Beaches within an hour (ish) of Slaley Hall

Tucked away in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, Slaley Hall offers the best of both worlds. You'll be surrounded by untouched countryside and woodland scenery, but with some of the North East's most beautiful beaches an easy drive away. So, whether you're planning a family day out, a scenic coastal walk or simply want to breathe in some sea air, don't forget to pack your bucket and spade when you come stay at Slaley.

Here's our guide to the best beaches within easy reach of Slaley Hall.

Best for families

Tynemouth Longsands
A firm favourite with families, Tynemouth Longsands boasts a mile of golden sand backed by a bustling promenade with plenty of cafés and independent shops. The beach is perfect for sandcastle building, paddling and playing football. You might even spot the Newcastle United team training there.

For older children and adventurous adults, Longsands is one of the country's top spots for surfing, with equipment hire and lessons available throughout the year. After a day on the beach, explore the charming town of Tynemouth where you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving up the catch of the day.

Roker & Seaburn Beaches
Located on Sunderland's attractive coastline, these twin beaches can both easily be visited in a day, with just a short stroll between them. 

At both you’ll find wide stretches of clean sand and plenty of family-friendly amenities. Children can enjoy sandcastle building and paddling in the shallows, while nearby you'll find amusements, ice cream parlours and a fantastic choice of places to enjoy classic fish and chips.

Best for wildlife

Druridge Bay
Stretching for seven miles along the Northumberland coast, Druridge Bay is a haven for wildlife lovers with plenty of rock pools and bird spotting opportunities. Behind the dunes, you’ll find a number of nature reserves and the 100-acre Ladyburn Lake, which is home to a variety of creatures.

The best bit about this vast sandy beach is that it rarely feels crowded, offering a peaceful escape where you can try and spot seals offshore or simply enjoy uninterrupted coastal views.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Newbiggin Bay is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of marine life, including dolphins, seals, porpoises, otters and even whales. There are also plenty of opportunities to see slightly smaller creatures, with an array of rockpools appearing at low tide.

Newbiggin boasts the longest promenade in Northumberland and it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers, especially during seasonal migrations.

And even if you don’t spot any dolphins, looking out to the sea offers views of artist Sean Henry’s ‘Couple’, a 5-metre-high offshore sculpture showing two people gazing out over the water.

Best for scenery

Beadnell Bay
Definitely pack your camera. With its sweeping horseshoe-shaped bay, golden sands and rolling dunes, Beadnell Bay is one of Northumberland's most picturesque spots. The beach offers breathtaking views towards the Farne Islands and is beautiful year-round.

The area’s unique shape provides shelter from stronger winds, creating ideal conditions for watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking and kitesurfing. You’ll find lessons and equipment hire nearby.
Alnmouth Beach

Perfect for beachcombing and set against the backdrop of one of Northumberland's prettiest villages, Alnmouth Beach combines natural beauty with postcard-worthy charm. It’s easy to see why it’s located within one of Northumberland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
After exploring the shoreline, wander through Alnmouth's colourful streets, where you'll find welcoming pubs, cafés and independent shops overlooking the sea, as well as Northumberland’s smallest museum, The Ferryman’s Hut.

Best for more than just the beach

Whitley Bay Beach
Whitley Bay has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years but still retains its traditional seaside charm. Its Blue Flag beach offers golden sands ideal for families, while the town itself is packed with stylish restaurants, traditional arcades and quirky independent businesses.

Be sure to visit nearby St Mary's Lighthouse, situated on its own tidal island and offering fantastic views along the coastline to anyone who climbs the 137 steps to the top. A trip to the iconic Spanish City domed building is also a must. Inside you’ll find award-winning fish and chips and a Champagne bar – the perfect combo.

Seaham Beach
Once an important mining town, Seaham has become famous for the wealth of colourful sea glass hidden in its sands. Originating from local glass factories, the glass has been polished by decades of battling the waves to give it a rounded ‘tumbled’ effect and is now collected by beachcombers who use it to make art and jewellery. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘marbles’ – large balls of glass, rarer colours like red and amber or coveted ‘multis’ which contain multiple colours.

After you’ve finished your treasure hunt, stroll to Seaham Harbour and the town's excellent cafés and restaurants, or head along the coastal path for epic views.

Bamburgh Beach 
Bamburgh is a little further away than some options on our list, but it’s well worth the drive. If the wide, open beach wasn’t enough, it’s backed by possibly one of the most impressive castles in England. Perched on the cliff, Bamburgh Castle has been home to royalty, the setting for Hollywood films (including Indiana Jones!) and an amazing day out for history lovers of all ages.
You’ll also find a park, cricket pitch and plenty of shops to stock up on picnic supplies and beach toys.

Other beaches worth stopping off at

There are countless beautiful beaches along the North East coastline, but a few more favourites include:

•    Blyth South Beach – A long stretch of sand popular with walkers, dog owners and kite flyers.

•    Embleton Bay – Unspoilt sands overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

•    Sandhaven Beach, South Shields – A Blue Flag beach with family attractions and a lively promenade.

•    Low Newton-by-the-Sea – A peaceful coastal retreat perfect for scenic walks and wildlife spotting.