Bamburgh was chosen as the best coastal location by a Which? survey but it is just one area of the 40 mile-long Northumberland coastline with great areas to explore that boast a good day out.
1. Alnmouth
Alnmouth is four miles away from Alnwick. It is known for having one of the earliest English golf courses, beach huts and villas. Travel on the X18 bus from Berwick via Alnwick and Amble to Newcastle or get the train to Alnwick station. Photo: Lyn Douglas
2. Blyth
Blyth has a large stretch of sand surrounded by 20 brightly coloured beach huts which are all available to rent. It is also home to Blyth Battery, a coastal defence artillery battery built to protect the port in 1916 which is now a local heritage museum. Photo: Ben Austin
3. Warkworth
While Warkworth is popular because of its medieval castle, its beach in Morpeth is filled with sand dunes and is only a short walk from the car park. It is the perfect location for walking, rock pooling or beach combing. Photo: Ivor Rackham
4. Amble
Amble is at the mouth of the River Coquet with Coquet Island visible from the beaches and harbour. Wildlife is in abundance and it is home to the UK’s only puffin festival, based on the 36,000-bird colony that nests on the Island. Photo: Owen Humphreys