Newton Haven Beach

Newton Haven, about 9 miles from Alnwick, is a vast sand and rock beach that is part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The beach is in a relatively sheltered bay, making it popular for swimming but also other water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. It is also particularly popular with bird watchers as there is an abundance of wildlife in the area. The beach is backed by sand dunes and behind these dunes; visitors can discover Newton Pond, a freshwater haven for wildlife, owned by the National Trust.

The vast stretch of sand, and the fact that dogs are allowed, make it an ideal spot for taking long, bracing walks along the shoreline. The coastal walk between Low Newton and Craster, about 2 miles to the south, passes the majestic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, and has been named by the Guardian newspaper as one of the top ten walks in the whole of the U.K. The castle, which can be seen from the beach, towers over the cliffs and seas in splendid isolation.

The village of Low Newton sits at the northern end of the beach. Reached down a small country lane, the village feels blissfully isolated from the rest of the world. It boasts a church, a pub that has been open since the 18th century and a few holiday cottages.

There is a car park in the village, about 100 meters from the entrance to the beach.