Occupying a prime position on the pristine Northumberland coast, the quaint fishing village of Seahouses is making its mark on England’s tourist trail. Named by TripAdvisor as one of the UK’s most sought-after travel destinations for spring 2023, this burgeoning hotspot delights visitors with its sweeping beaches, historic harbour and prime access to the wild beauty of the Farne Islands.
With a plethora of guest houses, cafes, restaurants and charming local shops, Seahouses has everything for a perfect weekend break. We visited in March 2023, when bracing winter winds blew in from the North Sea, and the streets were empty of all but the hardiest visitors. Wrapping up warm, we found a village gearing up for a busy summer season. As we wandered along the quiet beaches, we counted ourselves lucky to explore without the crowds.
Whether you are keen to snap pictures of puffins, experience the wonders of Northumberland’s rich history, or simply stroll along miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, Seahouses is the perfect base for a short getaway. Here is our roundup of the top nine things to see and do during a weekend in Seahouses.
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1. Visit Bamburgh Castle
The 11th-century Bamburgh Castle is one of England’s most impressive coastal fortresses. Towering above the rolling dunes between Seahouses and Lindisfarne, the core of the current castle was built by the Normans.
Open to visitors seven days a week, modern-day Bamburgh Castle boasts everything you would expect from a world-class attraction. There is something for everyone, from walks on the ramparts to an array of exhibitions – including the new collection of props and costumes from the hit TV show The Last Kingdom.
Ticket prices are £15.50 for adults and £7.65 for children.
Top tip: Head to the beach for the most impressive views of Bamburgh Castle. The castle’s imposing walls rise directly above the dunes.
2. Try a kipper sandwich from Swallow Fish
With a history stretching back to 1843, the smokehouse at The Fisherman’s Kitchen – home to the family-owned Swallow Fish Ltd – is one of Seahouse’s most famous food spots.
Hidden down an unassuming back street, Swallow Fish’s store stands next to the original smokehouse. Take a peek through the door and marvel at the walls, which are stained an impossibly-dark black.
Inside, two rooms showcase the shop’s wares. On the left, deep freezers host everything from fishcakes to frozen scallops. In the main room, a selection of fresh fish and local produce stand enticingly behind the counter. Whether you want to try crab, lobster or haddock, every item on display tempts visitors to sample a taste of the seaside.
For the classic Seahouses experience, try a kipper sandwich. Cooked to order and placed in a bun of locally-baked brown bread, it makes for a perfect seaside lunch – or mid-afternoon snack.
Top tip: The pâtés make for excellent sandwich fillers. We can highly recommend both the kipper and the smoked salmon versions.
3. Listen to the Eider ducks at Seahouses Harbour
Wander the piers or beach at Seahouses Harbour, and it won’t be long before you hear a mysterious cooing sound. Look a little closer, and you will spot the source – a common Eider Duck.
These colourful ducks are the UK’s heaviest. Natives of the seaside, male Eiders have distinctive black, white and pale green feathers that make them easy to spot as they bob along on the water’s edge. They are a true fixture of Seahouses Harbour and a real treat for anyone who is visiting from further inland.
Listen out for their unmistakable call. On a quiet morning at sunrise, the sound reverberates around the harbour, harmonising with the sound of the gently lapping waves.
4. Take a long walk on a vast sandy beach
The Northumberland coast is famed for its long unspoiled beaches and picturesque dunes. A favourite among families, couples and solo adventurers alike, the region’s remoteness makes it perfect for avoiding the crowds.
One of the most popular beach walks from Seahouses is the 3-mile route to Bamburgh Castle. With the rocky cliffs of the Farne Islands ever-present on the horizon, this delightful stroll begins in the centre of Seahouses before tracking along the top of the rolling dunes.
Before long, the route drops down onto the beach itself. Perfect for dogs, children and adults alike, the beach is particularly impressive at low tide, with acres upon acres of space to enjoy.
Bamburgh Castle itself is hidden from view for much of the walk. Eventually, the castle peeks out over the dunes, offering a perfect finale to a splendid beach walk.
Top Tip: For a different on the distant Farne Islands, and a quieter beach, head south. The coast between Seahouses and the nearby village of Beadnell is another brilliant spot.
5. Shop for handmade souvenirs from a local craft shop
Seahouses high street is a delightful mix of traditional souvenir shops, cafes and craft shops. The latter are scattered sporadically along the short road, their windows filled with all manner of treats and trinkets.
Our favourite was Drift. Here, an impressive range of artwork from local artisans based around Northumberland was on display. From original artwork to prints, cards and jewellery, there was something for everyone – a perfect place to buy a locally-made souvenir.
Top tip: Have a chat with the owner. She is absolutely lovely and can tell you all about the artists whose work is on display. Her passion for the shop, and the local area, shines through.
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6. Take a boat from Seahouses to the beautiful Farne Islands
A highlight of any trip to Seahouses, the magnificent Farne Islands are a haven for some of England’s most spectacular wildlife. Easy to spot from the shoreline, they are a popular destination for pleasure boats – most of which depart from the harbour.
As you approach the Farne Islands, a frantic flurry of birdlife greets your arrival. Watch some of the island’s 43,000 pairs of puffins race past your boat, wings busily flapping. Gannets swoop and dive into the water at breakneck speed. Arctic terns patrol their nests with urgency.
The leading boat operators offer a choice of trips. Shorter voyages will take you around the island, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the action from afar.
Longer trips allow you to dock on Staple Island or Inner Farne, home to a historic lighthouse and the centuries-old St. Cuthbert’s chapel. A visit here is a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts, with nesting puffins, terns and England’s largest breeding population of Atlantic grey seals.
We visited the Farne Islands with family-run Billy Shiel’s Farne Islands Boat Trips and can highly recommend their services.
Top tip: If you are visiting the islands during the nesting period, be sure to wear suitable clothing to protect yourself from bird droppings – there is no escaping it.
Note: The recent avian flu outbreak has devastated the Farne’s bird populations. The National Trust have confirmed that no boats will be allowed to land on the islands at the start of the 2023 season.
7. Sample fresh seafood from a local shack
From oysters to mackerel, the Northumberland coast around Seahouses is a treasure trove of freshly caught seafood. Smokehouses such as Swallow Fish are a must-visit for kippers, but why stop there?
There are plenty of other great options for seafood in the area, and two unassuming shacks lead the way. The first is Bait in Beadnell, just a short walk down the beach from Seahouses. The shack hosts summer suppers, serving favourites such as paella and lobster, while timeless classics such as crab sandwiches and haddock are firm fixtures on the daily menu.
North of Seahouses, Creel and Reel Seafood Trailer stands on the southern tip of Bamburgh. From monkfish hotdogs to grilled halibut, the dishes here are mouthwateringly fresh – a perfect accompaniment to an evening by the sea.
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8. Explore the historic sites of Holy Island
A 20-mile drive north of Seahouses, Lindisfarne – also known as Holy Island – is one of Northumberland’s most popular tourist sites.
The tidal island has a storied history stretching back to the days of Saint Aidan, who came to the island in 635AD and founded a monastery which stood until the Viking invasion. Subsequent centuries saw a priory established on the island, along with the impressive Lindisfarne Castle, the profile of which can be seen for miles around.
A day trip to Lindisfarne is one of the best things to do when visiting Seahouses. A few hours is all you need to explore, providing ample time to visit the castle, priory and local shops in the small village.
Note: Plan your visit to Lindisfarne in advance – the island is cut off at high tide. Click here to check the safe crossing times for Holy Island.
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9. Support the local lifeboat service at the Seahouses RNLI shop
Standing proud at the top of the harbour is Seahouses lifeboat station.
The communities around Seahouses have a proud tradition of saving lives at sea, with the story of Grace Darling firmly embedded in local legend. This tradition continues at Seahouses, which boasts a lifeboat station whose history dates back to 1827. Today, the team of volunteers carry out frequent rescues from their base at the heart of the village.
Those looking to support the work of the RNLI can visit the on-site shop, which stocks a wide range of souvenirs, cards and toys to suit all tastes and budgets.
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A weekend in Seahouses: how to do it
- We stayed at the wonderful Flat 4 – Cliff House. This was everything that a self-catering accommodation should be – locally owned, centrally located and packed with little details. The flat enjoys a brilliant view over the harbour – ideal for sunrise and sunset. From £118 a night.
- If self-catering isn’t your thing, then the following guest houses come highly recommended:
- Dunelm House: This gem of a B&B stands on Main Street, just a couple of minutes from the harbour. Hosts Stephen and Suzanne offer splendid Northumbrian hospitality, with breakfast served around a communal table – ideal for swapping stories and plans with fellow guests. Doubles from £110 a night.
- Ugiebrae House: Another B&B on Main Street, Ugiebrae House boasts a sun-soaked garden and a handful of luxurious rooms. Run by Hans and Claire, guests are greeted with homemade cakes and plenty of opportunities to learn about the area. Doubles from £125 a night.
- Horncliffe: For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, Horncliffe offers room-only accommodation in the heart of Seahouses. The location is ideal – just a stone’s throw from the harbour – with rooms offering supreme value for the price. Doubles from £65 a night.
- We drove to Seahouses from Leeds, which was the most convenient option for our trip. However, it is possible to get to Seahouses using public transport: