Stay by the seaside in this gorgeous stone fisherman's cottage. Oystercatcher Cottage is on a quiet street that is just a two-minute walk from the harbour and a five-minute walk from the beach at Seahouses, putting guests within easy reach of the many amenities, as well as the coastal footpath. Spend your day taking boat trips around the Farne Islands and marvelling at the variety of marine and bird life, or cross the causeway on a pilgrimage to Holy Island, the birthplace of Christianity in England. The self-catering cottage sleeps four guests in two beautiful bedrooms and is ideal for couples, families or friends (1 dog welcome).
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.
If you like romantic walks on deserted sandy beaches, stunning views, historic buildings and lots of delicious food, then you will fall in love with Button Cottage. This pretty Victorian cottage is on a quiet street close to the centre of Beadnell, within walking distance of the Craster Arms, Towers pub, cafe, village shop and the beach. It is only five miles south of Bamburgh Castle and even closer to Seahouses so you can easily arrange a boat trip to see the puffin and seal colonies on Farne Island. The cottage offers a high standard of accommodation for discerning couples who appreciate the charm of period properties but who also enjoy mod-cons like WiFi and underfloor heating. Booking a romantic escape for your loved one at Button Cottage will undoubtedly put you in their good books!
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.
Jacks sleeps 6 in 3 spacious bedrooms. There is a ground floor bedroom with shower room adjacent so it's ideal for a person with limited mobility. A travel cot is available. Jacks is a few minutes walk to Beadnell Bay to the South and the Haven Beach to the north. The village which has 2 pubs and two cafes is a short walk. Smoking is not allowed
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.
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.
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.
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.
Popular towns in and around Northumberland:
AlnmouthAlnwickAlwintonAmbleBamburghbeadnellBealBelfordBellinghamBerwick upon TweedBerwick-upon-TweedBruntonBudle bayBurradonConsettCornhill-on-TweedCrasterHexhamKelsoKielderLongframlingtonMilfieldMindrumMorpethNethertonNewbiggin By The SeaPrudhoeRochesterRothburySeahousesWarkworthWoolerSome local suggestions:
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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.