The UK has an abundance of beautiful beaches, with one seaside village in particular that is worth a visit this summer as it was recently named the ‘best seaside destination’ in the UK
There’s no need to break the bank on your next holiday, as Britain is home to some truly remarkable beaches that are worth visiting for their natural beauty.
Bamburgh, a charming seaside village on Northumberland’s coast, boasts breathtaking views of the North Sea, and on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the Scottish coastline.
This hidden gem is a must-visit destination, thanks to its expansive stretches of white sandy beaches, which have been voted one of the UK’s most beautiful and underrated beaches, with the added bonus of being relatively crowd-free.
Dominating the village’s vast beaches is the ancient Bamburgh Castle, perched on a rocky cliffside and steeped in rich history. Believed to have been first built by the Celtic Britons, this historic fortress is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
For the fourth consecutive year in 2024, Which? crowned Bamburgh the “best seaside destination” in the UK, while Airbnb named it the No. 1 location to visit.
Visit Northumberland paints a vivid picture of Bamburgh, describing it as a haven of “pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn.”
Bamburgh Castle has also received accolades from CN Traveller, who hailed it as one of the “most beautiful castles in Europe”, , reports the Express. According to legend, it’s also believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot’s famous Joyous Garde Castle from the King Arthur tales.
Bamburgh Castle offers a wealth of sights to see, boasting not only breathtaking views of the nearby coast and countryside but also a history that spans over a thousand years, including a significant role in the War of the Roses.
In recent times, Bamburgh Castle has graced our TV screens as one of the locations for the medieval series The Last Kingdom. Currently, an exhibition featuring costumes and props from the Netflix show is on display at the castle until November 2024.
Dog owners will be pleased to know that their four-legged friends are welcome on the castle grounds, provided they’re kept on a lead. You can wander around the castle’s battlements and courtyard with your pooch before grabbing a bite at the dog-friendly castle cafe.
Beyond the castle, there’s plenty to discover on Bamburgh’s surrounding beaches, such as Stag Rocks. Located near the lighthouse, you’ll easily spot a large white stag painted on the rocks.
Local folklore tells of a stag that leapt into the sea to escape hunters, and tales abound of St Aidan saving a stag from a pack of hounds by rendering it invisible.
Stag Rocks is also an ideal spot for wildlife watching, with seals and dolphins occasionally making an appearance as visitors gaze out at the stunning ocean view.
For those interested in exploring further, guided boat tours are available to the nearby Farne Islands, a nature reserve renowned for its grey seals and puffins.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is also a must-visit. This significant site of Celtic Christianity was a priority until the 1500s when King England VIII disbanded all monasteries in England.
Tourists can explore Lindisfarne Castle, the priory and St Aiden’s Winery, where they can savour a free sample of mead. The island also boasts quaint shops, pubs, cafes and museums to discover.
Bamburgh has much more to offer as it is rich in history and folklore and showcases some of Britain’s most breathtaking natural sights. It’s an essential destination for anyone planning an Easter or summer staycation.