Beadnell Bay North End
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Swell, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Beadnell Bay North End is a versatile, largely beach-based launch where the mix of shallow sand near shore and reef features enables multiple water sports. For kitesurfing, the north end is described as offering shallow, flat-to-choppy water that’s workable for beginners and intermediates, with additional options further out depending on conditions. Surfing is centered on a beach-and-reef break: reef alignment can shape the wave into A-frame-style sections, and the north-end reefs (referred to as The Ebbs) are noted as capable of producing quality right-handers in NE swells. Provided surf guidance also flags that the area can be fairly exposed, with shore break that is not necessarily heavy but can still require respect when combined with tidal movement. Wind at the spot spans many directions (notably N, NE, and S for kitesurfing), with typical strong-season months falling in autumn/winter. One source emphasizes higher wind reliability during autumn and winter due to North Sea depressions. Wind consistency is also complemented by a wind-shadow effect behind the harbor wall, which can change conditions depending on your exact launch position. Safety planning is important: reefs/submerged rocks are a recurring hazard, and rip currents are specifically warned for surfing. There are also tidal currents around the harbor mouth/ends of the bay and boat traffic near the harbor area. Seasonal bird nesting exclusion zones can apply from May to August, and kiting inside the harbor is restricted.
- Shallow, flat-to-choppy north-end water supports beginner kitesurfing
- Beach-and-reef surfing with reef features shaping waves
- High wind reliability in autumn and winter
- Easy access with parking directly by the north end
- Shallow, flat water on the north end is suitable for kitesurfing beginners/intermediates.
- Surf can be reliable with a beach-and-reef setup depending on swell and tide.
- Frontal wind patterns with high reliability during autumn and winter periods.
- Launch access is straightforward with a nearby car park.
- Reefs and submerged rocks increase risk, especially for surfing and water entry.
- Rip currents (noted for surfing) can make conditions dangerous.
- Tidal currents and boat traffic near the harbor require careful planning.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E, SE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as frontal; north-easterly/easterly directions are noted as favorable for wave conditions.
- Reliability
- High during autumn and winter due to North Sea depressions.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium overall in other provided conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop/mid chop mentioned for kitesurfing; NE winds can add chop for surf.
- Launch
- Small — Wide sandy beach at the north end near the harbor; beach narrows at high tide. Launch is described as easy overall.
Through the year
Can be busy with tourists in July/August; water remains uncrowded for sports.
Winter months see more frequent North Sea storms; late autumn and winter (October through March) see the most frequent storm activity and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat water for beginners and intermediates with medium chop and some wave options; also described as offering a range from flat-water areas near shelter to features further out.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Popular for wave sailing and freeride; the north end is described as a safer entry point for intermediate sailors.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Increasingly popular due to relatively sheltered launch at the north end and deepening water outside the harbor; suitable for wingfoil racing.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters beyond the immediate shore break.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Reliable beach and reef break with lefts and rights available depending on conditions and reef alignment.
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Surf notes mention reefs working best on a pushing mid-tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Also described as exposed; overall conditions vary with reef location and wind/wave direction.
- Wind Effect
- NE winds create chop; W/NW winds are offshore and groom the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Reef holds size well but can become heavy near the reefs on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Other provided notes describe mixed/reef-involved shapes depending on alignment.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can be 50-100 meters on good days; other notes mention up to ~100 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Breaks can produce right-handers in NE swells near the north-end reefs (The Ebbs).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Beadnell Bay North End in the full forecast view.
Beadnell Bay North End wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–33 ktsGusts 55 kts
- Direction
- SW222°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2533 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 5–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, Beadnell Bay North End is forecast for daytime winds of 4–33 kts, peaking around 33 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 55 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–1.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Reefs
- Rip currents
- Tidal currents
- Harbor wall
- Submerged rocks/reefs (The Ebbs)
- Boat traffic
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Group context indicates limited rescue availability with 24/7 lifeboat coverage for the wider Beadnell/Embleton area.
- Emergency Info
- In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Nearest hospital is in Alnwick (per provided info).
Rules of the spot
Avoid the harbor entrance and boat channels. Respect seasonal bird nesting exclusion zones (May to August), typically marked on-site.
- No kiting inside the harbor.
- Seasonal bird nesting zones apply (May to August).
- Be wary of rips—hazard noted for surfing.
- Launch just south of the harbor for the cleanest wind.
- For surfing on a NE swell, the reefs to the north can work best on a pushing mid-tide.
- Reefs in the middle of the bay can create A-frame shapes when conditions align.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nearest Town
- Beadnell
- Nearest Airport
- Newcastle International Airport (NCL) (~80 km / 50 miles south)
- Parking
- Pay and display car park directly at the North End; also described as a car park in Beadnell right on the beach.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus services connect Beadnell with coastal villages and main rail hubs (including Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed); no direct train to Beadnell.
- Access
- Drive via B1340 or B1341 off the A1, and follow signs for Beadnell/Seahouses/harbor. Car park available in Beadnell right on the beach. Best launch is a short walk south from the car park (north end launch noted as just south of the harbor).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Extensive camping and caravan sites plus holiday cottages and traditional bed and breakfasts in Beadnell and nearby villages.
- Food & Drink
- Several pubs and cafes in Beadnell village within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via local schools during peak season; group context also notes equipment rental via local schools and shops.
- Gear Storage
- Limited gear storage typically managed through local watersports schools or specialized campsites.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs possible via local schools.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Islands famous for puffin colonies and a large grey seal population, accessible via boat trips from Seahouses.
Dramatic 14th-century castle ruins on a remote headland between Embleton and Craster.
A major coastal fortress with extensive history and sea-facing views.
Long-distance walking route with views and access to hidden coves along the AONB.
Well-known pub with its own microbrewery, overlooking the sea on the village green.
Rocky outcrops at either end of the bay offering opportunities to discover marine life at low tide.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Beadnell Bay North End?
The best overall months at Beadnell Bay North End are June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Beadnell Bay North End?
Beadnell Bay North End works with N, NE, E, SE, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Beadnell Bay North End?
Recommended equipment sizes at Beadnell Bay North End: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Beadnell Bay North End suitable for?
Beadnell Bay North End suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.