Alnmouth

Pronounced "Aln - mouth" (unlike Alnwick, the "L" is sounded). A popular but peaceful coastal resort with superb sandy beaches and two golf courses including the 4th oldest in England.

Alnmouth has an interesting history as a trade port of some repute. In 1799, during the War of Independence, this reputation led to an attack on the port by the American privateer, John Paul Jones. One of the cannon balls from this attack has been preserved. A few years after this event Alnmouth harbour was left high and dry when a storm caused the river to change its course, forcing a new route through to the sea. This cut off Church Hill making the town's church inaccessible and leading to its eventual destruction. The church's position is now marked by a wooden cross. Beyond Church Hill the ruins of a long, low building between the dunes and the fields, indicates the area in which the port was originally located. Now used as a shelter by farm animals, this was formerly a guano shed, probably built here to store what was once a valuable commodity, on a spot which was an acceptable distance from the town.

After the loss of the port, the town was revitalised with the coming of the railway in the 1840's. It became a popular holiday resort and remains so to this day.

The village has several two golf courses, high quality hotels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants and gift shops.

Further information from:

Alnmouth – local history

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