The easiest way to reach Beadnell is by car via the A1, with Newcastle around 46 miles (about 50 minutes) south and Edinburgh around 82 miles (roughly 1 hour 40 minutes) north. There's no direct railway station in the village itself — the nearest mainline station is Alnmouth, about 10 miles away, with a taxi needed for the final leg.

By Car

Beadnell sits just off the main north–south route through Northumberland, and driving is by far the simplest way to arrive — most guests find it more practical than public transport given the final few miles from any train station.

From Newcastle: around 46 miles, roughly 50 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Take the A1 north, then turn off onto the B1340 coastal road, following signs first for Seahouses, then Beadnell.

From Edinburgh: around 82 miles, approximately 1 hour 35–40 minutes. Head south on the A1, crossing the border near Berwick-upon-Tweed, then join the B1340 for the final stretch into the village.

The road itself: the A1 is a fast, well-maintained dual carriageway for most of the route, narrowing to single carriageway in a few stretches near the border. The final few miles on the B1340 are a quieter coastal road through Beadnell village — allow a little extra time in peak summer season, when the road can get busy with holiday traffic.

By Train

There's no railway station in Beadnell itself, so getting here by train means combining a mainline journey with a taxi or bus for the last leg.

Alnmouth (for Alnwick) is the practical choice — a proper mainline station on the East Coast Main Line, roughly 10 miles from Beadnell, with regular LNER, CrossCountry and ScotRail services connecting to Newcastle, Edinburgh, York and London King's Cross. From Alnmouth, a taxi to Beadnell takes around 20–25 minutes; pre-booking is worth doing in rural Northumberland, since taxis aren't always waiting at the station.

Chathill is technically the nearer station — about 3 miles from Beadnell — but it's a small, unstaffed halt with a very limited number of trains actually stopping there each day. For most travellers, Alnmouth is the more reliable option even though it's further away.

There's also a local bus connection (currently the X18, operated by Arriva) that runs along the coast between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed and stops in Beadnell — useful if you're coming from Newcastle without a car, though journey times by bus run considerably longer than driving. Timetables change, so it's worth checking current times before relying on this for a fixed arrival.

By Air

Newcastle International Airport (NCL) is the closest airport, around 35 miles away as the crow flies — allow roughly an hour by car or taxi to reach Beadnell, picking up the A1 north from the airport.

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the other realistic option if you're travelling from further afield or connecting internationally, at around 90 miles — expect a drive of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Both airports have hire car desks on-site, which is the simplest way to complete the journey — there's no direct public transport link from either airport straight to Beadnell.

Parking in Beadnell Village

There are two main car parks in Beadnell, both near the beach at the northern end of the village off Harbour Road — a primary car park and an adjoining overflow car park, both within easy walking distance of the village centre, pubs and Marram Cottage.

A word of caution on cost: Beadnell's car parks were made free under a 2014 parish council policy, but more recent visitor reports describe pay-and-display charging now in operation (including at a car park run through a phone-app payment system near The Landing). Charging arrangements in small Northumberland villages can and do change, so rather than quote a rate that might be out of date by the time you arrive, we'd recommend checking the signage on-site or the Northumberland County Council parking pages before you park. Blue badge holders are generally exempt from charges where they apply.

Beyond the two main car parks, there's very limited roadside parking directly in the village itself, so arriving with the beach car parks as your primary plan is the safest bet — especially in peak summer months when spaces fill quickly.

Quick Reference

From                                                 Distance                                                     Approx. drive time

Newcastle upon Tyne                46 miles                                                     50 minutes

Edinburgh                                       82 miles                                                     1h 40m

Newcastle Airport (NCL)           35 miles                                                     1 hour

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)            90 miles                                                     1h 45m

Alnmouth station                        10 miles                                                     20–25 min taxi

Chathill station                             3 miles                                                       very limited trains

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the nearest train station to Beadnell? Chathill is the closest at around 3 miles, but has very few trains stopping. Alnmouth, about 10 miles away, is the more practical mainline station with regular services and onward taxi connections.

How long does it take to drive from Newcastle to Beadnell? Around 50 minutes to an hour, covering roughly 46 miles via the A1 and B1340.

How long does it take to drive from Edinburgh to Beadnell? Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, covering around 82 miles via the A1.

Is there parking in Beadnell village? Yes — two car parks near Beadnell Bay beach at the north end of the village. Check current signage for parking charges, as these have changed in recent years.

Which airport is closest to Beadnell? Newcastle International Airport, around 35 miles away and roughly an hour's drive.

However you're arriving, Marram Cottage is a short walk from the village centre and just two minutes from the beach via our private garden gate — free parking for up to 3 cars is included for guests, with an EV charge point on site.