Alnmouth in Winter: Galleries, Shops and Somewhere Warm to Eat

Alnmouth is at its best on a summer’s day, when the pastel houses glow and the beach stretches away towards Warkworth. But some of our favourite days there are in winter, when the wind is whipping across the estuary and the best plan is a gallery, a good lunch and a seat by the fire.

It’s an easy drive south from Brunton, about 10 miles, and it makes a perfect half-day out when the weather isn’t on your side.

The Old School Gallery

If you only do one thing in Alnmouth on a blustery day, make it the Old School Gallery. It’s housed in the village’s Victorian school, built in 1872, on Foxton Road. The gallery shows fine art, printmaking and illustration, from leading national artists as well as many from the North East.

The exhibitions change through the year, so there’s always a reason to go back, and it’s worth checking what’s on before your stay. There’s also a café serving tea, coffee and homemade cakes, so you can take your time.

“I love the Old School Gallery because it never feels like a museum. It’s a place you can wander into on a wet afternoon, find something beautiful, and leave with a card or a print you’ll treasure. I always tell our guests to check what’s on before they arrive.” – Lucia, owner at Brunton House and Cottages

If art is what brings you to Northumberland, our guide to the art of Northumberland covers galleries and studios closer to Brunton too.

Scotts of Alnmouth and the village shops

A short walk from the gallery, Scotts of Alnmouth is a deli and café with fresh coffee, artisan bakes and local provisions. It’s also now home to the Old School Gallery’s gift shop, a room of prints, cards and gifts. That makes it an ideal stop for presents, or for something to take back to the cottage for supper.

Along Northumberland Street you’ll find a handful of independent shops that are perfect for a slow browse while you wait for the rain to pass.

Where to eat and drink

Alnmouth punches well above its size for places to eat, and in winter the pubs come into their own.

The Red Lion started life as an 18th-century coaching inn. The wood-panelled lounge bar is said to have come from the RMS Carpathia, the ship that rescued Titanic survivors. The story may be more legend than fact, but it’s a good one to tell over a pint. There are open fires, good food and views over the estuary.

The Sun Inn is a proper village pub with good beer, an open fire and a warm welcome for dogs.

The Schooner Hotel is a 17th-century coaching inn with quite a guest list over the years, reportedly including Charles Dickens and John Wesley. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country, if you fancy a ghost story with your dinner.

The Hope and Anchor is now mainly an Italian restaurant, with pizzas from a wood-fired oven and plenty of fish on the menu.

Bistro 23 is a small, popular spot that’s well worth booking ahead.

“There’s nothing better after a blustery walk than a seat by the fire in one of Alnmouth’s pubs. Guests often come back telling us it was the highlight of their day.” – Lucia, owner at Brunton House and Cottages

For more ideas across the area, see our guide to the best local pubs and our eating out page.

If the weather breaks

Even in winter, you’ll often get a bright hour or two. The short climb up Church Hill, across the estuary, gives you one of the best views on this stretch of coast. The gentler Lovers Walk follows the estuary for about a mile. On a crisp winter afternoon, you might even catch the starling murmurations over the beach.

Our guide to the best beaches and local walks have more ideas for when the sun comes out.

Bringing your dog

Alnmouth is a very dog-friendly village, and most of the pubs welcome well-behaved dogs. It’s always worth calling ahead, especially at busy times. See our guide to the best dog-friendly places for more.

“So many of our guests bring their dogs, and Alnmouth is one of the places I recommend most. Muddy paws are very much part of a winter stay in Northumberland.” – Lucia, owner at Brunton House and Cottages

Several of our cottages welcome dogs, including Garden Cottage, Long Byre and Stable Cottage, each with its own enclosed garden or patio.

 

Getting there

Alnmouth is an easy drive from Brunton, with parking near the beach and village. If you’re arriving by train, Alnmouth Station is on the East Coast Main Line, with direct services from London, Newcastle and Edinburgh. See our public transport page for details.

Travelling with children? Our guide to wet weather activities for children has plenty more rainy-day ideas.

Stay at Brunton this winter

Winter is one of the most peaceful times to stay at Brunton. Spend the day exploring Alnmouth, then come back to the quiet of the Fallodon Estate and a cosy evening in.

View prices and book your stay, or call us on 01665 589 120 to book today. For special offers and late availability, join our mailing list.