Holiday rentals in High Newton-by-the-Sea

High Newton-by-the-Sea and Low Newton-by-the-Sea form the seaside village of Newton-by-the-Sea, a nature preserve renowned for its wide variety of nesting and migratory birds. The Northumberland village is mostly owned by the National Trust, which also owns and protects the immediate countryside and coast, reinforcing its place as somewhere it’s easy to be in tune with nature.

Some particularly notable features of the village include what locals refer to as the Tin Tabernacle, a 19th-century chapel devoted to St Mary originally purchased in kit form, constructed from steel sheets and stained glass. There’s also Low Newton Square, featuring whitewashed cottages built in the 19th century for local fishermen and beautifully maintained to this day. The real stars of any trip to Newton-by-the-Sea are the sparkling nature preserves and coastal areas around the village, which are host to an abundance of plants and wildlife.

The best time to stay in Newton-by-the-Sea cottages is between April and September, when the temperatures are balmy and there is less chance of rain. April and May especially are ripe times to visit for bird-watching enthusiasts, as multiple species make spring migratory flights. The summer is still mild enough to make a trek through natural trails and coastal walks an enjoyable jaunt rather than a sweltering hike, and the beaches are warm and welcoming to swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers. If you’re lucky, you might even be tunelessly serenaded by seals resting on the beach.

Dunstanburgh Castle

The 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle towers over the Northumberland coast. It was built by the powerful Earl of Lancaster, who was openly hostile to King Edward II. In the present day, the ruins of the castle stand vigil over the countryside and offer spectacular sights. From the top of the open Lilburn Tower you can see over the coastline and views of Bamburgh Castle to the north.

Newton Pool Coastal Walk

The Newton Pool coastal walk is a gentle trail alongside the Northumberland shoreline, a must-see for nature lovers and birders. The first part of the trails, points 1-4, are rated for all abilities and feature straight dirt paths with gentle curves and slopes. Bring your binoculars to catch sights of waterfowl and geese, accompanied by wondrous views of the more gentle side of the North Sea.

RNLI Grace Darling Museum

Just a short drive from High-Newton-by-the-Sea, the Grace Darling Museum in Bamburgh pays tribute to the eponymous heroine. Here you can learn about the harrowing journey she and her father, the local lighthouse keeper, braved to save the last nine survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire on September 7, 1838. Grace subsequently became a celebrity in the early Victorian era, and you can learn all about her storied but short life.