Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle road trip
Northumberland Coastal Route itinerary
The Northumberland coastal route is a short, scenery-packed drive of about 75 miles between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle. It follows England's only Heritage Coast designation for its entire length, linking tidal islands, clifftop castles and some of the emptiest beaches in the country. Three unhurried days let you work around the tides and the best villages.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Distance
- 75 miles
- Start and finish
- Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle (north to south)
- Best time
- May to September brings the warmest weather, the Farne Islands seabird season and the best beach days. Spring and autumn are quieter for castles and coastal walks.
See the ready-made plan
The full Northumberland Coastal Route itinerary is already plotted in the planner, day by day. Open it to see the route on the map, then drag stops, add your own and keep notes as you go.
Why drive the Northumberland Coastal Route?
A slow 3-day Northumberland coastal route by car, from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle via Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, Craster and Alnmouth.
- Cross the causeway to Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
- Bamburgh Castle above its huge sweep of sand
- Boat trips to the Farne Islands from Seahouses
- Craster kippers and the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle
3 days Northumberland Coastal Route itinerary
Day 1
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bamburgh
Explore Berwick's Elizabethan walls, then time your crossing to Holy Island around the safe-crossing windows before continuing to Bamburgh for sunset under the castle.
Day 2
Seahouses, the Farne Islands and Craster
Take a morning boat from Seahouses to see puffins and seals on the Farne Islands, then drive south to Craster for kippers and the coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle.
Day 3
Alnmouth to Newcastle
Wander the pastel-fronted village of Alnmouth and the wide beach at Druridge Bay, then follow the coast through Blyth and Tynemouth into Newcastle.
Planning tips
Plan the route around Lindisfarne tides
Holy Island is cut off by the sea twice a day. Check the published safe-crossing times before you set out and never chance the causeway as the tide rises.
Book Farne Islands boats ahead
Summer sailings from Seahouses to see puffins and seals are popular and weather-dependent, so reserve in advance and bring waterproofs.
Drive it north to south
Starting in Berwick and finishing in Newcastle keeps you on the seaward side for the best views and ends near the A1 and the city for onward travel.
Northumberland Coastal Route FAQ
How long is the Northumberland coastal route?
The coastal route runs roughly 75 miles between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle. It is easily driven in a day, but two or three days let you enjoy the castles, beaches and tides properly.
What is the best way to drive the Northumberland coast by car?
Follow the coast road and minor lanes between Berwick and Newcastle, taking in Holy Island, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Craster and Alnmouth. Plan Holy Island around the safe-crossing times.
Is the Northumberland coastal route the same as the Northumberland 250?
No. The coastal route is a shorter, coast-only drive of about 75 miles. The Northumberland 250 is a longer 250-mile loop that adds Kielder, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills inland.
When is the best time to drive the Northumberland coast?
May to September is best for warm weather, beach days and Farne Islands boat trips. Spring and autumn are quieter for the castles and coastal walks.
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