A seaside town known for its stunning sandy shoreline and ancient castle used in Hollywood films is yet again the best in the country.
Bamburgh has been named the UK's favourite seaside destination for the third year in a row by more than 4,000 people surveyed by Which?
The Northumberland town secured an impressive destination score of 88% across categories including beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money in the survey.
Few who have been to Bamburgh will deny that it is a special place and worthy of the accolade.
Arguably its most striking and strongest quality is the scenery there.
A two-mile stretch of white sand sweeps across the coastline, providing plenty of space for sun worshippers to lounge, hardy wild swimmers to sprint into the surf and dogs to bound around.
One visitor told Which? that the beach ‘has super-soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, and there is plenty of space, so the beach never feels crowded’.
Above the beach runs walking paths through luscious grass and thick vegetation, with wooden benches dotted along the way.
Those asked said the coastal spot was perfect for people seeking some peace and quiet, whether that be from the vantage point of one of the scenic benches or while wandering along the sand in the early morning light.
There is no shortage of wildlife on the Northumberland coast, with birds, seals and even dolphins and whales spotted in recent years.
One aspect that really sets Bamburgh apart from other similar seaside towns is its castle, which is built atop an outcrop of basalt high above a sandy beach, looking out across the North Sea to the Farne Islands.
Its location at the peak of a crag is ideal enough that a previous castle occupied by Celts stood there before the current iteration changed hands a number of times over the past 1,000 years.
Harrison Ford recently visited the Grade I listed building to film part of Indian Jones and the Dial of Destiny, while previous credits include Transformers: The Last Knight, The BFG, MacBeth and The Last Kingdom.
Another draw to Bamburgh is the Grace Darling museum.
During her short life the light house keeper became a national hero of huge fame after she daringly saved the lives of nine members of a paddle steamer crew who got caught in a storm near the town.
The museum guides visitors through Grace’s upbringing and life in the lighthouse, the events of the rescue that propelled her into the limelight and her status as a national heroine.
Beyond Bamburgh, there is loads to see in the area.
The village is the perfect place to base yourself if you are looking to explore the county by foot.
You can head to Belford, Newton-by-the-Sea or Seahouses is just three miles away.
Just off the coast are the Farne Islands which are home to more than 40,000 pairs of puffins, terns, guillemots and eider ducks.
Visitors can travel to the islands to see the famed seabird population up close, however they care currently closed to landings until the end of summer due to an avian flu outbreak.
However, local boat companies will continue to operate sail-around tours.
This includes Billy Shiel Farne Island Boats, a family business that has been running boat trips to the islands and Holy Island since 1918.
