A diverse coastal landscape

In the north a contrasting landscape of dramatic cliffs south of Berwick gives way to the sandy beaches of Cocklawburn and Cheswick before leading on to the extensive mudflats and saltmarshes of Lindisfarne and Budle Bay. The flat, open coastal plain permits dramatic views inland to the Cheviot Hills.

High whinstone crags provide an enduring foundation for the castles of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh and the Whin Sill extends offshore, breaching the sea to form the Farne Islands. From Bamburgh to Seahouses the broad sandy beach is backed by extensive sand dunes forming fragile yet impressive coastal features.

The reefs and low cliffs between Seahouses and Beadnell lead to a succession of long sweeping bays punctuated by rocky headlands and overlooked from the south by the dramatic remains of Dunstanburgh Castle.

From Dunstanburgh to Seaton Point rocky reefs protect a coastline interrupted by small picturesque coves. At its southern end the coast opens out once more as the wide sandy beach backed by dunes sweeps from Alnmouth to the Coquet Estuary.