Plan Your Stay

Whether you just want to relax or prefer an action-packed programme, Northumberland offers something for everyone.

We love our cottages (that is why we bought them!) and we also love Alnmouth. You really do have the option to do a much or as little as you desire whilst staying at one of our cottages. Part of the fun is exploring and discovering what this beautiful part of the coast has to offer but if you need a guide we recommend www.yournorthumberland.co.uk as a great place to start.

You will find some inspiration for holiday below – many attractions are experiencing increasing demand and so we would recommend booking in advance of your holiday. Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Beaches

Northumbrian beaches are increasingly recognised for their wild beauty and can be accessed from the doorstep of Alnmouth Beach Cottages. Below is a quick guide to our favourites.

Alnmouth Beach

Easily access onto the beach next to the estuary, there are magnificent walks to the North and beyond the river mouth. The beach is extremely dog friendly and a real haven for dog lovers. Swimming in the estuary is not recommended because of the strong currents so please be careful.

Bamburgh Castle Beach

Majestic Bamburgh Castle, once a Norman stronghold towers over the wide expanse of pristine, sandy beach, backed by sand dunes. Bamburgh Castle beach is a perfect place to go for long, wind-swept walks at any time of year

Warkworth Beach

Warkworth Beach is less than a mile away from historic Warkworth village, between Birling Carrs and Amble Breakwater.  Visitors to the village often miss the beach, but those who make the trip are rewarded with a vast expanse of pristine, golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.

Embleton Beach

Embleton Bay is a long stretch of golden sand overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Running behind the beach is the Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club and a little way beyond this the medieval village of Embleton.
This section of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is very much unspoiled and the beach is backed by low dunes (Newton Links) and very few signs of human habitation. Embleton Bay is something of a gem even on this coast with the BBC’s Countryfile Magazine readers voting it the best beach in the UK 2017

Druridge Bay

Druridge Bay is a 7-mile stretch of golden sandy shoreline, backed by grassy dunes. The beach here runs south from Amble, all the way down to Cresswell.
Along this part of the coast, which curves gently around a wide bay, are the remains of pill-boxes and anti-tank blocks, being the remnants of defences placed here during the Second World War.
The central section of the beach can be found down a lane heading east out of Widdrington village.  This area of the coast is rich in wildlife, and makes a popular destination for walking or birdwatching.  Look out for golden plover and purple sandpipers.
The beach is also used by surfers and kite surfers.

Beadnell Bay

Beadnell Bay is a wide, sandy beach in a horseshoe shaped bay just south of the village of Beadnell. The glorious golden sand, curves around the bay forming a natural harbour. To the rear of the beach are grassy sand dunes and fields beyond.

Golf

North Northumberland have some of the best and most affordable golfing options available. If you are an experienced golfer, the courses below are well worth playing.

The beauty of golf in Northumberland is that there is a large number of excellent courses, all of which are extremely welcoming with perhaps the most affordable green fees in England.

If you currently don’t play, why not learn with the local Professional at Alnmouth Golf Club? – www.alnmouthgolfclub.com/shop/tuition

Alnmouth is a fantastic location for golfers with 2 historic courses on the doorstep. The 2 courses are very different but both are highly recommended and definitely worth playing.

Alnmouth Village Golf Course

This is England’s oldest 9 hole links course, founded in 1869, and is literally 5 minutes walk from Beach house. The course is situated next to one of Northumberland’s best beaches and is a fine example of a traditional links

Alnmouth (Foxton Hall) Golf Club

Alnmouth Golf Club adjoins the village and is a fantastic 18 hole championship course. It is a beautiful parkland course but sits alongside the beach with unbeatable views. The club house is really nice and offers good golf club food and fine beers

Beyond Alnmouth there are a number of great coastal courses that are definitely worth playing – all with spectacular views providing a unique golfing experience. We have listed our favourites below:

Alnmouth Golf Club

Contact: Secretary
Tel: 01665 830231
Email: secretary@alnmouthgolfclub.com

Alnmouth Village Golf Club

Tel: 01665 830370
Email: secretaryavgc@talktalk.net
Website: www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk

Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club

Created by the great golf course architect, James Braid and is an 18 hole, 6298 yard, par 70 test of your golfing skills. A stunning true links course which lies in the shadow of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Tel: 01665 576562
Email:enquiries@dunstanburgh.com
Website: www.dunstanburgh.com

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

There are stunning views of Lindisfarne, The Farne islands, The Cheviots and of course Bamburgh Castle – perhaps the most scenic course in Northumberland.

Tel: 01668 214378
Email: sec@bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk
Website: www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk

Goswick Golf Club (Berwick)

This is an open championship course and provides a pure links golfing experience. One of Englands hidden gems, and well worth the trip up the A1!

Tel: Secretary 01289 387256
Email: goswickgc@btconnect.com
Website: www.goswicklinksgc.co.uk

Newbiggin Golf Club

Website: http://newbiggingolfclub.co.uk/

Water Sports

Challenge yourself, and take on the North Sea!

Surf School

Surfing is very popular in Northumberland and Surf Northumberland offers surf lessons for kids, adults and families, run by our good friend Sally: https://www.surfnorthumberland.co.uk/

Sea Kayaking

https://www.adventurenorthumberland.co.uk/

Walking

There are countless walking options and below are some of our favourites – most offering a lovely pub at the end!!

Alnmouth to Boulmer

5 miles return. Beach walk to the Fishing Boat Inn and walk back along same route.

Alnmouth to Warkworth

6 miles one way. Beach walk to Warkworth village, have a drink in one of the pubs and take the bus back to Alnmouth.

Alnmouth to Craster

9 miles one way. Beach walk to the Jolly Fisherman pub and take the bus back.

Craster to Newton by The Sea

3 miles round trip to the Ship Inn at Newton.

Northumberland National Park

There are fabulous remote walks in the Cheviots –
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/things-to-do/get-active-outdoors/walking/walking-routes

Cycling

There are a fantastic number of cycle routes including the coastal route (cycle path 1) which goes through Alnmouth.
There are also a couple of really good bike hire options available:

Pedal Power – Amble

Pedal Power have an extremely good range of hire bikes from road to off road, standard and electric. The team are really helpful and will deliver directly to Alnmouth – they will also give you great ideas for various routes: https://pedal-power.co.uk/cycle-hire/

The Bike Shop/Coquet Cycles - Alnwick

The Bike Shop Alnwick is a bike retail centre selling bikes, bike parts and bike accessories and hiring bikes and electric bikes. They also service and repair bikes – Tel: 07599-350000 

Bird Watching

See the amazing native Northumbrian wildlife

Situated by the River Aln Estuary, surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty that is the Northumberland national park.

The Farnes, RSPB Coquet island, Holy Island and Druridge Bay Area are all on the doorstep. During Key migration times it is possible to see up to 100 species a week but there is plenty to see at any time of the year.

If you are a bird watcher or have an interest in wildlife……….you will not be disappointed.

For more information visit the website below:
http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/activities/birdwatching

Pubs

There are many pubs in and around Almouth to visit!

The Red Lion - Alnmouth

Traditional 18th Century Coaching Inn offering breakfast and lunch as well as some of the finest local beers.  Dogs welcome – http://www.redlionalnmouth.com/

The Sun Inn - Alnmouth

Traditional pub on Alnmouth high street – food available

Alnmouth Village Golf Club

The Village Golf Club is less than a 5 minute walk from our cottages with a lovely outside seating area overlooking the links. The club is very relaxed and open to the public providing food and drinks. https://www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk

Alnmouth Golf Club (Foxton Hall) – Alnmouth with Sky Sports

Alnmouth Golf club (1 mile out of the village) welcomes the public and is a nice place to visit as part of a walk. Food and drink available – Sky Sports in the bar. https://www.alnmouthgolfclub.com

The Serviceman – Alnmouth with Sky Sports

Situated at the top of the village towards the roundabout. Cheap beer and friendly locals – the only venue in the village with pool tables and good place to watch live football!

The Market Tavern - Alnwick

If you like locally produced meat and large steaks, this is the place for you. http://www.thetavernalnwick.co.uk

The Plough - Alnwick

Coaching Inn with excellent food and drink – Sky Sports available. http://theploughalnwick.co.uk

The Fishing Boat Inn - Boulmer

The Fishing Boat Inn can be found in the beautiful Northumbrian coastal village of Boulmer approx. 2.5 miles from Alnmouth. Situated on the edge of the beach and overlooking the sea. https://www.thefishingboatinnboulmer.co.uk/

The Jolly Fisherman - Craster

Craster is a magnificent fishing village famous for its kippers and smoked Salmon. The Jolly Fisherman offers stunningly good fish and seafood, combined with fantastic views over the sea and harbour www.thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk

The Ship Inn – Low Newton

Perhaps the best location for a pub in Northumberland nestling in a horseshoe of fishermen’s cottages overlooking the beach. Serves locally sourced food including fish and lobster. The pub also has its own microbrewery offering excellent craft ales.  http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk/

Restaurants

There is a restaurant for everyone here!

Bistro 23 - Alnmouth

Bistro 23 opens on Wednesday and Saturday evenings specialising in local produce. In the summer the Bistro opens on Thursday evenings for fish night offering fresh fish from local fishermen – booking essential.  – http://bistro23.co.uk/

The Whittling House - Alnmouth

As might be expected from a restaurant nestled on the coast of Northumberland, they have cast their net when it comes to freshly caught local seafood. The emphasis on local produce and ingredients doesn’t stop on the shoreline. Northumberland is blessed with some of the best butchers to be found anywhere in the world, all priding themselves on supplying the highest quality meats from local marts. https://thewhittlinghouse.co.uk

Restaurant Italia at The Hope & Anchor - Alnmouth

contemporary Italian / Seafood cuisine at Restaurant Italia, featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Excellent pizza from their wood fired pizza oven – http://www.the-italia.co.uk/

The Old Boat House - Amble

Situated in picturesque Amble Harbour, The Old Boat House Amble use only the freshest catches, finest local produce and highest quality ingredients to create meticulously crafted and lovingly presented dishes. The Old Boat House Amble was crowned ‘Coastal Fish Restaurant of the Year’ in the 2016 and 2017 Fishing News Awards, having been awarded for its dedication to sustainability and locally sourced seafood. https://www.boathousefoodgroup.co.uk/old-boat-house-amble/

The Fish Shack - Amble

From fish and chips, locally smoked seafood and freshly steamed mussels to an array of delicious seasonal specials, Fish Shack welcomes all. Situated on Amble’s beautiful harbour, Fish Shack is a cosy, rustic eatery that was purpose built using the old ‘Sea Quest’ boat. Fish Shack boasts amazing views and great service in a relaxed atmosphere

The Tree House - Alnwick Gardens

A magical setting within Alnwick Gardens https://alnwickgardenhospitality.com/the-treehouse/

Carlo’s Fish & Chips restaurant, eat in or takeaway – Alnwick

Outstanding fish and chips! https://www.carlosfishandchip.co.uk

More

There are many more things to do in and around Alnmouth!

Leisure Centre, Swimming Pool & Gym

Willowburn leisure centre in Alnwick. There are an excellent range of fitness classes, and weekly tourist passes are available.

activenorthumberland.org.uk/

Yoga and Pilates

The best option is in Alnwick at Tru yoga. Visitors are very welcome and classes can be booked online.

https://www.truphysioandyoga.co.uk/

Alnwick Gardens

The 12 acres of meandering and magnificent Gardens are home to the world’s largest Tai Haku Cherry Orchard, a Grand Cascade comprising 120 water jets and the world’s largest Treehouse Restaurant.

https://www.alnwickgarden.com/

Farne Island Boat Trips

The Farne Islands are home to a spectacular number of sea birds and colonies of grey seal. Boat trips are available from Seahouses.

https://www.farne-islands.com/