A picturesque Northumberland seaside village has secured a coveted spot in Time Out’s top 10 best UK seaside towns for 2026, outranking popular destinations including Bamburgh and Berwick
The town is finally getting the credit it deserves (Image: by Marc Guitard via Getty Images)
The Northumberland coastline is grabbing attention this summer as holidaymakers hunt for wallet-friendly getaways, and with the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path, the entire UK shoreline can now be explored on foot.
Thanks to the coastal path encircling the whole country, enthusiastic walkers and adventurers are scouting their next staycation, and this peaceful village offers an ideal starting point.
Time Out unveiled their ranking of the finest UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, and an overlooked treasure in Northumberland secured a spot in the top 10. Alnmouth is celebrated for its wild natural beauty and soft sands, discreetly positioned along the coastline, sitting between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Outranking some of the nation’s most beloved seaside resorts, including St Ives and Brighton, and climbing above its nearby neighbours Bamburgh and Berwick, it’s evident that Alnmouth is one to keep an eye on this year.
The beach
Alnmouth lies within one of Northumberland’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and consequently, it brims with unspoilt corners and abundant wildlife. Alnmouth Beach is precisely one of these treasured locations, cherished by both tourists and locals for its expansive stretch of sand, providing a delightful day by the sea.
One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Nice wide sandy beach with convenient shops and cafes nearby. Parking right behind the beach. Not over-commercialised.”
Another visitor added: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water! Would definitely return!”
The beach warmly welcomes four-legged friends, making it a brilliant destination for the whole family. It’s divided into three sections, offering ample room to spread out and have fun.
Many visitors choose to arrive via the Northumberland Coast Path, making their way from neighbouring towns and villages while taking in the stunning coastline in its entirety.
Restaurants
According to TripAdvisor reviews, the top spot for a hearty meal in the village is Bistro 23, which serves up brunch and coffee during the day alongside evening dining in the bistro.
One delighted diner left a glowing review: “Wonderful food and super service at this amazing restaurant. We have visited a number of times and have never been anything other than delighted.”
For a touch of elegance, the delightful Whittling House is a country restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced produce packed with flavour. It also boasts 10 guest rooms, making it the perfect base for a full weekend away, with their exceptional food and drink keeping you going throughout your stay.
For something a little more traditional, The Red Lion — which also operates as a bed and breakfast — offers an extensive pub grub menu. Well-behaved dogs are made to feel at home in the bar and beer garden, where you can enjoy a pint while soaking up views of the boats.
Art Gallery
Celebrating the work of local talent, The Old School Gallery makes for a wonderful pit stop during a day spent exploring the coastline, nestled inside a charming period school building. It boasts an accessible collection of inspiring artwork from artists across Northumberland and beyond, all of which can be enjoyed alongside a delicious coffee from their very own in-house café.
One reviewer wrote: “Very friendly staff with a warm welcome. The gallery is varied to suit all tastes and budget. We only went for a coffee and ended up buying a print by a local artist.”
Another visitor added: “A lovely old English school turned into a gallery and café, what couldn’t you love about this? The food is great and they have an amazing gift shop.”
Whether you’re wrapping up for a bracing winter stroll along the shore or seeking out a tranquil spot to soak up the summer sun, the quaint village of Alnmouth is the perfect place to take a breather and drink it all in.