Northumberland Coast facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Northumberland Coast
Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland Coast
Location of the Northumberland Coast AONB in the UK
Location	Northumberland, England
Established	1958

The Northumberland Coast is a super special place in Northumberland, England. It's known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means it's a really important and beautiful area that needs to be protected. It covers about 40 miles (64 km) of coastline. This stretch goes from Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way to the River Coquet estuary.

This amazing area is found in the Northeast of England. It includes many cool spots. Some of these are Alnmouth, Bamburgh, Beadnell, Budle Bay, Cocklawburn Beach, Craster, Dunstanburgh Castle, the Farne Islands, Lindisfarne, and Seahouses. The coast is part of a natural area called the North Northumberland Coastal Plain.

Exploring the Northumberland Coast

The Northumberland Coast is a fantastic place to visit. It offers a mix of history, nature, and stunning views. You can find everything from old castles to lively wildlife.

Coastal Landscape

The coastal area is mostly found to the east of the A1 road. This region is not very crowded, meaning there are lots of open spaces. You'll discover long, sandy beaches perfect for walks. There are also tall sand dunes and rugged cliffs. Some small, isolated islands are also part of this beautiful coast.

The coast is home to two National Nature Reserves. These are special places where wildlife and plants are protected. They are important for keeping the natural environment healthy.

History and Heritage

This area has a rich history. You can see many old fortresses and peel towers along the coast. These buildings show that there were often conflicts here in the past. They were built to protect people from attacks between the English and Scots. This was because the area is very close to the border between England and Scotland.

You might also notice something interesting on the beaches. Sometimes, 'sea coal' washes up on the shore. This happens because there are old coal fields nearby. The sea brings pieces of coal from these fields onto the beaches.

Amazing Wildlife

The Northumberland Coast is a great place for nature lovers. It has many different habitats. These include sandy beaches, rocky shores, and important wetlands. This variety means many different animals and plants can live here.

Birds and Marine Life

The Farne Islands are a famous spot for birds. Thousands of seabirds come here to nest. You can see puffins, guillemots, and terns. It's a noisy and exciting place during nesting season.

The waters around the coast are also full of life. You might spot grey seals resting on the rocks. Sometimes, dolphins and even whales are seen offshore. This makes the area a top spot for wildlife watching.

Popular Coastal Towns

The coast has several charming towns and villages. Each one offers something unique.

Bamburgh and its Castle

Bamburgh is famous for its incredible castle. Bamburgh Castle stands proudly on a rocky outcrop. It looks out over the sea. This castle has a long and exciting history. It has been a royal fortress and a strong defense point.

The village of Bamburgh itself is lovely. It has beautiful beaches and great views of the castle. It's a popular place for visitors.

Lindisfarne (Holy Island)

Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a very special place. You can only reach it by a causeway at low tide. It's important for its history and religious past. An ancient monastery was founded here.

The island also has a castle and a nature reserve. It's a peaceful place with unique wildlife. Always check the tide times before you visit!

Seahouses and Boat Trips

Seahouses is a busy fishing village. It's a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. From here, you can take boat trips. Many of these trips go to the Farne Islands. They offer a chance to see the amazing seabirds and seals up close.

Seahouses also has a lovely harbor. It's a good base for exploring the rest of the coast.

Protecting the Coast

The Northumberland Coast was made an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958. This means it's protected by law. The goal is to keep its natural beauty safe for everyone. This includes its landscapes, wildlife, and historical sites.

People work hard to manage the area. They make sure that visitors can enjoy it without harming the environment. This helps to preserve this amazing place for future generations.