Pictures of Amble

About Amble

Northumberland is as famous for its numerous rivers flowing through lonely landscapes, as it is for its vast acre's of windswept coast. Amble, where the beautiful River Coquet meets the sea after a journey travelling through woods, hay meadows and moorlands, from its source in the Scottish Borders, is a lovely coastal resort from which it possible to explore many of the counties rivers, whilst enjoying the benefits of the sea.

Amble has a bustling harbour alongside Northumberland's only marina for yachts. They share an exceptional setting beside the Coquet estuary which in spite of growing popularity, has fortunately managed to remain utterly unspoiled. The harbour is a great place for sitting and watching the 'boats' go by. Picturesque, sea-going craft of all types and sizes, float in and out of the harbour and, at regular intervals a gaily painted fishing boat will off load its catch of mouth-watering crab and lobster. It seems somehow strange to think that at one time, in the rolling countryside around Amble there were nearly one hundred mine-shafts. These are closed now and Amble prospers mainly from tourism - for this is a place offering a goodly share of excitement, whilst enjoying a slower pace of life.

The shore-line is a mixture of sand, shingle and rock from which you get excellent sea and coastal views, as well as views of Coquet Island, lying a mile off coast to the west of Amble harbour. The island is owned by the RSPB, it is a nature reserve and a bird sanctuary. Small and rocky with a grass covered top crowned by a lighthouse, the island is used by many species of birds as a nesting place and breeding ground. Do take advantage of a boat trip to the island, it is a fascinating sight, so many birds in their natural habitat

Beyond the blue sea and precious golden sands, lies a hinterland of rivers of which the Coquet is just one. By the time the river reaches Amble it will have hurried over silvery boulders and rocks from its source in the Cheviots. The Coquet has the clearest of waters and sometimes, when the river flows through high ground, you can catch an occasional sighting of salmon or sea trout. Other rivers in this picturesque region are the Alne, Breamish and the River Till.

Water-sport enthusiasts are well catered for in Amble, if sailing is not already your particular 'passion' it soon will be for there are short sailing courses open to beginners. There are well planned sea trips exploring the beauty of the coast, sea fishing trips and boat trips to Coquet Island to see nesting terns. If the water is not for you, there are plenty of other options; Warkworth castle and the Hermitage are of interest and it is as though the sedate town of Alnwick, on the banks of the Alne, was just made for strolling around. It has an 11th-century castle with a Renaissance style interior which was restored by the Percy family in the 19th-century. Then of course there are the romantic ruins of the once mighty Dunstanburgh Castle, regally set on a cliff, 100ft above the sea.

At all times and in all weathers, there is always something to do. Even a quiet stroll along the river banks reveals a wealth of interest, colourful wild flowers grow here as well as on cliff tops and there are plants, reeds and trees, in intricate shades of green. The pleasures of Amble are there for the taking - enjoy!

Attractions include: Warkworth Castle, St.Michael & All Angels Church at Alnwick, Dunstanburgh Castle, the village of Edlingham for 12th-century church & 13th-century castle and Bamburgh Castle.