For a sense of tranquillity, with colourful houses and a peaceful beach, the Northumberland coastal town of Alnmouth offers the ideal getaway this summer. Time Out has released its ranking of the best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, and this underappreciated gem made the top 10 list, surpassing some of the most popular seaside destinations such as St Ives and Brighton, and reaching higher rankings than its neighbouring towns of Bamburgh and Berwick.
Why Alnmouth Stands Out
The Northumberland coastline is in the spotlight this summer as holidaymakers seek budget-friendly getaways. With the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path, the entire UK shoreline is now walkable, and Alnmouth is the perfect place to start. Known for its rugged natural beauty and powdery sands, the village is tucked away along the coastline, nestled between Newcastle and Edinburgh. Its population of around 455 people adds to its charm, offering a quiet escape from busier tourist spots.
The Beach
Alnmouth sits within one of Northumberland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bursting with untouched spots and plenty of wildlife. Alnmouth Beach is adored by visitors and locals alike for its long stretch of sand. One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "Nice wide sandy beach with convenient shops and cafes nearby. Parking right behind the beach. Not over-commercialised." Another wrote: "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! Would definitely return!" The beach is dog-friendly and splits into three sections, allowing plenty of space to play. Many reach the beach via the Northumberland Coast Path, enjoying the coastline in its entirety.
Restaurants
Based on TripAdvisor reviews, Bistro 23 is the top spot for tasty food in the village, serving brunch, coffee, and evening meals. One customer wrote: "Wonderful food and super service at this amazing restaurant. We have visited a number of times and have never been anything other than delighted." The charming Whittling House offers a hint of luxury with locally sourced produce and 10 bedrooms for guests. For traditional pub grub, The Red Lion, also a bed and breakfast, has an extensive menu and welcomes well-behaved dogs in its bar and beer garden.
Art Gallery
The Old School Gallery, set in a beautiful old school building, champions local artists with an affordable collection of inspiring art. Visitors can enjoy viewing the art with a delicious coffee from the in-house coffee shop. One review reads: "Very friendly staff with a warm welcome. The gallery is varied to suit all tastes and budget. We only went for a coffee and ended up buying a print by a local artist." Another person shared: "A lovely old English school turned into a gallery and café, what couldn’t you love about this? The food is great and they have an amazing gift shop."
Whether you're bracing winter walks along the coast or looking for a peaceful summer sunbathing spot, Alnmouth's tiny village makes for a lovely spot to rest your legs and take it all in.
