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Embleton and Newton Links
Breath-taking stretches of silver sands surrounded by wildlife-rich dunes
Low Newton by the Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3EW
- Dogs allowed
Some local restrictions apply. On short leads at and near to the Long Nanny shorebird site during breeding season. Please follow all local signage.
- Shop
Shops at Seahouses and Holy Island
Off the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed. The Northumberland Coast Path runs through the estate. On the National Cycle Network route 1. Parking for Dunstanburgh castle is at the Council pay and display Quarry car park. Access into Craster village is restricted.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
Off the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed. Turn off on to the B1340 from Alnwick or the B6347 both towards Christon Bank. The B1339 then runs parallel to the coast, with minor roads leading to the sea at Newton and Embleton.
Parking: Pay and display at Low Newton and Craster.
- On foot
The Northumberland Coast Path, part of the North Sea Trail, runs through this estate from Beadnell Bay in the north to Newton Point and Newton Haven, then along Embleton Bay towards Dunstanburgh Castle in the south. Local footpaths lead to the coast from High Newton-by-the Sea and Embleton villages too, both about mile away.
- By train
Alnmouth train station 9 miles and Chathill train station 6 miles (infrequent service).
- By bus
A bus service runs along the B1330 from Bamburgh to Alnwick, passing Embleton and occasionally High Newton, Mon-Sat. Links to buses from Berwick upon Tweed train station, Alnmouth train station, Morpeth and Newcastle.
- Cycling
National Cycle Network route 1 travels from Newcastle to Berwick upon Tweed via Alnmouth, Craster and Seahouses, mostly on minor roads. It passes through Embleton village.
- By ferry
Visiting boats may anchor in Newton Haven at their own risk. The moorings are for mooring holders only. The nearest day-launching facilities are up the coast at Beadnell. Small craft can be hand-launched from Newton Haven, but there is no vehicle access to the beach.
Low Newton by the Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 3EW
Planning your visit
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Visiting the Northumberland Coast with your dog
Dogs can really stretch their legs on the long sandy beaches of the Northumberland Coast. Find out what facilities are available, where you can walk your dog and seasonal restrictions.
Highlights
Long Nanny shorebird site
Between the months of May and July, around 2000 Arctic terns and a small number of very rare Little terns return to the Long Nanny to breed. Take a walk along the beach from either Beadnell or High Newton to the site, following the local signage and keeping dogs on a short lead to protect the birds. A team of National Trust rangers camp on site 24 hours a day to protect the birds; look for their hut in the dunes. Come and chat to us to find out more and experience this very special place for wildlife, for yourself.
Beach and dunes
Sandy beaches perfect for playing and relaxing, backed by dunes where a variety of wild flowers bloom in the summer months; Orchids, bluebells, cowslips, burnet roses and bloody cranesbill. In the autumn and winter think empty beaches, big skies, fresh air and space to breathe. And wonderful winter wildlife.
Newton pool and bird hide
Follow the path to Newton Pool and see what wildlife you can spot from the hide - otters have been seen here, and avocets are sometimes seen on Newton scrape.
St Cuthbert's Cave
A little further inland, near the village of Belford, is St Cuthbert's Cave. Believed to have been a resting place for the monks, who, carrying St Cuthbert's body, fled the Viking invasion on Holy Island; This place is one of significance, and not to be missed. A short, uphill walk to the cave affords panoramic views of the Cheviot hills and the coast. An intriguing and peaceful place to explore.
Ros Castle
Ros Castle is an Iron Age hillfort with spectacular 360 degree views, and on a clear day it is possible to see seven different castles from the top, including Lindisfarne Castle. This place was a favourite spot of Sir Edward Grey. Located just above Chillingham, the best place to park is at the summit of the minor road that crosses Hepburn Moor. The walk to the top is a steep climb, and the terrain is rugged - stout footwear is a must.
Things to see and do
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Things to do at Embleton on the Northumberland Coast
Head to Embleton and Newton Links to discover the 18th-century fishing hamlet of Low Newton, scramble across a natural rock harbour and sandy beach, and spot wildlife at Newton Pool Nature Reserve.
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Terns return to the Northumberland Coast
Every year, Arctic and little terns return to the Long Nanny shorebird site in Northumberland to breed. Visit us to find out more and see the birds up close.
Top trails
Trail
Craster to Low Newton coastal walk
Enjoy miles of magnificent views along the Northumberland coast with this walking route from the fishing village of Craster to Low Newton by the Sea.
Trail
Newton Pool coastal walk
Enjoy a gentle walk alongside the Northumberland coast with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities along the way.
Places to stay
Risemoor
Close to the sands of Embleton Bay, this coastal cottage is a great spot for wildlife watching.
Rockside Cottage
A former fisherman’s cottage next to a cosy pub with sea views and a bright, contemporary living space.
Lookout Cottage
A former lookout, this simple but snug cottage is next to a HM Coastguard radio room.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Embleton and Newton Links
Big skies,wide open beaches and spectacular nature awaits.
From the beaches at Druridge Bay, Embleton, Beadnell and St Aidans and the breeding colony of terns at the Long Nanny shorebird site, to St Cuthbert's Cave and Ros Castle, there is lots to explore.
Our work
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Our work on the Northumberland Coast
Discover some of the tasks that keep National Trust staff and volunteers busy throughout the year as they work to preserve Embleton and Newton Links for visitors and wildlife.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Embleton and Newton Links
From leading rambles through rock pools to litter picking with school groups, learn what’s involved in being a volunteer at Embleton and Newton Links, how to apply and more.