Pictures of Beadnell

About Beadnell

There is not much to surpass the beauty of the wild Northumberland coast with its almost perfect white sandy beaches, natural rock formations and, brooding castles, built as symbols of power by Barons and Kings of centuries long since gone. It is a coast of contrasts, its awesome beauty equalls a dark, menacing past. It is thought the area may have been inhabited for several thousand years, Bronze-Age burial chambers have been discovered and remains of a 13th-century chapel can be seen at Ebb's Neuk Point.

On this coast of sheer perfection, amongst timeless coastal villages, lies Beadnell, an historic fishing village which has lately become one of Northumberlands most popular holiday resorts. Reached via a coastal road crammed with pretty houses and holiday Villa's, it holds a major surprise. As you round the corner towards the newly restored harbour, your eyes are immediately drawn to a fortress-like structure, built of soft glowing stone. These are beautifully preserved 18th-century Lime Kilns, owned and cared for by the National Trust.

Beadnell, these days is essentially a summer place with its attractive, tiny harbour filled with fishing boats and pleasure craft. There was a time, a couple of centuries ago, when under the cover of darkness smugglers landed here with illicit cargoes of spirits and other exotic goods. Smuggling was rife, whole families lived from the proceeds and village gossip often centred on 'who had managed to slip past the excise officer'. Interestingly, the harbour is privately owned. In 1947, Sir John Craster gave the harbour to Beadnell's 25 fishermen, it remains the property of their descendents who continue to fish to this day. The sea delivers gifts of wild salmon, crabs and lobster. which are sold to be turned into tasty dishes in local inns and hotel's.

In the summer the bay springs to life with water-sport activities of all kinds - messing about in boats is a favourite past-time amongst locals and visitors. The beach is idyllic for sun-bathing and swimming or enjoying a beach barbecue or picnic. The sea air is so intoxicating, it takes only a short time before a weary traveller becomes a happy, relaxed holiday-maker ready to sample everything this lovely coast has to offer. The list of places to visit is endless, it ranges from gloomy, historic castles to bright, delightful gardens, the beautiful Farne Islands and mystic Holy Island. With no shortage of excellent holiday accommodation, and pleasant village shops, inns and cafe's, glorious sea vista's and magical views of the dramatic Scottish borders, you really should come and experience the joys of Northumberland for yourself.

Castles to visit include: Alnwick, Bamburgh, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth.

Historic Houses include: Cragside and Paxton House.

Other places of interest include: Howick Hall Garden, Preston Pele Tower, Heatherslaw Mill, The Lady Waterford Hall Museum, Holy Island and the Farne Islands.