The Best Things to Do in Beadnell

The village of Beadnell is set on a horseshoe-shaped beach called Beadnell Bay.  The beach and the waters are protected by the shape of the bay, which makes it perfect for watersports and beach activities.  There’s kayaking, kite surfing, and wakeboarding here, as well as a sailing club that’s been here for more than 40 years.   So whether you’re looking to spend some time building sand castles, or blowing the cobwebs out on a sailboat, welcome to the best things to do in Beadnell.

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No matter what time of year you come to Beadnell you’ll want to have your camera ready.  There is just something about the combination of the sea, sky, and sand that makes this stunning year-round.  As the only west-facing harbour on the east coast where fishermen are still able to land wild salmon and sea trout, it means that you’ll always be able to see the fishing boats in the harbour.

The Best Things to Do in Beadnell

Beadnell is the perfect place to come for a quiet visit to Northumberland.  Sure there are some fabulous places to eat here, and there are some great traditional and contemporary restaurants and pubs.  But if your yen is for golden sands, dunes, and coastal walks, then this is for you.

1.     Head to Beadnell Beach

The dog-friendly child-friendly Beadnell Beach really is the star attraction here.  It’s perfect for picnics and for beach games.  Game of beach cricket anyone?  The water is safe here, so it’s good for kids.  It truly is one of the best beaches in Northumberland.

There’s a pay-and-display car park at the north end of the beach that provides slipway access to the beach.  There are public toilets here in the car park too.   There’s a 72-hour maximum for parking in the car park and you can pay by phone or by card here.

2.     Visit Beadnell Harbour

The harbour is lovely, and as it’s the only harbour on the east coast that can still land wild salmon and sea trout you’ll still find fishing boats here too.   This harbour dates from the 18^th century.  It was extended for John Wood of Beadnell Hall (which is now converted into flats) in 1798. 

The extension was to support the shipping of Lime which came from the lime kilns at the harbour (don’t miss them, they’re fascinating).  There was also a herring smokehouse here too, that’s long been demolished, but you can see one still in operation at L Robson and Sons in Craster.  The harbour is Grade II listed.

3.     See the Lime Kilns at Beadnell Harbour

To get to the harbour you’ll have to walk past these 3 lime kilns.  The first was built in 1789 when limestone was burnt in them to make quick lime  (It was used in building mortar and as a fertilizer).  Most of the quicklime produced here was shipped out for use in Scotland. 

For a while, the lime was also used for curing herring.   The three lime kilns of Beadnell Harbour are now Grade II listed and you’ll usually find lobster pots being stored in them by the local fishermen.

4.     Visit Ebb’s Nook at Beadnell

You’ll need to head out onto the promontory to visit Ebb’s Nook.  It’s the remains of a chapel associated with St Ebba.  The ruins were rediscovered in 1853 by Mr Hodgson Hinde.    It appears to have connections with a 7th-century Northumbrian Princess called Ebba.   She was a sister of King Oswald of Northumbria who, after the invasion of King Edwin in 616 fled to Scotland.

The site was the subject of a 2012 Channel 4 Time Team investigation led by Tony Robinson – their results are here (it’s a downloadable PDF)

St Ebba’s Feast Day is August 25^th and there may be events or guided walks happening around this time if you’re in the area then.  There is a WHOLE lot more about St Ebba here.

5.     Try some Water Sports at Beadnell

Beadnell has a whole host of different water sports that you can try.  Park up in the car park and use the slipway access if you have your own gear, but if not, then you’re in for a treat, as there are a variety of options.

KA Adventure Sports – you can try Stand Up Paddleboarding, Coasteering, Surfing, Kitesurfing, and Wingfoiling with these folks. They run classes for all different levels of experience, although some classes may be held from different beaches.  See their options and your choices here.

NE Surf School runs surfing classes and camps, with group and private lessons available, and specific classes for kids.  They also run Surf camps and retreats too. There are both male and female instructors available – see what’s available here.

Surf Northumberland is a mother-and-son-run operation.  Sally and Harry run group and private lessons from a variety of beaches around the North East.  There are more details here.

Beadnell Sailing Club is based out of the harbour at Beadnell. The club was founded by Major Burton in 1935(!) and offers sailing at high tide. It’s a family-oriented club for dinghy sailors.   There’s more information on membership and options here.

6.     Spot protected and rare birds in Beadnell

The Long Nanny Shorebird Site is located between Beadnell and the village of Low Newton and it has been in existence for 48 years now, with a ropeway preventing you from trespassing onto the area where the protected birds nest.

Every year, there’s a section of coastline roped off, to try and protect the nesting grounds of Arctic terns, little terns and ringed plovers.  The tern colony has a series of wardens that protect it around the clock during the summer months.

You can access the site and use the warden’s hut viewpoint for free, it’s about a 2-kilometer walk from the nearest parking in Beadnell.  The walk is easy, but sand can be loose and there is no shelter (from either rain or sun), bring water and wear appropriate clothing.

7.     Walk Part of the Coastal Path from Beadnell

Beadnell sits within Stage 3 of the Northumberland Coastal Path – between Craster and Seahouses.  So head north to Seahouses, perhaps check out the busier village, buy some smoked kippers, spend a little money in the souvenir shops, and either walk back or take the bus.  Alternatively, head south to Craster, explore Dunstanburgh Castle, have a little sustenance in the Jolly Fisherman, and then catch the bus back “home”.  There’s more on this stage of the Coastal Path here.

The Arriva bus services connect Beadnell, so you can check the timetable here, and then plan accordingly to make your route work for you.  It’s the X18 that you want.

Where to Stay in Beadnell

Beadnell has some great self-catering options, from camping and caravanning to holiday lets.    Take a lovely room at the The Craster Arms Hotel.  There’s a shared lounge in this four-star accommodation.  The one-bedroom suite can sleep four with two sofa beds.  See this and other room options here.

Opt for the celebrity treatment at the Beadnell Towers Hotel.  There’s a 24-hour front desk at this five-star hotel, where the junior suites have seriously comfortable seating areas.  Sea view suites come with a telescope so you can star gaze from your room!  Check availability here.

For self-catering, then the Rock View Holiday let is perfect for families.  It’s a modern home with all the facilities that you need for a home away from home.  Check out the room configuration here.

Things to Do Near Beadnell

If the quiet laidback seaside holiday vibe of Beadnell isn’t giving you enough to do, then you’re in luck.  Beadnell is pretty close to a variety of other places to visit in Northumberland.  You’re just down the road from Seahouses – a much more vibrant and busy place.  It’s here you’ll be able to stock up on Northumberland’s famous smoked kippers or take a trip to the Farne Islands.  Or head slightly further north to the glorious Bamburgh (don’t miss the castle there).  There’s a castle to the south too.  Dunstanburgh, which is one of my all-time favourite Northumberland Castles.  Visit via either Low Newton or the gorgeous harbour village of Craster.

Where to Eat in Beadnell

The traditional Craster Arms – built into what was the ruins of a medieval Tower, is a fabulous welcoming pub in the centre of Beadnell Village.  There’s a great sunny beer garden and for colder weather, there’s a fire too.  They’re famous for local seafood.

For a more contemporary approach head to the Saltwater Café – try a full Northumbrian breakfast, and the crayfish tails in a soft white bap are delicious for lunch.    It’s worth booking for dinner, especially if you have a special occasion coming up.

At the Beadnell Tower Hotel, you can find modern British dishes.  Their dishes are very seasonal and use the very best of local produce and suppliers.  Check the changing (and delicious) menus here.

Closer to Beadnell Bay is the Landing Pub.  You’ll find hearty meals, fish and chips, and traditional British classics here.  There are local ales to be tried too. Their menu is here.

There is currently NO shop in Beadnell and the nearest food stops are in Seahouses (there’s a Co-op), although you’ll need to head to Alnwick for larger supermarkets, butchers, and bakers.

How to Get to Beadnell, Northumberland

You can get to Beadnell on the Arrive X18 buses, which run from Newcastle to Berwick upon Tweed and back.  More details at Arriva North East.

The closest train station to Beadnell is Chathill,  the Borders Bus service runs buses from there, check details here.

For drivers, you’ll want to get onto the Northumberland Coastal Route – the B1340.  Beadnell is just a few miles south of Seahouses.

Final Words on Beadnell

So for a quiet place, there’s quite a lot going on here.  There’s a chapel for a long-dead Northumbrian Princess, and lime kilns that used to drive the industry here.  A harbour that’s Grade II listed and the only one left on the east coast that can land certain fish.  And then there’s the water sports.  And that amazing beach.  Beadnell has a LOT going for it.  Why aren’t you here?

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