Northumberland’s most Instagrammable spots

Cameras at the ready, here’s 9 of Northumberland’s most picture-worthy places as captured on Instagram.

Alnwick Castle

As one of the film locations for some of the Harry Potter movies, Alnwick Castle regularly hosts potter-themed events with broomstick training in front of the castle walls being one of the most popular.

Bamburgh Castle

One of the most iconic views of Bamburgh and the Northumberland coast. We never tire of this view of Bamburgh Castle overlooking the beach and after Bamburgh was named Britain’s favourite coastal destination by Which? Travel Magazine, it seems that most of the population love it too.

Beadnell Bay

People come to Northumberland for its uncrowded sandy beaches, dramatic skylines and crashing waves. Beadnell Bay is just one of many beaches with soft white sand, backed by grassy dunes, and hardly a person in sight if you get there at the right time of day.

Coquet Island and Lighthouse

At less than a mile off the coast of Amble, Coquet Island and lighthouse is clearly visible. Sail up close to the island and see the puffins and terns in the summer or walk along Amble’s pier for some impressive views, particularly at sunset as you can see from this Instagram post.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle, a 14th century fortress on the headland between Craster and Embleton, was the focus of fierce fighting during the War of the Roses, subsequently falling into decay and leaving behind romantic ruins that have been the focus of many a photographer trying to capture it in a perfect light.

The Alnwick Garden

Springtime is cherry blossom time at The Alnwick Garden when its large collection of Tai Haku cherries with their large, white flowers and ornamental beauty are at their spectacular glory. Of course, spring isn’t the only time the garden will make you reach for your camera. Each season brings with it its own joys from snowdrops in winter to summer roses.

The Farne Islands

The highlight of The Farne Islands calendar is when tens of thousands of puffins come to this rocky outcrop of between 15 and 20 islands depending on the tide to have their young. Take a boat trip out from one of the many companies at Seahouses harbour and see them and many other seabirds in their natural habitat. The Farnes are also home to grey seals.

Barter Books

Words tumble all around you at Alnwick’s Barter Books and we’d defy even those who are not literary minded to not be entranced by this Aladdin’s cave of second hand books housed in an old Victorian railway station.

Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle

Visiting Holy Island is an adventure in itself. You can do as our medieval ancestors did and walk the Pilgrim’s Way across the sand, marked out by wooden poles, when the tide is out to reach the island or you can take the road. Either way you have to be careful to note down the tide times as many a traveller has found themselves stranded. Once on the island, any vista with Lindisfarne Castle in it is going to get you the most likes.

See our Plan your stay section for more information on places to visit in Northumberland. Plus you can find your ideal Retreat to stay at here.

Don’t forget to share that perfect shot of your Retreat with us too on Instagram @coastalretreatsnld with the hashtag #coastalretreats