Warkworth, described as a 'perfect two-mile stretch of the purest sand,' has been named the best hidden beach in the UK. Located in Northumberland, it scored 9.14 out of 10 in an analysis by outdoor company Millets, beating more famous northern spots like Bamburgh and Whitby.
Serene scenery and wildlife
The beach sits between the historic village of Warkworth and the coastal village of Alnmouth. Backed by grassy sand dunes and a golf course, an estuary runs behind from the bustling town of Amble, which offers fish shacks, seafood restaurants, and pastel-painted beach huts. On a clear day, visitors can see Coquet Island, an RSPB nature reserve hosting over 40,000 breeding seabirds, including the UK's only regular nesting colony of rare Roseate Terns. Puffins and grey seals can also be spotted.
In summer, the wide expanse of golden sands and clear waters provide a natural, uncommercialised atmosphere with no shops, ice cream vans, arcades, or pier. Locals recommend setting up at the south end by old tree trunks and enjoying local beer from Alnwick Brewery. Amble North Pier and Lighthouse is a 25-minute walk away along a cinder track, where fishing or summer mackerel trips are possible.
Activities and facilities
A popular four-mile circular trail combines the beach, the River Coquet estuary, and Warkworth Castle. The beach is dog-friendly with no seasonal restrictions. Six minutes down the beach at Amble Links, water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking are popular. Northside Surf offers stand-up paddleboarding on the river and coast. Warkworth Castle, described by English Heritage as 'one of the most formidable castles in northern England,' was home to the Percy family. The 15th-century ruins include ancient wine cellars, the great hall, and chapel, with entry costing £11.90.
Other northern beaches to explore
Metro's picks include: Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, a postcard fishing village; Newborough Beach in Anglesey within a nature reserve; Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire, The Times' 2020 Beach of the Year; Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, reminiscent of Balos Lagoon and the Maldives; and Formby Beach in Merseyside, with coastal pinewoods and views across the Irish Sea.
A competition to win a two-night bed and breakfast stay at The Gore Hotel in London, including dinner at 190 Queen's Gate, is open until August 9, 2026. Entry is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. The prize is worth £900.
