This rugged, windswept coast is renowned for its wildlife and rich historical connections. Castles at Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh are particularly noteworthy. The AONB lies in a rural area with a population of 12,500 and runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Amble, a mix of long stretches of sand backed with rolling dunes. Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, is an obvious highlight, with its fast-submerged causeway and tidal pools that constantly refresh aquatic ecosystems with each high tide. The dunes and marshy mudflats here are home to a wonderful variety of birdlife. There are also several offshore islands and the rocky Farne Islands.
Northumberland Coast AONB traditionally relies on the agricultural activities of the lush farmlands where dairy, arable and livestock feature prominently, as well as fishing. This last is less important than it once was; little fishing ports like Seahouses and Alnmouth still operate, but tourism is now an important contributor to the local economy.
Top Northumberland Coast AONB Camping Options
A stay at Berwick Seaview Caravan and Motorhome club site combines the spectacular scenery of the esteemed county with visits across the border to Scotland. You can enjoy stunning views of the sea and busy town of Berwick from this hillside site, which also overlooks the river estuary. The site is only a 30-minute walk into Berwick, with its Elizabethan ramparts, shops and diverse places of interest.The site has 93 mainly hard standing pitches all with electricity 16 amp. Some seasonal pitches.
Developed from 100 acres of privately owned, undulating heath and woodland, Waren Park is a large, family site with marvellous views over Northumberland’s golden beaches and the sea. A large section of caravan holiday homes is separate from a compact, self-contained, four-acre touring area. Enclosed by sheltering banks, this provides 150 reasonably level pitches, 108 with 16A electrical connections. Wooden wigwams are also available to rent. As well as the spacious grounds to wander in, there is much to see nearby from historic castles and the Farne Islands to the Cheviot Hills and miles and miles of sandy beaches.
Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site is a beautifully laid out L-shaped park is for adults only and quietly situated down a non-classified road that leads to a chain bridge over the River Tweed, linking Scotland and England. The owners are very welcoming and many visitors return time and time again.
Proctors Stead is a small, friendly, family run caravan park situated one mile from the sea and surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty. The park itself is a level, sheltered and well-kept. It has 60 pitches with electric hook-up 10 amps for caravans and motorhomes. The nearest village shop and post office is in Embleton about two miles away, where there is also the local garage (fuel sold here too). Craster is famous for its kippers and has a wonderful seasonal seafood restaurant, as well as a pub which overlooks the sea. For those who do not wish to cook, The Cottage Inn is only a short stroll away. The Craster Restaurant (Robsons) is always worth a visit for fish and seafood (seasonal opening Easter- end Sept/Oct) and The Jolly Fisherman in Craster is very popular too. The Cottage Inn and The Jolly Fisherman both allow dogs into the bar areas.
Dunstan Hill Camping & Caravanning Club site is located off a quiet lane between Embleton and Craster. This rural site has a tree belt to shelter it from the north wind and has access to the beach via a level footpath through the fields, across the golf course and past the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, which is just over a mile by car. With gravel access roads, the peaceful site has 150 level, well spaced pitches, 80 with 16A electricity. Reception is manned by very helpful managers and there is an area for outside parking and late arrivals at the entrance. This site is not suitable for large American motorhomes.
The park is situated just across the road from the sea with its rock pools. The park provides lodges, caravan holiday homes and apartments to rent (or buy) and pitches for just 20 touring units (no tents). All the pitches have concrete squares, water, waste, sewerage and 16A electricity (but unfortunately none have sea views). The large park is attractively landscaped with gardens, pools and a stream among the privately owned holiday homes which are set apart from those to rent. The adjacent Ocean Club’s facilities include a 20 m. swimming pool and children’s pool. Small gates give immediate access to Seahouses with its excellent range of shops and eating places.
