Seahouses is a picturesque fishing and harbour village on the Northumberland coast, sitting between Beadnell and Bamburgh. It is part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and I was fortunate enough to stay here a few weeks ago with Northumberland Cottage Breaks. Over the course of our three day stay, I discovered all the worthwhile things to do in Seahouses.

Being in such a beautiful spot on the coastline, it was also a great location to discover further afield up and down the Northumberland Coast. There are an abundance of things to do in Seahouses, as you might expect from a quaint coastal village that attracts so many visitors each year.

Our cottage was called The Seahouse, and was located right in the village, just a few steps from the harbour. Have a read of my full review of The Seahouse here, it provided the perfect base to explore, and all within easy walking distance. 

Things to do in Seahouses

From boat trips to see the famous puffins of the Farne Islands, to walking the coastal route to Bamburgh, and enjoying fresh seafood and fish and chips, you won’t be short of things to do in Seahouses.  

Billy Shiels Boat Trips to the Farne Islands

The famous boat trips to the Farne Islands run right from Seahouses harbour, and have done for many years since just after the First World War. There are 15-20 Farne Islands depending on the tide off the Northumberland coast, and the Shiels family run many different boat trips depending on what you want to see, and the time of year.

Between April to July see the Puffins – one of the most popular trips, or take a sunset boat cruise, an all day birdwatching trip, or a grey seal cruise to name a few. 

Prices range from £25 – £65 depending on which boat trip you do, or £250 for private hire. Find full details of each boat trip including duration, availability and pricing on the Billy Shiels website.

Enjoy Fresh Seahouses Fish n Chips

You can’t visit a seaside town in Northumberland without sampling their fish n chips, and there are three main chippys in Seahouses. Lewis’s Fish Restaurant, Hook Fish n Chips, and Neptune Fish Restaurant are all right in the centre of the village not far from each other. 

When we google’d the best one, Lewis’s came out top, and it also had the biggest queue of all three so that’s the one we went for. You can eat in or get them to takeaway and eat them on one of the picnic benches overlooking the harbour and out to sea.

Grab an Ice Cream

Another must do at any seaside town including Seahouses, get an ice cream. Most of the cafes and little shops have ice cream available as you might expect, but a few to mention include Coxons Coffee Bar, Koffee & Kreme and the Northumbrian Hamper. 

We got one from the Northumbrian Hamper, as it’s sourced by Doddingtons Dairy and it was delicious, full of flavour and it’s always nice to support local.

Visit Swallow Fish Smokehouse

The original smokehouses of Seahouses that date back to 1843 still make up Swallow Fish Smokehouse. This was just up the street from our cottage, and when it was open there was always a queue of people outside. It’s said to be the most likely place where the smoked kipper was invented, and the fish kitchens are still in use today. 

On entering the tiny shop, you’re met with a seafood counter selling everything you could possibly want, all fresh and including things like fish, salmon, dressed crab, prawns, lobster and so on. 

Through into the side room, and you can see the history of the smokehouse displayed in photographs all along the walls. It’s a fab little spot and well worth a visit if you’re after some fresh fish or seafood.

Shop Local Giftshops

You won’t be disappointed by the local independent gift shops in Seahouses village, they aren’t just full of tatt! Two of my favourites were Northumbrian Hamper, which sells all sorts of locally sourced goods including homeware, biscuits, jams and chutneys, fudge, chocolate, ornaments and artwork. It’s worth a visit either for individual gifts or to build your own hamper.

Drift was another favourite also central in the village, and it sold mainly homeware, coasters, artwork and sculptures. A lot of the decor in The Seahouse was from here, as it’s inspired by the sea and the coastline. 

Other gift shops to visit include Farne Gifts and North Shore Gifts too.

Walk or Cycle to Bamburgh

Although the Northumberland Coastal stretch is 62 miles long, it is just approximately 3 miles to walk or cycle from Seahouses to Bamburgh. The walk takes you along the coast and is relatively easy and flat. Bamburgh is another gorgeous town, with the iconic Bamburgh Castle visible all the way from Seahouses harbour and beyond, and there’s plenty to see and do when you get there.

Walk the Coastal Path to Beadnell

From Seahouses you could also visit Beadnell, which is less than a 2 mile walk and you can go the entire way on the beach. Beadnell again is another lovely coastal town with a bay, and some great pubs in the village itself such as Beadnell Towers or the Craster Arms. 

St Aidan’s Dunes

Although the main sea front of Seahouses is the harbour, there are sandy beaches either side. St Aidan’s Dunes stretches north of Seahouses, and joins Bamburgh beach. Take the dog for a walk, play in the sea on a sunny day, and enjoy the views.

Horse Riding at Seahouses

Slate Hall Riding Centre offer horse riding lessons, nature treks and beach walks on the Northumberland beach. Riders of all experiences can do this activity, and they have full details including costs on their website here.

Go to the Pub

Seahouses has a few pubs where you can go for a drink or pub food, with the most popular being the Olde Ship Inn, a traditional maritime pub right above the harbour. Bamburgh Castle Inn is opposite which also has a big bar area, and is dog friendly. The Schooner Inn is a bit further round and was filled with locals when we went, and they also show the football. 

Visit Longstone Lighthouse 

Longstone Lighthouse is famous, thanks to the story of Grace Darling and her father completing a heroic mission to save 9 survivors of a shipwreck in 1838. It can be found on Longstone Island, one of the Farne Islands and is only accessible by Golden Gate Boat trips from Seahouses.

You can find out more about their trips, and book yours on the Golden Gate website here.

Play Crazy Golf

The Bunker is the 18 hole crazy golf course at Seahouses, with each hole themed as a local landmark. They also have an indoor soft play for kids too, and a diner. Crazy Golf is £4 for adults and £3 for kids.

For more info and opening hours visit The Bunker website here.

Beau Monde Spa Day

Technically not in Seahouses, but only a 15 minute drive away is Beau Monde day spa in Lucker, and I just had to include it as I’ve had two lovely spa days here. You get access to the facilities, and they have a full range of treatments available if you want to get away for a day to relax. A good activity if it’s raining!

Read my full review of Beau Monde Spa here.

When it comes to things to do in Seahouses, you can see there are a varied mix of activities for families and adults alike. Being in an area of natural beauty many involve getting outdoors and making the most of the stunning scenery. Don’t miss the Swallow Fish if you’re a seafood fan, and you can’t go all the way to Seahouses and not visit Bamburgh. 

Other posts you might like:

The Seahouse Holiday Cottage, Seahouses

Shepherd Hut Glamping in Beadnell

The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh

Where to eat on the Northumberland coast