Between Edinburgh And Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Fishing Village With Fresh Seafood And Scenic Beaches

If you're looking for a quaint English coastal getaway, look no further than England's Northumberland Coast. The area is lined with charming little towns and villages full of history and character such as Seahouses, a picturesque fishing hub that places visitors in proximity to some of Northumberland's most stunning natural sights. The town is about 80 miles from Edinburgh and about 50 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city.

Seahouses' history is tied to its vibrant harbor. It was built in 1889 in order to support the needs of the growing fishing and lime-mining industries along the coast, leading to the construction of residential homes around the area called "sea houses." Eventually, this became the name of the town, and although mining and other industries could not withstand the development of the railroad, the fishing industry is still thriving in town to this day. Seahouses has since grown into a popular tourist destination for people exploring the Northumberland coast, where travelers can catch a boat ride to visit wildlife-filled islands or breathtaking nature preserves.

Seahouses may be a small town, with a population of about 1,700 residents, but it is bursting at the seams with natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Not only is it home to two sprawling sandy beaches but it is within walking distance of other incredible beaches. Plus, thanks to the historic harbor, there are plenty of pubs and eateries around town where you can find delicious seafood dishes made from the day's fresh catch.

Seahouses is a village with a long fishing history, so it makes sense that it houses one of the oldest working smokehouses in the nation. The Swallow Fish Smokehouse was first established in 1843 and continues to use the same smoking methods as when it was first constructed. It is even credited as one of the first places to invent the modern "Kipper" process for preparing herring. The smokehouse is located in The Fisherman's Kitchen, where you can enjoy the catch of the day fresh from the harbor and peruse historic fishing artifacts. 

Whether you're in search of a casual pub or a more upscale dining experience, it is easy to find fresh seafood in Seahouses. For some, a trip to Seahouses isn't complete without stopping at The Olde Ship Inn, a nautically themed pub and hotel. This popular spot has served locals and travelers alike since 1812, and its rustic, maritime decor adds plenty of character to the historic pub. In the mood to eat outside? Enjoy the pub's catch of the day in the beer garden while overlooking the charming fishing harbor. For another popular option, try Lewis's Fish Restaurant, a family-owned spot considered one of the U.K.'s best fish and chip shops, according to The Times. While the fish and chips are the obvious draw, this is also a great place to enjoy fresh lobster straight out of the sea, although you must place your order for it at least 24 hours in advance.

Speaking of lobster, The Potted Lobster offers a more refined dining experience less than 4 miles away in Bamburgh, an English village with fresh seafood and a scenic castle that can be seen from Seahouses. The restaurant is noted for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere; however, seating tends to fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is a must. 

Since Seahouses is located in Northumberland, England's northernmost county which boasts scenic landscapes, it is easy to see why the town is full of so much natural beauty. There are plenty of nature-filled areas in and around the village that draw many people each year, especially along the coast. On either side of the harbor stretches two sandy beaches, Seahouses North Beach and South Beach. The northern beach, also known as St. Aidan's Beach, is a scenic, tranquil escape that features "classic sand dunes, clear water, rolling waves, dramatic setting and views to the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle," as one Tripadvisor review notes. The sandy coastline stretches for about 3 miles into neighboring Bamburgh where it meets Bamburgh Beach, which is considered to be one of the best beaches in the world, according to Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards. Seahouses South Beach is a bit smaller than its northern counterpart, yet it offers plenty of  tranquility as well. 

For nature and wildlife lovers visiting Seahouses, catching a boat trip to the Farne Islands is a must. These islands contain a diverse array of wildlife, but the biggest draw is the 200,000 seabirds of about 23 different species that call these islands home. The most notable species is the Atlantic puffin; each year, tens of thousands of puffins flock to these islands to reunite with their mates and raise their chicks. Boats depart from the village harbor, and although they have plenty of tour options year-round, the best time to go depends on the wildlife you want to see. Try to aim for mid April to late July for the seabirds, or shoot for late October to catch a glimpse of the white seal pups. For even more island adventure, the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve has unique wildlife and hiking and is only a little further north.