Newbiggin Beach

The beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea stretches wide and sandy, backed by a proper working seafront that hasn't been dolled up beyond recognition. You get the sense this is a place that's been getting by on its own terms for decades - locals here know what they've got and don't feel the need to shout about it.

It's a straightforward seaside experience: golden sand at low tide, rock pools to poke about in, decent views across the bay. The promenade has a few cafes and fish and chip shops, the kind where they know their regulars by name. Kids will happily spend hours digging holes and chasing seagulls. Walkers appreciate the stretch of sand and the quieter feel compared to busier Northumberland beaches further south.

The big draw for many is the Newbiggin Link - a 500-metre offshore island connected to the beach that's home to nesting seabirds and wrinkly grey seals if you time it right. You can only reach it at low tide, so check the tides before you head down. Come in summer and it's busy enough; winter brings a different crowd entirely - the keen types with binoculars and serious cameras.

Stay at Church Point or Sandy Bay holiday parks just up the coast and you're perfectly placed. Both are within spitting distance, making Newbiggin an easy morning or afternoon stop rather than a destination in itself. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's honest, accessible, and the sort of place you'll find yourself returning to if you're spending a week in the area.