Boulmer 

Cobles and Coves 

Boulmer (pronounced ‘Boomer’) is set right on the dune-hemmed coast. One of Northumberland’s last genuine fishing villages, the distinctive blue fishing cobles go out every morning, in much the same way as they have for the past 100 years. 

Consisting of a stretch of cottages and small houses, most with unobstructed sea views, Boulmer is the perfect getaway for tranquillity in a more remote rural scene. 

But Boulmer wasn’t always so serene. In the 18th and 19th century, it was a hotbed for smugglers and pirates arriving from all over the coast to deal their ill gotten gains at the village pub, the Fishing Boat Inn. This remains the only place to eat and drink in the village and has a terrace at the back of the pub that offers beautiful views of the bay. 

Nowadays, Boulmer makes a perfect base to enjoy uninterrupted beaches and glimpse a way of life fast disappearing. 

A day at the Beach 

Boulmer has a sandy cove and natural harbour where the fishing cobles shelter. Just south is Seaton Point with a bay of clean white sand where swimming is safe. The beach is backed by low, sandy cliffs and can be accessed from the nearby car park. To the north is beautiful Sugar Sands beach perfect for a good old-fashioned family beach day building sand castles, playing games and picnicking. It accessible on foot from Boulmer, or by car from Longhoughton. 

These boots are made for Walking 

The Northumberland Coastal Path runs through Boulmer offering spectacular coastal scenery, secluded sandy bays, rock reefs and cliffs of bustling seabird colonies. 

Get on your Bike 

The Coast and Castles cycle route passes through Boulmer. Easy going and highly scenic, it passes sandy beaches and Warkworth and Dunstanburgh castles and is suitable for all levels. 

The 19th Hole 

Nearest golf courses are the beautiful links courses at Embleton and Alnmouth. Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club at Embleton offers an excellent 18-hole course with stunning views of the castle. Alnmouth has two courses Alnmouth Village Golf Club is the oldest 9-hole links course in England and Alnmouth Golf Club, located just outside the village at Foxton Hall, is an interesting curiosity being a seaside parkland 18-hole course. 

‘Give it a Go’ 

Look out for the rare sight of a traditional wooden cobble fishing boat launching off the beach. 

Explore the rock shores of the natural harbour and watch wading birds on the mudflats at low tide. 

Visit Howick Hall Gardens, the home of Earl Grey, and enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings and wide 

variety of plants and wildlife. 

Windsurf from Boulmer or the beaches to the north. 

Visit Will Faa’s (King of the Gypsies) home The Gypsy Palace in the remote village of Kirk Yetholm, in the 

Scottish border. He was the most well-known smuggler at Boulmer. 

The ‘Tea’ Trail 

Although there is no Tea Shop in Boulmer, if the pop-up café is open in the Village Hall, try the crab sandwiches – not to be missed! If not, try Howick Hall which is just over a mile away for an amazing afternoon tea in elegant surroundings. It is the home of Earl Grey. Or even closer in Longhoughton, try the small family-run business called “Company B”, serving the best home-made cakes, sandwiches, pies and pastries you will ever try. 

‘A few of our holidaymaker’s favourite things’ 

A lovely sunny walk from the cottage to Rumbling Kern and back. The weather was so sunny and the scenery so stunning we even drove back to Sugar Sands later in the day to brave a dip in the sea and had the whole beach to ourselves! Fabulous! 

Walking along the beach watching terns diving and oyster-catchers feeding along the shoreline. 

Peace, quiet and excellent beach where the dogs could run as much as they wanted. 

The local pub in the village was excellent, very friendly staff and locals and superb locally caught fish available for dinner! 

Book your Boulmer Cottages today and sample these much-loved things todo!