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
If this is your first holiday to the Northumberland coast, then it is unlikely to be your last! 30-miles of unspoiled coastline feature white sands and clear waters, with the odd clifftop castle, like nearby Bamburgh Castle, to remind you that this peaceful region was once fiercely protected. Beadnell is a small, welcoming village with a lovely bay that rarely feels busy. Opposite the village church and green, Tickle Cottage is an 18th Century former worker's home that has been sympathetically updated to offer comfortable accommodation for four people in two bedrooms. A wood burner, private courtyard and wonderfully romantic master bedroom all make it a favourite with couples and families.
Couples and families love staying at Squirrel Lodge. The holiday home is on the quiet Felmoor Holiday Park, where there is a lake, games room, cafe, and 40 acres of woodland where birds and red squirrels thrive. There is a wealth of opportunity for walking and cycling in the area and, with both the Northumberland Coast and the Northumberland National Park within easy reach, you'll never run out of places to explore. Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Country Zoo are nearby, and there is a great variety of amenities nearby in Morpeth. The lodge has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with accommodation all on ground floor level.
Stay in this charming period cottage a stone's throw from the beach. Mrs Fordy's Cottage is on Annstead Farm, where the Mellor family have farmed cattle and crops for 25 years. As part of the Northumberland Coast AONB, it is surrounded by gorgeous countryside, with the beach being just a few minutes stroll from the door. There are beautiful footpaths, cycling routes and bridleways leading to spectacular views, and miles of unspoiled beaches to discover. Seahouses, Alnwick Castle, and the Farne Islands are all within easy reach. The self-catering cottage sleeps up to five people in two lovely bedrooms and is ideal for couples or families.
The Farriers is ideal for families, although the layout with the ground floor master bedroom and en-suite bathroom also makes it comfortable for couples. The owners have transformed the period stone building into a welcoming and comfortable holiday cottage on their 600-acre farm, within walking distance of the beach, shops and pubs. The cottage is less than half a mile from Seahouses and Beadnell, close to The Farne Islands, Holy Island, Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle. Walking, cycling, golf, fishing, horse riding and surfing are just a handful of the many fun activities guests can enjoy during their stay.
Clock House is a beautifully converted three-storey holiday cottage in Glororum, just 1.5 miles from Bamburgh and its stunning coastline. This immaculate home features two ensuite bedrooms, a spacious living room with views of the Cheviots, and a west-facing patio perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun. It accommodates four guests, ideal for families, friends, or couples needing extra space. The property offers a gated driveway with ample parking and secure storage for bikes and golf clubs, enhancing its appeal for anglers, cyclists, and golfers. With Bamburgh Castle and Bamburgh Beach nearby, Clock House promises a memorable holiday filled with history and adventure.
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.
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.
Bea's cottage is a traditional, old fishermans cottage nestled in the village of Cresswell, Northumberland. The cottage can accommodate up to 5 guests in 3 bedrooms.
McLaren House offers high-quality holiday apartments barely 100 metres from Seahouses Harbour. Apartment 4, a two-bedroom unit with sea views, sleeps four and is perfect for families, couples, or friends. Located within strolling distance of the beach, cafes, and pubs like the Black Swan, it's an ideal base for exploring. Created by two brothers passionate about Northumberland, the property reflects their love of its stunning beaches and countryside. Seahouses is a charming fishing village with traditional appeal, offering activities like crabbing, crazy golf, and visits to the Farne Islands and Holy Island. Nearby attractions include Bamburgh Castle, the Grace Darling Museum, and Alnwick Gardens.
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.
CHANGEOVER DAYS are MONDAY or FRIDAY This little gem is in Seahouses, just back from the harbour and within a stone's throw of shops, takeaways, and waterfront pubs. The self-catering holiday cottage is in a former bakery and sleeps two people with accommodation over two levels. It's beautifully decorated and very comfortable for couples and solo travellers, providing the perfect base to explore the stunning Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Local attractions include the Farne Islands, Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, and Alnwick Castle. You can walk for miles through spectacular scenery, play golf, go fishing, ride a horse along the sand, have fun paddleboarding and feel the many benefits of open-water swimming.
Heron Cottage, located in the heart of Embleton village on the spectacular Northumberland coast, is a spacious period self-catering property ideal for families, offering comfortable holiday accommodation for up to five guests. The cottage features a cosy sitting room with a log burner, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, and a ground-floor bathroom. Upstairs are three bedrooms - a king-size master, a small double room, and a single - and a modern shower room. The enclosed garden with a patio provides outdoor dining space and off-street parking for two cars. Embleton’s stunning beach, local pubs, and attractions are all within easy walking distance.
Converted Georgian stables in the grounds of Dunstan Hall makes a charming holiday cottage for couples or families. Stable Cottage is a mile from Craster and the Northumberland coast in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It sleeps four people in two rooms with panoramic views over the countryside towards Dunstanburgh Castle from the house and the garden. You can walk to the village pub and are within only a few miles of Alnwick and Bamburgh with their incredible castles and lively towns. Surfing, walking, cycling, fishing, and golf are all easily accessible.
Luxuriate in the peace and beauty of the Northumberland Coast AONB. Hemmel House is a newly built (but in traditional style) holiday home sleeping six people in three ensuite bedrooms. It's perfect for a self-catering holiday with family and friends in all seasons, thanks to efficient underfloor heating and huge windows from which you can admire panoramic views across fields towards Dunstanburgh Castle and the coast. The beach at Embleton is a scenic stroll along a bridleway just over a mile-long. Dunstan village pub is even closer. Alnwick, Bamburgh and Craster are all within easy reach to enjoy castles, kayaking and kippers all in one day.
Do you fancy yourself as Lord or Lady of the Manor? Dunstan Hall is the perfect place to indulge those fantasies. The beautiful Northumberland holiday home sleeps 18 people in 10 bedrooms with parts dating back some 800 years and views across fields towards the coast and Dunstaburgh Castle. It's in the quiet village of Dunstan, a stroll from the village pub and a mile from the historic village of Craster, with it’s gastro pub, café and fishmongers, selling the famous Craster kipper! About 100 yards up the road is the start of a scenic bridleway to Embleton Bay, about a mile and a half away. Alnwick, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and the Cheviot Hills are all nearby for memorable days out. You can book Dunstan Hall in combination with the owner's two other adjacent cottages for self-catering holidays for 29 friends, family members or colleagues.
Popular towns in and around Northumberland:
AlnmouthAlnwickAlwintonAmbleBamburghbeadnellBealBelfordBellinghamBerwick upon TweedBerwick-upon-TweedBudle bayBurradonCornhill-on-TweedCrasterHexhamKelsoKielderLongframlingtonMilfieldMindrumMorpethNethertonNewbiggin By The SeaRochesterRothburySeahousesWarkworthWoolerSearch 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.
