Does Amble have a beach?
Yes, Amble has two main beaches. Little Shore is a smaller sandy beach located between the pier and promenade, popular with locals and for its colourful beach huts. Amble Links is a larger sand and shingle beach backed by dunes, stretching south of the marina and harbour, known for good walking and views of Coquet Island.
Can you swim in the sea at Amble beaches?
While you can swim at Amble's beaches, it's important to be aware that there is no lifeguard service at Amble Links or Little Shore. The water quality is generally considered good and suitable for watersports. Caution is advised, especially with children.
Are Amble beaches sandy?
Amble offers a mix. Little Shore is primarily a sandy beach. Amble Links is a mix of sand and shingle, with larger sandy expanses particularly towards Hauxley and at low tide. Both feature dunes.
Are dogs allowed on Amble beaches?
Yes, Amble is very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed on both Amble Links beach and Little Shore beach all year round without restrictions. Many local holiday accommodations and some cafes also welcome dogs.
Is Amble good for a family beach holiday?
Amble can be a good destination for families. Little Shore beach is smaller and more contained, while Amble Links offers more space for activities. The nearby harbour village, boat trips to see puffins (though you can't land on Coquet Island), and local parks provide additional family entertainment. However, the lack of lifeguard services on the beaches is a consideration.
What are the beaches like in Amble for walking?
Amble Links beach is particularly popular with walkers due to its length, picturesque shoreline, and coastal paths backed by dunes. The walk can extend towards Hauxley or even form part of the longer Druridge Bay stretch. Little Shore offers shorter, pleasant walks around the harbour and pier.
Is there parking near Amble beaches?
Yes, parking is available. For Amble Links, there's free parking on the clifftop. For Little Shore, there are paid car parks such as Little Shore Car Park and Harbour Road Car Park, with some free on-street parking also available nearby. Some areas offer park and ride services during peak season.
What facilities are at Amble beaches?
Near Amble Links, you'll find toilets by the clifftop car park. Little Shore is close to Amble town centre and harbour, offering easy access to cafes, fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, and public toilets. Beach hut hire is available at Little Shore. The Harbour Village also has shops and eateries.
Which is better, Amble Little Shore or Amble Links?
It depends on what you're looking for. Little Shore is a smaller, sheltered sandy beach near the harbour, ideal for families with young children and those wanting easy access to town amenities and beach huts. Amble Links is a longer, wilder beach with sand and shingle, great for walking, watersports, and enjoying views of Coquet Island. It's backed by dunes and feels more expansive.
What is there to do at Amble beaches besides sunbathing?
Amble beaches offer various activities. Watersports like kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing are popular, with hire and tuition available from the Coquet Shorebase Trust. Rock pooling is possible at low tide on Amble Links. Birdwatching is excellent, with views of Coquet Island (a major seabird colony). Walking along the coast and dunes is also a key attraction. Boat trips around Coquet Island depart from the harbour.
How far are the beaches from Amble town centre?
Little Shore beach is very close to Amble town centre and the harbour, easily walkable within a few minutes. Amble Links beach starts just south of the harbour and marina, also within walking distance from the town, though the full stretch extends further south.
Are Amble beaches accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Accessibility varies. Little Shore has level access to the back of the beach from the road/grass. Amble Links is accessed from clifftop parking via a path that may be manageable for some with mobility issues, but the beach itself (sand and shingle) is not hard-packed and generally not considered suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Amble Harbour Village area is noted as being relatively wheelchair accessible.
What's the best time of year to visit Amble beaches?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather for traditional beach activities, though it can be busier. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) provide pleasant conditions for walking and exploring, with fewer crowds. Winter offers dramatic coastal scenery and is very quiet, ideal for brisk walks, but be prepared for colder weather. Puffin season (typically April to early August) is best for boat trips to see the birds around Coquet Island.
Are there any quieter, more secluded beaches near Amble?
While Amble's main beaches are popular, you can find quieter stretches. The southern end of Amble Links towards Low Hauxley can be less crowded. Nearby, Hauxley Beach, in front of the Hauxley Nature Reserve, is often described as a quiet stretch of sand. Further afield, Druridge Bay offers a very long expanse where it's possible to find quieter spots.
Is Amble more of a traditional seaside town or a nature/walking destination?
Amble offers a blend of both. It has traditional seaside elements like its harbour, fish and chips shops, and the 'Friendliest Port' atmosphere. However, its location on the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with extensive beaches like Amble Links, proximity to nature reserves like Hauxley and Coquet Island (famous for puffins), and access to coastal paths, also makes it a strong destination for nature lovers and walkers.
