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By Gemma Miller
Residential Sales Manager, Scottish Borders and Northumberland
Having lived and worked in Northumberland for many years, I can say with confidence there’s nowhere quite like it. Our coastline is one of the region’s greatest treasures – a stretch of golden beaches, characterful villages, and landscapes that never lose their magic, no matter the season. For those looking to find a home here, coastal living in Northumberland offers the perfect blend of beauty and community.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many people find their dream homes in these special places – and each village has its own unique charm. Here are a few of my favourites.
Alnmouth is a village that captures the heart of anyone who visits. Just a short drive from the ever-popular market town of Alnwick, it offers a stunning stretch of beach with pretty painted houses fringing the Estuary. The village also enjoys numerous cafes and restaurants and has a mainline railway station offering inter city connections to Edinburgh and London. What I love most is that there’s a genuine warmth to Alnmouth, with a tight knit community.
No matter how many times I visit Bamburgh, that first glimpse of the castle against the sea still takes my breath away. It’s one of those places that perfectly balances history with coastal life. The beach is vast and beautiful, ideal for a walk or simply standing still to take it all in. The village itself is charming, with lovely pubs, cafés, and independent shops. Bamburgh is one of the most sought after villages on this coastline and it’s easy to see why.
Beadnell is one of those places that invites you to spend your days outside. Whether it’s paddleboarding or windsurfing in the bay, walking along the sand dunes, or enjoying fish and chips with a sea view, life here has a natural rhythm that’s hard to resist. It’s a small village, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. I’ve helped families, couples, and retirees find homes here – from traditional stone cottages to modern beachside houses – and they all say the same thing: once you arrive, you never really want to leave.
A little more tucked away, Longhoughton offers the best of both worlds, a peaceful rural setting and easy access to the coast. Just a mile and a half from Sugar Sands and close to Boulmer, one of Northumberland’s most secluded and beautiful beaches, it’s a village that truly captures the essence of coastal living. There’s a small but vibrant community here, complete with a local shop, a school, and a wonderful artisan bakery that’s become a local favourite. For anyone seeking a slower pace of life without losing touch with amenities, Longhoughton is a gem.
What makes Northumberland’s coast so special isn’t just the scenery – it’s the way of life. There’s a real sense of space, both in the landscape and the lifestyle. The air feels cleaner, the pace gentler, and the people genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re looking for a family home, a peaceful retirement retreat, or a holiday bolthole by the sea, our coastal villages offer a quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere.
As someone who has called this coastline home for many years, I can say with hand on heart that it’s a place that stays with you. Once you’ve walked these beaches, met the people, and felt the calm that comes from living by the sea, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else.
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