I’ll let you in on a secret – Druridge Bay in Northumberland, just an hour’s drive south of the Scottish border, is one of my favourite beaches. Stretching no less than seven miles from Amble to Cresswell, it never gets too busy, even in the height of summer.
We enjoyed a relaxed weekend there recently visiting friends and Minnie had the time of her life in the company of their four small dogs! Even with such a pack, there is plenty of space to run free, ears flapping in the sea breeze (that’s the dog’s – not mine).
The golden sands are as popular with dog walkers and horse riders as they are with families building sandcastles – perhaps modelled on nearby Bamburgh or Alnwick!
Despite the remnants of anti-tank blocks, Druridge Bay wasn’t invaded during WWII and also escaped becoming the bomb site of an ugly power station. Sadly, though, the pristine area and its wildlife is currently under threat from plans to develop the largest opencast mine in England – which I hope don’t ever come to fruition.
On a sunnier note, a former opencast mine is now Druridge Bay Country Park, a beauty spot with a visitor centre, play area, café and picnic tables. Swans, graylag and pink-footed geese nest around the reservoir as well as the rare golden snipe.
Ladyburn Lake also attracts water-sports enthusiasts as you can learn to sail, canoe or windsurf here, while the beach is the place to head for surfing or kite surfing, when the white horses are racing to get to the beach first.
The harbour town of Amble can be reached walking around the coast. Nicknamed the ‘friendliest port’ since the 1930s, it certainly enjoys a laid-back, seaside atmosphere.
The busy Sunday market on the quayside sells everything from plants and ice cream to books and seafood. A small fishing fleet still keeps the port viable and the Harbour fish and chip shop packed.
Puffin Cruises sail around Coquet Island, an RSPB designated site of special scientific interest and a paradise for 40,000 nesting sea birds as well as a Grey Seal colony, often seen sun-bathing on the rocks.
The dog-friendly Drift Cafe is a popular beach-side bistro at Cresswell, open every day for tasty breakfasts, lunches, snacks and cakes. There are outside tables for when the sun shines – and second-hand books for sale inside for when it doesn’t. Diners may almost be outnumbered by dogs, but cyclists are also regular customers in this cheery café with friendly service.
More great food and a warm welcome can be found at The Northumberland Arms at nearby Felton. Built in the 1820s as a coaching inn, this excellent Restaurant with Rooms has now been renovated. Dogs can dine with their owners in the bar and there are also two pet-friendly rooms. The Running Fox artisan bakery in the village is also worth visiting for its too-good-to-resist fresh loafs and afternoon teas.
There are plenty of other hotels, self-catering cottages, guest houses, bunk houses and campsites in the area, while glamping options include yurts and tipis hidden amongst the dunes.
Alnwick Castle, dubbed ‘Windsor of the North’, dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their family. Used as a location for Harry Potter films, we admired the opulent State Rooms, while it’s also possible to go on a ghost tour or perhaps tire out the children broomstick training!
Alnwick Gardens are magical in every season, with autumn about to bring a fiery change. The Grand Cascade will leave you spellbound as fountains splash, tumble and jet high into the air.
Alnwick Castle and Gardens can be visited separately or together and a ticket gives entry for a year. The Alnwick Garden Treehouse is a unique venue for meals, cocktails or weddings, while another wildly romantic location is to get married on the beach.
Beware that part of Druridge Bay is nudist – although sadly I’ve never been there when it’s ever felt warm enough to strip off. Yet, if you’re brave enough to embrace the elements, you may want to join in the annual North East Skinny Dip on Sunday, 24 September 2017 at sunrise, in aid of MIND – the mental health charity.
You’ll note I’m saying nothing else other than that if you want to find out more, dip into www.visitnorthumberland.com
Travel News
The Balearic island of Menorca is renowned for its rich equestrian history, with the famous black indigenous Menorcan horse a symbol of local culture. The most famous event featuring the Menorcan horses is the Gracia Festival in the capital Mahon from 7-9 Sept 2017. Trekking on horseback is also an exciting way to see the island. Visit illesbalears.travel
A pop-up gin bar is refreshing festival goers this summer on the outdoor terrace of the G&V Royal Mile Hotel, Edinburgh. The five-star design hotel, (part of the Quorvus Collection), has partnered with Edinburgh-based Daffy’s Gin to offer al fresco cocktails and nibbles until 30 Sept 2017. To book a room at this dog-friendly hotel, visit quorvuscollection.com or call 0131 220 6666.
The new Queensferry Crossing over the Firth of Forth will open to traffic on 30 August 2017. The £1.35 billion structure will then close temporarily to allow the public a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk across on 2nd and 3rd Sept 2017. The places for 50,000 walkers have been allocated by ballot. The crossing will replace the Forth Road Bridge as the main route between Edinburgh and Fife.
Hot choice:
Esprit Ski (espritski.com, Tel 01483 791 920) is offering a week in Gressoney, Italy, in the Monterosa ski area from just £509 pp. This includes flights from Edinburgh on 6 January, as well as half-board accommodation with afternoon tea and wine with four-course dinners at the Chalet Hotel Valverde. The price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged up to 10).
