Big Skies, Bigger Beaches
One of the best reasons to base yourself at The Old Post Office in Chatton is how close you are to the Northumberland coast, one of the least crowded, most dramatic stretches of coastline in England. Pack a flask, grab the walking boots, or even your swimming costume or wetsuit and give yourself a full day.
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh is the obvious first stop, and it earns its reputation. The castle sits high on a volcanic outcrop above miles of empty golden sand, and the view of it from the beach below is one of the best in the country. A wander along the dunes with the castle in the background is worth the drive alone. Have a bite to eat one of the village cafes or pubs or turn right on the beach walk along to Seahouses.
Turn left and you will experience a completely different walk, past Stag Rock and the lighthouse and around to the stunning sands of Budle bay, famous for its bird life.
CAUTION! DO NOT TRY TO CROSS BUDLE BAY even at low tide. The sands in the middle are hazardous and it is easy to get caught out. If you stick to edge above or just below the high water mark you can enjoy a beautiful bay and its beautiful views in safety.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
Holy Island is a genuine tidal island, cut off from the mainland twice a day, so you need to get your timing right.. Check the safe crossing times before you set off, then spend a few hours exploring the priory ruins, Lindisfarne Castle, and the handful of shops selling the island’s own mead. It’s atmospheric, slightly otherworldly, and unlike anywhere else nearby. Pilgrim’s Coffeehouse is a great place to have a hot drink and a cake or more substantial meal. It has a dog friendly garden. On a fine day, it’s fun to park at Beal Farm on the mainland and follow the wooden poles marking The Pilgrims’ Causeway across to the island on foot. Best walked in bare feet, you will get muddy and you may need to wade up to your ankles even at low tide. It’s a great adventure but please check tide times for the safe window to cross and allow plenty of time. There is a bus service back to the mainland which stops at Beal, but it does not run every day so please check before you set out. You can get a taxi back too or even walk if you have timed it right.
Whether crossing by car or on foot, check the tide times and take no risks.
Seahouses and the Farne Islands
A short drive south, the bustling fishing village of Seahouses is the place to catch boat trips out to the Farne Islands, home to one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies and a well-established grey seal population. Between April and July the puffins are a particular highlight, and even outside of nesting season the boat trip around the islands is a proper Northumberland highlight. For the last couple of years, some boat trippers have been treated to the rare sight of a pod of Orca, who break their journey north at the Farne Islands, presumably for a seal snack. Dolphins are frequently seen on the boat trips too.
Dunstanburgh Castle Walk
For something quieter, the coastal path between Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the loveliest short walks in the region. It’s roughly an hour each way, dramatic and windswept, and ends at the ruins of a castle perched right on the cliff edge. Craster itself is well known for its kippers, so it’s worth timing your return for lunch.
A longer walk starts at Low Newton-By-The-Sea, taking you round the beautiful sandy beach of Emblebon Bay, via Dunstanburgh Castle to Craster. Guide books in The Old Post Office will tell you the various versions of this fantastic walk which are recommended.
Plan your Northumberland coast day trip around your comfortable base back in the countryside. Return to the crackling log burner, open the courtesy bottle of wine and put your feet up for the evening. Check availability at The Old Post Office in Chatton, just a short drive from it all.