Getting around

Getting around without a car

Getting about on the Northumberland Coast without a car can be a fun and interesting way to explore. You could walk, cycle or take the bus.

The Coast and Castles Connection Bus Service is a great way to get about, combine it with a linear walk for a great day out.

If you have brought your car on holiday with you, leave it behind for a few days and follow our advice for some great car-free days.

By Bus

Despite being very rural, the Northumberland Coast AONB has an excellent bus service to most of the villages and tourist attractions during the summer. There is a less-frequent service during the winter and you check the dates of timetable changes.

Download a map of the bus routes through the AONB

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Planning your journey

To plan your bus journeys around the AONB we recommend using Traveline or Nexus

The principle bus route along the coast is from Alnwick to Berwick-upon-Tweed or Belford. This route serves Longhoughton, Howick (418 only), Craster, Embleton, High Newton-by-the-Sea (418 only), Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh.

This route is served by the Arriva Coast and Castles Connection X18 (Newcastle to Berwick-upon-Tweed or Belford) and the Travelsure 418 (Alnwick to Belford service) providing virtually an hourly service in each direction during the summer.

The southern part of the AONB is also served by the Arriva Coast and Castles Connection X18 (Newcastle-Berwick-upon-Tweed/Belford) and Arriva X20 (Newcastle-Alnwick via Amble and Ashington) services.

This route connects Amble with Alnwick via Warkworth, Alnmouth (X18 only), Alnmouth Railway Station (X20 only) and Lesbury with a twice-hourly daytime service.

The Arriva X20 serves Ellington (for Cresswell) and the start of the Northumberland Coast Path.

The Travelsure TO1 service connects Alnwick with Amble via Warkworth.

For faster journey times between Berwick, Newcastle and Morpeth to the Coast (Craster, Seahouses and Bamburgh etc) use the Arriva X15 Newcastle-Morpeth-Alnwick-Berwick-upon-Tweed service and change at Alnwick onto a connecting a X18. 

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Journey Planners

We have created Journey Planners to help you plan your car-free days from your base. These journey planners are designed to be used in connection with the summer timetable (May to November), journeys may not be possible on the winter timetable and these planners should only be used for reference at this time.

Please bear with us whilst we update the Journey Planners for 2022

 

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Holy Island

Because the causeway to Holy Island is tidal, the timetable changes virtually daily.

477

Borders Buses operate the 477 service between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Holy Island. Outside of the summer season this bus only operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. During the summer holidays there is a twice-a-day Monday to Saturday service. If travelling in a group of eight or more passengers, please contact in advance so that a larger bus can be provided - 01289 308719 or e-mail info@borderbuses.co.uk

Single £4.50 Day Return £8.00 (Children under 16 half-fare)

477 Holy Island Timetable

 

Woody's Taxi's

If you are a large group, please give Woody's Taxis a call on 01289 547009 so that additional vehicles or a personalised service can be provided.

 

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Connections at Berwick

Berwick has onward connections to;

• Wooler via Ford & Etal, Millfield and Lowick
• Eyemouth and St. Abbs (for the Berwickshire Coast Path)
• Coldstream, Kelso, Melrose and Glalashiels (all operated by Borders Buses)

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Great tickets

Discover North Northumberland Tickets

There are now three 'Discover North Northumberland Tickets' to save you money

One-day - £6.70 - A day ticket valid on all services north of Amble*.
Amazing value for a day out on the coast.

Three-day - £15.00 - Perfect for making the most of your short break or
long weekend.

Seven-day - £23.00 - Ideal for a longer stay on the Northumberland Coast
or if you are walking the Northumberland Coast Path

*Discover North Northumberland tickets valid on all Arriva, Travelsure and Glen Valley

NorthEast Explorer ticket

Valid anywhere in the North East on most services

• Adult - £8.60
• Child (13 or under) - £5.00
• Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) - £15.00

Arriva

Family Day Ticket Great value for family day out at only £14.00.

Valid on all Arriva services for two adults and up to three children

• Adult one day - £7.60
• Child one day - £5.00

 

Great discounts

Present your valid Arriva, Glen Valley or Travelsure bus ticket for great discounts

• 20% off admission to Alnwick Garden (Valid for 1 day only)
• 20% off admission to Alnwick Castle (Valid for 1 day only)
• 20% off entry to Warkworth Castle* (Valid for 1 day only)
• 20% off entry to Berwick Barracks
• 20% off entry to Dunstanburgh Castle* (Valid for 1 day only)

Holy Island – discounts with your Borders buses 477 ticket

• 20% off entry to Lindisfarne Priory*
• 20% off entry to Lindisfarne Castle *

*Not valid with other offers or concessionary rates, check opening times.

Terms and conditions may apply, check with the attraction to avoid disapointment

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Cycling

Cycling can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Northumberland Coast AONB, with miles of quiet country lanes, traffic free cycle routes and bridleways, two wheels are better than four.

Cycling