Just this week, Bamburgh Beach was named the 8th best in Europe at the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. A few weeks before that, Kuoni named as the 6th most eyecatching beach in the world.
While these are amazing accolades, it could lead to a dramatic increase in the number of tourists visiting the tiny village on the Northumberland Coast - which was named the best destination for a seaside holiday in the UK in a survey by Which? in 2021.
And it's not like the beach at Bamburgh is a stunner in isolation. It's part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Natural Beauty, 64km of coastline from Berwick upon Tweed in the north to the Coquet Estuary at Amble in the south.
Here is a selection of the best beaches near Bamburgh you can get to by bike or on foot in under an hour from the seaside village.
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North Sunderland Beach
Part of the reason that Bamburgh Beach is so special is the castle which overlooks it. However, the castle is so huge that it can be admired from a different angle at a beach south of Bamburgh - North Sunderland (simply known as North Beach in Seahouses, as it's north of the village, or St. Aidan's). Separated from the castle by dunes and fields, its sands offer a bit of shelter from the wind.
How to get there: Head south from Bamburgh Seahouses on Links Road. On foot it's about 45 minutes, while cycling is less than 15. Before you get into Seahouses, there are paths through the dunes on your left.
Ross Back Sands
Named one of the best secret UK destinations in 2021, Ross Back Sands is a 7 - 8 mile bike ride from Bamburgh (depending on which route you take). The remote and unspoiled beach has views to Bamburgh Castle in the South and Holy Island out in the north - yet there's a chance you'll have it all to yourself.
The other side of that isolation means that some do use it as a naturist beach, though it's not officially classed as one!
How to get there: Park near Ross Farm near Belford (NE70 7EN). Go past the farm buildings and cottages towards the post and onto a path which will take you through fields for around 1 - 1.5 miles before crossing the sand dunes onto the beach itself.
Budle Bay
North of Bamburgh and part of Lindisfarne Nature Reserve, Budle Bay isn't one for sunbathing or playing games on the beach. It's actually a huge bird sanctuary! Rather than sand, it's a mile-wide expanse of mud flats which are exposed at low tide and visitors should never attempt to cross the beach at any time. Instead, follow the path from Waren Mill to Bamburgh for a spectacular walk. And twitchers - bring your binoculars!
How to get there: Walk along the Wynding in Bamburgh and folow the route past Harkness Rocks and out towards Budle Point. You can return the way you came or do a circular walk returning on the B1342.
Beadnell Bay Beach
The horseshoe shaped bay just south of the village of Beadnell is probably the most popular beach on this list (after Bamburgh) and attracts locals walking dogs, day trippers, and even water sports enthusiasts. The village was named one of 2022's top holiday destinations and one of the coolest post codes to move to - so there is every chance that Beadnell will be as busy as Bamburgh when the warmer weather comes in.
How to get there: Cyclists should continue south past Seahouses and turn left into Beadnell village. From there it's easy to find the beach. The Northumberland Coastal Path goes straight through Beadnell too, so walkers should have no trouble finding the village, as long as they head south.
Low Newton By The Sea Beach
In the cycle from Bamburgh to Low Newton by the Sea, which takes roughly 45 minutes if you don't stop to sightsee, you get two castles for the price of one. From Low Newton, you can see Dunstanburgh Castle across Embleton Bay. The village is worth exploring too, with a historic fishermen's square and a pub each in Low and High Newton. If you're not concerned about time, you can also walk to Newton By The Sea on the Northumberland Coastal Path.
How to get there: Cyclists can follow the Northumberland Coastal Route south from Bamburgh, passing through Seahouses and Beadnell. Newton is signposted. Alternatively, you can walk along the Northumberland Coastal Bath or even along the beach at Beadnell.
