Amble - A Visitors Guide

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The story of Amble goes back to the very early days of Northumberland's history.

There is evidence of prehistoric burial grounds on the links, and at Gloster Hill there are signs that the Romans once lived there.

Picturesquely sited at the mouth of the river Coquet, Amble was little more than a hamlet before the construction of its harbour (originally known as Warkworth Harbour) between 1838 and 1839, although a harbour has probably existed as far back as the 14th century.

The town owes its growth and prosperity to the 19th century coalfields from which it used to ship coal to southern England and the Continent, but as this declined so did the fortunes of the town.

The development of an award-winning marina on the site of the former staithes has brought new life to the town, and it is once again a busy harbour town.

Fishing Cobles © Gordon Hatton - CCL

Amble Harbour © Sarah Charlesworth - CCL

Lifeboat Day © Walter Hall - CCL

Today, Amble is Northumberland's most important fishing centre north of the Tyne, and leisure sailing has also become important, the town has many good shops, pubs and ideal fast food and restaurants.

There are walks along the River Coquet to Warkworth and south past the harbour and Little Shore following the coastline to Hauxley with views of Coquet Island.

Photo © Mick Garratt - CCL

There are nature reserves at Hauxley and Druridge Bay.

Wide open spaces on The Braid adjacent to the marina and at Druridge Country Park with its lake, visitor centre, picnic areas and access to quiet sandy beaches.

Photo © Antonia - CCL

Lying a mile offshore are Coquet Island and its 80 ft high lighthouse, which is built on the top of the ruin of a medieval tower.

It is an RSPB reserve for thousands of puffins, terns, eider ducks and the roseate tern, one of Britain's rare seabirds.

Photo © David Lally - CCL

Puffin Cruises (01665 711975) operate regular boat trips around Coquet Island, from Amble harbour throughout the summer season (subject to weather and tides), however landing on the island is not possible.

A recent survey carried out by English Heritage examining aerial images has discovered four unknown shipwrecks on mudflats near the town of Amble, on the Northumberland Coast.

Although the existence of these wrecks, close to the harbour, has been known, their exact location has until now been unrecorded.

Holiday accommodation in Amble includes...

Guesthouses, bed and breakfast, and a variety of self-catering facilities are available within and also close by Amble.

A caravan and camping site is located at Amble Links, adjacent to coast and harbour.

A few miles to the south is Cresswell Towers Holiday Park, offering fun and relaxation for all the family.

Amble Tourist Information Centre...

Queen Street Car Park
Amble
Northumberland
NE65 0DQ
Telephone +44 (0)1665 712313
Fax +44 (0)1665 713838
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