Beadnell is a small village a few miles south of Seahouses in Northumberland. The village is at the north end of Beadnell Bay, which is backed by 2 miles of sandy beach – great for holidaymakers, but not so interesting for photographers. The main photographic interest is therefore centered around the small harbour at the north end of the beach and the boats that are sometimes moored just outside the harbour.
Location and Parking
Post Code: NE67 5EE
The main A1 road runs parallel to the coast of Northumberland, about 5-7 miles inland. Abouit 8 miles north of Alnwick, turn off to the right onto the B1340, signposted towards Preston Tower. After 2 miles, turn left at a junction, still classed as the B1340 and follow this towards Beadnell. Where the road turns left towards Seahouses, turn off to the right along Harbour Road, then keep right where the road branches to reach a pay and display car park behind the beach. The hartbour is reached by a short walk across the beach.
Beadnell Harbour
The small harbour is backed by a group of lime kilns. These were built in 1798 and only operated until the early 1820’s, but they remain in very good condition. The harbour is small but quite deep, so it is difficult to get a satisfactory shot of boats in the harbour, but a wide angle view pulls in the harbour wall, boats and lime kilns, and some evening colour enhances the image.
Beadnell Harbour
There is a slipway that extends into the sea from the end of the harbour, which makes a nice leading line, especially with some waves to add some movement.
Beadnell Slipway
Look out for a few details such as lobster pots or fishing equipment. Even the lifebelt at the end of the harbour wall makes a good subject against a suitably interesting sky.
Sunset At Beadnell Harbour
The slipweay points towards the South-West, which makes it an excellent location for Milky Way shots in the autumn. Northumberland has some of the darkest skies in England, and Beadnell harbour is one of the few locations on the Northumberland coast which points in the right direction for autumn Milky Way photography.
Milky Way Over Beadnell
Beadnell Beach And Boats
Sometimes there are boats moored just outside Beadnell Harbour, which can make interesting subjects in the right conditions. Most locations in Northumberland face East, so are good for sunrise shots, however the orientation of the beach at Beadnell means it is also good for sunsets in autumn or winter.
Beadnell Boats At Sunset
A single boat pulled up on the beach can also provide a bit of foreground interest.
Sunset At Beadnell Beach