The Amble Harbour Guest House

Amble is known locally as 'the friendliest port', where fishing and boat trips to the Farne Islands- famous for its bird sanctuary and seal colony - can be arranged. The picturesque village of Warkworth, dominated by its majestic castle, boasts an extensive sweep of golden sandy beach only 2 miles north. The historic market town of Alnwick, awarded by 'Country Life' as "the best place to live in Britain" offers a wide range of amenities around 8 miles inland, including a theatre/cinema, many restaurants and an indoor swimming pool with health spa. It also has its own medieval castle (home to the Duke of Northumberland and also film location for Harry Potter's Hogwarts Academy!) and Alnwick Garden, with its Grand Cascade waterfall and restaurant incorporated within the largest tree house in Europe, is a popular tourist attraction.

The Guest House offers an excellent base to explore the 20 miles of this magnificent stretch of Heritage coastline, Northumberland is proud to have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Amble Beach 200 Yards From The Guest House, Image By Marc Melling©

Image Taken From Amble Pier, Image By Marc Melling©

Image Taken From Amble Pier, Image By Marc Melling©

Image Taken From Amble Pier Towards Coquet Island, Image By Marc Melling©

Coquet Island, Image By Marc Melling©

Coquet Island, Image By Marc Melling©

Walkworth

The village of Warkworth is situated one mile west from the North Sea and Amble harbour and 7 miles south east of Alnwick. It is surrounded on three sides by the Coquet river and is dominated by the impressive presence of Warkworth Castle.

Warkworth village itself has one main street leading up to the castle, with public houses, shops and tearooms along it, as well as private residences. The village today is a popular place to visit, particularly in the summer months; its picturesque environment and colorful past making Warkworth a desirable destination on many a visitor's holiday route.

Warkworth Castle Image By Marc Melling©

Standing on a hill and dominating the village of Warkworth, the dramatic ruins of Warkworth Castle provide an evocative image of medieval strength.

Norman in origin, the castle was taken over by the Percy family (of Alnwick Castle) in 1332. Later that century, Henry Percy, the first Earl of Northumberland, allowed the castle to be the home of his eldest son, Harry Hotspur.

The opening scene of Shakespeare's play "Henry IV" is set here. The keep was restored and made habitable again in the 19th century. A taped commentary is available for visitors using individual headsets.

Walkworth Castle, Image Marc Melling©

BAMBURGH CASTLE

Stunning coastal castle on the site from which Angle Kings once ruled Northumbria.

The present 11th century castle was a Norman stronghold which survived many sieges and welcomed many English kings as guests.

During the Wars of the Roses, however, it was the first castle in England to succumb to gunfire when it fell to the artillery of Edward IV.

This signalled the start of the castle's decline and it was owned by a succession of families including the Forsters.

The castle was restored in the late 19th century by Lord Armstrong and now houses an excellent collection of arms and artwork as well as a tea room and gift shop.

Superb coastal views overlook mile upon mile of silver sands towards the Farne Islands.

Sir Thomas Mallory (d 1471), the author of "Le Morte D'Arthur" (one of the first histories of King Arthur), believed that Bamburgh Castle was the most likely site of Lancelot's castle "The Joyous Gard".

Coastal View of Bamburgh Castle, Image Marc Melling©

Front View of Bamburgh Castle, Image Marc Melling©

Coastal View of Bamburgh Castle, Image Grahame Jenkins©

ALNWICK CASTLE

Image Stu Glen©

Known as the 'Windsor of the North,' Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, whose ancestors have lived here since 1309. Dramatically situated on the edge of the town, the castle battlements rise above stunning Capability Brown grounds and resonate with history, from the 14th century exploits of 'Harry Hotspur', to the grisly Gunpowder Plot.
Now renowned as the magical setting for 'Hogwarts' in the Harry Potter films, as well Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and numerous television programmes, it is true deja vu territory. The castle's magical 'Harry Spotter Tours' highlight the locations of Quidditch matches, whomping willows and Hagrid's Hut. Children can enjoy medieval make-believe at 'Knight's Quest' - a chance for to dress up in medieval costumes, learn to sword fight and become a Knight of Alnwick before facing the scary trials, jousting japes and animatronic action of 'Dragon's Quest.'

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE

Near Craster. Romantic ruins of extensive 14th century castle, the largest in Northumberland, in dramatic location on 100 foot cliffs.

It is reached only by a gentle 1.5 mile walk from Craster or Embleton.

Built by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, from 1314, the castle was enlarged later by John of Gaunt but was lived in for less than 150 years.

A Lancastrian stronghold, the castle was heavily damaged in two sieges during the Wars of the Roses in 1462 and 1464 (see also the battle of Hexham).

It was never repaired and appears to have been largely unoccupied ever since: a 500 year old testimony to the power of 15th century armaments.

Dunstanburgh Castle Image By Richie Pallin©

Dunstanburgh Castle Image By Richie Pallin©

Holy Island

Built on the orders of Henry VIII in 1550 (using stones taken from Lindisfarne Priory) to protect Holy Island from attack by the Scots, the castle was converted into a private home by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1903.

The rooms are filled with a fine collection of antique furniture, mostly oak, of the early 17th century. Ornaments and pictures are in harmony creating a unique and picturesque home.

The castle's small walled garden was designed by Gertrude Jekyll and has been newly replanted according to her original design.