Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Craster

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available St Oswald's Way SSSI Dog friendly

Season: summer

Craster is popular for fishing from its well known harbour.  Sea fishing trips can also be arranged in season.  The beach is rocky and made up of shingle, but it’s a short walk south from here to the exquisite Sugar Sands, a hidden gem.  The village has all the facilities a visitor might need, including parking.  This stretch of coastline is excellent for walking, with St Oswald’s Way leading south to Cullernose Point from here.  Dunstanburgh Castle can be seen to the north.

The creative appeal of the beach to Dan and Alexis.

The view from the harbour wall.

By the beach at Craster.

Craster, by David Mitchell Illustration.

This illustration of Craster was supplied by interviewee Daniel Mitchell.

Seaton Sluice

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Northumberland Coast Path SSSI National Trust Dog friendly

Season: summer

Seaton Sluice is popular with visitors from the nearby towns of Blyth to the north and Cramlington in the west for day trips, but it also attracts visitors from much further afield, many here to enjoy nearby Seaton Delaval Hall.  The beach is clean, despite the historical resonance of the glass and coal trade.  Nowadays this is a reflective place, where you can enjoy peace and quiet, or sample the rich industrial heritage that once made this such a thriving commercial area.

“God’s country” – the beach at Seaton Sluice.

A bright morning in summer.

Alnmouth

View map of beach Parking available Toilets available Northumberland Coast Path SSSI Dog friendly Beach cleaned regularly

Season: summer

Alnmouth is the local beach for nearby Alnwick, itself well worth a visit, particularly for its independent bookshop. This is a ranging, wide, sandy beach in essentially a rural setting with an “away from it all” feel.  Birdwatchers can enjoy the dunes behind the beach and this is part of a long stretch of coastline that is popular with walkers.  With parking right by the beach, two golf courses and cycle routes, there’s plenty of variety here.  The village has become a Mecca for the well-heeled visitor, reflected in the upmarket eateries and places to stay.  For a peaceful walk in natural beauty, I recommend the beach to the south of the estuary.  It appears out of reach from the village, but there is road access.  Alternatively, climb Bracken Hill on the north side for one of the best views in Northumberland at low tide.

What the beach means to Natalie and Sam.

Sunshine all the way, at Alnmouth in the summertime.