‘Peaceful summer sunbathing on an uncrowded beach’: Why Alnmouth is one of the best British seaside towns to visit this summer

Time Out’s list of the best seaside towns in the UK is an eclectic mix. Some spots, like Blackpool and Brighton, made the cut for their enormous energy and endless offerings of things to do. Others places, like Whitstable or Hastings, featured for their food and burgeoning creative scenes. Then there’s Alnmouth, which we ranked eighth for its virtually untouched coastline and its peace and quiet. 

Sat along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Alnmouth is the smallest place on our list. The last census counted a population of just 455 and it only takes 20 minutes to walk around the whole thing. Time Out’s things to do editor Rosie Hewitson, who nominated the village, said that ‘whether you’re after bracing winter walks or peaceful summer sunbathing on an uncrowded beach, you can’t do much better than Alnmouth’.

When you pay Alnmouth a visit, we suggest picking up a coffee and pastel de nata from Scott’s of Alnmouth, filling up on seafood from Bistro23 and sipping on a cold one in the Red Lion’s beer garden. And don’t miss the very lovely Old School Gallery with its landscape paintings, prints and ceramics made by local artists.

The best seaside towns to visit in the UK in 2026.

Once you’re all done in the village, stroll down to Alnmouth Beach, where dogs can frolic off-leash all year round. Its vast, unspoiled sands offer a brilliant spot for looking out for wildlife – grey seals often pop up on the shore and the adjoining Aln Estuary attracts all sorts of stunning birds, including eider ducks, oystercatchers, terns and northern gannets. 

For film fans, a few miles inland (15-minute drive) you’ll find the majestic Alnwick Castle, which starred as Hogwarts in the early Harry Potter movies and also featured Transformers: The Last Knight, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Downton Abbey.