Seals basking at Ross Sands in Northumberland with Lindisfarne Castle in the background(Image: Newcastle Journal)

7 stunningly secluded Northumberland beaches to avoid crowds and how to find them

27 Sep 2026 by Emily Gray · ChronicleLive

It's no surprise that Northumberland is famed for wonderful beaches, ranked amongst the best in the UK year on year. But those wanting to escape the crowds and looking for a beach off the beaten track far not ad the region is also home to a few lesser-known gems. We've rounded up a few of the best beaches that might be easy to miss.

Ross Bank Sands

The gorgeous, sandy stretch of utterly unspoilt beach is quite literally, off the beaten track, so much so that you've got to walk over a mile to reach it - but it's certainly worth it. With views out to Holy Island on one side and Bamburgh Castle on the other, it combines natural beauty with a spectacular look into the history of this much-fought-over coastline. You might even spot a few seals there.

To get there, park up near Ross Farm, near Belford, NE70 7EN, and head north from Budle. A road leads you on foot past the farm buildings and cottages, out towards the coast. You'll hit a path which takes you through fields, and is well defined and easy to follow for about 1 - 1.5mile.

To get to the beach itself you cross over the sand dunes, to be confronted by the wide vista of the beach. This means it's unlikely to be accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

One thing to beware of: although this isn't officially a naturist beach, online reports suggest the solitude does lead some to feel safe enough to strip off.

Sugar Sands

The sandy beach lies to the south of Craster. Complete with little rocky outcrops the cove has an almost Mediterranean feel. This beach also takes a walk to reach but Sugar Sands is one of a stretch of pretty little coves where you're almost guaranteed peace, with nothing but the crashing sound of the waves.

To approach Sugar Sands, you can walk from either Howick or Boulmer, or drive up towards the dunes from Longhoughton and turn for Low Stead Farm opposite the church, walk through the farm out to the dunes and head left for about half a mile along the coast.

Low Hauxley

Small dunes frame this long, sweeping beach with views of Coquet Island. It's just down from Amble but, being a little further away from the popular seaside town it's perhaps a less obvious place to visit.

Being just off the road, it's easy enough to get to, but cross the dunes and suddenly you feel completely isolated and absorbed in the gorgeous surroundings.

Rumbling Kern

It's quite an adventure to find the beach. Once a boon for the whisky smugglers who, it's said, used it as a drop-off point as they bootlegged their contraband up and down the coast, today the secluded location sheltered behind small cliffs is perfect for a quiet getaway.

Once on the beach you can spot the 'Bathing House', once a retreat used by Earl Grey and just a little further inland you can visit Howick Hall, the Earl's ancestral home.

The beach lies to the South of Cullernose Point, near Howick Hall. To reach it, you can follow directions to Sugar Sands and keep walking further on, or you can follow a path out towards the Bathing House, next to a small parking area off a road at NE66 3LH.

Coves Haven

This remote white-sandy beach is tucked away of the northern side of Holy Island. Famed for its causeway and the stunning Harbour Beach, Coves Haven is often overlooked. Past the dunes and away from the main castle crowds the beach is great for quiet walks and rock pooling.

Cocklawburn Beach

The stretch of sand and rock beach four miles south of Berwick is backed by grassy dunes is definitely worth a visit. Last year the beaches 'bizarre geology' landed it a top spot in the Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches list for 2025.

Critique said "At low tide you’ll see hundreds of bulbous “concretions”, like fossilised dinosaur eggs, resulting from chemical reactions 300 million years ago when the rocks were still submerged mud. The corrugated seabed is so uniform you would think a knuckle-dragging giant must have done it, rather than sand abrasion as scientists would have you believe."

Embleton Bay, Northumberland

Regarded very highly by a surfing community, the final beach is a curving bay. The long stretch of golden sand overlook the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and is a perfect spot for rock pooling. Just minutes from the historic village of Embleton it offers a peaceful escape.