30 Things to Do in Amble

AD - We stayed at Dexter's Den which is mentioned in this post in June 2023. All other elements of this post have been paid for by ourselves. 

This guide will share 30 things to do when staying in or visiting Amble. This post was published in June 2023. Please always check with venues direct for the most up-to-date information as this can change over time. 

Where To Stay & Discount Code 

Dexter's Den

We stayed with Coastal Cottages in Northumberland - sign up to their website here to be the first to hear about special offers. 

Coastal Cottages are a small family business who specialise in Luxury Dog Friendly Cottages on the Northumberland Coast. They aim to provide exceptionally high standards, will go the extra mile and do their best to accommodate every request no matter how big or small.

If you are looking for a luxury dog-friendly getaway with personal service, Coastal Cottages are for you. 

Cottages available: 

• Gertie's Getaway from £100 per night (Amble) 
• Tilly's Lookout from £100 per night (Amble) 
• Dexter's Den from £150 per night (Amble) 
• Shane's Retreat from £85 per night (Amble) 
• The Hideaway from £150 per night (Warkworth) 
  
  

You can find out more about the above cottages here: https://www.coastalcottages-northumberland.co.uk/

Or click on the blue links to see more info via their Facebook pages. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a full review. 


Dexter's Den 

We stayed at Dexter's Den which is a luxury stone built end terrace cottage in the very heart of Amble (just across from Spurelli). You can expect 3 bedrooms, an ensuite, family bedroom, downstairs WC and a large modern kitchen diner with bi-fold doors into the sunny enclosed garden plus free parking outside. 

This property can sleep up to 8 guests and 2 pet dogs. There is a minimum stay of 2 nights. Prices start at just £150 per night (although will obviously fluctuate). Find out more and book here. 


Discount code 

Apply code NEFF10 at checkout (in the 'coupon code' box) to receive a 10% discount on any of the above cottages. I will share a full review at the bottom of this post. 

30 Things to Do in Amble 

You can download a FREE google map with all of the places mentioned in this post pinned with their postcodes and car parking info here: FREE 30 Things to do in Amble Map

OR scroll to the bottom of this post for an interactive map with locations pinned and postcodes etc..... 

Amble Bord Waalk 

Pronounced 'Amble Bird Walk' in a local accent, this FREE sculpture trail is around 2.7 miles long (linear) along the Northumberland Coast. Spanning from the River Coquet Estuary near Amble Yacht Club along the links to Hauxley Nature Reserve. 

It is a trail of public sculptures inspired by the local birdlife. There are some physical sculptures and some parts of the trail require you to listen to podcasts / poems or music in the app at a specific location. There is a fun augmented reality aspect too. 

The trail is pushchair friendly although not all of the paths are surfaced. 

Download the free trail app / map on Apple here or download or search the Play Store for 'Amble Bord Waalk'. 

Some of the pieces were a little tricky to find but it was a nice bit of added interest to a coastal walk. 

Visit the Lobster Hatchery 

The Lobster Hatchery is a really interesting place to visit. It's free to pop in but they do ask for a donation towards their work if you can. The project aims to increase sustainable lobster supplies in Northumberland. 

You can read all about their work, see real Lobster at all of their different life stages and try a touch pool too. You can find out more here: Amble Lobster Hatchery and check out my video tour of the Hatchery here. 

Take a Boat Trip to Coquet Island 

There are several boat operators who organise trips to Coquet Island, their timings are always different as it's based on the tide and weather so do check out their social media for upcoming times. 

I booked onto Amble Boat Trips who organise 75 minute trips to Coquet Island. Booking in advance is essential (just pop them a message / ring) and you pay cash on the day. They leave just off Amble Pier near the Harbour Office. 

First of all, this is a real fishing boat and you get to learn about fishing in the North East as well as helping to check the lobster pots, measuring the lobster and throwing any back into sea which don't make the required size. I loved this element of the trip - it was interesting and informative and would be great for kids. 

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to see lots of wildlife around the island too. The island is protected so you can't land here but you do get a good view (bring binoculars). 

I was lucky to see lots of seals, puffins and terns on our trip in June. There were 100s/1000s puffins flying above our heads. It was just incredible! 

Amble Puffin Festival 

Amble hosts a popular annual puffin festival (usually the week of half term) with loads of puffin themed activities. Check out their website here: http://www.amblepuffinfest.co.uk/

Visit Brewis Taproom  

Brewis Beer Taproom is located in the business park just on the outskirts of Amble (near Morrisons). They're dog and child friendly and host different foodie pop ups too. Check their Instagram to see who is popping up this week. 

One Dining are regular visitors and their burgers are LUSH! 

Shop at Local Businesses on the High Street 

Amble High Street (Queen Street) is packed with independent businesses and a fab place to shop. Expect independent delis, a bakery, butcher, sweet shop, hardware store, independent clothing stores, jewellers and more. It's fab! I still remember a pair of boots I bought here around 20 years ago. They were my favourite! 

Book Afternoon Tea 

You will find Coquet Tea Rooms on Amble High Street. They make the most delicious cakes and offer a very reasonable Children's Afternoon Tea for £6.95 (includes a tea pot of juice) or a Teddy Bear's Picnic for £5.95. Adult's Afternoon Tea is a bargain at £13.95. I did this with Dee a good few years ago and we loved it. Find out more and check current menus here. 

Alternatively, you could book Circa Vintage Antiques which is just out of the centre (but walkable). They offer Afternoon Tea in a Vintage Caravan or Beach Hut which is cute. 

Pubs with Playgrounds 

If you're looking for a nice pub with a playground, check out The Old Storehouse or The Amble Inn - both have play equipment in their beer gardens and I've enjoyed several meals at both over the years. The Amble Inn often runs kids eat free deals in school holidays too so do check their page for deals. 

The Amble Inn

The Old Storehouse 

Enjoy the Best Local Seafood 

Amble is known as 'The Friendliest Port' and has a natural harbour where you can watch traditional fishing boats come and go. 

It's also one of the best places for seafood in the North East. 

The Old Boat House serves fresh, locally caught seafood in a prime location overlooking the harbour. They have won several awards over the years and have been praised for their dedication to sustainable seafood. I highly recommend their Lobster or Seafood Platter. Both fabulous!  

The Fish Shack is part of the same group and is a little shack overlooking the sea. Their food is just as good but the surroundings have a more rustic feel. They have little pods you can hire for private dining too. 

Amble also has a couple of fantastic fresh fish and seafood counters. Check out the Northumberland Seafood Centre or Alliance Fish. Both support local fishermen and they have some fab deals (we recently bough cod from Alliance Fish at £5 per kilo). 

Lobster from The Old Boat House

Seafood Counter at The Seafood Centre

Alliance Fish Fresh Seafood Shop 

Battered King Prawns from The Fish Shack 

Book a Lesson with Northside Surf School 

Northside Surf School are based in Amble and offer surfing and SUP lessons / hire along the Northumberland Coast. Check their website here: Northside Surf School 

Order Pretzels from Radcliffes 

Radcliffes is a fantastic dog-friendly continental cafe/bar serving delicious food and drinks with fab service. I highly recommend their pretzels which are a steal at £3.50 including a mustard dip. Their Mediterranean Meze is also worth a mention. Delicious! Find out more: Radcliffes Cafe Bar 

Castle Mania Soft Play 

Castle Mania is an ideal rainy day option. This award winning soft play includes over 40 interactive features, the biggest play frame in Northumberland and cafe. Read our review of Castle Mania Soft Play for more info. 

Paddlers Park Playground & Water Play 

Paddlers Park is a lovely playground overlooking the beach in the heart of Amble (use postcode NE65 0AZ). There's a range of play equipment for all ages but I would say it's best for under 10s (no accessible swing/roundabout). 

Just outside the park, there is outdoor gym equipment for over 13s, a water play area, basketball shooting area and picnic tables. It's a canny spot! 

Paddle & Go Rockpooling 

I feel like Amble has the best of both worlds when it comes to beaches. Little Shore Beach just in front of the beach huts near the harbour is ideal for paddling for little ones as it's a nice sheltered and shallow spot with no waves (obviously supervise children). The beach here does have a dog ban in the summer months. 

Please note, the Beach Huts are no longer available to hire for the day and are available for annual hire only via Warkworth Harbour Office. 

On the other side of the pier you will find lots of rocks which are brilliant for exploring / rockpooling (the area in front of Cliff House on the map).  

Amble Sunday Market 

There is a big market and car boot sale in Amble Harbour every Sunday from 10am-4pm. Ideal for bargain hunting. 

Fish & Chips by the Harbour 

I feel like Harbour Fish Bar has cult status in Northumberland with SO many people proclaiming them to be the best fish and chips ever. They are really good and nice to enjoy on the benches overlooking the harbour. Watch out for those seagulls though. 

Go Fishing / Crabbing 

Amble is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing. Cod and Mackerel are the main fish you will find here. 

Walk to Warkworth 

It's just over 1.5 miles from Amble to Warkworth and a pleasant walk along the estuary where you will spot lots of birds. It is pushchair / wheelchair friendly but there is a hill towards the end of the walk so may be strength dependent. 

We love visiting Warkworth and the Castle has plenty of events running through the year. Make sure you check out our guide to visiting Warkworth. 

Book a Pub Lunch 

We had the most delicious meal at The Harbour Inn Pub and it's somewhere I would definitely recommend. Lush homemade food, the best chips and friendly service.

They are dog friendly and have a kids menu too. I have heard their Sunday lunches are very good too. Booking recommended, even on a weekday as they're popular. 

Evening Drinks 

There are a few pubs where you can grab a pint but for something a little more quirky, try the Cock & Bull which is a Cheese and Ale Micropub, Hummingbird which is a relatively new cocktail lounge in the town or Brewis Beer Tap Room as mentioned earlier in this post. 

Go Nature Spotting at Hauxley Nature Reserve 

Hauxley Nature Reserve is one of the best places to spot wildlife in the North East. Over 140 species of wild bird have been spotted here and you might see red squirrels, stoats and otters too.

There is an accessible route and bird hide for wheelchair users, a nice cafe, rubbing disc trail and small natural play area for kids. They also run special events across the year. It's free to visit but donations are welcome and a parking charge applies. Pet dogs are not permitted. Read our guide to visiting Low Hauxley Nature Reserve here. 

Try Watersports with Coquet Shorebase Trust 

Shorebase Trust are a charity who aim to provide inclusive sports for all. You can hire craft, take a guided tour, book a course or join in with kids club. Activities include paddleboarding, canoes and kayaks, windsurfing, sailing and powerboats. Find out more here: Coquet Shorebase Trust 

Order the Best Breakfast at Cafe 1911 

We had a cracking breakfast at Cafe 1911 on Amble High Street. They serve locally sourced produce with a smile. Their sausages are LUSH! Lots of homemade cakes on the counter too and we couldn't resist some Bueno cookies to take away. 

Take a Walking History Tour 

I love reading about the local history of somewhere when we visit and it's definitely a good way to get your steps in. Amble has two free local history trails to try at your leisure - the red trail is 1 hours and the green trail is 1 hour 15 minutes (get the maps here).

I really enjoyed learning about how the salt here was used and shipped to Holy Island for the monks. 

Walk Amble Links 

This is a nice coastal path to try from Amble Town Centre along to Low Hauxley with access to a sandy beach. We spotted lots of wild flowers as we walked the route and the views were fab. It's a popular spot for dog walking. 

Stop for Ice Cream 

A trip to Amble is simply not a trip to Amble without an ice cream from Spurellis. They have a huge range of ice creams available using milk from local Dairy Farms as well as Vegan and GF ice creams too. I love browsing their big board of flavours outside their shop. There is seating available too. 

Alternatively you could drive out to Morwick Dairy Ice Cream Parlour who hand make ice cream in their parlour kitchen. You can visit their cows and there is a small play area outside for children too. 

Take a Day Trip by Bus 

Amble is served by the X20 and X18 buses which can be used to visit nearby Morpeth, Alnwick, Seahouses, Newcastle, Berwick and more. Remember, single bus fares are capped at £2 until October (and then it goes up to £2.50) and £1 for under 22s. Arriva often run kids travel free deals in the school holidays too so look out for those. 

Visit the Harbour Village 

I love visiting these pods which are rented out to local businesses. They are great for shopping and there's something for everyone including seaside gifts and homeward, Urban Pooch for dog treats, jewellery, Amble rock, a cheese pod, a coffee pod, local spirits pod and more. 

We always have to visit the Geordie Banger pod for their epic sausage rolls to takeaway (and sausage on a stick for Fozzy). 

Visiting Amble - Need To Know 

• Parking - 12 car parks (many free) and off street parking available. See here for postcodes / directions.
  
  
• Bus - Arriva X18 or X20
  
  
• Public Toilets - Amble Tourist Information 
  
  
• I found Amble to be pretty accessible and we often see wheelchair users during our visits. At the moment, there are no changing places toilets in Amble but funding has been secured for a Changing Places toilet at nearby Druridge Bay
  
  
• There is a cash machine on the high street 
  
  
• Please find a map with all of the locations of the places mentioned in this post at the bottom of this blog 

Dexter's Den Review 

We had the best time staying at Dexter's Den. It's located in the very heart of Amble (just across from Spurelli) and it was so nice being able to leave our car parked and walk to so many places. 

This cottage sleeps up to 8 (two double rooms, one bunk room and two sofa beds) and has a downstairs toilet, upstairs family bathroom and ensuite, an enclosed garden and free parking outside. 

The kitchen is fantastic! All open plan with modern appliances and a lovely welcome pack filled with local produce. It was a dream kitchen and even had a Nutribullet! 

The garden is lovely (there are cushions for the sofas below) and enclosed with bi-fold doors leading straight from the kitchen. 

Dogs are not permitted to use the garden as a toilet and cannot be left in the cottage unattended without prior arrangement. This was find for us as Fozzy enjoyed plenty of walks with us. 

Fozzy was left his own dog towel and several collars (of different sizes) with his holiday home details plus a ball, dog treat, poo bags and bowls. How lush. 

Upstairs the rooms were spacious and nicely decorated. Our bed was so comfy and I had the best night's sleep here. We weren't disturbed by any noise at all. Free WiFi is available. 

The living room was nice and cosy with a real fire and games for us to play. There are Samsung TVs in the living room and kitchen (although they work through apps rather than 'live' TV) and we were easily able to log into our Netflix etc..... to snuggle down for a movie at night. 

The bathrooms are filled with Rituals Toiletries which are refilled for each guest (and a really nice treat) and the family bathroom had a super deep bath. The showers were fantastic too. No issues with water temp or pressure to report. I also have to say that our towels were so large and fluffy. They felt really cosy. 

I highly recommend Coastal Cottages in Northumberland - sign up to their website here to be the first to hear about special offers. We will definitely stay with them again at some point. 

Coastal Cottages are a small family business who specialise in Luxury Dog Friendly Cottages on the Northumberland Coast. They aim to provide exceptionally high standards, will go the extra mile and do their best to accommodate every request no matter how big or small and this really shows. 

If you are looking for a luxury dog-friendly getaway with personal service, Coastal Cottages are for you. 

Cottages available: 

• Gertie's Getaway from £100 per night (Amble) 
• Tilly's Lookout from £100 per night (Amble) 
• Dexter's Den from £150 per night (Amble) 
• Shane's Retreat from £85 per night (Amble) 
• The Hideaway from £150 per night (Warkworth) 
  
  

You can find out more about the above cottages here: https://www.coastalcottages-northumberland.co.uk/

Discount code 

Apply code NEFF10 at checkout (in the 'coupon code' box) to receive a 10% discount on any of the above cottages. I will share a full review at the bottom of this post. 

30 Things to do in Amble - FREE Map 

Looking for things to do nearby? Check out these posts: 

• 14 things to do in Morpeth 
  
  
• A guide to visiting Warkworth with kids 
  
  
• Druridge Bay Country Park 
  
  
• 20 Things to do at Seahouses 
  
  
• 5 Things to do at Alnmouth 
  
  
• Queen Elizabeth II Country Park & Pub with Indoor Play Area 
  
  
• Woodhorn Museum is also a good indoor option 

30 Things to do in Amble......

I have created a full blog post to go with this alongside a free google map you can download to your phone with postcodes / locations of all places mentioned. Will link to the post in stories.

1 - Amble Bord Walk FREE Art Trail

2 - Visit the Lobster Hatchery

3 - Take a Boat Trip to Coquet Island

4 - Amble Puffin Festival

5 - Brewis Tap Room

6 - Shop Local on Queen Street

7 - Book Afternoon Tea (Coquet Tea Rooms offer Kids Afternoon Tea and at Circa you can book a vintage caravan)

8 - There are 2 Pubs with Playgrounds

9 - Enjoy Local Seafood at The Boathouse or Fish Shack

10 - Buy Local Seafood from the Fishermen at Alliance Fish Shop

11 - Book a Surf Lesson with Northside Surf

12 - Order Pretzels from Radcliffes

13 - Castle Mania Soft Play

14 - Paddlers Park Playground & Water Play Area

15 - Paddle at Little Shore or Go Rockpooling by Cliff House

16 - Amble Sunday Market / Car Boot

17 - Fish & Chips from Harbour Fish Bar

18 - Go Fishing / Crabbing

19 - Walk to Warkworth

20 - Book a Pub Lunch at The Harbour Inn

21 - Evening Drinks at The Cock & Bull Cheese & Ale Micropub or Hummingbird Cocktail Bar

22 - Go Wildlife Spotting at Hauxley Nature Reserve

23 - Try Watersports at Coquet Shorebase Trust

24 - Order the Best Breakfast at 1911 Coffee

25 - There are TWO Free Walking History Trails

26 - Walk Amble Links Coastal Path

27 - Visit Amble Yacht Club

28 - Stop for Ice Cream at Spurellis

29 - Visit the Harbour Village and Shop Local

30 - Stay at (ad) Dexters Den - a beautiful dog friendly cottage in the heart of the town.