Amble

Amble is a sleepy coastal town on Britain’s north Northumberland coast. It is famed for its breathtaking scenery, wildlife, small fishing boats, independent shops and history.

Understand

During the 19th century, Amble developed as a port serving the coal mines of neighbouring Northumbrian villages. Fishing also played its part in the economy of the town, and many locals are still related to the original fishing families, although the fleet is now much reduced.

Nowadays, visitors hire boats out of the harbour for fishing expeditions or take a Puffin Cruise to see the famous Roseate terns, puffins and seals on RSPB-maintained Coquet Island, about a mile offshore. The town is also home to a beautiful Marina which welcomes visitors from all around the UK, as well as from across the North Sea.

Amble is a haven for bird watchers, walkers, cyclists and those seeking a breath of fresh air. The town is a stone’s throw from medieval castles, nature reserves, long golden beaches and is gateway to the majestic hills of Coquetdale, historic town of Alnwick and all the wide open splendour Northumberland can offer.

The town is family and dog friendly, and if the weather is inclement, there is a large indoor play centre for children. There is a luxury swimming pool, sauna and gym facilities at The Granary Leisure Complex and a funfair and indoor amusement arcade.

Also known as "Amble By The Sea" and "The Friendliest Port" there are plenty of comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation, cosy holiday cottages, good quality restaurants, and welcoming bars and cafés.

Get in

Amble is easily reached by car and lies on the A1068 Coastal Route, approximately 10 miles north of Morpeth and 10 miles south of Alnwick. The nearest train station is at Alnmouth, around 20 mins away. The Marina can even accommodate your yacht.

By bus

Amble is served by the Arriva X18 from Newcastle upon Tyne, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Seahouses and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The bus runs about once per hour. An alternative route is the X20 service which is also every hour and runs from Newcastle via Ashington and Druridge Bay. Both of these serve Alnmouth station; if you are travelling by train to Alnmouth you can buy a "PlusBus" ticket which covers your journey to Amble.

Get around

The town is most accessible by foot, but pedal bike hire is available. Amble is home to two Sustrans cycle routes; the National Route 1 and the Coast and Castles cycle route.

Parking along Queen Street, the main shopping street, is free for one hour. (Not on the yellow lines.) There are car parks at the Tourist Information Centre and at the harbour. There is also a car park in Coquet Street which is owned by Amble Marina. There is a pay and display car park at the Little Shore which is owned by Warkworth Harbour Commissioners.

Arriva buses operate an hourly service, north to Alnwick and beyond, south to Morpeth and Newcastle (X18). There is also a bus to Widdrington and Ashington (20).

Travelsure runs an hourly daytime service to Alnwick via Shilbottle (472).

Please check with bus companies for exact timetables.

Taxi services also operate in the town.

See

Cobles (a local type of fishing boat) in the harbour

• 1 Brinkburn Priory, Longframlington, NE65 8AR (13 miles west of Amble), ☏ +44 1665 570628. adults £3.50, children £2.10, concessions £3.20.  
• 2 Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Castle Terrace, Warkworth, NE65 0UJ, ☏ +44 1665 711423. adults £5.00, children £3.00, concessions £4.50.  

Do

• Puffin Festival. Late May. The festival includes exhibitions from local community groups, children’s events, live music and watersports. It coincides with the best time to see the puffins and pufflings on Coquet Island. 

Buy

The main shopping street is Queen Street, which boasts more independent shops than any other small local town. Here you will find good quality produce, competitive prices and our famous friendly welcome.

Eat

• Jasper's Sandwich Bar & Coffee Shop, 8 Bridge Street, ☏ +44 1665 714724. Eat in or take away. Lots of great value food including pizzas, ciabattas, salads, wraps, toasted sandwiches, baked potatoes, full English breakfasts and scones. They'll even make any combination of anything you see on the menu to order. Wide range of teas and coffees too. 
• Old Boathouse, Leazes St NE65 0AA, ☏ +44 1665 711232. Daily 10AM-9PM. Excellent seafood restaurant in the former lifeboat station. (updated Aug 2022)

Sleep

Accommodation in Amble is exclusively self-catering. The nearest hotels are in Alnwick.

• Coquet Cottages, ☏ +44 1665 710700. Lets a range of self-catering cottages in the Amble area (updated Mar 2016)
• Harbour Holm, 11 Lawson St, Amble, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 0DN, ☏ +44 7762 242875. Self-catering for five people. Partial sea-view. 150 yards from Amble Harbour. (updated Mar 2016)

Connect

As of July 2021, Amble has a patchy 4G signal from all UK carriers. 5G has not reached the village.

Go next

• Alnmouth
• Morpeth (England)