Coastal bliss that won't go amiss

Northumberland’s coast offers a wealth of delights for all the senses. Even the dogs are invited to soak up the sun

I’ll let you in on a secret – Druridge Bay in Northumberland, just an hour’s drive south of the Scottish border, is one of my favourite beaches. Stretching no fewer than seven miles from Amble to Cresswell, it never gets too busy, even in the height of summer. We enjoyed a relaxed weekend there recently visiting friends and Minnie had the time of her life in the company of their four small dogs.

Even with such a troop, there is plenty of space to run free, ears flapping in the sea breeze (the dogs’ ears, not mine).

The golden sands are as popular with dog walkers and horse riders as they are with families building sandcastles – perhaps modelled on nearby Bamburgh or Alnwick.

Despite the remnants of anti-tank blocks, Druridge Bay wasn’t invaded during the Second World War. Sadly, though, the pristine area and its wildlife is currently under threat from plans to develop the largest opencast mine in England – which I hope won’t ever come to fruition.

On a sunnier note, a former opencast mine is now Druridge Bay Country Park, a beauty spot with a visitor centre, play area, cafe and picnic tables. Swans, graylag and pink-footed geese nest around the reservoir as well as the rare golden snipe. Ladyburn Lake also attracts water-sports enthusiasts as you can learn to sail, canoe or windsurf here, while the beach is the place to head for all types of surfing.

The harbour town of Amble can be reached by a 10-minute drive north. Nicknamed the “friendliest port” since the 1930s, it certainly enjoys a laid-back, seaside atmosphere.

The busy Sunday market on the quayside sells everything from plants and ice cream, to books and seafood.

A small fishing fleet still keeps the port viable and the Harbour Fish Bar packed.

Puffin Cruises sail around Coquet Island, an RSPB-designated site of special scientific interest and a paradise for 40,000 nesting sea birds as well as a grey seal colony, often seen sun-bathing on the rocks.

The dog-friendly Drift Cafe is a popular beach-side bistro at Cresswell, which is a 20-minute drive south of Amble. Open every day for tasty breakfasts, lunches, snacks and cakes, the cafe has tables outside for when the sun shines – and second-hand books for cosy company when it doesn’t.

More great food and a warm welcome can be found at The Northumberland Arms at nearby Felton. Built in the 1820s as a coaching inn, this excellent restaurant has now been renovated.

Dogs can dine with their owners in the bar and there are also two pet-friendly rooms. The Running Fox artisan bakery in the village is also worth visiting for its too-good-to-resist fresh loafs and afternoon teas.

There are plenty of other hotels, selfcatering cottages, guest houses, bunk

There is plenty of space to run free, ears flapping in the sea breeze (the dogs’ ears, not mine)

houses and campsites in the area, while glamping options include yurts and tipis hidden among the dunes.

Alnwick Castle, dubbed the “Windsor of the North”, dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family.

Used as a location for Harry Potter films it’s possible to go on a ghost tour, admire the opulent State Rooms, or perhaps tire out the children with broomstick training.

Beware that part of Druridge Bay is nudist – although sadly I’ve never been there when it’s ever felt warm enough to strip off.

Yet, if you’re brave enough to embrace the elements, you may want to join in the annual North East Skinny Dip on September 24 at sunrise, in aid of MIND – the mental health charity.

www.visitnorthumberland.com