Hexham Beaches

Overview

Hexham is a historic market town located inland in Northumberland. While not on the coast itself, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the magnificent beaches along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, typically about an hour's drive away. Having a car is essential to make the most of day trips from Hexham to the seaside.

The coastline near Hexham boasts some of England's most dramatic and beautiful beaches, known for their vast stretches of golden sand. Prepare for bracing North Sea temperatures if you plan a dip! Many beaches offer stunning scenery, like the iconic castle backdrop at Bamburgh Beach or the dramatic ruins overlooking Embleton Bay. For a charming village atmosphere combined with wide sands, Alnmouth Beach is a popular choice.

Whether you seek quiet solitude or a livelier scene, there's a beach nearby to suit. Discover the expansive sands and dunes of Druridge Bay, perfect for escaping the crowds, or head south towards Newcastle for the surfing hub at Tynemouth Longsands. Many other fantastic spots, like the popular Beadnell Bay known for watersports, await discovery. Our full guide details many more beaches along this spectacular coast.

Northumberland is notably welcoming to dogs, with most beaches allowing canine companions year-round, though checking local signs is always wise. From Hexham, you have access to a truly special coastline offering wild beauty, historic settings, and miles of sand to explore.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Hexham a good place for a beach holiday?

Hexham itself is a historic market town located inland, about 30-40 miles from the coast. While not a beach town itself, it can serve as a convenient base for exploring the stunning Northumberland coastline, provided you have transport. Many visitors combine exploring Hadrian's Wall near Hexham with day trips to the coast.

How far is Hexham from the sea and which is the closest beach?

Hexham is roughly an hour's drive from the Northumberland coast. Some of the closest popular beaches include Tynemouth Longsands (approx. 30 miles) and Whitley Bay (approx. 31 miles) to the south-east, near Newcastle. Beaches further north along the scenic Northumberland Coast AONB, like Druridge Bay, are typically a 60-75 minute drive.

Druridge Bay

Can you actually swim in the sea on the Northumberland coast? Is it freezing?

Yes, people do swim in the North Sea along the Northumberland coast, but the water is cold year-round, typically ranging from 6°C in winter to a maximum of around 15°C in late summer. Wetsuits are highly recommended for comfort and safety, especially outside of peak summer. Many beaches have calm sections suitable for paddling.

What are the best beaches near Hexham for families with kids?

Beaches like Bamburgh Beach (iconic castle views, vast sands), Beadnell Bay (sheltered, good for watersports, dunes), Alnmouth Beach (picturesque village, estuary paddling), and Druridge Bay (huge sandy expanse, country park nearby) are popular family choices accessible from Hexham. They offer space, sand for playing, and often nearby facilities.

Is it better to stay in Hexham and drive to the beach, or stay somewhere on the coast?

This depends on your priorities. Staying in Hexham offers access to Hadrian's Wall, the town's amenities, and Tyne Valley, with beaches being day trips. Staying on the coast (e.g., Alnmouth, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell) provides immediate beach access and a coastal atmosphere but might involve more driving for inland attractions. Many visitors do day trips from Hexham.

Alnmouth Beach

Bamburgh Beach

Beadnell Bay Beach

Are dogs allowed on beaches near Hexham / Northumberland?

Northumberland is very dog-friendly! Most beaches welcome dogs year-round. However, some specific areas, particularly around bird nesting sites (like parts of Lindisfarne or the Farne Islands) or certain sections of beaches near towns (like parts of Whitley Bay or Tynemouth in summer), may have seasonal restrictions or require dogs to be on leads. Always check local signage.

Do you need a car to visit the beaches from Hexham?

Yes, a car is highly recommended and often essential for conveniently reaching the Northumberland coast from Hexham. Public transport options exist (e.g., train to Newcastle then bus/Metro to coastal towns like Tynemouth, or limited bus routes further north), but they can be time-consuming and may not reach all beaches easily.

What's parking like at popular Northumberland beaches?

Parking availability and cost vary. Popular spots like Bamburgh, Seahouses, Alnmouth, and Beadnell have designated car parks, often pay-and-display (sometimes managed by the council or private operators). Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advised. Some smaller beaches have limited free roadside parking.

Bamburgh Beach

Alnmouth Beach

Beadnell Bay Beach

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Hexham?

While requiring a similar drive, beaches like Embleton Bay (vast sands, Dunstanburgh Castle backdrop), Sugar Sands (near Longhoughton, requires a walk), Howick Haven (small cove), or the southern stretches of Druridge Bay tend to be less crowded than hotspots like Bamburgh or Alnmouth. Exploring the coast between the main villages often reveals quieter spots.

Which is better for views: Bamburgh Beach or Embleton Bay?

Both offer stunning views. Bamburgh Beach provides iconic, direct views of the imposing Bamburgh Castle right behind the dunes. Embleton Bay offers dramatic, sweeping views of the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle perched on a headland at the southern end of the bay. The choice depends on which castle backdrop you prefer!

Bamburgh Beach

Embleton Bay

What facilities are usually available at Northumberland beaches?

Facilities vary greatly. Larger, more popular beaches near towns (e.g., Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Alnmouth, Seahouses, Bamburgh village) often have toilets, cafes/shops nearby, and sometimes seasonal lifeguard cover. More remote beaches like parts of Druridge Bay or Embleton Bay may only have a car park and minimal or no other facilities.

Druridge Bay

Embleton Bay

What's the best time of year to visit the beaches near Hexham?

Late spring (May-June) and summer (July-August) offer the best chance of warmer weather and longer daylight hours for beach visits. However, this is also the busiest period. Autumn (September-October) can be beautiful with fewer crowds, though weather is more variable. Winter offers dramatic scenery but expect cold, windy conditions.

Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?

The vast majority of the popular Northumberland beaches accessible from Hexham are known for their wide expanses of golden sand. Examples include Bamburgh, Druridge Bay, Alnmouth, Beadnell, and Embleton Bay. While you might find some pebbles or rocky areas, especially at headlands or towards the tide line, sandy stretches dominate.

Druridge Bay

Embleton Bay