3 ‘underrated’ and ‘most beautiful’ North East beaches worth a trip this summer

Three of the “most beautiful” beaches in the UK happen to be right here in the North East and have now been revealed among the best “underrated” places for a summer holiday this year.

The coastal spots with “spectacular” views and “picturesque” harbours in Northumberland are said to be worth visiting according to Condé Nast Traveler - but why?

The publisher commented on one of its latest travel guides: “We’ve explored the UK in search of quiet beaches in August.

“But there are also the counties you might never associate with August that have an up-and-coming restaurant scene or design stay to bed down in that are surprisingly easy to book in the summer months.

“These are the places to enjoy the sunshine without wrestling the crowds – the best-underrated trips to take in the UK this summer.”

See the full guide to exploring the UK’s best "underrated" trips in 2024 here.

Why Budle Bay, Bamburgh Beach and Beadnell Bay Beach are UK’s best 'underrated' trips this summer

The travel experts wrote about Northumberland: “One of the quietest counties in the country also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.

“Access to the wonderfully deserted sandy spit from Budle Bay to Lindisfarne is on foot across the dunes, but for those that make it, Bamburgh Beach is worth planning a summer holiday around.

“It’s a great spot for surfing, and the views of the castle and the Farne islands are spectacular.

“Not far south, bed down at the Scandinavian-inspired Trees at Tughall – three secluded black-stained Welsh spruce cabins just a 30-minute walk (or two-minute drive) from Beadnell Beach and its picturesque harbour.”

Someone who recently visited Beadnell Bay Beach posted on Tripadvisor: “What can I say other than Beadnell Bay beach is a really wonderful place to visit.

“Long stretches of pale sand, clear and clean blue seas and plenty of rock pools to explore. This is a gorgeous place for a walk, a day on the sands or a quick pit stop on the way to Seahouses/Bamburgh. It's also completely dog friendly all year round which is a massive bonus.

Rules for Taking Your Dogs to the Beach

“You can also very easily walk from Bednell to Seahouses along the beach, crossing over Seahouses golf course to get to the town. The walk there is around 1.7 miles of easy beach walking.”

Recommended reading:

• North East beach with 'long gorgeous coastline' among UK's best 'right now'

• ‘Secret’ North East beach where ‘white sands meet a crystal-clear turquoise sea’

• Blissful North East coastal spot among UK's whitest beaches - move over Bora Bora

Elsewhere, this person who visited Budle Bay left a review on Tripadvisor, sharing: “One of the best beaches we’ve visited in Northumberland- so much quieter than Bamburgh.

“You can see across to Lindisfarne on a clear day.

“Dogs loved it, especially splashing in the shallows.”

Let us know in the comments if you know about any other best "underrated" coastal spots in the region to visit this summer.