Beaches - Seaside Splendour Of Boulmer

Northumberland is steeped in history, with ancient castles and places of interest to explore, such as Bamburgh and Warkworth. Only 4 miles away is the historic market town of Alnwick, with all of its amenities, including the famous Alnwick Gardens and castle.

Away from the tourist attraction of Alnwick and all its splendour, take a short journey through the beautiful coastline to a small Fishing village of Boulmer.

Very much a fishing village, Boulmer was once the haunt of smugglers but now consists of a row of cottages and one pub. The name is a derivation of Bulemer, from the old English term bulan mere or bulls mere.

Boulmer has changed little in over 100 years and is one of the few true fishing villages left on the Northumberland Coast. The major change was the arrival of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Set within a natural haven, in a gap through an almost complete band of rock, Boulmer has no harbour. The traditional blue fishing cobles have to be hauled ashore or moored in the water.

The main catch here is crabs, lobsters and sea salmon. Boulmers lovely natural harbour with its graceful fishing cobles is a sight to remember.

Today RAF Boulmer is home to the School of Fighter Control. The station is also home to A Flight of 202 Squadron, with 2 Sea King HAR3s Rescue 131 and 132 providing Search and Rescue and Mountain Rescue cover to the Borders and beyond.

The Boulmer Volunteer Lifeboat is on station, this third boat is supported by donations from the general public. The annual Boulmer Lifeboat Fete takes place during the month of August and is a popular event.

Cyclists will enjoy the coastal route through the village, this section being part of the Coast and Castles Route, which is part of the National Cycle Network, and also forming part of the larger seven countries international North Sea Cycle Route.

Boulmer is part of the National Trails that wind through the hills and dales and along the dramatic cliff tops are identified by the acorn symbol and ensure high quality walking.

With excellent way marking and facilities, and both these and the other long distance walks can be broken down into shorter walks which are equally enjoyable for less seasoned walkers or those on a shorter stay to Boulmer

During the spring and summer months of 2004, much of the filming for the comedy drama series Distant Shores was carried out at various locations along the Northumberland Coast.

Steeped in history, this is a region rich in contrast, with sixty miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, stone built market towns and quaint fishing villages, more castles than any other county in England and glorious rolling countryside set in 400 square miles of National Park.