Amble

Nowadays Amble is one of the most up and coming harbour towns on the Northumberland coastline.  Situated at the mouth of the River Coquet it looks out over the nearby bird sanctuary of Coquet Island, home to more than 36,000 seabirds, including the iconic puffin and rare Rosette Terns.  It also has a large seal colony too. Amble is the ideal base for the wild life enthusiasts and ornithologists as there are frequent cruises from the harbour around the Island and Amble is adjacent to the nature reserves of Cresswell, Hawxley and Druidge, with the regions many castles and museums within easy reach.For many years the town suffered after the decline in heavy industry in the North East, especially coal mining as Amble had played its part via the railway system, in the movement of coal to other areas of the country and in export abroad. But nowadays it is pleasing to say that the town has re-invented itself.

Always known as England’s friendliest port there has been considerable investment based around the expanding livelihoods of sea fishing and boat industry. Indeed today Amble is the Northumberlands most important fishing centre, North of the Tyne.

Furthermore with construction and repair of yachts and pleasure craft, including the building of traditional fishing cobles, it has become a haven for the watersport enthusiast, with a surf school, sailing and kayaking, in addition to the more traditional fishing trips and Puffin cruises. Indeed Amble Marina has over 250 berths and the focal point of a vibrant yacht and boat club.

With the establishment of a Development Trust in 1994, great improvements have been made in developing the retail face of Amble and linking it to the harbour area.

Nowadays Queen Street is one of the most vibrant retail areas in North Northumberland, boasting an amazing number and variety of individual shops catering for every need. This is linked to the harbour front via the town square, refurbished in 2001, which is home to one of the largest sundials in Europe.

The Square hosts a regular and well attended Sunday Maket and is the focal point for the annual Puffin Festival the only one of its kind in the UK, and held each Whitsun Week.
Further on from the Square is situated the brand new development of Amble Harbour Village, launched in early 2015 this comprises a Seafood Centre and a number of small retail outlets. This re-developed harbour area provides a sea-front pathway all the way from the harbour to the marina.

With its busy high street and harbour front, the town is fast developing a reputation as the coastal home for seriously good food from a number of up and coming restaurants like Salt, The Boathouse, Zecca’s, Pride of Northumbria, The Old Storehouse, Spurrelli’s, a visit to, or stay in, Amble promises a taste of all thats best about the Northumberland Coast.

Click here to see our Self Catering Holiday Cottages in and around Amble