5 Reasons to Visit Amble, Northumberland (Hint: It’s Not Just About Fish & Chips!)
16 Oct 2024
Tucked away in the scenic embrace of Northumberland’s coastline, Amble might not be on your radar yet—but it should be. This little gem of a port town has a lot more going for it than seagulls and fresh air. In fact, it might just be the perfect getaway for anyone who enjoys good food, quirky shops, and nature that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. So, let’s dive right into the five irresistible reasons you need to drop everything and visit Amble.
Lilly’s Landing – Not Your Average Fish Joint
First on the list: Lilly’s Landing. Sure, it’s a seafood restaurant, but don’t let that conjure images of your average fish-and-chip shop. This place is a whole different kettle of fish (pun intended). Lilly’s is where gourmet meets the sea, serving up everything from succulent scallops to fresh crab linguine that’ll have you swearing allegiance to seafood for life. The décor? Oh, it’s the kind of coastal chic that would make you think, “If my house doesn’t look like this by next summer, what am I even doing?”
The food isn’t just tasty; it’s downright elegant. And yet, there’s no pretentious vibe—just the kind of place where you can feel sophisticated while wearing that one jumper you haven’t washed since last year’s Christmas party. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the daily catch. You know it’s fresh because the fish probably swam by you on the way to the kitchen.
The Fish Shack – The Coolest Hut You’ll Ever Eat In
Now, when you hear “shack,” you might imagine a little rickety hut on the side of the road selling soggy sandwiches. Wrong. The Fish Shack is as trendy as a fish shack can get, and it’s brimming with character. Picture this: rustic wooden tables, the salty tang of the sea breeze in your hair, and a plate piled high with freshly caught prawns or a buttery lobster roll. You’re living the coastal dream here.
The Fish Shack isn’t about formal dining—it’s about kicking back and enjoying great seafood with no fuss. Want to feel like you’re in some far-flung fishing village without the long-haul flight? Sit back with your fish and chips and pretend you’re in a Netflix series where the protagonist leaves behind city life to find themselves in a quirky coastal town. (Spoiler alert: The protagonist is you, and you’re living your best life with a side of tartar sauce.)
Spurelli’s Boutique Ice Cream Parlour – For the Kid Inside You (And the Adult Who Pretends Not to Love Ice Cream)
Okay, let’s be honest: nobody ever really grows out of loving ice cream. Enter Spurelli’s, Amble’s very own boutique ice cream parlour. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill 99p flake situation, folks. We’re talking handcrafted, boutique ice cream that comes in flavours so creative, you’ll forget you’re an adult with responsibilities. Whether you’re more of a salted caramel aficionado or you can’t resist a scoop of raspberry ripple, Spurelli’s has something for everyone—no judgment if you order three scoops. Or five.
It’s the kind of place where calories don’t count (or at least they shouldn’t). And with ice cream so good, you’ll want to pretend you’re ‘just browsing’ every time you walk past, only to “give in” and get another cone. Maybe you’ll even try a new flavour. Maybe you’ll get the same one because, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as too much pistachio gelato.
Shopping at the Harbour Village Huts – Retail Therapy, Seaside Style
For all you shopaholics out there, Amble’s Harbour Village huts are a delightful surprise. Picture a row of cute, colourful little huts—each one packed with handcrafted goodies, local art, and souvenirs that won’t end up in the back of your wardrobe. It’s like an indie shopping arcade but with way more charm and much less guilt (because you’re supporting local artisans, obviously).
Whether you’re in the market for some quirky jewellery, homemade candles, or even a painting of a puffin (you know you want one), these huts are a treasure trove of unique finds. Perfect for buying gifts, even if those gifts are just for yourself. Plus, shopping by the sea is scientifically proven to make you feel 30% more relaxed and 100% more justified in your spending. True fact.
The Port – Instagram, Eat Your Heart Out
Now, let’s talk about the true heart of Amble: its bustling fishing port. Forget beaches, this is where the real action happens! Amble’s port is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever considered being a landlubber. It’s not just scenic; it’s a working hub of boat traffic, with the daily catch hauled in fresh from the North Sea. You’ve got trawlers, lobster pots, and fishermen who look like they’ve seen things that would make Poseidon tremble. It’s like stepping into a BBC documentary—only here, you can smell the fresh fish.
Take a walk around the harbour, and you’ll get a real feel for what makes this town tick. It’s not just pretty; it’s industrious, with the rhythmic clank of boats unloading their bounty. And don’t get me started on the seafood market—fresh-off-the-boat crab, anyone? You’ll be snapping photos of the bustling port activity and trying to capture that perfect moment when a fishing boat glides in, glistening nets in tow. And if you’re not into photography, well, you’ll just have to stand there and admire the hard work (while maybe daydreaming about your next seafood dinner).
So, there you have it: five solid reasons to pack your bags and head to Amble, Northumberland. Whether you’re eating your way through seafood heaven or indulging your inner ice cream connoisseur, this charming coastal town offers more than enough to fill a weekend (or a week if you play your cards right). Just don’t blame us if you find yourself tempted to move there. We mean, who wouldn’t want to live somewhere with daily access to lobster rolls and boutique ice cream?
Don’t just take our word for it, check out the Instagram reels of our trip…
Lilly’s Landing – Click here for the IG reel
The Fish Shack – Click here for the IG reel
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