Surf: Expanse of northeast-facing strand that picks up all available swell onto some nice sandbars. Environment: Plenty of currents and seals, but not people, with stunning castle backdrop. Carpark behind castle or further south in the dunes. Surf: General: This is the best-known, most consistent and most picturesque break in the Northumbria area, a long stretch of sand that lies beneath the imposing turrets of Bamburgh Castle. To the north of the castle is an outcrop of reef that can have fun lefts, then running south for a couple of miles the beach stretches all the way to the village of Seahouses. The northeasterly facing aspect of this section means it is a swell magnet, with peaks, sandbanks and occasional rocky outcrops. Can fire in groomed north and northeast swells that roll out of the Arctic or the occasional southeasterly winter swell. Still a place where new faces in the lineup can be greeted with a welcoming smile. Parking behind dunes. Tides: Breaks through the tides. Size: Thigh high to overhead. Wind: SW to W Swell: NE, E, SE Bottom: Big sand beach with occasional finger of reef where banks can accumulate. Paddling: Mellow in small swells, more rips when it pumps. Spot Rating: Consistently flat during the summer but produces fun peaks when breaking. Access: A number of car parks to north and south of castle behind the dunes. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Quiet. Local Vibe: Friendly. Environment: Clean. Hazards: Watch out for rips when over waist high. Season: September - February when the North Sea comes to life.