Alnmouth

Alnmouth from the south

If you are ever in Northumberland, then you must visit Alnmouth, a quiet, picturesque village with a natural harbour on the Northumberland coast. The area has been inhabited since the Bronze age and, through the centuries, has experienced both prosperity and poverty. At one time Almouth was an important trading port, notably for the export of grain. Many granaries survive today as private houses.

In 1779, during the American War of Independence Alnmouth was attacked by the American privateer, John Paul Jones, who fired a cannonball at the town. His aim was poor and the cannonball missed its target and landed in a field before striking a farmhouse roof.

The fortunes of Almouth declined rapidly after a violent storm hit the coast in 1806, resulting in the river Aln changing its course.

Today Alnmouth boasts four pubs - The Red Lion, The Sun Inn, The Schooner Hotel and The Hope and Anchor Hotel.

The Red Lion

The Red Lion started life as an 18th century coaching inn and today is an excellent pub serving splendid beer and good food. The cosy lounge bar has extensive wood panelling which allegedly came from the RMS Carpathia, the ship that went to the rescue of the doomed Titanic in 1912. However, the Carpathia, which was built a few miles down the coast at Newcastle, was torpedoed in deep water off Ireland in 1918 and sank, so the story may be apocryphal – unless the panelling was removed prior to its sinking.

The Schooner Hotel

The Schooner Hotel is a 17th century coaching inn which was one of the most renowned hotels in the area in the 19th century. It is also said to be one of the most haunted locations in the United Kingdom. Guests have included Charles Dickens, King George III and the founder of the Methodist Movement, John Wesley. After his stay in Alnmouth, Wesley is reported to have said that the village was ‘famous for all kinds of wickedness’.

The Sun Inn

The Sun Inn is another excellent Alnmouth pub, with good beer, an open fire and friendly service. Dogs are welcome too.

The Sun Inn - How could you resist not popping in for a swift half?

 

The Hope & Anchor Hotel

The Hope & Anchor is another friendly Alnmouth pub with a reputation for good beer.

Alnmouth Ex-Servicemens Club

Not really a pub, but the Alnmouth Ex-Servicemens Club does welcome visitors.