Northumberland, with its array of picturesque towns and villages like Kielder and Corbridge, is a prime spot for UK staycations. Bamburgh, a coastal village in the north east, stands out as a must-visit location, famed for housing the nation’s ‘best’ beach.
Situated at the heart of Northumberland and just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, Bamburgh draws thousands annually. Its renowned castle, stunning coastlines, and scenic walking trails have made it a hit with tourists from all over.
However, it’s the beach at Bamburgh that has been stealing the spotlight lately, having been crowned the best in the UK by Which? for the fourth year running last summer. To determine the winner, the consumer champion website polled over 4,700 individuals about their recent seaside town experiences.
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Survey participants rated various aspects such as beach quality, food and drink options, value for money, and attractions. Bamburgh emerged victorious, surpassing other contenders like Portmeirion in Gwynedd and St Andrews in Fife, reports the Mirror.
Which? commented: “Beloved by visitors for its ‘wild’ and ‘beautiful’ beach backed by its imposing castle, Bamburgh took first place in the consumer champion’s survey for the fourth consecutive year, achieving an impressive destination score of 86%.”
Visitors cannot get enough of Bamburgh’s “magnificent” and “totally unspoiled” beach, as well as the “dramatic” castle views that dominate the village’s scenery. One even went as far to call the local beach “probably the most impressive in the British Isles”, giving it a resounding five-star rating for the beach, seafront, scenery, attractions, and tranquillity.
Not just celebrated for its stunning stretch of sand, Bamburgh Castle is another gem in the village’s crown, perched atop a massive 180-foot high basalt outcrop offering sweeping coastal and rural vistas it’s a photographers delight.
Bamburgh Castle isn’t just about the view; it hosts an array of events from spooky ghost tours and dragon hunts to alfresco cinema experiences. Thanks to the Armstrong family, who own the estate, being big dog lovers, the castle grounds welcome dogs making it the perfect stop for families and their furry friends.
History buffs will find their treasure at the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, dedicated to the Victorian era’s heroine who saved nine lives from a devastating shipwreck. And for those curious about ancient Northumbrian residents, St Aidan’s church conceals the Bamburgh Ossuary where the bones from the 6th and 7th century have found a final resting place, and guided tours are available.
If you find yourself hungry while strolling through Bamburgh, the village boasts a selection of cafes and seafood restaurants. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, often hailed as one of Britain’s most picturesque courses, offers stunning views across the Farne Islands, Lindisfarne and the Cheviots.