Alnmouth friary is only a 5 minute walk from the beach. Going for walks along the beach will be a great additional to your retreat and time away..
Alnmouth beach is particularly beautiful. It is the best kept secret in Northumberland. Spending time in such a beautiful place is a a great way to unwind, and enter into your retreat time.
A lot of guests find walking along the beach to be an integral part of their retreat. Getting out into nature can be a great way to draw closer to God. There are several walking routes near to the friary that many guests do during their stay.
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The village of Alnmouth sits amid sand dunes on the edge of the North Sea. As its name suggests, it is at the mouth of the River Aln. Although now a quiet coastal village, in the 18th century it was a busy port, exporting the agricultural wealth of the surrounding countryside. At Christmas 1806 a huge storm changed the course of the river and spelt the end for the busy harbour. From this time Alnmouth declined in importance, and became the quiet village it is today, though many traces of its former success remain.
Despite the success of its trading links the town was increasingly troubled by the river and harbour silting up, making it difficult for ships to dock. Finally, on Christmas day 1806, there was a great storm. It changed the entire course of the river, which began to flow between Church Hill and the main town. The storm also finally destroyed the surviving remains of the church.
After this, trade began to decline, though goods did not stop being imported until 1896. This led to changes in the town. Most of the old granaries were converted into houses and Alnmouth started to become a tourist resort. A holiday camp was built and beach huts placed on the sand dunes. Alnmouth even boasts the second oldest golf course in the country. Tourism remains the main industry today, and many visitors still come to enjoy its historic and natural sites.
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The friary is on the Northumberland Coastal footpath. This footpath offers beautiful views and is a wonderful way to enter into nature.
A day out to Lindisfarne would be a great addition to your time on retreat. We are a 40 minute drive away. Check the times of the dies before travelling:
If you are passing through Alnmouth on your way to Lindisfarne know you are welcome to stop by for a cup of tea, a time of prayer and maybe even a lunch stop.
Boat trips to the Farne Islands are available from Seahouses. Boat trips to Coquet Island leave from Amble. Both of these locations are accessible using public transport.
Barter Books is a rambling, quirky secondhand bookshop in Alnwick. Guests at Alnmouth friary often visit Barter Books. The bookshop has an open fire, armchairs, model trains and a coffee shop.
Guests often visit Bamburgh castle and the shrine of St Aidan in the parish church.
A recent guest
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