Warkworth Beach tops Millets ranking of hidden gems
Warkworth Beach in Northumberland has been named the best hidden beach in the UK by outdoor company Millets, scoring 9.14 out of 10. The beach beat more famous northern spots like Bamburgh and Whitby in an analysis of average temperatures, sunshine hours, and water quality.
Described as a 'perfect two-mile stretch of the purest sand,' Warkworth sits between the historic village of Warkworth and the coastal village of Alnmouth. Backed by grassy sand dunes and a golf course, an estuary runs behind from the town of Amble, which offers fish shacks, seafood restaurants, and pastel-painted beach huts.
Wild, uncommercialised landscape
Unlike many popular beaches, Warkworth has no shops, ice cream vans, arcades, or pier. The natural landscape is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and quiet walks. On clear days, visitors can see Coquet Island, an RSPB nature reserve hosting over 40,000 breeding seabirds, including the UK's only regular nesting colony of rare Roseate Terns. Puffins and grey seals are also often spotted.
Locals recommend setting up at the south end of the beach by old tree trunks and enjoying Alnwick Gold beer from the local brewery 20 minutes away. Amble North Pier and Lighthouse is a 25-minute walk along a cinder track, where visitors can bring fishing tackle or join a summer mackerel trip.
Walking trails and water sports
A popular four-mile circular trail combines the beach, River Coquet estuary, and Warkworth Castle. The route starts at the golf club, goes through dunes, and onto the beach. The beach is dog-friendly year-round with no seasonal restrictions.
For water sports, Amble Links, six minutes down the beach, offers surfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Northside Surf provides stand-up paddleboarding sessions on Warkworth River and along the coast.
Warkworth Castle and other northern beaches
Warkworth Castle, described by English Heritage as 'one of the most formidable castles in northern England,' is a short walk from the beach. Once home to the Percy family, the 15th-century ruins cost £11.90 to enter and include ancient wine cellars, a great hall, and a chapel.
Other recommended northern beaches include Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, Newborough Beach in Anglesey, Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, and Formby Beach in Merseyside.
