Alnmouth between the River Aln and the North Sea

Alnmouth lies where the River Aln flows into the North Sea, and the beach is located at this estuary. The village is within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alnmouth offers several points of interest when choosing a destination: coastal scenery, birdwatching, walking and cycling routes, and local history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Alnmouth, first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. These interests lead to different sides of the village: the beach, the routes, and the history of the ferry service, museum and golf club.

Beach, bay and birdwatching

Alnmouth Beach lies where the River Aln flows into the North Sea; within Alnmouth Bay, it is divided into three sections. This means you can explore the coastal setting both through the river estuary and through the layout of the beach in the bay. The sand dunes near Alnmouth are ideal for birdwatching. This brings two nature themes together: the beach and estuary landscape on one hand, and birds and dunes on the other. Birdwatching offers a different focus from the beach’s layout and may influence the choice of destination for nature-loving travellers.

On foot and by bike

For planning your trip, you can distinguish between the routes mentioned by mode of transport and route type. From Alnmouth, the long-distance St Oswald's Way is accessible on foot; the Coast and Castles cycle route is accessible by bike from Alnmouth. A circular walk in Alnmouth starts at Alnmouth Beach Car Park, within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A specific starting point is therefore given for this circular walk. When choosing a route, you can choose between a long-distance walking trail, a cycle route and a circular walk with a stated starting point.

Local history and golf

The Ferryman's Hut, a small museum of local history and memorabilia, is located in Alnmouth harbour. The hut once served as shelter for the ferryman who rowed passengers across the River Aln; this ferry service has since been discontinued. The River Aln is thus part of both the landscape and the hut’s history: its former purpose was connected to crossing the river, while today it is a museum. Another local historical landmark is Alnmouth Golf Club. It was founded in 1869 and is considered the fourth-oldest golf club in England. The founding year provides a specific point of reference, while the ranking as fourth-oldest places the club in a historical comparison within England.

Plan your arrival

Alnmouth railway station is a little over a mile outside Alnmouth. If you’re travelling by train, take the station’s location into account when planning your trip. There is a large public car park on the village seafront; check the current parking conditions before you travel. This allows you to plan separately for arriving by train and for parking if you’re travelling by car.

Discover more destinations: Seaton Delaval, Stocksfield, Cornhill-On-Tweed, Callaly, Felton, Heddon On The Wall, Haltwhistle, Warkworth

Return to the regional travel overview: Northumberland.