Boulmer - A Visitors Guide

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Very much a traditional Northumbrian fishing village, Boulmer was once the haunt of smugglers.

During the 18th and 19th centuries the village was the smuggling capital of Northumberland.

Now however, this peaceful village consists of a row of cottages, one pub and a few fishing cobles.

The name Boulmer, pronounced 'Boomer', is a derivation of Bulemer, from the old English bulan-mere (bulls mere).

Boulmer has changed little in over 100 years and is one of the few true fishing villages left on the Northumberland Coast.

The major change was the arrival of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Set within a natural haven, in a gap through an almost complete band of rock, Boulmer has no harbour.

The traditional blue fishing cobles have to be hauled ashore or moored in the water.

The main catch is crabs, lobsters and sea salmon. Boulmer's lovely natural harbour with its graceful fishing cobles is a sight to remember.

Fishing Cobles at Boulmer © William Stafford - CCL

Boulmer Beach © John Sutton - CCL

Beach footpath north of Boulmer © V Roper - CCL

Today RAF Boulmer is home to the School of Fighter Control.

The station is also home to 'A' Flight of 202 Squadron.

With 2 Sea King HAR3s (Rescue 131 and 132) providing Search and Rescue, and Mountain Rescue cover to the Borders and beyond.

Photo © Tony Thomas - CCL

A new fly-on-the-wall documentary commissioned by ITV Borders is due to commence filming in February 2008.

This eight-part programme is being produced by Bright Bird Productions of Penrith and both focuses on the missions carried out by the search and rescue Sea King helicopters and the daily lives of the crews and their families.

Boulmer Haven is virtually enclosed by a ring of rocks that break up the seas and pound the coast.

A narrow gap in the rocks provides access and is marked from the shore by two navigational posts.

This natural harbour has provided safe anchorage for fishing boats for centuries.

Photo © Oliver Dixon - CCL

Boulmer Lifeboat Station The Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service lifeboat is housed in the old RNLI station.

This third boat is supported by donations from the general public.

The annual Boulmer Lifeboat Fete takes place during the month of August.

This popular family fun day raises money for the Boulmer Volunteer Rescue Service and is the charity's main fund-raising event.

Cyclists will enjoy the coastal route, which passes through the village.

This section being part of the 200 mile long 'Coast and Castles Route' running from Newcastle to Edinburgh.

Which is part of the National Cycle Network (National Route 1), forming part of the larger seven-countries international 'North Sea Cycle Route'.

Photo © Oliver Dixon - CCL

The catch of the day is hauled up the beach on a small trailer, pulled by one of these rusting tractors.

At the beginning of the fishing season, the tractors pull the cobles down the beach, for launching to their safe anchorage.

When then the season is over, the boats are recovered and pulled up the beach for maintenance and painting over the winter months, making ready for the coming season.

Photo © Peter McDermott - CCL

During the spring and summer months of 2004, much of the filming for the comedy-drama series 'Distant Shores' was carried out at various locations along the Northumberland Coast.

Hildasay Ferry - Distant Shores TV Programme

Boulmer is featured in many scenes, including...

Hildasay Ferry and various settings depicted both inside and outside the cottages.

Much featured is the outstanding beach and sand dunes, and also the nearby countryside where the fictional new doctor's surgery was built.

The ship HILDASAY FERRY featured in the series is in reality the RAASAY, an ‘Island Class’ vessel and part of the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) fleet.

She was built on the River Clyde, launched in March 1976 and is presently serving the Western Isles of Scotland.

As mentioned earlier, in the past Boulmer was notorious for it's smuggling activities, much of this illicit trade was centred on the infamous Fishing Boat Inn.

In the 1700's, one of the most well known smugglers was Will Faa, king of the gypsy community.

He lived some miles away in the remote Scottish village of Kirk Yetholm.

His home, 'The Gypsy Palace' still exists to this day and is popular as holiday accommodation for visitors to the area.

RAF staff at Boulmer observed a strange occurrence in July 1977, when a UFO sighting was reported.

Two bright objects were seen hovering at a height of around 5000 feet, and were estimated to be about three miles out to sea.

It was estimated the nearest object was four to five times the size of a Whirlwind helicopter.

Three personnel observed these objects for one hour and 40 minutes, after which time the mysterious objects departed.

The radar station at Boulmer, and also radar staff at RAF Staxton Wold confirmed the sightings.

Being of a sensitive nature, the RAF report was only made available to the general public over 30 years after the event.

Holiday accommodation in Boulmer includes...

Self Catering and Seaton Park Caravan Site, which is located at the south end of the village.

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