature if that floats whatever boat, an inflatable dinghy on the tyne smoking grass at sunrise was part of my adventure.

1968claret wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:32 pm

Alnwick is a lovely little town. Harry Potter was filmed at Alnwick Castle.
Would also recommend a visit to Craigside Eatate. Very interesting place.

Did my broomstick training there. Quite fun for the kids. There's also a specialist garden with poisonous plants.

Another shout for Alnwick ... we regularly go up to visit the "Alnwick Gardens" there ...

Fantastic in late April they have put in 100's of Cherry trees to emulate Japan and the "Sakura" festival ... the Poison Garden there is a great tour too

Hi BC
Went through today and noticed Boars Head reopened, good news.

1968claret wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:32 pm

Alnwick is a lovely little town. Harry Potter was filmed at Alnwick Castle.
Would also recommend a visit to Craigside Eatate. Very interesting place.

Good food at Eatate ????

Where are you Ashingtonclaret, hope you’re ok

Was fortunate to stop at almouth in glorious 80” heat for a week, so much to see up there and if the weather is great its like Cornwall without the crowds but better , decent restaurants probably want booking in advance is my only advice. And i mean 4-5 days in advance

I wouldn't bother with Ashington or Newbiggin. The Woodhorn Museum and Couple sculpture are the only things of note, otherwise they're both fairly unspectacular (trying to be polite).

If visiting Alnwick then make a stop at the gardens even if only to visit the tree house. Unlike the gardens it's free to go in that part and there's a little cafe and a restaraunt (not eaten there so can't endorse the food but it looked nice).

Rumbling Kern is an old smugglers cove and my favourite part of the Northumberland coastline. Also known as Howick Sands.

Budle Bay is a close second on my list and right by Ross Sands which has been mentioned by others.

Be sure to check tide times if planning to visit Holy Island. Walk past the castle to the far end of the island where it's really quiet. Also go up to the mound/lookout beyond the Priory for the best views. Pilgrims Gelato is a well worth sampling if you're there.

Alnmouth is a nice little place. Beats the likes of Seahouses for me. Just feels more authentic.

Beadnell Bay if you fancy any watersports.

The Fish Shack at Amble is really nice.

Cannon Fish Bar in Berwick is a cracking chippy.

Craster Kippers are brilliant. The Jolly Fisherman just by the smoke house in Craster is top notch. Sit outside for the views if you can brave the elements.

Tynemouth and a trip to Rileys Fish Shack is a good stop if you want to break up the journey. Loads of steps to access it and outdoor dining mind.

If there's a clear night don't miss your chance to enjoy some of the darkest skies in the UK. You may even have a squeek at seeing the Northern Lights if the stars allign for you.

I'm blessed to have all this on my doorstep.