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Nestled on the picturesque Northumberland coast, Alnmouth is being heralded as the UK's 'most underrated' seaside village, a hidden gem that offers visitors a compelling blend of natural beauty and rich history.
The village is ideally situated at the mouth of the River Aln, boasting an extensive, flat sandy beach and providing scenic views of the coast, which is frequented by walkers and cycling enthusiasts along the Coast and Castles trail.
The adjacent estuary is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), attracting a diverse range of birds and wildfowl, from curlews to oystercatchers, depending on the season.
While today Alnmouth is a quiet, postcard-perfect holiday spot, its past was anything but sleepy.
In the mid-18th century, it functioned as a busy port, with up to 18 ships in its harbour, exporting grain and importing goods like timber and even guano from Peru.
This era of trade abruptly ended in 1806 when a violent storm dramatically changed the course of the river, devastating the harbour and leading to its decline.
The subsequent arrival of the railway transformed Alnmouth into the tranquil seaside retreat it is today, though reminders of its turbulent past, such as old granary buildings and World War II defences, are still visible among the dunes.
Despite its tucked-away feel, Alnmouth is easily accessible, with a railway station connecting it to major cities like Newcastle and Edinburgh, making it an ideal choice for a UK staycation.