First impressions of Alnmouth are usually those from the railway line or parallel road when approaching from the south. Green meadows and ripe corn fields flow down to its broad river estuary, the other side of which lies a cheery terrace of colourful painted Victorian cottages. Each ebb tide strands the fleet of small boats moored in the estuary on the sand where they lie until the water rushes back in again from the sea. The sky and the sea act as a sapphire canvas for the picture of the brightly painted houses.In any circumstances almost no one passes who does not comment on the view. Legend has it that when Queen Victoria was on her way to Balmoral she would have the engine driver slow down the train when they reached Alnmouth so she could enjoy the vista.
Alnmouth owes its almost unique geographic situation equally to the sea and the River Aln, as both have shaped the surrounding land leaving it sitting on a narrow peninsula of land parallel with the coastline.Alnmouth is more than a mere village and would be boasting to call itself a town but it does contain all the best bits of Northumberland coastal ‘life’.Traditional coastal architecture, without the usual tacky seaside add-ons, all bounded by white sand and in a pretty rural setting. It only lacks its own castle but there are plenty of world-beating ones in very close proximity – Warkworth, Alnwick, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh to name but a few. Add to this mix a handful of cosy pubs, couple of interesting shops and some eating places proudly serving local fresh produce and you have the recipe for a wonderful holiday or short break.
Located on the main east coast railway and just off the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick, Alnmouth can be used as the perfect base for the whole of Northumberland and Scottish Borders. Alnwick with its world famous castle and gardens is just three miles away, where you will also find the amazing Barter Book Store in the old railway station.You can a few likely looking books and then retire to the ‘waiting room’ to sample a few pages whilst enjoying a fresh coffee in front of the open fire.
Holiday accommodation in Alnmouth is mainly B&Bs or self catering cottages, of which there are plenty but they are also pretty busy even in winter and so advance booking is advisable. Visitors looking for a more active holiday can join in inland and offshore sailing, diving, surfing, mountain biking, shooting, fishing and golf!
By car Alnmouth is five miles off the A1, it has its own station on the East Coast mainline railway and North sea ferries arrive from Norway & Holland into Newcastle, which also has its own airport. Car hire is available at all these points of arrival.
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