Ross Back Sands beach is a hidden gem that stretches for three miles between Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Castle near Newcastle
Bamburgh castle is reachable at low tide on foot(Image: Getty Images/500px Plus)
A stunning expanse of golden sand framed by green dunes creates the ideal thirty-minute stroll linking Bamburgh castle with Holy Island’s Lindisfarne Castle.
Located just forty minutes by car from Newcastle, Ross Back Sands beach boasts three miles of pristine dunes, flanked by two magnificent examples of medieval construction.
The closest car park sits just fifteen minutes on foot from the shoreline, and this small distance ensures the gorgeous spot remains relatively quiet and deserted throughout the year, according to the Beach Guide.
Positioned at the northern tip of the beach stands Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century fortress sitting majestically atop Holy Island. The structure received significant modifications under the guidance of renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901.
During low tide, visitors can access the castle by walking across the causeway. Vikings once raided this region as it served as a contested boundary between England and Scotland, reports Chronicle Live.
Lindisfarne ceased functioning as a priory in 1537 during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries that followed his union with Anne Boleyn.
Situated south of the beach lies Bamburgh Castle, a Grade I listed structure. Historians believe it originated as a Celtic Brittonic stronghold called Din Guarie and potentially served as Bernicia’s capital from 420 to 547.
Control alternated between the Britons and Anglo-Saxons on three occasions before remaining under Anglo Saxon dominion from 590. Subsequently, the Normans constructed a fresh castle on this site before it reverted to Royal possession in 1095.
Following years of neglect, the fortress underwent restoration throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with William Armstrong putting the finishing touches to these renovations during the Victorian period.
One TripAdvisor reviewer commented: “Beautiful beach, I have visited many times and never seen more than a handful of people on it. You can often spot seals, the end nearest Holy Island is best for seal watching.
“It’s amusing to see other reviews saying ‘it is worth the walk’, which makes it sound like a bit of a slog to get there – in reality it’s about a mile of very easy walking, although the last part through the dunes undulates a bit.
“So if you think a gentle 20 – 25 minute walk is a bit of an ‘effort’ perhaps try a different beach! One thing to bear in mind is to take note of where you come out onto the beach from the dunes as it is easy to miss when going back, usually there is a marker like a bit of wood – or even a rusty gas canister when I was last there!”.
Best Northumberland holiday cottage deals
Northumberland is famed for its rugged coastline, ancient castles and unspoiled natural beauty. Sykes Cottages has a range of places to stay starting from £38 per night
“Enjoy the beach, enjoy the peace and enjoy the very pleasant little walk to get there, it is part of the experience.”