The summer holidays have arrived, so here is our top 5 in Northumberland beaches, all within easy reach of West Lodge. 

Majestic Bamburgh Castle towers over the wide expanse of pristine sandy beach. This stunning beach offers fantastic views of Bamburgh Castle, Farne Islands and Holy Island. Ideal for a day on the beach with a picnic, or for a long walk at any time of year.

Beadnell Bay is a wide, sandy beach in a horseshoe shaped bay just south of the village of Beadnell. The glorious golden sand, curves around the bay forming a natural harbour. With lots of space for dogs to run and play and an ideal location for water sport enthusiasts Beadnell Bay is not to be missed.

Made of sand, shingle and rocks, Longhoughton is an excellent spot to explore rock pools, fish, or take a peaceful walk in a picturesque setting. Due to its remote location, there are no facilities at Longhoughton beach, however this also means it never gets busy. With excellent views of the wild coastline this is a great place to relax and unwind.

The dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle overlook this long stretch of golden sand. Running behind the beach is the Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club and a little way beyond this the medieval village of Embleton. Embleton Bay stretches for miles in each direction, absolutely perfect for dog walking.

Alnmouth beach sits in a wide sandy bay at the mouth of the River Aln. For a perfect family day out; grab your bucket and spade and have fun on Alnmouth’s sandy beaches. For the more adventurous, the St Oswald’s Way and Northumberland Coast Path allow you to explore the beauty of the Northumberland coastline.


Here are our top 5 local walks, all within easy reach of West Lodge. 

A walk straight from the door of West Lodge. This loop walk follows the burn at Burnfoot, down into Netherton Village and back along to West Lodge. Great first thing to see the local wildlife at its best or as an after dinner stroll before relaxing at the cottage. 

The Rothbury Riverside Walk is a pleasant route in Northumberland that will take you along the banks of the River Coquet and the charming town of Rothbury. With parking available, easy access paths and a playground its great for families . 

A short walk takes you to this lovely waterfall in the Ingram Valley. The walk starts at Hartside where there is parking available by the roadside and takes you through the countryside to view a cascading 18m waterfall. 

This lovely walk takes you up to the ancient Drake Stone and through West Wood at Harbottle. A circular walk with some short steep inclines and stiles, its worth the effort for the stunning views over the surrounding countryside and over to the ruins of Harbottle Castle. 

Alwinton, the last village as you travel towards the head of the River Coquet, lies on the route of an ancient drove road – Clennell Street. This walk takes you into the hills beyond the village and returns along Clennell Street. 


Here are our top 5 ideas for family days out all within easy reach of West Lodge. 

Owned by the National Trust, Cragside House is a masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture. The first house to be Illuminated with hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics Cragside is Britian's original smart home.

 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside

Ford and Etal Estates, and the hamlet of Heatherslaw which lies in between, are some of rural Northumberland's best hidden gems. Take a ride on a steam train at Heatherslaw Steam Light Railway, the most northerly steam railway in England, then kick back and relax at the Black Bull - the only thatched pub in Northumberland.

https://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/

Within the Northumberland Nation Park Ingram Valley is a great place to go to experience ancient hill forts, Bronze Age settlements, fauna-covered moorland and rushing waterfalls, you can hike, cycle, picnic and explore in this vast valley.

https://ingramvalley.co.uk/

Alnwick is a historic market town in the heart of Northumberland. Home to Alnwick castle and Gardens, the newly opened Lilidorie, the worlds biggest play structure.

https://www.visitalnwick.org.uk/

Sail around the Farne Islands, a few miles off the Northumberland Coast, to see the thousands of animals that come here to breed each year. As well as watching the young puffins and seals, visitors to the Farne Islands are also rewarded with some spectacular views of Seahouses Harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/farne-islands