For the sixth year in a row, the village of Bamburgh on the Northumbrian coast has been named the UK's best seaside destination in the annual Which? survey of more than 5,000 holidaymakers. With an overall destination score of 84%, Bamburgh outperformed popular spots like Tynemouth and St Andrews, while Newquay and Margate scored just 55% and 53% respectively.
What Makes Bamburgh Special
Bamburgh, with a population of just a few thousand, offers a peaceful respite with vast sandy beaches and stunning walks. It received five stars for its beach, seafront, and scenery. The village is dominated by a historic castle perched on an outcrop, overseeing the main street below.
Bamburgh Beach
The beach features pristine white sand, accessible via a small free car park where a truck sells hot drinks. It's dog-friendly and ideal for long walks, building sandcastles, and spotting dolphins. The beach is also a top surf spot in the North East, offering kite surfing, horse riding, and body boarding. Surf lessons are available. Stags Rocks, located north on the beach, is great for rock-pooling with children.
Things to Do
Bamburgh Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK, spans nine acres and dates back over 1,400 years. It is believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot's fictional castle, Joyous Garde. Adult entry costs £17, children (5-16) £8.50, under-4s free, and a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children) is £47. The RNLI Grace Darling Museum, free to visit, tells the story of local heroine Grace Darling. Golfers can enjoy Bamburgh Castle Golf Club or nearby Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course.
Where to Eat
The Potted Lobster is a family favourite, offering locally sourced seafood such as haddock, prawns, mussels, trout, and lobster, as well as sirloin steak and butternut squash curry. Portion sizes are reportedly very large.
Accommodation
Tourism drives the local economy, with many independent holiday homes, especially along The Wynding. Visitors should stock up on branded supplies before arriving. Hotels include the three-star Victoria Hotel, which is dog-friendly, and the five-star AA-rated Lord Crewe with seven rooms. The Victoria also offers self-catering Point Cottages, 40 yards from the beach, with an extra £7.50 per dog per night. Advance booking is essential.
Day Trips
A 30-minute drive away is Holy Island (Lindisfarne), accessible via a causeway that is cut off by tides. The island features Lindisfarne Priory, founded in 635 AD, and Lindisfarne Castle, built in the 1550s. Beaches include Sandham Bay and Coves Haven.
Getting There
Driving is the best option, with free parking. The nearest train station is Chathill, but services are limited. Alternatively, take the train to Berwick or Alnmouth via LNER from London, Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Newcastle, and Scotland. Taxis may have long waits. The Arriva X18 bus runs from Berwick, or the X20 and northbound X18 or X15 from Alnmouth.
