A Visit to Alnmouth in Northumberland
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. The sheltered estuary forms a safe anchorage for a host of diminutive craft, plus a few oats capable of venturing further out sea. This vista is framed by the ocean and a great deal of sky, sometimes as blue as the Caribbean but occasionally various shades of grey.In spite of the conditions hardly anyone can pass without commenting on the vista. 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 could be said to be a microcosm of Northumberland’s finest coastal villages and towns. Fabulous white beaches, huge sand dunes, fishing boats, quirky cottages and all set in largely unspoilt rolling countryside. 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.
Alnmouth is on the coast almost exactly mid point between the River Tyneside and Tweed making it perfect for exploring the Scottish border country and Northumbria. 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 choose a second hand book from one of the largest choices in Britain, then take a coffee and relax on a sofa in front of the coal fire while you sample a chapter or two.
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. Action tourists can readily access sports such as sailing, diving, surfing, waking, 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.