Discover England's northernmost county. From luxury coastal cottages in Bamburgh to dog-friendly rural retreats near Hadrian's Wall, find a self-catering base to explore historic castles, sandy beaches, and Europe's largest protected dark sky. Read more
The Forge is a two bedroom two bathroom barn conversion on one level, set in a quiet development with private parking and a short walk into Seahouses Village and harbour, with its pubs, restaurants and shops, it offers spacious living accommodation, King size comfy beds, open plan well equipped kitchen dining area, lounge and enclosed garden, patio and is everything you would expect from a luxury holiday cottage. The Forge is perfect for exploring the Northumberland Coast line, and surrounding area's, with boat trips from Seahouses harbour to the Farne islands. The Forge is dog friendly, Welcome pack supplied, all bed linen, towels and other utilities provided.
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.
Beacon Hill Cottage is a beautifully restored holiday cottage in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, just 20 minutes from the beach and within easy reach of Morpeth and Alnwick. Sleeping six in three comfortable bedrooms, this five-star retreat seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern comfort, offering access to award-winning on-site facilities, including a heated indoor pool, spa, games room, and a private lake. With breathtaking views, a private garden, and stylish interiors, it’s the perfect choice for families or friends looking to relax, explore the coast, or enjoy the great outdoors in this unspoilt part of the UK. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
The Old Workshop is a gorgeous holiday cottage in Milfield, within walking distance of a 18th Century pub and close to the Cheviot Hills. The Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Coast and Scottish Borders are within only a few miles, giving you a huge variety of places to visit, activities to try, and sights to see. Walking, cycling, fishing the Rivers Till and Tweed, shopping in Wooler and Bamburgh, and day trips to Holy Island and Edinburgh area all possible when you stay in this welcoming holiday home, where five people can sleep in three bedrooms.
Mill Farmhouse is a luxurious four-bedroom holiday home set within two acres of private countryside near Beadnell on the Northumberland coast. Sleeping eight guests, with all bedrooms en-suite, it’s ideal for families or friends seeking style, comfort and space. Enjoy high-end interiors, a showstopping open-plan kitchen and dining area, and a peaceful patio with sweeping rural views. The beach is just a short stroll away, and local highlights include Bamburgh Castle, the Farne Islands, and Alnwick Garden. With EV charging, dog-friendly facilities, and exceptional design throughout, Mill Farmhouse is a refined base for exploring this stunning coastal region.
The Old Watermill is a beautifully restored five-bedroom retreat near Beadnell, just a short stroll from the sea. Blending historic character with high-end design, it features a stunning open-plan living space, elegant interiors, landscaped gardens, and views across the Northumberland countryside. Each bedroom has an en-suite, including a luxurious master with a freestanding bath. With a snug, games room, EV charging, dog-friendly amenities, and an enclosed garden, it’s ideal for families or groups of friends. Walk to Beadnell Bay, explore Bamburgh and Lindisfarne, or relax in complete comfort in one of Northumberland’s most luxurious holiday homes.
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.
Emblestone View is a Northumberland holiday cottage in Embleton that sleeps four people in two double bedrooms. Set within a small group of converted farm buildings, it looks out across fields towards the sea and sits just a short walk from Embleton Beach. This self-catering accommodation is well placed for coastal walks, cycling and days by the water, with the route past Dunstanburgh Castle right on the doorstep. A comfortable holiday rental in Northumberland for couples or a small family wanting space, fresh air and easy access to one of the county’s best-loved stretches of coastline.
The Coastguard’s Snug is a characterful holiday cottage in Craster on the Northumberland coast offering self-catering accommodation for two guests within walking distance of the harbour and coastal paths. This stylish ground-floor holiday rental forms part of Coastguard Cottage and blends reclaimed wood fittings, a wood-burning stove and relaxed open-plan living. The village pub, The Jolly Fisherman, sits just a short stroll away beside the harbour. With Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay and sweeping coastal walks close by, this Northumberland holiday cottage is well placed for couples seeking a peaceful base for exploring the castles, beaches and wildlife of this remarkable stretch of coastline.
INTRODUCTORY OFFER - ADD CCD25 AT CHECK-OUT FOR ANY (MIN 3 NTS) STAY. Coastguard Cottage sits right in Craster village, a stone's throw from Northumberland's stunning coastline. This four-bedroom self-catering cottage sleeps eight and has bags of character with reclaimed wood features and a crackling wood burner. You can walk straight onto the coastal path from the door, and Dunstanburgh Castle's dramatic ruins are just 1.5 miles along the cliff tops. The cottage has a ground floor double with en-suite, three more bedrooms upstairs, and a lovely deck overlooking the harbour. Craster's got a cracking gastropub and is famous for its delicious smoked kippers. This holiday rental puts you right where the action is.
Whinstone Cottage is a charming seaside holiday home overlooking Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Golf Course, perfect for couples, families, and their dogs. This former quarry master’s house sleeps four across two bedrooms with a cosy atmosphere. Just a short walk from Embleton’s farm shop, Grey's Inn pub, and the stunning beach, it’s ideal for a Northumberland holiday. Explore Embleton Beach, a vast, dog-friendly stretch of sand crowned by dramatic Dunstanburgh Castle. Nearby attractions include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and boat trips to Lindisfarne. Whinstone Cottage offers comfort, scenic walks, and endless adventure.
Primrose Cottage, Embleton, Northumberland, is a converted farm cottage, ideal for couples or individuals and situated within a 2-3 minute walk of Embleton beach (voted best beach in the country by Mumsnet and Countryfile viewers!) The Cottage is perfect for beach lovers, nature and bird watchers, golfers, walkers and experienced paddle boarders and surfers.
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.
Kingfisher Cottage near Rothbury is a cosy holiday cottage in Northumberland, sleeping up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. This self-catering accommodation forms part of Burnfoot Holiday Cottages, a converted stone steading on the edge of Northumberland National Park. With walks from the door, views towards the Cheviot Hills, and easy access to Alnwick, Cragside and the Heritage Coast, it’s a well-placed holiday rental for couples or small families who want to fully immerse themselves in this spectacular landscape. Days can be spent exploring quiet valleys, historic sites, and wide, sandy beaches before returning to a comfortable, well-equipped cottage with extras like a tennis court.
The Forge sleeps up to six guests and is one in a collection of luxury holiday retreats in an exceptional tranquil setting on the edge of the Northumberland National Park within easy reach of the areas many attractions including the Heritage Coast. Beautifully presented throughout, The forge is well equipped for families, friends or couples who like a little extra space and sits in large grounds with the use of an outdoor tennis court.
Popular towns in and around Northumberland:
AlnmouthAlnwickAlwintonAmbleBamburghbeadnellBealBelfordBellinghamBerwick upon TweedBerwick-upon-TweedBruntonBudle bayBurradonConsettCornhill-on-TweedCrasterHexhamKelsoKielderLongframlingtonMilfieldMindrumMorpethNethertonNewbiggin By The SeaPrudhoeRochesterRothburySeahousesWarkworthWoolerSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Northumberland cottagesLuxury Northumberland holiday cottagesNorthumberland cottages with a hot tubNorthumberland cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
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Where you choose to stay in Northumberland will depend on whether you’re drawn to the coast, countryside, history or the great outdoors. Discover your perfect base and browse holiday homes available to book directly with our independent owners:
The Northumberland coast is particularly popular, with beautiful beaches, charming villages and spectacular scenery, perfect for beach walks, watersports and days beside the sea. Stay around Seahouses, renowned as ‘The Gateway to the Farne Islands’ due to its proximity to the collection of small, rocky outcrops just off Northumberland’s coast. Alternatively choose Bamburgh for 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.
For a classic Northumberland experience, Alnwick and the surrounding countryside is an excellent place to stay. Famous for its magnificent castle and beautiful gardens, as well as it’s cobbled streets and independent shops, Alnwick is a fantastic place to while away an afternoon or two. It is also well placed for exploring both the coast and inland Northumberland, making it a good choice if you want to experience a little bit of everything.
Hadrian’s Wall Country is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life in one of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK. If you’re looking to escape into the countryside, consider staying around Hexham. This beautiful part of Northumberland is characterised by rolling hills, peaceful valleys, pretty villages and historic landmarks. It’s particularly appealing for walkers, while the fascinating remains of Hadrian’s Wall provide plenty to explore.
For something truly wild and remote, stay close to the Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park. With vast open landscapes, forests, reservoirs and dark skies, this is the place to come for outdoor adventures and a real sense of getting away from it all. Whether you choose a cosy rural cottage, a coastal retreat or a characterful property in one of Northumberland’s historic towns, there are plenty of holiday homes to make the perfect base for exploring this beautiful county.
The incredible scenery, beautiful coastlines and rich history makes Northumberland a great place to go on holiday at any time of the year.
Spring and summer are a good time to visit if you want to spend your days by the sea. The days are longer and the milder weather also makes it ideal for walking, cycling and enjoying time outdoors.
Autumn brings a quieter feel, with colourful woodland, crisp country walks and fewer visitors at many of the county’s attractions. It’s a lovely time to explore castles, historic towns and the countryside before retreating to a cosy pub or holiday cottage.
Winter can be wonderfully atmospheric in Northumberland. Wrap up warm for windswept beach walks, explore historic castles and enjoy the county’s famously dark skies before returning to a cosy cottage. With fewer crowds and plenty of peaceful landscapes to enjoy, Northumberland makes a great choice for an off-season escape.
Whether you’re drawn to its spectacular coastline, fascinating history or beautiful countryside, Northumberland is packed with things to see and do.
Pristine Beaches: Walk the sweeping sands of Bamburgh Beach or explore the quiet dunes and shorelines around Druridge Bay.
Coastal Villages: Wander through character-filled fishing hubs like Seahouses and Craster.
Farne Island Boat Trips: Head out from Seahouses harbour to experience the abundant marine life and bird colonies.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne: Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims across the tidal causeway to explore a unique wilderness, historical Priory, and castle.
History lovers are completely spoilt for choice with iconic landmarks scattered across the county:
Iconic Fortresses: Explore the coastal towers of Bamburgh Castle or dive into the medieval splendour of Alnwick Castle.
Hadrian’s Wall: Hike along the dramatic, preserved sections of this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Estates: Stroll through the beautiful heritage houses and landscape gardens at Wallington and Cragside.
Get out into nature and enjoy some of the most peaceful, untouched landscapes in England:
Northumberland National Park: Hike or cycle through miles of quiet, rolling country trails.
Kielder Forest: The ultimate hub for mountain biking, watersports, wildlife watching, and walking around the vast reservoir.
World-Class Stargazing: Look up after dark—Northumberland is home to Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, offering unparalleled stargazing conditions.
After a busy day of exploring, slow down and enjoy the local lifestyle. Browse boutique, independent shops in historic market towns before settling in for a hearty meal and a local ale in a cozy country pub.
Northumberland is well connected by road and rail, making it surprisingly easy to reach from across the UK.
Travelling by Car
Driving offers the perfect opportunity for a classic British road trip, allowing you to take in the spectacular landscapes along the way.
North to South: The A1 runs directly through the heart of the county, providing straightforward access to most major towns, villages, and attractions.
East to West: The A69 seamlessly connects Newcastle across to Carlisle.
The Coastal Route: Take the scenic A1068, which closely follows much of the spectacular Northumberland coast.
Travelling by Train
Rail travel is a fast, highly convenient option. The East Coast Main Line connects the region directly with major cities including London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
You can book tickets to stations at Morpeth, Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed to access different parts of the county.
Direct services from London King's Cross to Newcastle or Northumberland take approximately 3 hours.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
Car-Free Exploring: You can explore many of the main towns, coastal destinations, and historic attractions using local bus and rail connections. It’s also a fantastic region to explore on foot via countryside walking paths or by bike along the famous Coast-to-Coast cycle route.
The Rural Reality: Because Northumberland is a large and predominantly rural county, having a car gives you far greater freedom to explore the most remote beaches, hidden villages, and deep countryside spots.
There isn’t one single ‘best’ part of Northumberland – it really depends on what you want from your holiday. To help you choose the right base, consider these regional highlights:
The Northumberland Coast is a great choice if you love beautiful beaches, coastal walks and picturesque villages. Top spots include Bamburgh, Seahouses, Beadnell and Craster.
For history and heritage the area around Alnwick and Bamburgh is hard to beat. Here you’ll find two of Northumberland’s most famous castles, along with attractive towns and villages and easy access to the coast. It’s a particularly good choice if you want to combine sightseeing with days out by the sea.
If you prefer peaceful countryside and outdoor adventures, look towards Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Forest. This part of the county offers wide-open landscapes, dramatic scenery and plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife watching and stargazing.
For many visitors, the appeal of Northumberland is that you don’t have to choose between coast and countryside. Staying somewhere such as Alnwick or the coastal villages around Bamburgh and Seahouses puts you within easy reach of many of the county’s highlights, making it possible to enjoy beaches, castles, countryside and charming villages all in one holiday.
Three or four days is enough for a taste of Northumberland, but a week gives you much more time to explore the county's coast, castles and countryside. A short break could focus on Bamburgh, Seahouses, Alnwick and the Northumberland coast, while a longer holiday allows time for Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland National Park, Kielder and the historic towns inland.
Northumberland is most famous for having more castles than any other county in England, the Hadrian's Wall UNESCO site, and Europe's largest protected dark sky. Iconic landmarks include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle. The magnificent medieval Alnwick Castle is arguably the most famous of them all after it was transformed into Hogwarts for the first two Harry Potter films. Fans can even visit the spot where Harry had his first broomstick flying lesson.
Hadrian’s Wall, which stretches for 73 miles across northern England, has UNESCO World Heritage status. Northumberland is home to the longest stretch of the Wall, along with important Roman sites including Housesteads, Vindolanda and Chesters.
Northumberland’s beautiful beaches and unspoilt coastline are another major draw. From Bamburgh and its magnificent castle to the fishing village of Craster and the tidal island of Lindisfarne, the coast combines sweeping sands, wildlife, historic sites and picturesque villages.
It is also famous for its dark skies, with Northumberland National Park and neighbouring areas offering exceptionally low levels of light pollution and some of the best opportunities for stargazing in England.
No, not necessarily. Northumberland has many places to visit that won't break the bank. For example, visit the beach at Bamburgh, go hiking in Northumberland National Park or wander through the quaint fishing village of Seahouses.
That said, costs can be higher during the summer holidays and peak periods, particularly in sought-after coastal locations such as Bamburgh, Seahouses and Beadnell and if you prefer to spend your time dining out and shopping in the towns.
Top Budget Tips: Booking your holiday cottage in advance, travelling outside the busiest periods and choosing a slightly inland location can all help keep costs down. If you are looking for a last minute escape you may find a cheeky offer on our last minute offers page here.
Northumberland has some of the finest beaches in England, from the dramatic sands of Bamburgh to the quieter stretches of Embleton Bay and Druridge Bay.
Bamburgh Beach is perhaps the most iconic, with its vast golden sands backed by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. The views across to the Farne Islands are spectacular, and the wide beach is perfect for walking, playing and taking in the scenery.
Beadnell Bay is a popular choice for families and watersports, thanks to its sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay and beautiful sandy beach. Nearby, Embleton Bay offers a more peaceful setting, with dunes, sweeping sands and wonderful views towards Dunstanburgh Castle.
For a quieter and wilder stretch of coastline, Druridge Bay has miles of open sand backed by dunes and is particularly good for walking and enjoying the feeling of space. Alnmouth Beach, meanwhile, combines a beautiful sandy beach with the charming village of Alnmouth, making it easy to enjoy a day by the sea alongside a wander through the village and a meal in one of its pubs or cafés.
With such a varied coastline, the best beach depends on what you're looking for: Bamburgh for iconic scenery, Beadnell for families and watersports, Embleton Bay for coastal walks and castle views, Druridge Bay for wild open beaches, and Alnmouth for a beach-and-village day.
For coastal charm, Amble is a lovely choice. Known as the ‘friendliest port’, it has a picturesque harbour, colourful boat sheds and a pleasant promenade overlooking the North Sea. Nearby Warkworth is also particularly picturesque, with a beautiful riverside setting, historic village streets and the impressive ruins of Warkworth Castle.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a quintessentially Northumberland feel, Corbridge, near Hexham, is well worth a visit. This attractive village on the River Tyne is known for its pretty stone buildings, independent shops, galleries and cafés, as well as its fascinating Roman heritage.
