Guide to Seahouses

Just a stone’s throw from the historic market town of Alnwick, the picturesque fishing village of Seahouses is situated within Northumberland’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only three and a half miles from the iconic Bamburgh Castle. Best known for its working fishing port, the UK’s oldest operating smokehouse and close proximity to the unspoilt Farne Islands, Seahouses is a much-loved seaside destination for visitors from far and wide.

Our idyllic cottages in Seahouses are conveniently located within a short walk of its pristine sands, charming harbour and the bustling Main Street. You’ll find an abundance of cafés, restaurants and friendly pubs, a well-stocked supermarket, an excellent bakery, butcher, chemist, post office and a selection of interesting craft and gift shops. A trip to Seahouses wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its famous fish and chip shops where we can honestly say, the fish is absolutely delicious!

Things to do in Seahouses

When it comes to finding things to do in this unique part of Northumberland, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The breath-taking coastline in and around Seahouses is packed with majestic castles, quaint villages and stunning beaches – ideal for exploring all year round.

Wildlife spotting

The Farne Islands’ boat trip is an ‘essential’ on your list of things to do during any holiday in Seahouses and these operate regularly all year round from Seahouses harbour. This spectacular National Trust nature reserve is home to an estimated 150,000 seabirds including puffins during the breeding season, along with a colony of grey seals who bask in the sunshine on the Islands’ rocky shores – it’s a fantastic opportunity to observe a wide range of local bird and wildlife up close.

You can also take a trip out to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne by boat or by driving across the causeway. This island is home to several internationally important species of wildfowl and wading birds who are attracted to its protected tidal mudflats, saltmarshes and dunes that form the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Please remember that Holy Island is cut off by the sea at high tide, so be sure to check the safe tide times ahead of your trip!

Family activities

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in and around Seahouses, there are a wealth of activities all along the coast – with both indoor and outdoor options, meaning you can have fun whatever the weather. The Bunker in Seahouses is fun for families, with crazy golf and soft play. For an outdoor adventure, visitors can spend sunny days by the rock pools in Seahouses or enjoy a wealth of scenic boat trips from the harbour. 

The thriving historic market town of Alnwick is just ten miles from Seahouses, where you’ll find activities for the whole family – a visit to The Alnwick Garden is a must. Here, you can stroll around the fragrant gardens and tumbling waterfalls and walk along the rope bridge to The Treehouse, a restaurant with a tempting menu to satisfy any appetite. Harry Potter fans of all ages should visit Alnwick Castle to relive some of their favourite scenes from the popular films.

Adventure activities

If you’re an adventure lover, the Northumberland Coast is brimming with exciting opportunities to get involved in water sports. From diving and surfing to canoeing, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

If you prefer to explore on dry land, there are a host of walking and cycling routes, perfect for navigating the 62 miles of Northumberland coastal paths - and with characterful villages nearby, you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Amble, Alnmouth, Bamburgh, Beadnell, Craster and Embleton are some of the coastline’s most popular seaside villages, so you’ll need more than just a day to explore all that this welcoming area of Northumberland has to offer.

Eating out in Seahouses

After a wonderful day of exploring the local area, there is nothing better than a well-deserved meal in a friendly pub or restaurant. Sample fresh, local produce and reminisce about the adventures you have shared.

Fish and chips

There are three fish and chip restaurants in Seahouses, all of which are centrally located. Lewis’s, Pinnacles and Neptune all offer unmissable menus with pots of tea, and bread and butter. Food is available to eat inside or take away and enjoy with views of the harbour (or back at your cottage).

Pubs

The Black Swan Inn is situated at the top of the harbour and offers a delicious range of home-cooked food in generous portions.

The Bamburgh Castle Inn has great views over the harbour and along to Bamburgh Castle. The food is traditional pub grub and the portions are huge. There’s also a beer garden, so you can enjoy your meal outside on warm summer nights overlooking the harbour.

Freshly smoked fish

Try the fresh kippers and crab from Swallow Fish, just off Union Street. This is a long-established family business that still uses the last fully operational, 19th-century smokehouse in Seahouses. Swallow Fish has featured on TV, as part of Keith Floyd’s Around Britain series, and was hailed as one of Rick Stein’s Original Food Heroes.

Eating out nearby

The Jolly Fisherman

In nearby Craster, you’ll find The Jolly Fisherman – a well-known restaurant that serves up delicious home-cooked food and provides unrivalled sea views. With everything from tasty sandwiches to beef dripping chips on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn at Low Newton is only a ten-minute drive from Seahouses and sits right by the beach. Enjoy fresh crab sandwiches while watching the fishermen bring in their daily catch – or for an authentic treat, try the freshly caught Newton lobster. Good food, great location and a vibrant atmosphere mean it’s essential to book a few days in advance. The Ship also has its own microbrewery so, if you’re a fan of real ale, why not try a pint or two of Sand Castles at Dawn, Dolly Day Dream or Ship Hot Ale?

Salt Water Cafe

From filling breakfasts and hearty evening meals, to light snacks and indulgent afternoon teas, Salt Water Café in nearby Beadnell has a menu brimming with options for locals and tourists alike. The café becomes a popular Bistro in the evenings and booking is recommended.

The Craster Arms

The Craster Arms is a dog-friendly pub restaurant located in the heart of Beadnell, with a beer garden and grassy area for children to play on in the summer sun.

The Mizen Head

Boasting some of the best seafood in the region, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you dine at The Mizen Head in Bamburgh– and with a dessert menu packed with traditional sweet treats and irresistible sorbets, you’ll be ready to burst by the time you leave! Booking ahead is recommended here too.

Copper Kettle Tea Rooms

The Copper Kettle Tea Rooms in Bamburgh is a founding member of the Tea Council Guild and is widely recognised as one of the finest tea rooms in the country. All food is homemade and freshly cooked each day, with a limited supply.

The Potted Lobster

For top-quality seafood, The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh won’t let you down. Using produce from local suppliers, the menu is packed with delicious fish and lobster dishes.

Where to stay in Seahouses

From cosy cottages for two, to spacious accommodation for larger groups and dog-friendly cottages, Seahouses and its surrounding area is home to an array of comfortable and fully-equipped holiday homes, which means you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with self-catering.

Whether you’re looking to see the historic Northumberland sites or relax on this captivating stretch of the North East coast, browse our range of holiday cottages in Seahouses and find your perfect holiday.