Northumberland Cottages
Northumbria enjoys some of the best coastlines in Britain. Vast expanses of scenic sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages and stunning landscapes make this area a pleasure to explore and relax in.
An area with fascinating history, Northumberland was the scene of numerous battles throughout the ages due to its position on the border between Scotland and England. As such, there are plenty of historical sites and buildings to visit, such as Alnwick Castle and the very impressive Bamburgh Castle, one of Northumberland's most iconic structures. Read more
The Laughing Seagull is a charming 2-bedroom, fully heated, former railway cottage, offering beautiful holiday accommodation at any time of the year. Just a short walk from the quaint fishing village of Seahouses and the breath-taking Northumberland coastline, the cottage provides a superb base for a lovely holiday in this stunning part of the world.
Seahouses is a friendly fishing village on the spectacular Northumberland coast. Close to the harbour and within walking distance of the Black Swan Inn, this lovely dog-friendly holiday cottage has room for up to four people to sleep in two very comfortable bedrooms. Accommodation is mostly on the one level so you can tire yourself out on fantastic coast and countryside walks and not have to worry about climbing the stairs to bed. The location is excellent for exploring the region with local attractions including Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and the Farne Islands.
Guillemot is a charming stone terraced dog-friendly holiday cottage in one of the oldest lanes in Seahouses on the Northumberland Coast. The owners have lavished it with love, which is evident in the beautifully welcoming interior that sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is perfect for families or couples. Seahouses is excellent for exploring north to Bamburgh, south to Alnwick, and east to the Farne Islands and Lindisfarne. You're only a stone's throw from the harbour, beach, and coastal footpath and a stroll from pubs, chip shops, and the oldest smokery in Northumberland.
Middlerigg perches above Craster harbour on the aptly named Haven Hill. The motherly arms of Craster harbour’s two whinstone piers hold a protective embrace. The resulting small cove shelters from the wild North Sea. It has welcomed Craster’s fishermen and their cobles for generations. Ramshackle stacks of lobster pots mirror the ragged silhouette of tumbledown Dunstanbugh Castle in the distance.
Driftwood is a scant 200 metres from Craster Harbour and has wonderful views down Haven Hill to the water. The former fisherman's cottage dates back over two centuries to a time when Craster was the nation's leading provider of smoked kippers. Today, it is a delightful holiday cottage sleeping four people in two ensuite bedrooms, with excellent self-catering facilities for couples, families and friends. You're moments from the Northumberland Coastal Path and close to Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, and Bamburgh castles. It's a fantastic spot for bird watchers, landscape photographers, hikers, cyclists and anyone else who loves being outdoors.
Built in the 1800s as housing for fishermen in Craster's thriving kipper and herring industry, Harbourway has been sympathetically updated to offer comfortable self-catering accommodation for 21st Century families. The end-terrace holiday cottage sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and is close enough to Craster Harbour that you can hear the chug of the engine of the boats and the call of the gulls greeting them on their return. Windows look towards the harbour and catch the morning sun, and a picket fence encloses the front garden, so it's safe for children and dogs.
The owners of Craster Reach have taken inspiration from its coastal surroundings. Soft shades of blues and greys are complemented with timber and slate flooring, offering stylish self-catering accommodation without detracting from fantastic views. The holiday cottage sleeps six people in three beautiful bedrooms, with an open-plan living area, well-maintained gardens, and seating areas both front and rear. Craster Reach is a period mid-terraced cottage in the quiet village of Craster within strolling distance of a harbour, pub and café that also has a small selection of essential items. It's welcoming for couples, families and friends in all seasons.
Couples, families and friends are all welcome in Pippin Cottage. The lovely holiday home near Bamburgh sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms and is dog-friendly. It's in the quiet village of Lucker, three miles from the coast and within easy reach of attractions like Hadrian's Wall, Cragside, Lindisfarne, and Alnwick Castle. There is an enormous variety of footpaths, cycling routes and bridleways to help you enjoy the stunning landscape and the views for which Northumberland is famous. There's an excellent gastropub, restaurant and cafe all within a short walk should you want a break from self-catering.
It's impossible to say what is better about this self-catering holiday cottage on the Northumberland Coast. Is it the stunning views which stretch over Budle Bay to Lindisfarne Castle, or is it the welcoming decor that includes a log burner and space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms? Grayling Cottage is only a mile from Bamburgh Castle and close to other favourite attractions, including Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Hadrian's Wall. It has secure bike storage and access to a private beach. It's welcoming to couples and families all year round.
Grey Heron Lodge has direct access to the dunes and a private beach at Budle Bay on the spectacular Northumberland Coast. The timber holiday cottage has an open-plan living area with a deck and can sleep six people in three bedrooms, one with an ensuite shower room. It's great for families, including those with dogs, and has efficient heating and a log burner, so winter guests feel cosy and comfortable. Bamburgh is only a mile away, though the walk may take longer than you expect as you keep stopping to admire the view!
Bramble Cottage is a lovely farmhouse near Bamburgh with space for up to ten people. All four bedrooms are ensuite with one downstairs, making the layout ideal for big families, extended families or friends. The self-catering property is one of the Apple Row Holiday Cottage collection in Lucker, three miles from the coast and within easy reach of Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Castle, Seahouses, and Holy Island Lindisfarne. The region is perfect for walking, cycling, and horse riding, with lots of golf, fishing and adventure sports opportunities. Bookings are available all year round.
Millstone Cottage is a stunning barn conversion with stone walls, timber flooring, and loads of space for six people to sleep in three ensuite bedrooms. The welcoming holiday home is in the quaint Northumberland village of Lucker, next to the fantastic Apple Inn and three miles from Bamburgh Castle and the spectacular Northumberland Coast. Families and friends both love it here, with great access to footpaths, cycling routes, and attractions like Holy Island, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills. Bookings for a self-catering holiday are available at Millstone Cottage all year round.
Goldfinch is a welcoming self-catering holiday cottage near Bamburgh and the Northumberland Coast AONB. It's next to the friendly Apple Inn pub in Lucker with space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms. The layout works well for families but, with one of the bedrooms having an ensuite, can also suit extended families and friends. You're barely three miles from the coast and within easy reach of the the Northumberland National Park. It's a fantastic area for all sorts of outdoor activities including walking, mountain biking and cycling, fishing, and golf.
Bullfinch Cottage is perfect for a family self-catering holiday in Northumberland. The three-bedroom holiday rental sleeps six people with an enclosed garden and an optional outdoor hot tub. Dogs are also welcome, and you can book cottages together to accommodate groups of extended families and friends. It's one of a collection of beautiful holiday rentals on a former farm in Lucker near Bamburgh, a short stroll from an award-winning gastropub and a beauty spa. Walking, cycling, horseriding, golf, fishing and sightseeing at Hadrian's Wall and Alnwick Castle and Gardens are possible in all seasons.
Why spoil an otherwise well-planned holiday by staying somewhere less than ideal? Roe Deer Cottage is in a gorgeous location near Bamburgh and within walking distance of an award-winning gastro pub. It sleeps six people in three beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms with a layout that suits families, extended families and friends. Guests enjoy stunning walks and bike rides from the door of this self-catering holiday rental, an enclosed patio with a barbecue and a hot tub, and incredible night sky views. It's great in all seasons, especially for guests who enjoy historic sites like Alnwick, Lindisfarne, and Hadrian's Wall, all of which are within easy reach.
Red Fox Cottage is a welcoming holiday home for friends and family close to the beautiful Northumberland coast. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms and has lots of lovely touches like leather sofas and a log burner in the living room, and TVs in all bedrooms. The self-catering property is within strolling distance of a beauty spa, the award-winning Apple Inn and Apple Tree restaurant in Lucker, and less than four miles from Bamburgh Castle and beach. Horseriding, golf, walking, cycling, surfing and spectacular scenery will fill your days, creating holiday memories to cherish.
Unwind in the peace and tranquility of Mungo’s Well in the glorious Scottish Borders, watching wildlife from your patio and enjoying riverside walks. Just six miles from Northumberland, this light and airy cottage for two is well placed for relaxing and exploring the areas many attractions.
Providing a warm Scottish welcome, this self-catering barn affords wonderful views over the glorious countryside of the Scottish borders and offers lovely walks and a rural, peaceful setting to relax and unwind. It is within easy reach of the areas many attractions and six miles from the Northumberland Border.
A converted stone barn with great views across the heart of the Scottish borders. Within easy reach of castles, gardens, ancient abbeys and just six miles from the Northumberland Border, Thairn holiday cottage provides a good base for exploring the beautiful Scottish Borders. Explore walks from the cottage and enjoy the peace of Burnbrae.
Bedroom has a kingsize bed, Smart TV, Dressing table and hairdryer. Bathroom comprises of shower, sink and WC. Open plan kitchen, diner and living space includes fridge, Smart TV, Free Wi-Fi and bed settee if you wish to bring along extra guests.
Popular towns in and around Northumberland:
AlnmouthAlnwickAlwintonAmbleBamburghbeadnellBerwick-upon-TweedCrasterHexhamKelsoMilfieldMindrumMorpethNethertonRochesterSeahousesSearch within North East England
One of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK, Northumberland offers peace and tranquillity in holiday homes with beautiful backdrops. It is an excellent location for unwinding and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the most popular places to stay in Northumberland is Bamburgh, where you will find the perfect mix of tranquillity and history. The unspoilt beach at the foot of Bamburgh Castle sits blanketed by golden sand and rolling dunes, perfect for romantic breaks.
Perched atop the grassy hill, just above the beach, is an impressive castle full of history and ancient architecture. Bamburgh stands surrounded by beautiful coasting scenery and continuous countryside, so the popularity of its country cottages is no surprise.
The ancient market town of Alnwick is another excellent place to stay in Northumberland. The quaint town has an old English feel with bookshops and cobbled streets. With Howick Hall nearby, you can wander through the gardens to get an authentic experience of the town's natural surroundings.
Seahouses brims with a beautiful rugged coastline and is renowned as ‘The Gateway to the Farne Islands’ due to its proximity to the collection of small, rocky outcrops just off Northumberland’s coast. The colourful harbour provides a picturesque, relaxing setting for cottages nearby, or in one of the many restaurants overlooking the port.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Northumberland, you can find all the information you need for your trip.
Check out our North East England Guide.
Northumberland boasts incredible scenery, beautiful coastlines and plenty of culture and history, and is a great year-round destination.
Spring in Northumberland is often a mix of wonderful sunny days with some cooler and wetter weather, making the landscape bright and colourful as the flowers start to blossom. If you plan to spend most of your days in Northumberland hiking or partaking in other outdoor activities, spring is a great time to visit as the mild climate and temperatures are between 8°C and 14°C provide comfortable weather for those getting active.
With longer days and warmer temperatures of around 19°C, summer is a great time to visit Northumberland if you plan on lounging on the beach or exploring the many quaint towns. However, some days may be slightly overcast and cooler, providing the perfect mix of climate for those who seek less heat when exploring the county.
Winter in Northumberland appears like a wonderland, as the temperature drops and the chance of snow increases. It’s a great time to visit the county if you hope to get cosy by the fire or wander through the many Christmas markets and fairs in the towns and villages.
Nature lovers will be busy spotting an abundance of wildlife in Northumberland, with highlights including some must-visit wildlife sanctuaries for seal and puffin spotting, along with the Farne Islands. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of the many pilgrims and visit the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, another incredible wildlife wilderness famous for its stunning beaches, Priory and Castle.
There are plenty of historical sites and buildings to visit, such as Bamburgh Castle; one of Northumberland's most iconic structures. Hadrian's Wall is another of the UK's most famous World Heritage Sites, and many of its features exist in Northumberland with five excavated forts.
If you happen to be visiting Northumberland for the weekend, there is still plenty to do! Check out our Northumberland holiday guide to help point you in the right direction.
When travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance from the city to Northumberland, so you know what to expect when visiting by car.
London: 311 miles
Birmingham: 238 miles
Glasgow: 123 miles
Liverpool: 178 miles
Bristol: 330 miles
Manchester: 176 miles
Leeds: 136 miles
Edinburgh: 78 miles
Newcastle: 30 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Northumberland; with its excellent public transport, you can journey by train or coach from most major UK cities.
Arguably the best way to get away from it all in Northumberland is simply to go by foot. Numerous coastal and countryside walking routes take you all over this tranquil county, and when you have walked as far as you want, there are plenty of quaint villages to rest and recharge.
Alternatively, explore the area by bike and follow the Coast-to-Coast cycle route, which crosses the county or have some fun on the tracks and trails of Kielder Water and Forest Park, which provides the perfect location for an outdoor playground.
There are many unique places in Northumberland to visit, so it can be tricky trying to narrow it down to just one. It all depends on what you aim to get out of your trip here.
Areas like Northumberland National Park, which spans over 1,050 square kilometres of stunning countryside, and Seahouses, which provides the perfect coastal village to stroll through, offer outstanding scenery and plenty to do alongside many more towns in Northumberland.
Being home to the most castles in England makes Northumberland famous, especially among those seeking to uncover British history. One of the most famous castles in Northumberland is Alnwick Castle, which is best known for being a filming location in the famous Harry Potter film franchise.
Northumberland has many places to visit that won't break the bank; visiting the beach at Bamburgh, hiking along Sycamore Gap in Northumberland National Park or wandering through the quaint fishing village of Seahouses are all examples of this. However, if you would rather spend your time dining out and shopping in the towns, the trip is likely to be a little more expensive, but still far less than some other popular UK tourist destinations.
The colourful harbour in Seahouses makes it one of the prettiest villages in Northumberland, but there are also much more worth exploring, all of which provide stunning scenery.
Bamburgh provides spectacular coastal views, with the impressive ancient castle in the background. Alnmouth sits along a sandy shore with turquoise waters and red rooftops lining the coast.
We have only scratched the surface with the towns listed above, as there are so many more that are equally as beautiful; wherever you stay in Northumberland, you will be taken aback by the beauty surrounding the county.
