No.20 B&B is directly opposite the beaches and dunes that lead to Low Hauxley just half a mile away, where Druridge Bay’s six miles of white unbroken sands begin. Boasting a country park and a string of nature reserves in a small area, it is an idyllic place to walk and picnic. For those wanting a shorter walk you can even meet with a bus on your return back to base. We can arrange packed lunches and flasks if you require. The Heritage Coast has many designated walks for all abilities, and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is celebrating its fiftieth year , in 2009.

From the beach you can see Coquet Island about a mile out to sea, which is an RSPB reserve, as well as featuring a castellated lighthouse. This is the breeding ground for the Eider Duck (our “cuddy duck” after St Cuthbert) and the rare Roseate Tern (this is the only breeding colony on mainland Britain), as well as thousands of pairs of puffins. The colony of Atlantic Grey Seals even come in to the harbour and up the river Coquet in Amble. The RSPB has a live video-link to the island so visitors at the tourist information centre can see the birds on a large screen. Boat trips are available from the harbour out to the island, but as a bird sanctuary landing is not permitted.

From No.20 a 5 minute walk away is The Granary Leisure Complex, recently having been awarded 5 stars from Visit Britain, where you can enjoy a swim in their heated swimming pool or relax in the steam room or sauna, and all at very reasonable rates.

The ancient village of Warkworth, with its impressive castle (featuring in recent films) is just over a mile away, with a selection of lovely restaurants, gift shops, and cafes, all in spectacular sandstone.

The picturesque village of Alnmouth is approximately 5 miles north from us and has its own outstanding beaches and a golf course. A little further on (8 miles) the spectacular Alnwick Castle was used in the film of Harry Potter. The Alnwick Garden makes for a great day out for the whole family – an amazing layout of varied and unusual gardens to entertain and interest everyone. For those wishing to leave the car behind, Alnwick is just a half hour bus journey.

We highly recommend a day trip to the Holy Island, (known also as Lindisfarne) a jewel in the crown of our beautiful coastline. Lindisfarne Castle is maintained by the National Trust. With its tidal causeway and an old priory there is a special “peace” about Holy Island.

The Farne Islands are a major sea-bird colony two miles out to sea, with over 35,000 pairs of puffin arriving to breed each year, alongside many other sea birds and the Atlantic Grey Seal (all featured on Springwatch and Autumnwatch on BBC). The Farnes are accessible by boat from Seahouses, with a variety of trips and landings available (including a visit to the lighthouse where Grace Darling lived with her family), and at certain times of year they run pelagic trips with the possibility to see seabirds, dolphins, porpoise and even occasionally whales.

Heading further inland, the Northumberland National Park runs from Hadrian’s Wall in the south, to the Cheviot Hills in the north, providing amazing wilderness-like areas for walking. The Coquet river leads back upstream to the picturesque town of Rothbury, where you may hear mumblings of the old illicit whisky distilling. Beyond it all lies the Scottish borders to the west and the north, so you truly are in the borderlands.

Fancy catching the train – well our own Alnmouth station, five miles away, is on the main east coast line, and will whisk you to the vibrant Newcastle in 30 minutes, or the historical Edinburgh in just over an hour! Both great for day trips.


Northumberland County Council