Set back in Northumberland is a picturesque coastal village home to both natural beauty and the ideal spots for meandering around an array of charming shops. With a reputation for having the cutest of colourful cottages and white sandy beaches, Alnmouth is a village that once stood as a vital trading port.

Nowadays, it acts as a popular seaside resort, offering castles to explore, sea swims, cosy pubs and the perfect places to rest for a bite to eat. Due to the village's proximity to the mouth of the river Aln, it almost feels like an island in itself. As the river wraps around Alnmouth, you feel as though you're floating, separated from the rest of the land, adding to a sense of calm, as the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounds it.

The beach is the main attraction, drawing in visitors to the charm of the village. A TripAdvisor review from a recent visitor claims: "Beautiful beach with stunning views next to the lovely Alnmouth."

"Great for dogs and well located for many other sights, including Alnwick Castle, Craster and Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh, Seahouses and the unmissable Farne Islands." Meanwhile, another traveller added: "Beautiful expansive beach with lovely dunes at the back with wild flowers and the famous Alnmouth Links golf club (oldest links course in England).

"There is also a small estuary with surrounding marshland and a hill where a church was previously located. Out to sea you can clearly see Coquet Island, an island which is now an RSPB-protected bird sanctuary."

For those keen to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, the area offers a diverse selection of wildlife which can be spotted around the sand dunes, which act as an ideal spot for birdwatching. Or, if you want to roam slightly further afield, take a walk along the stunning Northumberland Coast Path for unmatched views of the coastline.

Overlooking the calmness of the beach is the St Cuthbert's Cross, sitting atop the steep Church Hill, which many visitors choose to trek up to. Its historic monument is said to be there in place of the location where St Cuthbert himself agreed to become the Bishop of Lindisfarne at the request of the king.

It's not the only history that lies within the walls of this small village, as it used to be an old fishing port and a place where ferrymen would rest. The Ferryman's Hut in Alnmouth harbour is a small museum showcasing the stories of those who once rowed passengers back and forth along the River Aln.

Northumberland Street is lined with plenty of places to rest your legs, taste delicious dishes and kick back with a coffee - as well as shop around. With a number of traditional pubs, tea rooms, and even a street food spot, it's safe to say you won't go hungry on your stay.

Based on TripAdvisor reviews, the number one spot for food is Bistro 23, serving brunch and coffee alongside evening meals in the bistro. A recent customer wrote a rave review: "Wonderful food and super service at this amazing restaurant. We have visited a number of times and have never been anything other than delighted."

Outside of the main village is Alnmouth Golf Club, for those sports fans, which stands as the country's fourth oldest golf club, having been around since 1869. It sits cosily in Foxton Bay, offering spectacular views of Coquet Island and the rest of the coastline.