Surf Travel Guide: Bamburgh, Northumberland

Northumberland has some of the best-looking surf in England, with a castle on the dunes, empty golden sand and cold North Sea swell. Bamburgh Castle Beach is the headline, but the surrounding coast has a whole string of underrated breaks. If you are searching for surf in Northumberland, or a north east England surf trip away from the Cornish crowds, this guide covers the swell, the tides, the rips, the nearby breaks, the lessons and where to stay and eat.

Why Bamburgh?

Bamburgh is a small village midway between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick, about 16 miles from each. The beach is a vast expanse of golden sand under the castle, with a gradual, shallow sand gradient that suits learners. The local tourism site says northerly swells produce good left-hand waves at the rocky outcrop on the north end of the beach, and calls it one of the most consistent and picturesque breaks on the Northumberland coast. Surf-Forecast describes a fairly exposed beach break with lefts and rights.

→ North to northeast swell is what lights up Bamburgh, and southwest is the offshore wind.

↳ Because the coast is open to the North Sea, conditions change fast, so check the forecast and the rip risk before you paddle out.

Getting There & Getting Around

Fly into Newcastle Airport, about 39 miles away. The nearest mainline stations are Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed, both served by LNER and CrossCountry, with onward bus connections.
→ The Arriva X18 runs from Newcastle through Morpeth, Amble, Alnwick and Seahouses to Bamburgh, and Borders Buses 418 links Alnwick, Seahouses and Bamburgh. Buses run roughly hourly in summer and every two hours in winter.
↳ By car, leave the A1 at Adderstone services and follow the B1341 for about 5 miles, or take the scenic B1340 coastal road. Surf schools meet near the North Car Park along The Wynding, a short walk through the dunes from the beach.

When to Surf

Surf-Forecast says the break works best in winter and spring, with good surf possible at all stages of the tide. Local guides say the surrounding beaches work best in spring, autumn and winter, and surf schools operate in spring, summer and autumn. The North Sea is cold all year, so plan on a wetsuit with boots and gloves for much of the year.

Safety notes:

Rips can form in bigger surf, and Surf-Forecast warns of dangerous rips. Learn to spot them, and read the RNLI's rip current guidance.
One local guide notes a sand bar to the south of the beach with a strong current, and a rocky patch to the north. Its tip is to stick to the middle.
Winter is best, but it is also the coldest and can be crowded on good days.

Surf Breaks

Bamburgh Castle Beach: The main spot, with a rocky outcrop at the north end that produces left-handers on northerly swells.
Wave: Beach break with lefts and rights, plus a left at the north end.
Level: All levels in small surf. Intermediate to advanced when it gets bigger, because of the rips.
Beadnell Bay: A quality spot listed as best in April, May and September to November, and best around high tide at the north end.
Wave: Beach break, choppier at peak season.
Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea: Often uncrowded, with an offshore reef that produces swell on windy days.
Wave: Reef-influenced beach break.
Level: All levels.
Seaton Sluice: Exposed and best at mid-tide with a southerly wind, in spring and winter.
Wave: Sandy and shingly beach break.
Level: Intermediate.
Druridge Bay: A wide bay with gentle waves, lessons and equipment hire, and a dog-friendly beach.
Wave: Soft beach break.
Level: Beginner.

Northside Surf School is listed for lessons at Bamburgh. Confirm current availability before you book.

Photographing Bamburgh

A medieval castle above the dunes and surfers in the foreground is one of the great English surf pictures, especially at sunrise. Use a long lens from the dunes and keep out of the surf school zone. If you shoot a session, upload it to Surf Snaps, where photographers keep their copyright and pay no subscription, listing fee or storage bill. Surf Snaps takes a revenue share of up to 10%, only when a photo sells. If you surfed, search the explore page without an account. Photos start from $8.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Bamburgh offers a mix of hotels, campsites and self-catering places. No prices are shown, since I did not find current rates.

Budget ($)

Budle Hall camping and caravan site, and Glororum Caravan Park
Both are listed as campsite options near Bamburgh, which suits surfers who want to be close to the beach.

Mid-Range ($$)

The Victoria Hotel
Elegant rooms, a traditional breakfast, and a restaurant and bar in the village.

Luxury ($$$)

The Lord Crewe
AA-accredited rooms with breakfast included, and an award-winning restaurant known for locally sourced seafood.

Food & Drink

Local Lunch: The Potted Lobster
→ A relaxed yet elegant restaurant with dog-friendly areas.
Tea and Cake: The Copper Kettle Tea Rooms
→ A classic village tea room for warming up after a cold session.
Local Pub: The Middle Inn
→ A central pub with hearty meals and a beer garden.

If you have a spare day, boat trips to the Farne Islands leave from nearby Seahouses.

FAQ: Surfing Bamburgh

Can you surf at Bamburgh?

Yes. Bamburgh Castle Beach has a beach break with lefts and rights, plus left-handers at the rocky outcrop on the north end when a northerly swell arrives.

When is the best time to surf in Northumberland?

Winter and spring are usually best for swell, while spring, summer and autumn are when surf schools operate. Beadnell Bay is listed as best in April, May and September to November.

Is Bamburgh good for beginners?

Yes, in small surf. The beach has a gradual, shallow gradient and surf schools run from the north end. Watch for rips when the surf is bigger.

How do I get to Bamburgh without a car?

Take a train to Alnmouth or Berwick-upon-Tweed, then the Arriva X18 or Borders Buses 418 to Bamburgh. Buses run every two hours in winter.

Where can I find photos of my Bamburgh session?

Search Surf Snaps by sport, place and date on the explore page. It is free to browse, and photos start from $8.

More Underrated Surf and Kitesurf Spots

Keep exploring with the rest of this series and our other surf travel guides.