Amble brings together a promenade on the River Coquet estuary, the small sandy beach of Little Shore and the larger, dune-backed beach at Amble Links. As the southern gateway town to the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, it combines coastal attractions with activities on the water, an annual festival, and local markets and seafood.
A promenade and two different beach settings
Amble’s promenade lies on the River Coquet estuary. Little Shore is a small sandy beach between the pier and promenade. The larger beach at Amble Links is backed by dunes and offers views of Coquet Island. The beaches therefore differ in more than just size: Little Shore is characterised by its sand, pier and promenade, while Amble Links also has dunes and views towards the island.
Water sports, boat trips and a festival
The Coquet Shorebase Trust runs canoe trips in the estuary, powerboat courses, sea kayaking courses and coastal sailing courses from its Shorebase in Amble. When choosing between a trip and a course, it is worth noting the focus of each: the canoe trips take place in the estuary, while the other activities are offered as courses. A boat trip from Amble takes visitors close to Coquet Island; in spring, they can spot puffins along the way. Landing on the island is restricted. Check that the boat trip is available before travelling.
The Amble Puffin Festival takes place every year in late May. Its programme includes a craft market, guided nature walks and birdwatching, as well as talks on local history and nature, exhibitions, workshops, children’s entertainment and live music. For anyone interested in the festival period, it provides a specific date to plan around; the programme ranges from nature and local history to entertainment.
Markets and local seafood
Amble Harbour Village consists of 15 stalls selling crafts, jewellery, accessories, food and drinks. Amble Market offers locally sourced fresh produce, handmade goods and distinctive gift ideas. The Northumberland Seafood Centre sources and sells local seafood. Together, these named destinations offer market produce, crafts and seafood.
Cycling and getting around without a car
Pedal Power Cycle Hire is based in Amble and has more than 140 bicycles, including hybrid, road, gravel, mountain and children’s bikes, tandems and e-bikes. The company offers self-guided and fully guided tours. The tours listed include Coast to Coast, The Sandstone Way, The Tour of Northumberland and Hadrians Cycleway. The two tour formats differ in whether you travel self-guided or with a full guide.
For a walk, the route from Amble to Warkworth is another specific option: it follows the Northumberland Coastal Path and is about 3 miles long. Arriva buses run regularly to and from Amble. As bus services and frequencies can change, check the operator’s latest information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Bothal, Wooler, Chathill, Lesbury, Longframlington, Felton, Wark, Duddo
For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.
