Low Newton

Northeast beaches don't come any better than the fine sands at Low Newton. Come off the coastal road at High Newton and wind down to a picture-perfect hamlet of cottages set around a grassy green, overlooking the wide beach. There's a magnificent pub, the Ship Inn, at the back of the green – lunch is a must, especially the crab sandwiches – and miles of beach to explore, whether it's rock-pooling or dune-wandering. You'll see Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon and it's a great day out to start from Low Newton, walk along Embleton beach up to the castle ruins and over to Craster (for another great pub and more fresh seafood!) and then back again, rewarding yourself with a pint or an ice cream back at the Ship. It gets busy in Low Newton itself on good summer days, though the beach always has plenty of quiet spots the further away from the pub you go. Get here early though for a space in the village car park, as there's nowhere else to park.