Visiting the AONB

Visiting the Northumberland Coast AONB

Dramatic seascapes, wide sandy beaches, ancient castle’s and offshore islands teaming with wildlife – this is the essence of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As you explore the area further you will find interesting villages, local food and produce, a Christian Heritage stretching back over centuries, walking and cycling routes that get you away from traffic and historic remains of an industrial and wartime past.

St Aidans Bamburgh (c) Tom Cadwallender There are many visitor attractions along the Northumberland Coast from the historic castles such as Bamburgh or Warkworth to gardens and parkland at Howick. There are interesting museums as well as places to take the kids. Whilst you are here, make sure you sample some of the excellent food and local produce the area has to offer.

coast path (c) Gavin Duthie Walking, cycling or even horse riding are the best ways to really appreciate the tranquillity of the Northumberland Coast AONB, there is a good network of footpaths and bridleways throughout the AONB and there is the long distance Northumberland Coast Path stretching the 64 miles from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.

If you prefer your outdoor pursuits a little more energetic, the Northumberland Coast offers stunning locations for all manner of watersports as well as superb offshore diving.

The Northumberland Coast is well renowned for the stunning array of wildlife that can be found here, some of the species and habitats that occur here are of national and international importance. There are many opportunities to witness the magnificent wildlife spectacle that is the Northumberland Coast.

Bus at Bamburgh (c) Gavin Duthie Visitors can have a negative impact on the natural beauty of the Northumberland Coast, the very thing we are here to protect and the reason why people visit in the first place. The responsibility to conserve and enhance this natural beauty lies with us all. As a visitor you can do your bit to reduce your impact, for instance could stay at green tourism business, you could leave the car at home and use public transport or you could support one of the organisations that help to care for the coast. You can find more information about being a good visitor here.

Looking for other ways to explore? Then check out Our Coast Our Sea where you can look for events, download information on interesting things to do and show off you own photographs of your visit.