Spittal combines a predominantly sandy beach with a Victorian promenade and a history as a holiday and spa resort. Spittal Beach is located within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In England’s bathing water list for 2026, Spittal is listed as designated bathing water; for later years, the updated list in force at the time is authoritative. The beach, walks, routes and historic buildings offer different ways to enjoy a stay.
Sandy Beach and Promenade
Spittal Beach is predominantly sandy and is suitable for building sandcastles; the beach is family-friendly. At high tide, the water is shallow. The sandy beach therefore defines the coastal experience, while the shallow water is explicitly tied to this tide level.
The Victorian promenade offers opportunities for walks by the sea. It is flat and also suitable for cycling and scootering. This provides a distinct way to get around the coast, in addition to the beach itself. Dogs can also be off lead when walking on the beach and promenade, a specific point to bear in mind when planning a coastal walk with a dog.
Coastal Paths and Cycling Routes
From the beach, the Northumberland Coastal Path heads south towards Holy Island. On the circular route from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Cocklawburn Beach, Spittal Beach serves as a landmark. This distinguishes two different types of route: the Coastal Path is described as heading south towards Holy Island, while the beach is a reference point on the circular route between the named places.
The beach also leads onto the Sandstone Way, a long-distance mountain biking route. The flat promenade, which is suitable for cycling and scootering, is distinct from this route, which is specifically designated as a long-distance mountain biking route.
Holiday Resort, Spa History and Smokehouses
Spittal has been known as a holiday resort since the 18th century. In the early 19th century, the former Spa Well was a significant factor in the development of the spa resort. The dates indicate two phases in the history of leisure: Spittal’s reputation as a holiday resort in the 18th century and the later development of the spa resort, to which Spa Well contributed.
In the 19th century, Spittal became the leading centre for herring processing. The pair of smokehouses on Sandstell Road is Grade II listed; shortly after 1843, the buildings were converted into smokehouses for kippered herring. Herring processing thus represents a different historical focus from the spa history: alongside Spittal’s development as a holiday and spa resort was the town’s important industrial role.
The “Venetian” pavilion was built in 1928. Its construction date is well after the smokehouses were converted shortly after 1843, marking another point in Spittal’s architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Kirknewton, Wylam, Ponteland, Belford, Newham, Blyth, Longhorsley, Eshott.
For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.
