📷 Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on UnsplashNorthumberland’s coast of castles
From Newcastle north to Alnwick, the ruins of Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh on its crag and the tidal island of Lindisfarne.
- Distance
- 126 km (79 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 45 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- July 4, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 126 km (79 mi) with 8 stops, from Newcastle upon Tyne to Berwick-upon-Tweed. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom
Route description
Leave Newcastle on the A1 north to Alnwick, a market town dominated by its castle, still the home of the Dukes of Northumberland. The castle and the gardens next door can easily fill a day with children.
Take the B1340 to the coast at Craster, a fishing village known for its smoked kippers, and walk along the shore to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle; there is no road. The coast road continues north through Beadnell to Seahouses, where boats leave for the Farne Islands and their puffins from May to July.
Bamburgh Castle rises on a basalt crag above one of the finest beaches in England, with a village green below. Further north, Holy Island is reached across a causeway that floods at every high tide: check the published safe crossing times and do not try to beat the sea.
Finish in Berwick-upon-Tweed, England’s northernmost town, where you can walk right around the Elizabethan ramparts. The coast from here stays quiet even in August, and there are good campsites near Bamburgh and Beadnell.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom - 261 km
Alnwick
United Kingdom - 30 km
Alnwick Castle
HistoryAlnwick, United KingdomA medieval fortress still lived in by the Dukes of Northumberland, known to many as a Harry Potter film location. Allow half a day with children.
- 413 km
Dunstanburgh Castle
HistoryCraster, United KingdomThe gaunt ruins of a 14th-century castle on a lonely headland. There is no road to it: walk about 2 km along the grassy shore from Craster.
- 514 km
Seahouses
United Kingdom - 66 km
Bamburgh Castle
HistoryBamburgh, United KingdomA huge castle on a basalt crag above a wide, dune-backed beach. Walk the sands at low tide for the classic view.
- 711 km
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
HistoryHoly Island, United KingdomA tidal island with the ruins of an early Christian priory and a small castle. The causeway floods twice a day: check the safe crossing times before you drive over.
- 821 km
Berwick-upon-Tweed
United Kingdom
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Newcastle upon Tyne → Alnwick · 61 km · 0 h 50 minOvernight nearby, for example: Walkmill Campsite (10 km); Proctors Stead (9 km).
- Day 2: Alnwick → Seahouses · 27 km · 0 h 23 minOn the way: Alnwick Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle.Overnight nearby, for example: Waren Caravan & Camping Park (7 km); Barn at Beal campsite (19 km).
- Day 3: Seahouses → Berwick-upon-Tweed · 38 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne (Holy Island).Overnight nearby, for example: Shepherd's Rest (8 km); Barn at Beal campsite (12 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Northumberland’s coast of castles?
3-day road trip of about 126 km (79 mi) with 8 stops, from Newcastle upon Tyne to Berwick-upon-Tweed. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Northumberland’s coast of castles?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Northumberland’s coast of castles start and end?
It starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and ends in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Which countries does Northumberland’s coast of castles pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along Northumberland’s coast of castles?
OpenStreetMap lists 106 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Walkmill Campsite, Waren Caravan & Camping Park and Barn at Beal campsite.
When is the best time for Northumberland’s coast of castles?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
