Alnmouth has been named the prettiest village in Northumberland, according to a new ranking by Love Exploring. The village, known for its golden sandy beaches, grassy dunes, and orange-topped Georgian houses, placed 45th on the publication's all-England list.
Beauty and Conservation
"With its golden sandy beaches, grassy dunes and orange-topped Georgian houses lining the River Aln estuary, a walk through Alnmouth is one bursting with colour. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it remains unspoiled, with conservation efforts protecting its yellow-horned poppies and blue butterflies," writes Love Exploring. The village also boasts the Alnmouth Village Golf Club, established in 1869 and recognised as the fourth oldest golf club in England.
Activities and Attractions
Alnmouth is a good base for the Northumberland Coast Path and the Coast and Castles cycle route. There is a popular short circular walk around the village taking in the beach, estuary, and river. The Ferryman's Hut at the harbour is billed as the smallest museum in Northumberland, and the Schooner Hotel, built in the 17th century, is reputed to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country and has featured on TV's "Most Haunted." The village also has a spread of restaurants, pubs, cafes, gift shops, galleries, and two golf courses.
Nearby Stops
Warkworth, with its castle ruin on a loop of the River Coquet, is about a mile inland, and Craster (famous for its smoked kippers) and Warkworth Castle itself are popular nearby stops. Other notable villages in Northumberland include Bamburgh, known for its wide sandy beaches and Bamburgh Castle, and Blanchland, a 12th-century medieval lead-mining village built from honey-colored stone.
