FREE 2020/21 AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
AREA OF O U TSTANDING NATURAL BEAU T Y
2020/21
FREE
DRIVE LESS, SEE MORE - 16 PAGE PULL-OUT
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Rocky Cove at Rumbling Kern
The Northumberland Coast Area of further protection because of the rarity of
Explore
Welcome...
...to the Northumberland Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) their features; even the shallow seas have
Coast Area of Outstanding Front Cover covers an area of 138sqkm along 64km
of the coastline between Berwick-upon-
been designated a European Marine Site
because of their outstanding marine wildlife.
Natural Beauty. This year’s front cover Tweed and the Coquet Estuary. It contains
image was taken by some of Britain’s most important historic We hope you enjoy your free copy of the
Our much loved annual Visitor Guide to local photographer and cultural sites, and some of the most Northumberland Coast AONB Visitor Guide.
the Northumberland Coast AONB is full Gavin Duthie. dramatic coastal scenery in the country. If you have any comments or suggestions,
of features and useful information to help There is solitude on even the sunniest days please contact the AONB team on
you discover this stunning landscape. Gavin has worked with us over of summer contrasting with thriving villages 01670 620306 or email
This year, we’ve included an extra the last 10 years to help us create with pubs and restaurants which serve info@northumberlandcoastaonb.gov.uk
16 page pull-out to help you get around a stock of images that we can use excellent food. Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership,
the Northumberland Coast without a in our publications and media. This County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland,
car. Why not leave the car behind for a fantastic image of Dunstanburgh Amidst this striking landscape is the NE61 2EF
few days and follow our advice for some Castle was taken during the summer evidence of an area steeped in history,
great car-free days? It can be a fun and of 2018. covering 9,000 years of human activity. It Information contained within this guide is
interesting way to explore - you can walk, is the home of Christianity in England and deemed to be correct at the time of going
cycle or take the bus. Gavin said: “To me, Northumberland the capital of Anglo-Saxon Northumbria. to print (February 2020). Every effort has
Coast AONB is such a special area The combination of fertile seas for fishing, been made to ensure that information given
We hope that this Visitor Guide will - the unspoilt and timeless qualities flat land for farming and good access for is accurate. Where appropriate, you should
show you just why we think the it gives you at any time of the year transport and trade, all combined with check the information is still valid before
Northumberland Coast is so special. You - is truly inspiring. The photo of strategic locations for attack and defence, making a specific journey or completing
can be guaranteed a warm welcome at Dunstanburgh Castle, taken on a has left a fascinating legacy of historic sites. final plans. The Northumberland Coast
the many fantastic businesses that make very hot July day in 2018 was one AONB Partnership accepts no responsibility
this such a great place to visit and stay. of two extremes that year. July had These historic sites are set within the for loss, injury or inconvenience sustained
You can help to do your bit by spending record breaking temperatures and stunning landscape of wide sandy as a result of information contained in
a little money in local shops and on local little rain, and I’d never seen such beaches backed by high sand dunes, and this guide. Inclusion in the guide is not a
produce to help ensure the future well- scorched grass on the coast. This punctuated by rocky outcrops. There are recommendation of the AONB Partnership.
being of its communities. was preceded by the so-called internationally important seabird colonies,
Beast from the East when extreme thousands of birds feeding on the rich Advertisements are included on a
winter conditions hit the east coast mudflats in winter and one of the largest commercial basis. The AONB Partnership
from Siberia. grey seal colonies in Britain. The dunes and cannot therefore hold itself responsible for
whinstone outcrops are a blaze of colour in the accuracy, quality or suitability of goods
These extremes symbolise spring, and large areas of the AONB receive or services provided.
Cllr Jeff Watson, Northumberland Coast AONB, from
Chair of the sublime beach to rugged rocky
Northumberland Coast promontory, from ancient fortified
AONB Partnership heritage to modern holiday cottage
and from splendid isolation on a
Photo Credits: Gavin Duthie, Ian Kille, beach with not a soul in sight to
Crest Photography, Iain Robson, Gary a busy bustling harbour port and
Woodburn, Coast Care.
village. The AONB has it all, and I’ll
Published by never tire of visiting at all times of
the year, when simply walking along
Offstone Publishing, Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield,
the coast offers up spectacular
Northumberland, NE43 7AL. 01661 844 115 world-class locations such as this.”
info@offstonepublishing.co.uk
©Offstone Publishing 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this We enjoy seeing photos of your visit
magazine may be reproduced without the written permission
of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is
to the Northumberland Coast AONB.
as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. If Please keep sharing them with us on
you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant
Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole
our social media pages.
or in part. Although every care is taken, Offstone Publishing is not
liable for resulting loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors
to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted
The guide is also available online at
material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the www.northumberlandcoastaonb.
copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please
contact us. Offstone Publishing does not guarantee the insertion
org/visitor-guide/
of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all.
2 3
A6105 SCOTLAND
A6105
A6105
SCOTLAND
Elizabethan
SCOTLAND
Walls
Northumberland
Lowry Trail Walls
Elizabethan
Castle Parks Elizabethan Walls
Lowry Trail Museum & Art Gallery
Berwick
Castle Parks Lowry Trail
i
B6461
1
B646 1
Castle Parks
iP
i
Kings Own
Berwick Scottish
Museum & Art Borders
Gallery Museum
Berwick Museum & Art Gallery
Kings Own Scottish Borders Museum www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
B646
PP Berwick-upon-Tweed
Kings Own Scottish Borders Museum
River T
w
P Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Ri eed PP
Coast Map
Rive
ver Twee
Spittal
r Tweed Spittal
Chain Bridge d Spittal
Chain
Honey FarmBridge
A1
Chain Bridge A1
Honey Farm
1A61A7
Honey Farm A1
A1
116176
Pot-a-Doodle-Doo
7
Pot-a-Doodle-Doo
98
Pot-a-Doodle-Doo
9898
A6
A6A6
54
Cocklawburn
5454
Scremerston Cocklawburn
B63
Scremerston Cocklawburn
B6B363
Scremerston PPP
The Northumberland
Being a good visitor
55 522
B6B66555
Scale
2
Cheswick
Cheswick Scale Scale
Cheswick
coast is a special place.
B
00 0 10
10 10
km
Ancroft
Ancroft
Goswick
Goswick
Goswick
km km
Here are some ways that
Ancroft
N
N N you can help to keep it
Beal
Beal
Beal PP
Holy
special during your visit.
tidal
tidal causeway
causeway
P Island
Holy Island
tidal causeway Holy Island
Lindisfarne Castle
Follow the Countryside Code
Bowsden Lindisfarne Castle
Bowsden Lindisfarne
Lindisfarne Lindisfarne PrioryLindisfarne Castle
& Heritage Centre
Lindisfarne Priory & Heritage Centre
Bowsden
A1A1
Lindisfarne
National
National Lindisfarne Priory & Heritage Centre
Respect other people:
A1
53 Nature
B63353 National
Nature
Lowick B6
Lowick B63
53 Reserve
Nature
Reserve
B63533
B635 Lowick Reserve • Consider the local community and other
B6353
people enjoying the outdoors
B6B5655 B6552
to
to Ford
Ford
& Etal
252
to &Ford
Etal
& Etal • Leave gates and property as you find
Farne them and follow paths unless wider access
Ross
Ross Budle Farne Islands
Islands
Budle Bay
Bay is available
Middleton Ross Grace Darling Farne Islands
Middleton Grace Budle
DarlingBay
Museum Bamburgh Castle Protect the natural environment: Lindisfarne NNR
Warren Museum
Warren Mill
Bamburgh Castle
Middleton Mill Bamburgh
Grace Darling
PP Bamburgh
Museum P Bamburgh Castle
• Leave no trace of your visit and take your
Turning the tide on beach litter
Belford Warren Mill P
Belford B1342
B1342
P
Bamburgh
St Aidans litter home
B1B1
Spindlestone PSt Aidans
3434
• Keep dogs under effective control The 2018 Great British Beach Clean results
9
B633449 Belford Spindlestone
00
B6
B1342
Key
Key
Farne Islands Boat Trips
St Aidans
Farne Islands Boat Trips
Enjoy the outdoors: from the Marine Conservation Society
B1
Spindlestone
34
9
B634
PP ii Seahouses
0
Northumberland Seahouses
Northumberland Coast
Coast AONB
1
Key AONB 34 1
B1134
B
Farne Islands Boat Trips
• Plan ahead and be prepared revealed that, in comparison to the national
(land/tidal
(land/tidal area)
area) Seahouses
Northumberland Coast AONB 34
1
P i
• Follow advice and local signs picture, the beaches of the Northumberland
B1
(land/tidal
Railway (&area)
Railway (& station)
station) Coast AONB are some of the cleanest in
Beadnell
Beadnell
Stay local, buy local the country.
A1
PP
A1
Public
Public car
P Railway
P park
(& station)
car park
ii Tourist Information Beadnell Your visit to these places can help to keep
Tourist Information Centre
Centre
A1
Tourist
P Public attraction
P them special – the money you spend buying We mustn’t think we’ve solved the problem
Touristcar park
attraction Chathill
Recommended
i Tourist beach
Information Centre
Chathill
Ellingham local products and using local services helps though and become complacent. We must
Recommended beach Ellingham PP
Northumberland
Tourist attraction Coast
Northumberland Coast Path
Path
Preston
Preston High
High Newton
Newton to sustain local communities, the communities all work together to stop litter, especially
Chathill by-the-Sea
Holy
Holy Island
Island causeway
Recommended beach floods
causeway floods
Preston
Ellingham
Preston
Tower PP
by-the-Sea
that help to give the countryside its local plastics, from getting into the sea and onto
P
character. Also, more often than not, you our beaches in the first place.
Tower Low
at
at high
high tide
tide –– check for
for safe Low Newton
4040
check safe Newton
Northumberland Coast Path Preston High Newton
B1B313
by-the-Sea
by-the-Sea
crossing
crossing information by-the-Sea
information
Holy Island causeway floods
North
North
Charlton Preston Embleton P
can enjoy these stunning landscapes and
What can you do?
Charlton Embleton
77
Tower
3434
at highCounty
tideCouncil
– check for safe Low Newton all they have to offer without having to take
B6B6
©Northumberland
40
©Northumberland County Council
B13
OS Licence No. 100049048 (2014) by-the-Sea
Dunstanburgh Castle
your car and by supporting local public • Reduce your use of single-use plastics
OS Licence No. 100049048 (2014)
crossing information North
Dunstanburgh Castle
Charlton
South Embleton
Dunstan
transport instead – you’ll do yourself and the and packaging. Take reusable cups and
7
South Dunstan
34
Charlton
B6
©Northumberland County Council Charlton Rock Craster
countryside a power of good. water bottles with you. Put your picnic in
St Rock
St Abbs Craster
B1339
OS Licence No. 100049048 (2014) Abbs Dunstanburgh Castle
Grantshouse
B1339
Grantshouse Eyemouth PP ii
77
Eyemouth
3434
reusable containers.
B6B6
AA1 South
1 Dunstan
Jump on the bus
Charlton Rennington
• Most of the businesses on the coast will
Rennington Howick
Rock Howick
Duns St AbbsBerwick-upon-Tweed Hall &
Hall & Craster
B1339
Duns
Grantshouse Berwick-upon-Tweed Gardens Howick
We’ve included an extra 16 pages in this refill your water bottle for you but to be sure,
Gardens Howick
Eyemouth P i
7
A1A1
34
DD
B6
A1
B63
guide to help you travel more sustainably download the REFILL app that shows which
B63
NN
4141
Northumberland
Northumberland Rennington Howick
AA
Coldstream
Coldstream around the AONB. Taking the bus is an businesses are happy to give you a refill.
B6B
Duns Coast
Coast AONB
Hall &
LL
4040
AONB
36434
Berwick-upon-Tweed Howick
B1B313
Ri Gardens
66
TT
Rive
excellent way of enjoying the views without • Always take your litter home or put it in a bin.
ver Longhoughton
OO
A1
r Al Longhoughton
Aln Alnwick
D
CC
B6341
n Alnwick
Kelso Seahouses
having to worry about keeping your eyes on • Join in with a Coast Care beach clean or if
Kelso Castle
Seahouses
N
SS
Bailiffgate Castle
Alnwick Denwick
Northumberland Bailiffgate
Museum Alnwick Denwick Boulmer
Boulmer
A
Wooler Gardens
Coldstream Museum
the road. It also helps reduce congestion and there isn’t one near you, pick up some litter
Wooler Gardens
B6
Coast AONB
L
40
Alnwick Ri ii
34
99
3333
B13
Alnwick
6
T
B1B1
ve
parking problems and opens up the possibility from the beach when you visit.
AA11
r Longhoughton
O
Al
n
Alnwick
C
Kelso 41 Barter Books Lesbury
Seahouses B63341 Barter Books Castle Lesbury
of some fantastic linear walks. Turn to page 25 coast-care.co.uk
S
B6 Bailiffgate Rive
River Alnn Denwick
Alnwick Boulmer
Museum r Al
Wooler Alnwick Gardens
Northumberland
Northumberland
Alnwick Alnmouth Alnmouth PP for more information. • Take a reusable bag with you to the shops.
Alnwick i
9
33
Alnmouth
• Reuse - can other people make use of the
B1
National Alnmouth
A1
National Alnmouth
Rothbury
A1A1
Alnmouth
Park
Park
Rothbury
B 634
1 Barter Books
Shilbottle Rive
Lesbury Working with Arriva North East, we created a things you’ve bought for your holiday, like a
r Aln
A1A01
Shilbottle
Alnwick sightseeing tour on the Coast and Castles X18 leaflet or a site guide for instance… even this
60868
Alnmouth P
Northumberland
Alnmouth bus, which provides a guided commentary to visitor guide?
National
Rothbury Morpeth
Ashington
Ashington
Alnmouth help people learn more about the heritage • Recycle - for more information on
A1
Park Morpeth Hermitage
Hermitage PP
Blyth
Blyth
Newton
Newton on
on Shilbottle Warkworth of the beautiful landscape through which recycling in Northumberland, visit
A10
the Warkworth Warkworth Coquet
the Moor Coquet
A1A1
Warkworth
they are passing. There is also a collection of www.northumberland.gov.uk/waste
Moor
68
Castle Boat trips Island
Castle Boat trips Island
ii
journey planners available to give visitors all • Refuse plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery,
etet
Amble
ququ
Ponteland PP
Ponteland Ashington Amble
CoCo
Swarland
the information they need to easily explore and encourage your accommodation
r
Morpeth Newcastle-
Swarland ve
Riiver
A1A1
5
Newcastle- R Hermitage
34 5
0606
B6 4
3 P
B6
88
Hexham
Hexham
upon-Tyne
upon-Tyne Blyth Newton on
the Moor Warkworth Warkworth Coquet the area by bus. provider to cut out single-use plastics.
A1
Castle Boat trips Island
i
5
et
4 Amble
qu
Ponteland P
Co
Swarland r
ive
Newcastle-
A1
R 5
34
06
B6
8
upon-Tyne
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Heritage Open Days
Events
There’s always lots to do in and Praise’ and much more. Organised
around the AONB. We can’t by Berwick Rotary Club, all Every September some 46,000
mention everything, but we’ve tried proceeds to charity. volunteers across England
About Northumberland Coast AONB
to give you an idea of some of the organise 5,500 events to
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is cut off from
exciting events happening in 2020. 29 May - Nature walk 1pm – celebrate our fantastic history
Many of the events are scheduled 3pm. A walk around the nature and culture. It’s your chance to
the mainland twice a day during high tide
more than once, so make sure you trail on Holy Island spotting birds, see hidden places and try out
The Northumberland check the websites listed here or botany and pollinators. The new experiences – all of which
Coast Path contact the attraction so that you meeting point is the Window on are FREE to explore. This year
is 100km long don’t miss anything. Wild Lindisfarne building (on the the focus is on the natural world.
and was launched Northumberland has the highest left of the road down to the castle) www.heritageopendays.org.uk
in 2006 proportion of pristine dark skies of Howick Hall 15 minutes before the walk is due
any county in England at 72% As the garden awakens from to start. The walk is approx. 5km 15-18 October - Berwick
winter, wander through huge (3 miles) and across some rough Literary Festival. Drama, poetry,
drifts of snowdrops. From late terrain (not suitable for wheelchairs well-known authors and talks, and
April, colourful tulips, planted or people with mobility issues). exhibitions. See
randomly throughout the Sturdy comfortable walking boots www.berwickliteraryfestival.com
An AONB-wide survey of beach litter in 2018 concluded that the or wellies recommended. To book
wild flower meadows, make for full programme.
beaches here are some of the cleanest in the UK a lovely display. Magnolias, call the Reserve Office on
rhododendrons and azaleas also 01289 381 470 or email 23rd October - Dawn chorus at
provide a riot of spring beauty in andy.denton@naturalengland. Budle Bay 7:30am-9:30am. You may
the Woodland Garden. From late org.uk have heard a dawn chorus while
September to early November, walking through a woodland but,
The AONB
enjoy the beauty of woodland Summer Concerts have you ever experienced a dawn
walks in glorious autumn colours. June - September. Andrew chorus on an intertidal mudflat? Join
staff provide
01665 577 285 and Margaret Watchorn have us early doors at Budle Bay viewing
advice on over www.howickhallgardens.com over 30 years experience of platform and stand back in awe.
175 planning Volunteers have performing together. Their popular Get some helpful Bird ID tips and
Within the AONB, 5371ha
applications worked over 20,000 6-13 April - Easter Treasure summer concerts are back find out why Lindisfarne National
per year hours in the last two Hunt. Hauxley Wildlife Discovery for another year at venues up Nature Reserve is so important to
of land is designated as
years doing practical Centre - www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on and down the Northumberland these wintering birds. Sit back and
Sites of Special Scientific Coast: Holy Island, Bamburgh, enjoy the spectacle! For further
conservation work
Interest (SSSI) 11 April - Celebration of Nature Embleton, Low Newton and information call the Reserve Office
festival 11am-3pm. Lindisfarne Craster. Their repertoire is on 01289381470 or email andy.
National Nature Reserve will be extensive and includes tunes from denton@naturalengland.org.uk - All
hosting multiple family fun and Northumberland, Scotland, Ireland, events are free but donations are
informative activities on Holy Scandinavia and North America. welcome!
The AONB is only 2.5km Island throughout the day to www.pipesandfiddle.co.uk/diary
Second-homes wide at its widest point showcase the range of biodiversity 24-31 October - A ‘Wild’
and holiday lets Designated in 1958, that the Reserve supports, and July and August - Go Wild Halloween - Hauxley Wildlife
the Northumberland the breadth of work they do to in the Holidays - Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre. A variety of
now account for
Coast AONB conserve this special place. For Discovery Centre. spooky trails, autumn activities
close to half of the
covers an area of further information call the Reserve Wildlife-watching, trails and and batty events.
housing stock in
138sqkm along Office on 01289 381 470 or email nature-inspired activities. www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on
the AONB Farming is the dominant andy.denton@naturalengland. www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on
land use in the AONB
64km of the coast
org.uk - All events are free, but 14-15 November - Border
donations are welcome! 10-13 September - The 16th Textile Group 2020 Exhibition,
Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. 10am-4pm. Fenham Farm, Beal,
2 May - Northumberland Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival Berwick upon Tweed, TD15
Coast Challenge Walk. Meeting (BFMAF) is one of the UK’s leading 2PL. For further details please
The Farne Islands point – Alnmouth. festivals for new cinema and visit www.bordertextilegroup.
National Nature Reserve www.shepherdswalks.co.uk artists’ moving image. Taking place wordpress.com
is considered one of the best in historic venues across England’s
wildlife-watching experiences 23-24 May - Party on most northerly town, BFMAF Year round - Nature
the Parade, Berwick-upon- 2020 will include exhibitions, film Workshops for Adults - Hauxley
in the UK
The first recorded Viking Tweed - Craft fair, live music screenings and live events, as Wildlife Discovery Centre. Various:
raid in Britain was on and entertainment, talent show, well as school screenings and ID, intro to plants, animals,
Lindisfarne in 793AD children’s activities, café and beer family activities. photography, arts, crafts.
tent, Churches Together ‘Songs of www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on
6 7
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
We want the Northumberland Coast to be a place
Visitor Information Centres
Accessibility
where everyone can choose to go, and where it’s easy
and enjoyable to do so.
We hope this page will provide you with a However, Bamburgh Castle offers a virtual
range of information that will help you plan tour for those that cannot access all areas.
your visit. If you require assistance with There are also a limited number of parking
any accessibility issue, one of our Tourist spaces available within the castle grounds for
Information Centres will be able to help you. any visitor who would not be able to walk up
the hill to the castle from the main car park.
Every accommodation and attraction that A full access statement is available on the
has been assessed by VisitEngland has an website: www.bamburghcastle.com/visit-us
Access Statement, designed to give disabled The Visitor Information
travellers thorough information on where If you would like to see wildlife along the Centres along the
they are planning to visit. So if you want to coast, then head to Embleton and Newton
know anything, from how many steps lead Links. A wide gravel path suitable for Northumberland Coast
up to the hotel’s front door to the frequency pushchairs and wheelchairs leads from are an essential first port
of the local bus service, ask to see the behind Low Newton Square to the hide at Seahouses Visitor Information Centre
access statement before you travel. www. Newton Pool. Hides at Lindisfarne Nature of call for getting the most
visitengland.com/plan-your-visit/access-all Reserve also provide visitors with large print from your visit. Craster
information, seats and disabled parking. Open 7 days (April-Oct)
Things to do www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ The welcoming staff will be happy to Weekends (Nov-Mar)
There are many accessible walks around embleton-and-newton-links provide you with the benefit of their local Tel: 01665 576 007
Berwick upon Tweed, from Spittal www.lindisfarnennr.blogspot.co.uk knowledge, help, advice, free literature, Email: craster.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Promenade to the Elizabethan Walls, that maps and guides to make your visit
encircle the town. Good surfaces ensure Coquet Shorebase Trust in Amble, just to our spectacular coast memorable Seahouses
they are accessible by wheelchair, buggy or outside of the AONB, has two sites from and enjoyable. Open 7 days (April-Oct)
mobility scooter. which you can experience water-based Weekends (Nov-Mar)
activities. Both sites have excellent In Seahouses we can give you an insight to Tel: 01670 625 593
As you would expect with some historic accessible and disabled changing, and the Farne Islands and provide information Email: seahouses.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
buildings, mobility issues can be a problem toilet facilities. Find more information at on boat trips and excursions. At Craster,
and there will be areas that are inaccessible. www.coquetshorebase.org.uk we can give advice on a range of scenic Alnwick
circular walks. All of our information centres Open 7 days
Accessible Toilets can provide suggested itineraries for days Tel: 01670 622 152
Location Opening Dates Opening Times Disabled Radar Charges Facilities out, public transport details, point you in Email: alnwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
Facilities Key
Facilities
the direction of great eating and drinking
6.30am - 6.30pm Yes Yes Baby change
experiences, tell you about a superb range Berwick
ALNWICK Shambles
of places to stay, and assist in planning your Open Monday to Saturday
AMBLE TIC 6am - 6.30pm Yes Yes Baby change onward exploration of Northumberland and Tel: 01670 622 155
Broomhill Sheet Closed Nov-Mar Yes No
beyond. You can also buy tickets, some at Email: berwick.tic@northumberland.gov.uk
BAMBURGH Church Street 24hr Yes Yes
discounted rates, for a range of attractions
Links Car Park Good Friday to end of Sept 24hr Yes No
including Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle Website: www.visitnorthumberland.com/
BEADNELL Car Park Good Friday to end of Sept 24hr Yes Yes
and the Alnwick Garden. tourist-information-centres
BERWICK Eastern Lane 24hr Yes Yes 20p
Woolmarket 24hr Yes Yes 20p
Castlegate Car Park Yes Yes 20p
East Ord Picnic Area Closed Nov-Mar 24hr Lovely holiday properties sleeping 2-6 between
Magdalene Fields
The Promenade 24hr
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes Bamburgh and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne Woodhead Holiday Cottages
BOULMER Coastguard Cottage 24hr Yes Yes
CRASTER Tourist Information Centre 24hr Yes Yes Baby change
HAGGERSTON Caravan Park layby on A1 24hr
HOLY ISLAND Green Lane Car Park 24hr Yes Yes
Crossgates Closed Nov-Mar Enjoy a peaceful break in our spacious, warm, Merry View and Tawny Nook set in the Coquet valley.
4 and 5 star holiday cottages on the Northumberland coast. Quality in Tourism 5* Gold Award.
NEWTON BY THE SEA Rear of Ship Inn 24hr Yes No Traditional 17th century stone cottages with boutique interiors, en-suite bedrooms,
Or stay in our magical, award-winning 5 star Ducket, cosy log fires, views over rolling countryside to the sea and breakfast basket
SEAHOUSES Main Car Park 24hr Yes Yes Baby change - Reduced a beautifully restored 18th century dovecote. including free range eggs, plus lots more. The perfect place to explore, relax and
facilities Oct-Apr Children’s play areas, stargazing observatory, family canoe and unwind close to country pub & National Trust Cragside House Rothbury.
WARKWORTH New Town Car Park Closed Nov-Mar 8am - 5pm Yes No bird hide, all complimentary for guests Woodhead Farmhouse I Longframlington I Northumberland I NE65 7XS
T: 01665 570 734 M: 07753 370 529 E: patricia@woodheadholidaycottages.co.uk
Brewery Lane Closed Nov-Mar 24hr Yes No
Tel: 01668 213 336 | www.rosscottages.co.uk @welshpatricia
Book Online at
www.woodheadholidaycottages.co.uk
Woodhead
Holiday Cottages
8 9
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
The rich heritage of
History
Northumbria’s first
Christians has been
brought to life with cutting-
edge interpretation.
Previously hidden secrets and insights
into the lives of Bamburgh’s Anglo Saxon
past have been unveiled through new
cutting-edge interpretation recreating
Northumbria’s Golden Age.
The interpretive display and unique
interactive digital ossuary at St Aidan’s
Church and Crypt in Bamburgh tells the
story of 110 skeletons dating back to the
7th and 8th centuries, unearthed from what
is believed to be the burial ground for the
royal court of Northumbria.
The medieval cemetery, known as the
Bowl Hole, was discovered beneath sand It is proof, says the vicar of St Aidan’s, The skeletons excavated, analysed and is now referred to as the Golden Age of
dunes just to the south of Bamburgh Castle the Revd Louise Taylor-Kenyon, that researched over a 20 year period were Northumbria.
– once the capital for the powerful kings people have always travelled, and that again laid to rest in 2016 in individual
of Northumbria. even in the 7th Century “the idea of ossuary boxes in a smaller second crypt “It really was a bright and shining age with
country boundaries was fragile. It is a within the main one at St Aidan’s. the melting pot of cultures represented
Now, with the help of advanced reminder that this nation’s history has reflected in the likes of the Lindisfarne
technology, the secrets these ancients continually been one of people visiting, Access issues had meant that the crypt Gospels with its stunning mix of Celtic,
took to their graves 1,400 years ago settling, intermingling and creating was only open to the public by special Anglo Saxon, Mediterranean and Arabic
have been unlocked and brought to life relationships and a more diverse society as arrangement. However, new stairs have imagery and calligraphy.
for a 21st Century audience thanks to a a consequence.” been built to enable access to the main
£355,600 grant from the National Lottery crypt, from where the second one with its “The 7th and 8th centuries are
Heritage Fund, which has also seen the The interpretive display and digital neatly stacked ossuary boxes containing often referred to as the Dark Ages,
reopening of St Aidan’s beautiful 12th ossuary allowing the public to probe the bones, can be viewed. but in Northumbria it was an age of
Century crypt to the public once again. the wealth of osteological data from enlightenment. We need to remember
the Bowl Hole excavations is managed On entering the crypt, visitors are met with that if St Aidan hadn’t come to Bamburgh
Among the startling revelations is that far by Bamburgh Bones, a collaboration a short linocut animation film which tells then we wouldn’t have had the Lindisfarne
from being a quiet, rural village, Bamburgh between the Northumberland Coast AONB the story of the Bowl Hole people, with Gospels and many of the things we now
was a thriving and cosmopolitan hub Partnership, St Aidan’s Parochial Church further information panels and the digital take for granted like Durham Cathedral
drawing people from across Europe to Council, Durham University and Bamburgh ossuary available in the church. and the wider North East’s Christian and
live and work – including St Aidan, who Heritage Trust. It unites, in a user-friendly cultural heritage.
travelled from Iona at the invitation of King way, the many unique stories of these It is hoped the Bamburgh Ossuary will
Oswald to establish Christianity in the area early residents. help spread the word about an under- “It’s a story that is long overdue in being
and founded a place of worship in 635AD represented period of the area’s history told, but the new Bamburgh Bones
on the site of the present church that bears They include a man aged between 17-20 – namely the regional, national and even interpretation and digital ossuary goes a
his name. who died after a sword blow cut through global role it played in the spread of long way to rectifying that.”
his left side from his collarbone to his Christianity and Anglo Saxon culture.
Isotope analysis has revealed that less knee; an Irish woman of around 25 whose The digital ossuary can be accessed for
than 10% of the 110 skeletons came skeletal remains show she was almost Jessica Turner, the Project Officer, says: free online at www.bamburghbones.org,
from the immediate Bamburgh area, certainly a weaver or needle worker; and “So far, little has been made of this period where you can also find out more
with most originating in the wider British a nine-year-old, whose teeth reveal they in Bamburgh’s history, when people information about the Bamburgh Bones
Isles, particularly Western Scotland, and were possibly born as far away as North travelled from far and wide to enjoy its project, and visiting St Aidan’s Church and
even as far away as Scandinavia and Africa and spent their early childhood in rich cultural and religious heritage, and Crypt. Admission to St Aidan’s Church and
the Mediterranean. France. marvel at its beauty and treasures in what Crypt is free. Opening hours 9am-dusk.
10 11
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Melting sea ice, wildfires and an - which have not been able to tolerate the as soil carbon. The AONB Partnership has accommodated around other land uses, and
Nature extraordinarily eloquent Swedish teenager relatively low temperatures in our region - a long track record of working with farmers are fantastic for supporting a wide range
have been very much in the news over the will become established as temperatures to secure environmental benefits through of wildlife.
past year, as the realities of climate change rise, causing potentially profound and existing environmental funding, and we will
and its many consequences have become destabilising effects on species and be increasing work in this area as the new Vehicles are a significant source of
increasingly apparent and the debate about communities that are currently an important environmental schemes are introduced. greenhouse gases within the AONB as
how to tackle it has intensified. part of our coast. elsewhere, and the AONB Partnership
The need to increase woodland cover is continues to work with bus companies
How will this change the Northumberland In summer 2019 all AONB Partnerships rightly receiving a lot of publicity at present, and Northumberland County Council
Coast, and what can we do about it? Some became signatories to the Colchester but a range of other habitats have an to improve public transport within the
of the clearest and potentially most dramatic Declaration, acknowledging that we important role to play in removing CO2 AONB to reduce peoples’ dependence on
impacts will arise from the rise in sea levels are entering into a climate change and from the atmosphere and retaining it in private cars.
caused by melting sea ice. These will initially biodiversity emergency, and pledging to plant material or in the soil, one of which is
increase the risk of flooding during specific do much more to tackle these problems. saltmarsh. The AONB Partnership has been The generation of electricity through
events such as storm surges, but will lead The question of what we can do to tackle involved in projects in the past to restore renewable technologies such as wind
in due course to permanent changes in the climate change within the AONB needs to areas of saltmarsh in the Aln and Coquet turbines and solar panels is an increasingly
position of the coastline, especially around be considered in two ways; what we can do estuaries, and we know of other sites where important part of the UK energy mix and
Lindisfarne, low-lying land north and south to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases saltmarsh restoration would be feasible. is enabling rapid reductions in the burning
of Beadnell, and around the Aln and Coquet in the area, and what we can do to remove We will keep exploring opportunities to of coal. However, these technologies
estuaries. Where hard defences are used to these gases from the atmosphere. undertake further work of this nature. have a significant landscape impact and
protect towns and villages, intertidal habitats are strongly resisted within and around
will be lost, squeezed between the rising Agriculture is by far the largest land use Freshwater wetlands are also very good treasured landscapes such as AONBs.
seas and the fixed sea defences. within the AONB, and the way farmers at accumulating and storing carbon, and Should this change as the scale and urgency
receive financial support is going to change work undertaken by Dr Mike Jeffries and of the climate emergency becomes more
However, climate change will bring many significantly over the next few years following colleagues at Northumbria University has apparent, or is the importance of these
other changes to the coast, as both physical our departure from the Common Agricultural highlighted the role that even small ponds special landscapes sufficient that they
features, and plant and animal communities Policy. The Government is promising to can play in this. They found that small ponds should continue to be protected from such
respond to rising temperatures and provide far more support for farmers for had organic carbon burial rates that were developments, whatever their benefits in
changing rainfall patterns. The loss of cold producing ‘public goods’ such as clean air much higher than those in other wetland reducing our dependence on fossil fuels?
water dependent species, such as sand eels, and water, and healthy wildlife populations. types, grasslands or even woodlands, There will be many such challenges ahead
could have profound effects on much-loved Central to this will be measures to improve making pond creation potentially very as we determine the most effective ways to
species such as puffins and terns, as they the health of soils, and this offers great valuable in increasing the amount of carbon use our land and landscapes to respond to
are heavily dependent on sand eel as a opportunities to manage those soils in ways captured through land use change. This is the climate threats that we face, while still
source of food. Some pests and diseases that greatly increase the amount of CO2 they a particularly welcome discovery because meeting the many other needs we have, and
carried by human activities such as trade can remove from the atmosphere and store ponds are simple to create, can easily be protecting the places we treasure.
Alnmouth
12 13
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Limestone grooves
Each and every rock that can be found on
Geology
the Northumberland Coast has a secret
to tell. The hard-grey igneous rock of the
Whin Sill contains microscopic crystalline Northumbrian Earth – Reading
magnets which aligned to the direction Northumberland’s Rocks
of magnetic north when they cooled. The Northumbrian Earth will be running a
thin bands of coal tell of a time when giant series of geo-walks led by geologist Dr
club mosses filled huge deltaic swamps. Ian Kille on behalf of the AONB to explore
Lindisfarne limestone
Then there are the limestones, lots of the geo-diversity of the Northumberland
them, all slightly different with different Coast. The walks will not only explore
fossils, colours and thicknesses. However, the way the rocks and landscape of the
all these limestones have a message, a coast have formed, but also the way that
message telling us what the climate was geology connects to archaeology, the built
like when they were being laid down. environment, the community and the area’s
biodiversity. The walks generally last for
Decoding the rocks is fun and fascinating. a few hours, taking you to the rock face
It also gives a great excuse for getting on the beach and cliffs which will involve
out onto the stunning beaches along scrambling across rock shelves in some
Solitary coral
the Northumberland Coast. Here the cases. Northumbrian Earth also runs many
rocks that lie beneath Northumberland’s other events which, along with details of
rich landscape are easiest to see. The the AONB walks, can be found online at
waves have carved away their cover www.northumbrianearth.co.uk where you
and scattered their eroded fragments can also sign up for a newsletter. You can
onto the foreshore. Time spent nosing also contact Dr Ian Kille on 07713 893 845
around the rocky skerrs, and in amongst or by email ian@northumberianearth.co.uk
the banks of shingle, reveal all sorts of
treasure, including the clues to reading the APRIL: Wednesday 15 April, 2pm-5pm
rock’s messages. Bamburgh: Farenheight 2020, meet by war
memorial under the castle.
The limestones from the early part of Grid reference NU182350
the Carboniferous Period (about 240 Crinoids in the
Acre Limestone Coral
million years ago) are particularly rich in MAY: Thursday 14 May, 2pm-5pm
fossils. The list of ancient creatures is Lindisfarne: Ley of a Liminal Landscape,
long and includes the remains of crinoids, Limestone and light meet at the Window on Wild Lindisfarne.
corals, many varieties of shells (including Carboniferous ice caps melted, which Grid Reference NU129419
brachiopods, bivalves and molluscs), and led to a rise in sea-level. The low-lying
more rarely trilobites and nautiloids. These delta plain was overwhelmed by the sea, Nautilus JUNE: Monday 8 June, 10am-1pm
are all sea creatures and confirm that the creating limestone. Hundreds of thousands Cocklawburn Beadnell: Life’s a Beach, meet at beach exit
limestones were laid down in a shallow, of years later, as the ice caps expanded from main car park.
clear, tropical sea. This contrasts with the once more and locked in sea water, the Grid Reference NU234287
other rock layers found along the coast sea level dropped and the delta was able
- the sandstones, shales, siltstones and to re-establish itself. We know from the JULY: Thursday 23 July, 10am-1pm
coals. These rocks have few fossils in them most recent ice-ages that this pattern of Cocklawburn Beach, a few miles south of
and when they do, they are the remains warming and cooling is repeated in cycles. Berwick: Fossil Hunt, meet in the car park,
of creatures and plants which would have south end of the beach.
lived in swamps or in freshwater lakes There is much more to this story and Grid Reference NU027485
and rivers. This cycle of rocks from an many other stories to explore which open
ancient delta (sandstone, shales coals etc), a window into our ancient past, and tell AUGUST: Wednesday 26 August, 2pm-5pm
followed by sea (limestones) is repeated us about how our one and only planet Spittal: Corals and Coals, meet at the south
many times during the tens of millions works. Our limestones help give crucial end of the promenade.
of years in which these rock layers were information about historic, natural climate Grid Reference NU010509
laid down. change which we can use to understand
the nature and impact of manmade climate SEPTEMBER: Thursday 10 September,
Why did this repeated flooding happen? change. Exploring Northumberland’s 2pm-5pm Howick: Storm and Stress, meet at
The answer lies in global climate change beautiful coast provides food for the soul, parking area by Seahouses Farm.
- as the global climate warmed, the and the mind! Grid Reference NU258173
14 15
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Beadnell
Spur to / from Alnmouth
With miles of quiet
Cycling
TAKE EXTRA CARE crossing A1068 1
country lanes, traffic-
The Northumberland Coast AONB provides a venue
Watersports
free cycle routes and
for all sorts of water-based recreation. bridleways, two wheels
Easy to miss
Kite sport Diving are better than four.
The most popular beaches for beach-based The area around the Farne Islands has been START/END
kite activity are: Budle Bay (May to September recognised as one of the best dive sites in the Long-distance routes Turn right
only) Bamburgh, Beadnell, Embleton and UK. There are a number of dive centres and The principle long-distance cycling at telegraph
pole
outside the AONB at Druridge Bay. boat charters operating out of Seahouses. route through the AONB is the Coast
and Castles Route, which is part
Surfing Powered craft of National Cycle Network Route Turn right into
These beaches are worthy of a mention: There is only one public launching point 1. The Sandstone Way, a multi-day Watershaugh Road
Spittal, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Embleton Bay within the AONB for small powered leisure mountain bike route, starts in Berwick
and Warkworth. craft, which is at Beadnell. Larger craft can and passes through the north of
At ford (just over 1 mile west of Warkworth)
be launched from Berwick upon Tweed, the AONB before heading south cross the River Coquet using the footbridge.
Windsurfing Seahouses and Amble harbours. Beadnell to Northumberland National Park
DO NOT CYCLE ACROSS THE RIVER.
Push your bike along a short section of
footpath to rejoin the road
The following beaches are recommended: Bay is the only area in the AONB suitable for and Hexham. © Crown copyright 2016 OS Licence 100056069
Bamburgh, Beadnell, Low Newton by the activities such as water and jet skiing. -1 0 1 2
Sea, Boulmer and Seaton Point. Short/circular trails STATUTE MILES
Kayaking
KILOMETRES
With miles of quiet lanes, bridleways -1 0 1 2 3
Warkworth
Participants are encouraged to follow the Sea-kayaking is very popular on the and traffic-free cycle routes, grab an
Warkworth
(Car Park) Hart Law (Car Park)
Old Barns Sturton Grange Dunes
British Kitesport code of practice to ensure Northumberland Coast during the summer Ordnance Survey map and it is easy to Total distance 17 km Height (m) R Coquet (Ford) Low Buston A1068 Birling Carrs
their own and other beach users’ safety. months. Sheltered bays are ideal for plan your own route.
100 m
Total ascent / descent 180.7 metres
0m
beginners and families to practice their skills. 0 5.00 10.00 15.00 17.00
Distance (km)
The more experienced paddlers might try a Cycle shops and hire Cycle hire
trip out to the Farne Islands or Coquet Island. Whether you want to hire a bike when you Alnwick - The Bike Shop Alnwick
Courses are available. get here or get your own bike fixed, there lightweight kids bikes, hybrid and e-bikes
are a number of bike hire and repair centres. available 07599 350000
Coasteering Amble - Pedal Power (delivery and
Coasteering is a relatively new activity on Mobile Breakdown and Cycle Repair collection can be arranged)
the Northumberland Coast. Coasteering Alnwick - Coquet Cycles Beadnell - Boards and Bikes deliver
usually involves a mixture of rock climbing, 07599 350000 (call out charges apply) to your home or accommodation
SPECIALISTS IN SURF/ swimming, scrambling and jumping, all
Arriving by train into Alnmouth?
STANDUP PADDLE taking place a few metres above or below
sea level.
Cycle Shops
The Bike Shop Alnwick - for servicing, Why not contact one of the local cycle companies
• Group sessions and One to ones improver lessons available repairs, bike sales including e-bikes, and arrange for them to meet you at the station
• Beaches we work on are Bamburgh, Seahouses, Embleton, Warkworth,
Druridge & Cresswell (dependant on conditions).
Stand-up paddle boarding accessories and bike hire (including e-bikes) with a bike that you can hire? There is a newly-
New booking / hire office on Coble Quay Amble Stand-up paddle boarding or SUP can Tel 07599 350000 / 01665 602765 opened cycle path that links Alnmouth to Alnwick.
• We cater for all ages and abilities be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s fun in
• Corporate days welcome both flat water and in surf. Stand up paddle
• Kids & Adults Parties boarding can be booked through Northside
Surf School, 01665 713 146 or 07944 398 115
www.northside-surf-school.co.uk
Watersports Code of Conduct
We have developed a code of
conduct for divers, powered craft and CYCLE SALES • SERVICE & REPAIRS
coasteering, which can be found at: www. BIKE HIRE • ELECTRIC BIKES
northumberlandcoastaonb.org/water-sports/
The original Surf School in Northumberland
01665 602 765 / 07599 350 000
If you are undertaking any water sports
T: 01665 713146 | M: 0794398115 | E: jon@northside-surf-school.co.uk
remember that in an emergency you should www.thebikeshopalnwick.co.uk
Northside Surf northsidesurf
dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Unit 4, Willowburn Industrial Estate, NE66 2PF
16 17
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Your food guide to the
Eating
Northumberland Coast.
Local produce links people and places.
By choosing locally produced food and
drink you will be enjoying the distinctive The Treehouse The Treehouse Restaurant, Alnwick
Restaurant, Alnwick - Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock.com Credit: Andreea Dragomir / Shutterstock.com
tastes of Northumberland as well as
making a positive contribution to the local
economy. Enjoying locally produced food Spurreli, Amble David Barella The Bamburgh Castle Inn
also links you to the traditions and current Craster Kippers - L. Robson & Sons Ltd
farming and fishing practices that shape
the landscape. Seafood
Along our coast, you will find some of the
Knowing where your food comes from finest seafood produce the country has to
and how it’s produced makes your meals offer. With 80 miles of stunning coastline,
more personal. The challenge of using sandy beaches, craggy castles and historic
seasonal fruit and veg in your recipes also little harbours, Northumberland is an idyllic
leads to more interesting mealtimes, and location to enjoy the bounty of the sea at
buying locally keeps money spent local its best. Whether it is a crab sandwich in a
– supporting restaurants that use local cosy bistro or fish wrapped in paper with
produce, farmers markets and cooperatives a portion of chips, sitting overlooking the
by ensuring profits benefit producers rather sea, there is something for everyone.
than the big business supermarkets.
Vegetarian options
When you are staying in self-catering There are plenty of options for vegetarians
accommodation and are planning your on the Northumberland Coast. Even if
breakfasts, picnic lunches and suppers, you’re a fan of meat and fish, it can be wise
remember that buying direct from the to have a meat-free day or two each week
producers or local retailers, and enjoying for health reasons. Even if you’re not a
meals together, can be a big part of the full vegetarian, you might find somewhere
pleasure. It’s easy to cook a delicious meal The Jolly on the coast to help you try something
Fisherman,
when your ingredients are locally grown, in new. TripAdvisor has a comprehensive
Craster
season and not travelled many miles. The list of the best restaurants and cafés for a
taste is so good there is no need for fancy vegetarian option.
sauces or recipes.
Dog friendly
After a bracing walk along the beach with
your dog, it’s great to find somewhere
for you all to go for a bite to eat. Many
restaurants, cafés and tearooms are
dog friendly so you can enjoy a day out
together. Those that do accept our four-
legged friends want to create a warm
welcoming atmosphere for their two-
legged customers too, some of whom
may have a fear or allergy of dogs, so be
mindful of others so everyone can relax
and feel comfortable.
Discounts and offers
www.northumberlandeats.co.uk/meal-offers
These pages keep you updated about
special menus, steak and burger nights,
afternoon teas and any offers and
The Lindisfarne Inn
discounts that are currently available.
18 19www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
The Northumberland Coast AONB offers
Dark skies
fabulous stargazing opportunities. With
the sea stretching along the whole of the
east side of the AONB, it means that even
in towns and settlements it is possible to
Volunteer with Coast Care
appreciate the darkness of the skies here.
This area is also one of the best locations in
England to try and see the fabulous Aurora
Borealis or Northern Lights.
Coast Care is dedicated to helping protect
our coastline by offering volunteering It is a wonderful experience to sit back on
opportunities for residents and visitors. It’s a sand dune, listening to the waves lapping
a great opportunity to give back to such a the shore and watch the wonders of the
special landscape. night sky just with the naked eye. While the
telescope is definitely the preferred option
Coast Care is supported by money raised for astronomers, a pair of binoculars works
from National Lottery players through a equally well to start unravelling the wonders
grant of £522,600 from the National Lottery of the night sky.
Heritage Fund.
The best places to stargaze in the AONB
Give a day of your time to help protect are definitely away from any light pollution.
the Northumberland coastline Fortunately street lighting is limited in the
We’ve already made a huge difference. AONB so it is easy to find beautifully dark
From late 2017 to the end of 2019, 1,450 spots along the coast such as the small
volunteers have given over 25,500 hours to pull-in car parks like at Boulmer, the stretch
help protect our spectacular coastline. between Seahouses and Bamburgh or at
Goswick. The causeway to Holy Island is a
What might you be spending magical place and popular with stargazers,
Lilburn Tower, Dunstanburgh Castle
your time doing? though you have to be careful of the tides.
Coast Care is a very varied project, with all
sorts of things going on. At Bamburgh alone
our volunteers have got involved with beach
cleans and vegetation clearance to maintain
the dunes. They have cleared ivy from
the ramparts of Bamburgh Castle, giving
native Whin Sill plant species the chance to
recolonise. They’ve also been involved in the
new Bamburgh Bones project, which invites
visitors into St Aidan’s Crypt and provides a
fascinating insight into the history of the area.
Choose from a whole range of activities:
· Maintaining habitats for wildlife
· Removing invasive plants
· Beach cleans
· Surveying birds, mammals, plants, bees,
butterflies and more
Find out more at www.coast-care-co.uk
or email info@coast-care.co.uk
www.coastalretreats.co.uk
20 21www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
Family Fun U N P I D U N L I N R O N S GREBE
DUNLIN
E G U E I L U V S E I R I G GODWIT
GREY PLOVER The AONB Partnership has produced •E
xploring the Plantlife of the
Publications
G T U E E E O R H R B G E U SHORT EARED OWL
FULMAR
several guide books aimed at helping
visitors and local people appreciate,
Northumberland Coast Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty: This
BRENT GEESE understand and enjoy the natural beauty guidebook is a simple guide to exploring
F U L M A R Y E O E R E R I ROSEATE TERN of the area. the plantlife of some of the more
EIDER DUCK interesting and unusual habitats on the
G C E F L E P N R K E I O L TURNSTONE Our latest publication is “Birdwatching Northumberland coast.
KITTIWAKE on the Northumberland Coast”. This
R T N E D P U O T A N D S L GUILLIEMOT 72-page guidebook is fully illustrated If you are
PUFFIN with stunning photography. It breaks planning on
E T I K L T F T E W T E E I the Northumberland coast into bite-size walking the
pieces and Northumberland
Y E E W M R F S A I G R A E suggests Coast Path,
itineraries pick up a copy
P S B O D T I N R T E D T M for visiting of the Guide
birdwatchers. book - alongside
L L E H U O N R E T E U E O The book the Coast Path
also includes passport - which
O B R E T I G U D I S C T T a pictorial allows you to
guide to the record your
V O G W E E E T O K E K E L birds of the journey, claim a
Farne Islands completion certificate and qualify for a free
E O G R W L L L W R O E R U and a full half pint of beer at the end.
checklist
R E V H K D E U L F B L N O of species
recorded on the coast. It costs £7.95.
Play this puzzle online at: www.thewordsearch.com/puzzle/853121/
Other guidebooks in the series, which
cost £4 each, include:
• The Underwater World of
Northumberland and Berwickshire:
This 40-page guidebook explains the If you don’t
amazing wealth of marine life within the want to walk so
Berwickshire and North Northumberland far, we’ve also
European Marine Site. created a series
of three Circular
• Explore the Geology and Landscape Trail Leaflets,
of the Northumberland Coast AONB: all of which
This guidebook provides an introduction radiate from the
to the formation of the coastal Northumberland
landscape, Northumberland’s journey to Coast Path:
its present position on the world map, Craster, Dunstanburgh and Belford.
the events which shaped it during this They cost 50p each and are available from
long journey and the origin and make up Visitor Information Centres.
of coastal rocks.
Want to know what we are doing
• Explore the Archaeology of the on a monthly basis? Sign up for our
Northumberland Coast AONB and ‘Coastal Views’ e-newsletter at www.
Heritage Coast: This guidebook northumberlandcoastaonb.org newsletter
the day,
Pay for ! is divided into two parts. The first and it will be delivered directly to your inbox.
the year
Visit for examines each of the major periods of
human activity on the coast highlighting The full range of publications can
be purchased via our website: www.
alnwickcastle.com the important sites. The second part
includes a series of maps showing northumberlandcoast.org/publications
01665 511 100 Open daily 27th March to 25th October, 10am to 5:30pm access arrangements for those sites of The booklets are also available from local
different periods in each area. Visitor Information Centres.
22 23Favourite View
Long Nanny The Olde Ship Inn
Drive less,
see more
Your adventure on the Northumberland
Dunstanburgh Castle Budle Bay
Coast starts with the journey
On 22 September 2019, the AONB staff David Feige, AONB Officer, chose
team took part in the ‘National Moment’ - an The Long Nanny - the spectacle of several 16 pages of travel information
hour that helped kickstart our Landscapes thousand terns shuttling back and forth
of Life Week. That’s the AONB Family’s with beakfuls of sand eels for their young;
week (and a bit) long programme of events dune grasslands full of wild flowers
to help people reconnect with nature by including masses of bloody cranesbill,
enjoying and being inspired by the bird’s-foot trefoil and lady’s bedstraw, as
UK’s AONBs. well as botanical treats such as purple
milk-vetch and pyramidal orchid, all set in
During the hour, the staff team - past and the stunning landscape of Beadnell Bay.
present - shared their favourite places along
the Northumberland Coast with everyone: Catherine Gray, Communications
and Funding Officer: Dunstanburgh - It’s
John Woodman, previous chair of not so much about the castle itself -
the Partnership, chose the bar of The Olde though what’s not to love? - but more
Ship. It’s atmosphere, history and artefacts the walk to it from Craster. I like the fact
symbolise the sea and the fishing culture that it’s somewhere that’s not easily
which drove the development of Seahouses accessible, that there’ll be no two days
and much of the historic economy of the the same when you make that walk. It’s
AONB. Today, it is as welcoming to, and as the time you have to think about things
used by, locals and visitors. The buzz and before you get to where you’re going that
conversations typify the people who work appeals to me. But the view of the castle
in and enjoy the AONB. It is all about living - just ‘wow’! As a good friend once said:
and thriving, celebrating and discovering “It’ll be fantastic when it’s finished”.
the conserved and enhanced landscape.
What’s your favourite view of the
Pat Scott was the first chair of the Northumberland Coast?
AONB Partnership. Her choice was Budle Share your photos with us -
Bay at sunset, with the reflections in the we’d love to see them.
water and the sight of the birds. #LOVEL4L #NaturalHealthService
Bamburgh Castle
24 25You can also read
