Beautiful horseshoe-shape beach near two Northumberland castles could make for the perfect school holiday outing

A gem of a beach with ‘protected waters and golden sandy beaches’ is a hit with visitors to Northumberland who describe it as a beautiful area to take both children and dogs, with one describing it as their favourite stretch of coastline in the entire UK. Beadnell Bay in Northumberland is a popular spot for building sandcastle, flying kites and kayaking while off the village harbour, which is awash with colourful fishing boats in summer, its waters are fished for wild salmon and trout.

Just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, Beadnell combines a bustling community life with ample opportunity for chill-out relaxation on its wide sands and a trip to the beach features on Trip Advisor’s 2025 list of the 10 best things to do in Northumberland with kids. It makes the high ranking thanks to comments from visitors seduced by its charms.

Several noted its cleanliness and stone-free sands ideal for sandcastles and one recent TripAdvisor reviewer, who thought it lovely for a walk and dog-friendly, said: “This is a hidden gem. It’s a long beach, soft sand and backed by dunes.”

Another also called it “a hidden gem with great access” and one fan wrote: “Having visited Beadnell Bay numerous times in the last 20 or so years, I can hand on heart say it is by far my favourite beach in the UK”. The review added: “With the carpark, toilets and ice cream van conveniently close to the beach, you only have a short walk from the car to the beach” and called the beach “stunning, with golden sand”, saying the sand dunes are “brilliant for the kids to enjoy tiring themselves out”.

As previously reported, Beadnell was named by travel experts earlier this year as one of the UK’s top destinations to enjoy a break as well as one of the best holiday spots to take pets and several TripAdvisor reviewers clearly appreciated the chance to take their dogs on the beach. Others noted handy ice cream and snack spots and one family review included: “The boys were happy digging and paddling all day.

“Toilets are available in the car park and there’s a cafe to get drinks and snacks. All in all a lovely day and would definitely return.”

Visit Northumberland describes Beadnell as ‘the sporty one’, calling it fun for sandcastle building, beach cricket and the likes of kite-surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. It adds: “With its protected waters and golden sandy beaches, Beadnell is a water sports paradise.”

Beadnell is less than a 15-minute drive from Bamburgh Castle to the north – which also makes the Trip Advisor list of things to in Northumberland with kids, taking top spot – and there’s another castle nearby too. Dunstanburgh Castle is about 20 minutes south; a short walk from Craster which itself has been described as a fishing village where time stands still.

Seahouses is also on its doorstep and just up the coast is Holy Island, making Beadnell a popular base for tourists too. Other Beadnell highlights include coastal pub The Craster Arms – which dates back to the 15th Century and incorporates a pele tower – and the adjacent Beadnell Towers Hotel where non-residents can dine too and where dogs are also welcome in its bar and reading room.

Other attractions to make the Trip Advisor list include Cragside, Vindolanda, Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, Northumberland Zoo and Kielder Observatory. With many families watching the purse strings, beach days can be an ideal option and packing a picnic will save money too.

For more ideas for where to enjoy free trips out with the kids over the summer holidays see here and find a round-up here of the Northumberland beaches rated best for a relaxing mindful walk.

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“The park was great and had things to do for all ages of children.”

Scotland is not short of popular holiday parks and camping sites. From the Scottish Borders to the northern Highlands, there are countless staycation destinations perfect for a family trip.

If you are currently stuck on where to head, there is one holiday park that is in a stunning position and features a wide range of facilities. It has also received very positive reviews from visitors who have stayed there.

Brighouse Bay Holiday Park is situated on the Dumfries and Galloway coast. It looks out over the waters of Brighouse Bay, and features a sandy beach beside the site.

The holiday park is home to a wide selection of hardstanding and grass pitches for tents and trailers. It also offers a range of holiday cottages, lodges, and caravans

According to holiday website Pitchup, Brighouse Bay Holiday Park features a “private beach”. The beach is just a short walk from the site and is the ideal spot for a picturesque walk or a spot of sunbathing.

In terms of facilities, the holiday park features a leisure centre with a heated indoor swimming pool. There is also a separate toddler’s pool, as well as a jacuzzi.

The Brighouse Bay Holiday Park is also home to a bar where visitors can enjoy food and drink. Meanwhile, The Brig restaurant offers a selection of lunch and evening dishes—including an extensive pizza menu.

Meanwhile, there is also an 18-hole golf course that offers stunning sea views that take in Wigtownshire, the Isle of Man, and the Lake District. There is also a putting green and a six-bay driving range where guests can hone their skills.

Also available to guests is an on-site licensed shop that sells essentials such as bread, milk, rolls, and ice-cream. Additionally, buckets and spades, gifts, gas bottles, and much more can be purchased.

Completing the facilities at Brighouse Bay Holiday Park are two children’s play areas and two toilet blocks. There is also an all-tide slipway where visitors can take part in kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and rowing.

On Pitchup, Brighouse Bay Holiday Park has earned an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10.

The park has received 376 reviews on the website, with 88 per cent of visitors stating that they would recommend it to a friend.

One holidaymaker posted: “Park was clean and tidy, toilets and showers were clean, washing up facility for dishes was good and the dog bath worked wonders for our dogs to cool them down when it was really hot. Will definitely be back.”

The adventure travel sector is experiencing a renaissance, driven by a confluence of rising disposable incomes, a shift toward experiential spending, and a global appetite for responsible tourism. At the forefront of this transformation is Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (LIND), a pioneer in expedition cruising and sustainable travel. With a strategic trifecta of occupancy gains, product innovation, and a transformative partnership with The Walt Disney Company, Lindblad is not only capitalizing on current trends but also redefining the future of travel. For investors, the company’s 2025 guidance and operational execution signal a compelling case for long-term value creation.

Occupancy Gains: The Catalyst for Revenue Growth

Lindblad’s ability to drive occupancy rates is a cornerstone of its financial performance. In 2024, the company’s Lindblad segment achieved an 78% occupancy rate, up from 77% the prior year, while the fourth quarter saw a jump to 78% from 70%. This improvement, coupled with a 7% increase in net yield per available guest night to $1,170, underscores the power of pricing discipline and demand for premium, small-ship expedition travel.

The Land Experiences segment has also shown remarkable momentum, with 2024 tour revenues rising 29% to $221.4 million. The acquisition of Wineland-Thomson Adventures in 2023 has expanded Lindblad’s land-based offerings, providing a diversified revenue stream. Notably, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw a 46% surge in land tour revenues, driven by higher guest numbers and strategic pricing.

These occupancy gains are translating directly into profitability. Adjusted EBITDA for the Lindblad segment increased by $10.9 million to $59.4 million in 2024, while the Land Experiences segment added $9.1 million to reach $31.8 million. The company’s Q2 2025 results were even more striking: a 23% year-over-year revenue increase, with Adjusted EBITDA surging 139%, reflecting the compounding effects of occupancy and pricing.

Product Innovation: Expanding the Adventure Travel Ecosystem

Lindblad’s product portfolio has evolved beyond its core expedition cruises to include innovative offerings that cater to emerging consumer trends. The European river cruise program, launched in 2025, is already achieving strong booking performance, tapping into the growing demand for culturally immersive, low-impact travel.

The company has also pioneered multigenerational and family-friendly travel through initiatives like “Explorers in Training,” a youth-focused program that combines education with adventure. This not only broadens Lindblad’s demographic appeal but also fosters brand loyalty across generations. Meanwhile, the “Women’s Journeys” program and “Chef on Wheels” (a culinary cycling tour) demonstrate Lindblad’s agility in addressing niche markets, such as female travelers and food enthusiasts.

These innovations are not just revenue drivers—they are strategic tools for building a recurring customer base. By creating unique, high-value experiences, Lindblad is positioning itself as a destination for travelers seeking more than a vacation; they are seeking purpose.

Disney Partnership: A Game Changer for Market Expansion

The most transformative development in Lindblad’s 2025 strategy is its partnership with Disney, now part of the expanded National Geographic affiliation under The Walt Disney Company. This collaboration leverages Disney’s global brand equity and distribution network to introduce Lindblad’s offerings to a new audience.

Key to this partnership is the Disney Vacation Club’s points redemption program, which allows members to book Lindblad expeditions using their loyalty points. This has already led to a 45% increase in bookings from Disney’s travel advisors. The partnership also provides Lindblad access to Disney’s sales channels, including its 100,000+ travel advisors, significantly lowering customer acquisition costs.

Financially, the Disney partnership has been a catalyst. In Q2 2025, Lindblad reported a 23% revenue increase, with the Lindblad Expeditions segment up 19% and the land-based segment surging 41%. The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to $725–$750 million, with Adjusted EBITDA projected at $100–$112 million—a 10% increase from prior forecasts.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

Lindblad’s commitment to sustainability is not merely a marketing tactic—it is a core operational strategy. The company has electrified its vehicle fleet in Peru, a symbolic step toward reducing carbon emissions in key markets. It has also acquired four safari camps in East Africa, enabling vertical integration and enhancing its ability to control environmental impacts.

The upcoming release of Lindblad’s first ESG report will further solidify its reputation as a leader in responsible tourism. For investors, this aligns with the growing emphasis on ESG criteria in portfolio construction. Moreover, Lindblad’s sustainability efforts are resonating with travelers: 78% of its 2025 guests cited environmental responsibility as a key factor in their booking decision.

The Investment Case: A Strong Foundation for Long-Term Growth

Lindblad’s strategic momentum is underpinned by three pillars:
1. Operational Excellence: Occupancy gains and pricing power are driving revenue growth.
2. Strategic Partnerships: The Disney alliance is unlocking new markets and customer segments.
3. Sustainability Leadership: A robust ESG framework is future-proofing the business against regulatory and consumer risks.

With 2025 guidance reflecting a 9–11% net yield increase and a revenue range of $725–$750 million, Lindblad is positioned to outperform in a sector projected to grow at a 12% CAGR through 2030. The company’s focus on high-margin, small-group travel also insulates it from the volatility of mass-market tourism.

For investors, Lindblad represents a rare combination of thematic growth (sustainable travel) and operational execution. While the stock trades at a premium to traditional travel peers, its EBITDA margins (23% in Q2 2025) and recurring revenue model justify the valuation.

Conclusion: A Compelling Play in the Adventure Travel Revolution

As the world increasingly seeks meaningful, low-impact travel experiences, Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Its occupancy gains, product innovation, and Disney partnership are not just driving near-term growth—they are building a durable competitive advantage. For long-term investors, Lindblad offers exposure to a high-growth sector with a clear path to sustainable profitability.

In a market where “travel” is no longer just about destinations but about purpose, Lindblad is the expedition vessel steering toward a golden era of adventure.