A ‘unique’ and ‘enchanting’ seaside town, renowned for drawing visitors from afar, has clinched the title of the UK’s best coastal destination.
Bamburgh in Northumberland reigns supreme for the fourth consecutive year in a Which? survey, outshining famed holiday spots like Portmeirion and St Andrews.
Locals are not surprised by its charm. Claire Watson-Armstrong, who resides in the iconic Bamburgh Castle that dominates the town’s skyline, shared her story with the Mirror.
The castle, a Grade I listed fortress with roots stretching back 3,000 years to the ancient Celtic Brittonic fort Din Guarie, became her home after she married into the Armstrong family, who have been its guardians since 1894.
“The castle’s history goes back 3,000 years. It has been in his family since 1894, which is relatively recently in the grand scheme of things. The first Lord Armstrong, who bought the castle, was an incredible inventor who was called ‘the Magician of the North’,” she said
“He made the hydraulics that lift Tower Bridge and he was a huge employer in Tyneside employing 3,000 people.”
For Claire, the continued success of Bamburgh in the Which? survey is no surprise; she believes its a testament to its remarkable appeal despite lacking the warmer climate of southern seaside retreats.
“There is nowhere like Bamburgh. You can see dolphins, the sunsets, the sunrises. You just stand there and breathe in. The smell of the sea. It is unique. As it has been over the centuries, there is something about the soul of the place,” Claire remarked.
“Yes we do have British weather, and we’re experiencing one of the wettest years on record. But whatever the weather, there is a beauty and magic about it, all-year-round. It has become (an all year destination now). People come out of season because they love that rawness and beauty.”
Claire also highlighted Bamburghs variety of local charms: “There is so much to offer in and around the local area: the Farne Island, Holy Island, the beaches, churches, the history.
“We are in the process of transforming a redundant space in the village into a lovely play area. We have a big Christmas installation which is a real draw for people regionally and other parts of the country.”
Moreover, Bamburgh is attracting international attention, drawing visitors from the Gulf States to China.
When asked for her top tips on how to spend a delightful afternoon in Bamburgh, local enthusiast Claire didn’t hesitate to reveal her favourite spot.
“There is a lovely place, a fish shack, on the edge of Bambrugh, called Creel and Reel, run by Robin. He serves up local seafood – whatever is local and he can get his hands on. It is absolutely fantastic,” she gushed.
“You can pop into the Vic and have a pint, sitting outside in the beer garden. We love the Potted Lobster restaurant in the village as well. You can grab a coffee on the green and watch a match of cricket there, or go to the beach and build a sandcastle.”
Bamburgh’s charm isn’t lost on visitors either; it recently topped a Which? survey of over 4,700 people who rated various coastal towns on key aspects such as beach quality, food and drink, attractions, and value for money.
The praise doesn’t stop there. A TripAdvisor user recently posted: “The apparently-endless stretch of wide sandy beach from which you get outstanding views of Bamburgh Castle. The beach is favoured by dog owners, and by their dogs! Can be windy and cold but worth a visit.”
Another advised: “The Bamburgh beaches are really lovely and all dog friendly. Watch where you park as it can be expensive. The upper car park at the castle is only £5 for the day as is the car park about halfway to Seahouses.”
Another visitor, who was utterly charmed by the locale during an August trip, gushed: “Seriously the best beach in the UK. Eight miles of flat white sand. Dunes to run into. Rock pools.
“Crystal clear water. Dog friendly and clean as a whistle. Beautiful views of the castle. Free parking. A great kids play area near the castle. Cricket being played on the pitch behind the beach.
“Pavillion selling teas and cream cakes. Bamburgh butchers sell the best sausage rolls and scotch eggs. And a fabulous ice cream shop. Clean toilets nearby too. We even had some sun. What’s not to like? “.