The same Northumberland village has been named the best seaside town in the UK for four years on the trot. The UK’s top consumer champion, Which?, has revealed the results of its annual seaside survey of over 120 UK towns and villages across the UK.
For another consecutive year, Bamburgh has beaten out every other village to hold the title as the most beloved among travellers, receiving a full five-star rating from Which. According to Which’s survey of 5,000 members, holidaymakers prioritised unspoilt beaches, scenery and peaceful atmospheres over crowded hotspots in South East and South West England.
Bamburgh achieved an 86% overall destination score in the recent survey, which was the consumer group’s biggest seaside survey to date. According to Which, Bamburgh has been a consistent favourite among British travellers for its impressive views of Bamburgh Castle and miles of sand and dunes.
It is set within the Northumberland countryside, at the midway point between Berwick upon Tweed and Alnwick. That said, it is easiest enough to get to by train or plane, given its proximity to Newcastle airport and the Chathill train station (only a 30-minute train ride).
The most well-known feature of Bamburgh is undoubtedly Bamburgh Castle. Even if you have yet to visit the village, you have probably heard or seen images of this award-winning castle, hailed as “the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg”.
The Anglo Saxon citadel is currently owned by the Armstrong family, and their love of pets is the reason the grounds are now dog-friendly. The Castle has become a huge attraction for the area, hosting a range of activities including Dragon Hunts, Ghost Tours and Outdoor Cinema Screenings.
The castle has become a distinguishing feature of the Northumberland coast and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Not only is the fortress filled with 3,000 years of history and tales of Vikings and The Last Kingdom, but it also offers stunning views of the sea beyond.
Bamburgh Beach sits just beyond Bamburgh Castle and is defined by its seemingly endless expanse of sand and sea views. The beach stretches for miles and its many sand dunes and rock pools set it apart from other seaside towns.
Bamburgh Beach has also become a huge draw for avid surfers, known as one of the most consistently strong spots along the coast. Several surf schools operate on the north end of the beach during the spring, summer and autumn months. Walking north along the beach will bring visitors to the famous ‘Stag’ Rocks. This coastal landmark gets its name from the white stag painted proudly on the rocks. There are many rumours about the origin of the painted rock, with some local legends saying it appeared after a stag jumped into the sea.
Today, the Stag Rocks are regularly painted to keep up the local history and have become a popular spot for birdwatching. This portion of the coast also offers unique views of the protected Farne Islands. The Farne Islands are a small group of islands a few miles off the coast of the Northumberland between Bamburgh and Seahouses. Visitors to Bamburgh can visit the islands by booking a boat tour from Seahouses harbour.
Despite gaining significant popularity in recent years, Bamburgh has maintained its peaceful charm. In addition to the scenic surroundings, the local village’s suite of buzzing cafes and fine dining restaurants make it the ultimate UK staycation destination.
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