Where to stay in...
Cresswell sits at the southern end of the seven-mile sweep of magnificent golden sands at Druridge Bay, considered by many to be the finest bay on the Northumberland Coast.
Cresswell is an old village, with a pele tower dating to the 14th century, with the tower scenically set in a belt of trees.
The population of Cresswell is around 200, although with two popular holiday camps, this dramatically increases during the holiday season.
Originally a fishing village, the fishermen moved away from this perilous occupation to the equally dangerous coal mining, when the mine opened in nearby Ellington.
The lifeboat came to the village in 1875, crewed mainly by the Brown family, and remained in service until 1944.
Cresswell Village © Kevin Richardson - CCL
Start of the Northumberland Coast Path © Chris Heaton - CCL
Looking north over Druridge Bay from Cresswell © Kevin Richardson - CCL
The village has limited facilities, with the hub of the village being Cresswell Village Hall, although it also has an ice-cream / confectionery shop plus a bus stop and public toilets opposite.
Visitors should note, Cresswell has limited car parking facilities available.
A variety of bus companies have available services covering the Northumberland Coast and rural inland areas.
The coast can also be accessed from further afield, with national bus operators providing services to various towns.
It should be noted certain services are only operated on a seasonal basis.
Bus operators covering the Northumberland Coast...
The Cresswell family lived here since the days of King John, with Cresswell Tower being built in the 14th century, with later 18th century additions.
Cresswell Tower has a legendary ghost called
The White Lady of Cresswell,
dating back to Saxon times.
The tower is a grade II listed building.
Photo © Michael Dibb - CCL
With it's vast expanse of beautiful golden sands,
Druridge Bay is never a crowded place, even at peak holiday season.
Behind the sand dunes are a series of important wetland nature reserves.
These are, Hauxley Nature Reserve, Druridge Bay Country Park, East Chevington, Druridge Pools and Cresswell Pond.
Each site is well worth exploring, as the reserves are within a short walk of each other, this is an ideal opportunity for nature lovers.
Photo © Emily Frankish - CCL
St Bartolomew's Church was built in 1836 for the Baker-Cresswell family.
Photo © George Hurrell - CCL
The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 1 - Cresswell to Warkworth...
This, the first stage of the route at 10.5 miles / 16.8 km long, starts at the village of Cresswell, situated three miles / 5 km north of Newbiggin by the Sea.
An eight-mile / 13 km stage, following the sweeping sands of Druridge Bay, and to the north,
Druridge Bay Country Park and Ladyburn Lake.
Various facilities are available here, including visitor centre, café and toilets.
A short distance beyond is Low Hauxley bird reserve, with its attractive lake and scattering of islands, perfect for interesting year-round birdwatching.
Then along the sand dunes overlooking Coquet Island and to Amble Links and the busy fishing port of Amble.
The route finally skirts around the Coquet Estuary, well-known as a haven for wintering waders and waterfowl, before ending up in the ancient fortified village of Warkworth.
Photo © Chris Heaton - CCL
Ordnance Survey Maps...
- Sheet 81 (Landranger) - Alnwick and Morpeth
- Sheet 325 (Explorer) - Morpeth and Blyth
- Sheet 332 (Explorer) - Alnwick and Amble
Ordnance Survey Online Map of Stage 1 available HERE
Official Guidebook for the Northumberland Coast Path...
The guidebook (ISBN 978 1 873402 23 6) costing in the region of £4,
is available from local Tourist Information Centres (TIC's),
Local Bookshops, or
Here.
The DVD - 'Exploring the Northumberland Coast Path' is available from Local Bookshops, or Here.
Door to Door Baggage Transfer...
Baggage Transfer covering the entire route is available from Carry-Lite, details of this service can be found Here, or phone 01434 634 448 / 07976 356 459.
Cresswell has two popular holiday parks...
Cresswell Towers Holiday Park and Golden Sands Holiday Park
Useful Links...
