Boulmer – Coast, Fishing Village History and Nature

Boulmer is a coastal village whose character is shaped by its beach, fishing history and distinctive landscape. At Boulmer Haven is one of the fine sandy beaches that break up the rocky coastline in the surrounding area. A gap in the sandstone reef provides shelter for boats. Here, sandy beach, rocky reef and a sheltered area for boats meet.

Coast, Geology and Nature

The coast near Boulmer lies in an area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The current name for this protected-area category is National Landscape. In the coastal hinterland, light yellow sandstone with folded strata and slump structures is exposed. These geological terms refer to folds in the layers and traces of slippage in the sediment. A small Whin Sill inclusion near the lifeboat station is visible at low tide.

The mudflats at Boulmer Haven are also part of the village’s natural landscape. A 2000 assessment by Natural England rated them as particularly rich in species relative to their size. There is also a Marine Conservation Zone near the coastal stretch by Boulmer Village.

Village Character and Maritime History

The village’s defining feature is the cluster of single-storey houses where fishermen once lived. The houses stand on dunes just above sea level. The historic village centre has changed little over the past hundred years.

Fishing is not just a chapter in the past: local coble boats are still used to catch crabs, lobsters and sea trout. This activity is subject to local conditions. At the same time, the Boulmer Voluntary Rescue Service continues the village’s maritime rescue tradition. Fishing and the rescue tradition sit alongside older stories of smuggling and coastal defence.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Boulmer was known for smuggling; traders came here to collect illegal goods such as gin and spirits. Boulmer airfield was established as a dummy airfield in 1940 to divert enemy aircraft from RAF Acklington airfield. The Second World War anti-tank blocks at Boulmer Haven were intended, together with other defences, to hinder or prevent enemy landings. At least ten stand at the top of the beach below the dunes and now serve as coastal protection.

Walking and Outdoor Activities

National Cycle Route 1 and St Oswald’s Way pass through Boulmer. One is a national cycle route, the other a long-distance walking trail. This is a practical distinction for planning your trip: the two routes are intended for different ways of travelling, even though they pass through the same village. Check the current route signs before your trip.

The beach and dunes are also used for walking dogs. Conditions and access may vary seasonally, so check the current conditions before your walk.

Discover more destinations: Callaly, Longframlington, Matfen, Seahouses, Greenhead, Alnmouth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Rothbury.

For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.