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'Hidden gem' village with one of the best beaches in the UK is the perfect winter escape
Reach Daily Express | December 6, 2025 12:39 PM CST

This village is a 'hidden gem' nestled within the Northumberland coastline and is jam-packed with activities to keep all of the family busy on a quiet escape. With sweeping sands, serene coastlines and stunning wildlife, the charming village of Badnell offers an inviting setting for time spent soaking up the great outdoors. Home to a peaceful beach, Beadnell Bay, the area offers coastal walks and water sports for those sun-seekers and sea-lovers out there.

The harbour is a unique addition to the village, as the only west-facing harbour on England's east coast. It remains to this day an active fishing spot where local fishermen catch wild salmon and sea trout, which are served and sold locally.

Upon visiting, you'll quickly see the picturesque setting of colourful fishing boats dotted along the harbour. Thanks to its unique location, the space offers the perfect spot for photographs, as it often sees the most beautiful of sunsets.

Along with its love for the coast, Beadnell is home to a sailing club that has firmly cemented itself within the community for over 40 years, continuing on the area's maritime heritage. While the club mostly belongs to those who live locally, it is keen to also welcome visitors and holidaymakers who wish to join in with sailing or wish to take part in lessons and courses as a newbie.

Although the star of the show in this village, and the reason why people continue to travel back, is for its breathtaking beach. A
A TripAdvisor review claims: "Beautiful bay, massive beach with amazing views. Such a beautiful place for walking. Very clean and so relaxing, just perfect!"

Another person shared: "The best beach in Northumberland! The car park is right next to the beach entrance and free for the first hour. The dog-friendly beach is absolutely stunning and goes on for miles. It's golden sand with no pebbles, has a small harbour at one end, and plenty of little nooks to shield from the wind."

Visitors can enjoy watersports activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, with the help of the bay's consistent winds and gentle waves. This means that it's suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts keen to get out on the waves.

Someone else said: "What a little gem, never in my dreams would I imagine I'd find a little beauty like this. I'd gone looking for St Ebbs Nook and discovered this beautiful bay with sands perfect for walking on. History surrounds you, and the kilns are well worth a look whilst you are here. It's a beautiful part of the country and well worth a trip if you are in Northumberland."

Particularly stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are popular in the village, although when the weather is calmer, wakeboarding and waterskiing are also possibilities.

Local watersports centres offer lessons as well as equipment to hire for those taking a trip, and for those simply wanting to watch, you can kick back and sit along the sand as the waves roll along the coastline.


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