The seafood centre by the sea
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Northumberland Seafood Centre and Lobster Hatchery

4.4
·138 reviews·Amble, United Kingdom

Discover fresh seafood and a unique lobster hatchery dedicated to marine conservation. Learn, taste, and experience the best of Northumberland's coast...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, fresher selection

CrowdLow
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The seafood centre by the sea

Northumberland Seafood Centre and Lobster Hatchery

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, fresher selection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover fresh seafood and a unique lobster hatchery dedicated to marine conservation. Learn, taste, and experience the best of Northumberland's coast.

4.4
(138 reviews)

"Absolutely fantastic place to visit! You need a good half day to take advantage of everything on offer."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦀 Hold a Lobster!

Get hands-on with lobsters and learn how to calm them. It's a surprisingly delightful experience!

🥪 Sandwich Heaven

Don't skip the crab sandwich! It's a local favorite and a true taste of the sea.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lobster Hatchery Experience

Lobster Hatchery Experience

Lobster Hatchery

Discover the fascinating life cycle of lobsters and conservation efforts. You might even get to hold one!

Fresh Seafood Counter

Fresh Seafood Counter

Creel Fish Shop

Indulge in the freshest fish and crustaceans, from whole lobsters to exquisite crab sandwiches.

Delicious Crab Sandwiches

Delicious Crab Sandwiches

Seafood Centre Cafe

Taste the 'fresh taste of the sea' with their highly-rated crab sandwiches.

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Lobster Love & Lunch

Don't miss the chance to learn about lobster conservation and enjoy a fresh seafood sandwich! The hatchery is free, but donations are welcome. The seafood counter offers a fantastic selection for a delicious meal.

Fresh Catch & Value

While prices can vary, many visitors find excellent value for incredibly fresh seafood. Consider opening your lobsters on-site for a small fee. Check out the local jams too!

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, fresher selection
Crowd
Low
When
Market days
Why
Full day of exploration
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone know which fishmonger in Amble sells this sandwich?

🦀 Hold a Lobster!

Get hands-on with lobsters and learn how to calm them. It's a surprisingly delightful experience! Reddit

🥪 Sandwich Heaven

Don't skip the crab sandwich! It's a local favorite and a true taste of the sea. Reddit

💰 Donation for Hatchery

Entry to the hatchery is free, but donations are crucial for their conservation work. Reddit

⚖️ Price Check

Prices can vary by season and weight. Compare if you're on a tight budget. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🦀 Hold a Lobster!

Get hands-on with lobsters and learn how to calm them. It's a surprisingly delightful experience! Reddit

🥪 Sandwich Heaven

Don't skip the crab sandwich! It's a local favorite and a true taste of the sea. Reddit

💰 Donation for Hatchery

Entry to the hatchery is free, but donations are crucial for their conservation work. Reddit

⚖️ Price Check

Prices can vary by season and weight. Compare if you're on a tight budget. Reddit

🎁 Local Jams

Beyond seafood, they offer lovely local jams – a great souvenir! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(138 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Northumberland Seafood Centre for its incredibly fresh seafood and the fascinating Lobster Hatchery. The crab sandwiches are a standout, and the opportunity to learn about and even hold lobsters is a unique highlight. While some find prices a bit high, the quality and educational experience are widely appreciated.

"We bought two cooked lobsters for £25 and a crab sandwich for £6. The sandwich had a lovely, fresh taste of the sea, and the lobsters were beautifully fresh and delicious. We paid an extra £5 to have them opened for us, which was well worth it. We also picked up some really lovely jams while we were there!"

SW Cool

"Very nice and friendly service. Nice range of fishes to crustaceans. Got a Lobster, a type of shrimp and Spider Crab Legs for only £22.90! The price may differ from the season or how much you want or how much it weighs"

Archie Mather

"Absolutely fantastic place to visit! You need a good half day to take advantage of everything on offer.... we learned about lobsters from how they are caught, to the conversation efforts undertaken at the centre to grow young lobsters 🦞 on at a far higher survival rate than in the wild. We met a £50 lobster (huge!!!), learned how to calm lobsters by stroking their head, that they exude pheromones from their eyeballs, how to tell a male from a female, and even got to hold a lobster, which was unexpectedly delightful! Just brilliant. I think I loved it even more than my 5 year old 😆 Staff were fantastic and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. The Creel fish shop on site was fabulous, and the halibut we bought from the biggest fish I've ever seen.... also utterly divine and worth every penny. I've never seen or eaten such fresh, lovely fish 🐟 Awesome family day out!!! If you time it with the market, you would need a full day to explore and meander. The views and fresh air from the pier is wonderful and the beach nearby one of the nicest we've visited. Top marks 11/10! 👍🏻💯💖"

Jaimie Buchanan

What People Like

Incredibly fresh seafood
Fascinating lobster hatchery
Delicious crab sandwiches

What People Dislike

Can be pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Northumberland Seafood Centre is located by the harbour in Amble. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the town and its pier. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near the harbour in Amble, making it convenient to visit the Seafood Centre and Lobster Hatchery. Reddit

The Seafood Centre is situated down by the harbour, which is a short and pleasant walk from the main town centre of Amble. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Lobster Hatchery is free! However, they do have a donation box to help support their vital conservation efforts. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to browse or purchase from the seafood counter. You pay for the fresh seafood you choose. Reddit

While there aren't formal tours, the staff are very knowledgeable and happy to share information about the lobsters and conservation work. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood, including delicious crab sandwiches, cooked lobsters, and a wide variety of fish and crustaceans from their counter. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the crab sandwiches, describing them as having a 'lovely, fresh taste of the sea' and being well worth the cost. Reddit

Absolutely! The seafood counter offers a fantastic selection of fresh fish and seafood that you can take home to prepare yourself. Reddit

Yes, they sell cooked lobsters and other prepared seafood items that are ready to eat or take home. You can even pay a small fee to have lobsters opened for you. Reddit

While seafood is the main focus, some visitors have noted purchasing local jams from the centre. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture vibrant shots of the fresh seafood displays, the lobsters in the hatchery, and the scenic harbour views. The large lobsters can be particularly photogenic! Reddit

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos inside the lobster hatchery to document the different stages of lobster life. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Northumberland Seafood Centre is a fantastic destination for families. The Lobster Hatchery offers an interactive and educational experience where kids can learn about marine life and conservation. The chance to hold a lobster is a highlight for many children (and adults!). Reddit

Beyond the hatchery, the fresh seafood counter provides opportunities for kids to see a variety of fish and crustaceans. While the focus is on seafood, the engaging nature of the hatchery and the potential for a delicious seafood lunch make it a well-rounded family outing. Consider timing your visit with local market days for a fuller experience of Amble. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Lobster Hatchery offers a free, enriching experience with a donation box. While the seafood counter can be pricier than a supermarket, many find the quality and freshness justify the cost, especially for special treats like cooked lobsters or crab sandwiches. Reddit

It's worth noting that some visitors have found prices to be on the higher side compared to other markets. If you're looking for the most economical option, consider purchasing specific items or enjoying the free hatchery experience. The value comes in the unparalleled freshness and the unique conservation aspect of the centre. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fascinating Lobster Hatchery

The Northumberland Seafood Centre is home to a unique Lobster Hatchery, dedicated to boosting lobster populations. Visitors can learn about the intricate life cycle of lobsters, from egg to adult. The centre employs methods to increase the survival rate of young lobsters, which is significantly higher than in the wild. You can see lobsters at various stages of development, offering a truly educational experience for all ages. Reddit

Many visitors, including families, find the hatchery incredibly engaging. There are opportunities to learn how to identify male and female lobsters, and even how to gently handle them. The staff are passionate and informative, making the learning process enjoyable. It's a chance to understand the importance of marine conservation firsthand and appreciate the efforts being made to protect these fascinating crustaceans. Reddit

A Seafood Lover's Paradise

Beyond the educational aspect, the Northumberland Seafood Centre is renowned for its fresh seafood counter, often referred to as the Creel fish shop. Here, you can find an impressive array of the day's catch, including whole lobsters, various types of fish, and other crustaceans. The quality is consistently praised, with many describing the seafood as 'beautifully fresh' and 'utterly divine'. Reddit

For a quick and delicious meal, their crab sandwiches are a must-try. Visitors consistently highlight their 'lovely, fresh taste of the sea'. You can also purchase cooked lobsters, and for a small additional fee, they can be opened for you, making them ready to enjoy. The centre also offers a selection of local jams, providing a sweet complement to your seafood haul or a perfect souvenir. Reddit

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