Bamburgh Castle Estates car park reopens to ease parking pressure on Northumberland coast

It is hoped the move will ease pressure on verges which have been used by visitors for parking since lockdown restrictions were eased.

The main council managed car parks in Bamburgh and Seahouses remain closed.

Beadnell car park reopened on May 22 but fears that the north Northumberland coast would be inundated with visitors over the bank holiday weekend proved unfounded.

Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, Bamburgh ward member on Northumberland County Council, said: “I think there was a worry when Beadnell car park first opened that we would be inundated with folk but it’s not happened like that.

“There were a lot of cars parked on the verge between Bamburgh and Seahouses but Bamburgh Castle Estates have now opened their car park on the links to try and take away some of that pressure.”

Beadnell Parish Council said it had been busier in the village over the bank holiday weekend but still relatively quiet.

“The car park has been no more than half full, cars have been spaced out and visitors seemed to be observing social distancing,” said chairman Alison Nation.

“Generally the centre of the village has been quiet, just an increase in the number of builders' vans as they get back to work.

“The B1340 is busier and Seahouses seems to be opening up.

“Whether we can in part thank the windy weather, county council pleas to stay away or the digital signs just off the A1 there was no feeling we were being overwhelmed by visitors.”

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