Here in Northumberland, we know that our beaches are the best in the UK.
From the horseshoe shaped bay at Beadnell, to the white sugary sands at relatively 'hidden gem' Warkworth, the county's beaches are a wonderful place for a day trip, whether you want to have a go at water sports, tackle a bracing walk in the North Sea air, or just chill out with a picnic. And for the very bravest, perhaps a swim!
As the area's popularity increases, so does that of its beaches, with two named among the best in the UK by New York based magazine Travel + Leisure. One is extremely well known, while the other is more of a secret, especially to those who live outside of the region.
Read more: The beautiful sands that are just a stone's throw from one of the best beaches in Europe
Unsurprisingly, after being named one of the most beautiful in the world by Kuoni Travel and among the best in Europe at the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards, Bamburgh Beach was high up on the list. Overlooked by a magnificent castle, the beach in the UK's favourite coastal village is popular families, dog walkers and even horse riders, with some racehorses trained on the beach.
Of Bamburgh beach, travel writer Luke Abrahams wrote: "Northumberland was the backdrop for much of the Harry Potter film franchise, thanks to its Hogwarts-esque appearance."
Much of the Harry Potter film franchise is generous, though nearby Alnwick Castle was used as a filming location in the first two movies.
The article continued: "Though it can get very cold, it's well worth braving the chill to walk along the pristine sandy stretch for a boat trip to the famed Farne Islands. The medieval castle here is something straight out of "Hamlet," and it's a great spot to eye local wildlife such as seals, sea puffins, and skipping dolphins."
Though the Northumberland Coast AONB stretches from Berwick in the north to Amble in the south, the county's second beach on the list is found just south of that: Druridge Bay. Accessed via the Northumberland Coastal Route, it's a wild and most of the time windy stretch of sand, much more suited to long walks and sports than laying down a towel and sunbathing.
The article said: "If you really need to escape the dregs of the modern world, Druridge Bay is just the wellness tonic the doctor ordered. Splattered with rocky dunes, the unspoiled seven-mile coastline stretches as far as the eye can see, and is a haven for bird-watchers, walking types, and anyone wanting to breathe in the fresh North Sea air."
Both beaches included have recently opened up access to those travelling in the area with campervans, with a year-long pilot scheme allowing campers to park at Bamburgh Beach (as well as Beadnell and Amble), and a new caravan and campsite in Druridge Bay Country Park with pitches for campervans.
Should you want to get a closer look at Druridge Bay, Springwatch is coming live from nearby Hauxley Nature Reserve with films interspersed from the beach and surrounding area from the week beginning Monday June 6. To read Travel + Leisure's full list of the best beaches in the UK, click here.
What's your favourite beach in Northumberland? Let us know!
Read next
Seven things worth celebrating about England's most northerly county this Northumberland Day
The horses who train on a Northumberland beach named one of the best in Europe
The unique food stall offering the freshest seafood with a gorgeous view of Bamburgh Castle
The North East beaches you can easily reach by rail from Newcastle
New campsite opens at popular Northumberland Coast beauty spot Druridge Bay
