Alnmouth, a seaside village in Northumberland, has been named one of the best coastal destinations to visit in the UK in 2026, according to travel experts Ski Vertigo. The village ranked sixth in a countdown based on Time Out magazine's list of top seaside locations published in May.
While Bamburgh and Tynemouth previously battled for top spots in rankings published a few months ago, Alnmouth is now flying the flag for the North East. It finished ahead of Portrush, Cowes, and Brighton, and was the only place in the region to make the cut.
Alnmouth's Appeal
Described by Visit Northumberland as 'one of the region's best kept hidden gems', Alnmouth is praised for its 'broad sandy beach'. Ski Vertigo noted: 'The long shoreline gives visitors space for walks, while dunes and the estuary create a changing backdrop as the tide moves. At the estuary end, the river and coast offer a quieter setting than the village centre, with views across open water and easy access to the wider Northumberland Coast National Landscape. A walk can be paired with a meal or coffee without needing to move the car.'
The beach is visible from the train on the East Coast mainline between Newcastle and Edinburgh on a fine day.
Food and Drink Options
Well-established haunts such as The Hope and Anchor and The Whittling House are among the great places for food and drink in Alnmouth.
Location and Access
Alnmouth is around 35 miles or 50 minutes from Newcastle by road, or just short of half an hour by train.
