About Amble, Northumberland – England’s Kindliest Port

Amble sits at the mouth of the River Coquet on the Northumberland coastline and is often referred to as “England’s Kindliest Port.” Historically a fishing and harbour town, it has grown into a relaxed coastal destination with a working marina, sandy beaches, and easy access to long stretches of unspoilt coastline.

From a photography point of view, Amble is ideal. You have classic harbour scenes, open beaches, dunes, coastal paths, and constantly changing North Sea weather. The town also looks directly toward Coquet Island, a protected seabird reserve that adds interest to distant horizons.

Why Amble Works So Well for Landscape Photography

• Open east-facing coastline for sunrise photography
• Harbour structures that provide strong foreground interest
• Wide beaches for minimalist and long-exposure work
• Fast-changing weather and dramatic skies

Unlike more famous UK photography locations, Amble still feels accessible and relaxed. You can work compositions without feeling rushed, which makes it ideal for thoughtful landscape photography.

Video Breakdown – Landscape Photography Amble Northumberland

The video from this trip documents a typical coastal shoot for me – arriving early, scouting compositions, reacting to light, and adapting to the conditions rather than fighting them. The North Sea rarely gives you calm, predictable conditions, and that’s part of the appeal.

Throughout the shoot, the focus was on finding balance between sky, sea, and foreground. Harbour posts, rocks, and breakwaters all became compositional anchors, helping to lead the viewer’s eye through the frame.

Working with Coastal Light

Light on the Northumberland coast can change quickly. One minute it’s soft and diffused, the next it’s dramatic with broken cloud and glowing highlights. This kind of light is perfect for landscape photography, but it requires patience and awareness.

I tend to watch how the light moves across the scene before committing to a composition. Small changes in cloud cover can completely transform an image, especially when shooting toward the horizon.

Long Exposure Photography at the Coast

One of the main techniques I used in Amble was long exposure photography. Long exposures allow you to smooth out moving water, soften waves, and create a calm, almost painterly feel in seascapes.

Typical Long Exposure Settings

• ISO 50–100
• Aperture f/8 to f/16
• Shutter speeds from 1 second to 120 seconds or more

Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for this kind of work, particularly during daylight. They reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for slower shutter speeds without overexposing the image.

In this video, I explain how to set up your camera for Long Exposure Photography in an easy way. NO NEED FOR GUESSING OR APPS!

Composition Tips for Amble Seascapes

Good coastal compositions rely heavily on foreground interest. In Amble, this might be rocks, harbour walls, weathered wood, or rippled sand at low tide. These elements add depth and stop images from feeling flat.

I often shoot from a low perspective to exaggerate foreground textures and create a stronger sense of scale between foreground and horizon.

Best Photography Locations Around Amble

Amble Harbour and Pier

The harbour is ideal for sunrise and early morning photography. Boats, posts, and reflections all work well with long exposures.

Low Hauxley Beach

This stretch of beach just south of Amble offers wide, open views and is excellent for minimalist compositions and dramatic skies.

Coastal Paths and Dunes

Walking north or south along the coast path reveals quieter spots with dunes, grasses, and uninterrupted sea views – perfect for slower, more contemplative photography.

Landscape Photography Gear Recommendations

• Sturdy tripod for long exposures
• Wide-angle lens (14–30mm range)
• ND filters (ND6 to ND15)
• Polarising filter to control reflections

This is a break down of the gear I use CLICK

Practical Photography Advice

Check tide times before heading out, as the coastline changes dramatically between high and low tide. Also keep an eye on wind conditions, coastal winds can quickly introduce camera shake during long exposures.

Most importantly, don’t rush. Coastal landscape photography rewards patience, observation, and willingness to adapt to what the light gives you.

Exploring the Town Beyond Photography

Amble itself is well worth exploring once the camera is packed away. The marina area has independent cafes and shops, and it’s a great place to relax after a shoot. Puffin trips to Coquet Island run seasonally, and the coastal walks are excellent even without a camera.

Final Thoughts

Amble, Northumberland might not be the most famous photography destination in the UK, but that’s exactly why it works so well. It offers space, variety, and authentic coastal character. Whether you’re practising long exposure photography, refining your compositions, or simply enjoying time by the sea, Amble has plenty to offer landscape photographers.

If you’re looking for a location that encourages you to slow down, observe, and really engage with the landscape, this stretch of the Northumberland coast is well worth your time.

Gary Gough
Professional Photographer | West Yorkshire
www.garygoughphotography.co.uk

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