The coastal village with a strong local community is popular with tourists from across the UK
Alnmouth, Northumberland(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
The Northumberland coast is full of hidden gems, with one in particular which has been recognised by many organisations as a beauty spot over the years.
The tiny village of Alnmouth, well connected by accessible train station links on the LNER line to Newcastle, Scotland and beyond has seen widespread recognition from tourist boards and traveller guides over the years, proving a popular hit with locals and those from further afield. So ChronicleLive paid a visit to speak with those who know it best.
Emily McBeth and son Max visiting Alnmouth from their home in North Tyneside. Emily said: “It’s nice and quiet, we come with my sister and the dog for the park, the little outdoor library and swap books. It’s a nice day out.
Emily McBeth and son Max visiting Alnmouth from North Tyneside(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
“When the weather’s nice it’s good to come here and get some peace. We like exploring the North East coastline and come once every couple of months to around here, Warkworth and Alnwick.
“It’s our favourite beach as whereas back home there’s no roads near it so its better to be able to run around. It’s a safer area and that relaxes me as a parent.”
Rob Stone and Grace Emerson visiting Alnmouth from Bristol (Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
Rob Stone and Grace Emerson visiting Alnmouth from Bristol had never been to Northumberland before. “We’d heard lots of about it, it was like an empty place that get’s missed off a lot and people whizz through to Scotland,” Rob said.
The pair had been enjoying a two-week tour of the region, stopping by at Kielder, Seahouses, Lindisfarne castle and staying overnight at Holy Island. “We enjoyed it when the tourists left and nobody was there,” Grace added. “We then walked the pilgrimage barefoot on the mainland, it was so muddy it was such a laugh and very atmospheric!
“We’ve been walking around here for four days and this morning crossed the river in the mist. We’ve really enjoyed it.” The pair plan to visit Scotland next before a trip to Newcastle to visit their son.
Julie Roper from the Aln Gift Shop(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
Julie Roper has been at the Aln Gift Shop for 22 years and has family ties to Alnmouth fishing community. “There’s still a good community here,” she said. “Anything going on in the village we all support each other. There’s a strong WI that always goes on trips, plans parties and they’re excellent bakers!
“The Parish Council run history and photography clubs, there’s live music events and all sorts in the village hall, there’s lot’s going on and everybody uses it.
“It’s half and half people living here and tourists and the community here make a big effort to not let it swing the other way which lots of other coastal villages don’t have anymore. It’s so important all the businesses support each other and we keep the school and local services running.”
Elaine Bourne and Paul Filer(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
Elaine Bourne, originally from Somerset, moved to the area over 10 years ago because of her son’s work. “People think it’s grim up North,” she said, “but I do love it.” She now lives in Alnwick but visits Alnmouth almost everyday. “I like the walk along the beach.
“One time I came out the pub with a friend and it just felt like I was on holiday. Coming from Newcastle on the train and looking out as it’s sunny people want to come and visit.”
Alnmouth, Northumberland(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)
Paul Filer was visiting from down south. He said: “It’s got a sleepy, relaxed village feel. There’s not enough going on for me but the beaches are clearer. Unlike Weymouth near me that’s so full with tourists you only get a postage stamp space left as it’s so overcrowded.”
Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source of North East news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.
Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.
