Stunning seaside village just minutes from famous town with 'perfectly tranquil beach'

A beautiful seaside village just minutes from the famous Northumberland town of Alnwick has been lauded by visitors for its tranquil beach, charming independent shops, and wide array of wildlife.

Alnmouth sits within one of the county’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its dog-friendly beach is one of most visitors’ favourite spots.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are walks via St Oswald’s Way and Northumberland Coast Path, where you can spot a diverse selection of wildlife.

The beach’s dunes are a great place to bird watch, and the area has even been showcased in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.

Alnmouth has also been immortalised on screen as the fictional village of Mardle in the ITV crime drama Vera.

For history buffs, there is the Ferryman’s Hut in Alnmouth, known as the smallest museum in Northumberland. The Old School Gallery, described as a “hidden gem” and housed in a restored village school dating back to 1872, exhibits fine art, printmaking, and illustrations.

Visitors praised the tranquility of the beach, with one writing on TripAdvisor: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water!” Another said: “Picturesque and peaceful beach. Great place for a long stroll on the beach and a walk round the village. Always love visiting here!”

A third said it was an “amazing expanse of beach”, adding: “You can enjoy a lovely bracing walk along the sands. There are some great birds among the rocks at one end.”

Someone else posted: “We recently had the pleasure of stopping in Alnmouth for a week. We walked our dog every day on Alnmouth beach, the beach is simply stunning. It is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to, the sand is very soft and the scenery is amazing. It really is a great beach for dog walking and is dog friendly all year round.”

Alnmouth is also known for its row of colourful houses, known as Lovaine Terrace, which serve as a popular subject for photographers. The village’s train station offers a scenic view of the houses as you pull into Alnmouth, and you can also head to Berwick-upon-Tweed from the station or take a train south to Newcastle for a day trip.

The high street has coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and gift shops and the Alnmouth Golf Club isn’t far, in Foxton Bay. It was established in 1869 and is England’s fourth oldest golf club.

The well-known town of Alnwick is nearby, and visitors can enjoy its castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the archway of Bondgate Tower. Alnwick also boasts a farmers’ market which is held in the town square on the last Friday of every month.