Bamburgh on the north Northumberland coast has been named the UK’s best beach for the fifth time by consumer experts Which
Staycationers and tourists to the UK who are looking to explore Northumberland this summer have plenty of options for idyllic places to stay from countryside to coast. However, a stay in the place that has just named as the UK’s best beach is likely to be a popular choice as the warm summer weather kicks in – especially as it’s retained the title for five consecutive years.
Bamburgh has come top once more in a survey of beaches by consumer experts Which?. It comes hot on the heels of the village topping the rankings in a recent survey by Which? of the country’s favourite seaside towns, despite technically being a village. Having received a full five-star rating in the survey for its award-winning golden beach, picturesque seafront, range of tourist attractions – including the magnificent castle – and peace and quiet, it’s a destination with something for everyone.
Bamburgh was also branded one of Britain’s “most beautiful” places by travel experts earlier this year. Once the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, the charming village is on the travel list of history buffs and nature lovers alike – and with nearby attractions Holy Island, the Farne Islands and Seahouses all just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of places to stay for people hoping to turn their trip into a full holiday.
One option is Rock Cottage in the heart of Bamburgh village, described as “perfect for families and friends to spend quality time together exploring the coast”. This spacious cottage has a large south-facing walled garden with a BBQ and outdoor dining table, ideal for making the most of long summer evenings.
Available to book on holidaycottages.co.uk alongside dozens more places to stay in and around Bamburgh, the 19th-century stone cottage offers stunning views of Bamburgh Castle and the Northumberland coastline. Up to two dogs are welcome, and the holiday home has underfloor heating and three wood burning stoves, a Wii games console and a Smart TV.
A stay at Rock Cottage doesn’t come cheap, priced from £2,370 for seven nights. However, with five double bedrooms and five bathrooms, the cost can be split between up to 10 guests, so five couples sharing the property could pay less than £500 each for a week. As one of the biggest holiday cottages in Bamburgh, it’s ideal for larger families and groups of friends.
Other places with room for up to 10 guests in Bamburgh include The Wynd, priced from £2,015 for seven nights, and Glenander, a more budget-friendly choice priced from £1,306 for seven nights, both of which are available to book via Sykes Holiday Cottages.
More cottages boasting views of Bamburgh Castle include Coastguard Cottage, priced from £1,493 for seven nights, and The Boat House from £1,626, both of which have room for up to eight guests. There’s also Keeper’s View, priced from £929, and Charlton Cottage, priced from £1,034, which both have space for up to six people to stay.
Holidaymakers looking to stay in Bamburgh also have a choice of hotels in and around the village, with the number one choice according to guest ratings on Booking.com being The Victoria Hotel. Priced from £160 per night, this hotel has 29 rooms as well as a bar and restaurant, and is a 10-minute walk away from the castle.
This hotel was selected by The Hotel Guru as the best place to stay for those who want to explore all that Bamburgh has to offer, with the experts writing: “The Victoria Hotel is right in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle, so it’s ideal for seeing the sights in Bamburgh, but also ideal for exploring the whole region. Some rooms have castle views, but some have rural views, giving the feel of a countryside escape. It’s great value too.”
Meanwhile, there are many more places to stay in the neighbouring village of Seahouses, which was recently chosen by travel experts at Conde Nast as one of the best wildlife-spotting holidays in the UK. Read about the holiday cottages on offer in Seahouses, including one with striking harbour views, here.
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