Cottages in Northumberland

• Cottages for every group: From cosy boltholes for two to family-sized retreats with gardens and hot tubs, Northumberland's self-catering cottages suit couples, families and groups of friends alike.
• Where to base yourself: Stay near Bamburgh and the coast for beaches, or inland around Kielder Forest Park for dark skies, forest walks and real peace and quiet.
• Highly rated by guests: Our top Northumberland cottages score a perfect 10.0, with visitors praising the warm welcomes, spotless interiors and tranquil countryside settings.
• Eating out locally: Expect fresh North Sea seafood, farm-to-table menus and traditional country pubs, from Craster crab to the celebrated dining rooms around Bamburgh and Alnwick.
• Plenty to explore: Visit Warkworth Castle, stargaze at Kielder Observatory and admire the land sculpture at Northumberlandia.

Northumberland's holiday cottages range from snug stone boltholes for two to roomy farmhouses with plenty of space for the whole family, many with gardens, hot tubs and sweeping countryside or coastal views. Whether you picture a vintage-style retreat near the beach or a forest hideaway deep in the hills, there's a self-catering cottage to suit. If you fancy something a little different, you'll also find glamping sites in Northumberland and a wider choice of holiday lettings across Northumberland to explore.

Many cottages come generously equipped, so it's easy to find a property with the comforts that matter most to you:

• Private hot tubs for unwinding under the stars — see our cottages with hot tubs
• Enclosed gardens and yards, ideal for dog-friendly cottages and little ones
• Coastal locations within easy reach of the sand, including beachside cottages
• Wi-Fi, wood-burning stoves and well-stocked kitchens for cosy nights in
• Barbecues and outdoor seating for making the most of long summer evenings

Whatever your plans, you'll find a cottage that turns a Northumberland holiday into something genuinely restful.

What are the best areas to stay in Northumberland?

The best base depends on your priorities, but for first-time visitors the Northumberland Coast is hard to beat, with its castles, wide beaches and fishing villages. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Northumberland consistently earns glowing feedback from our guests, who return time and again for its empty beaches, big skies and relaxed pace of life. Cottages here are praised for their warm welcomes, characterful interiors and peaceful settings — many scoring close to a perfect 10.0. Whether travellers come as couples for a quiet weekend or as families for a week by the sea, the verdict is much the same: Northumberland is a place that's easy to fall for.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. Country Cabana - pet friendly - 10.0: a pet-friendly cottage for four in Northumberland, where guests love the cosy, welcoming feel and the freedom to bring the dog along.
2. Framlington Corner - 10.0: a charming four-person cottage with a private yard in Longframlington, praised for its spotless interiors and peaceful village setting.
3. Limpet Cottage - 10.0: a snug two-person retreat with a yard on the Northumberland Coast, where couples praise its restful atmosphere and easy access to the beach.

Northumberland is England's northernmost county, stretching from the North Sea coast up to the Scottish border and inland to the wild Cheviot Hills and the forests around Kielder. Its rugged beauty, windswept beaches and ancient castles make it a must for anyone who wants to get away from it all.

🥗Where to eat in Northumberland?

With its long coastline, Northumberland is a great place for lovers of local seafood. You'll find that the catch of the day varies according to the season, but oysters, crab and lobster abound, and locally-smoked kippers are a true delight. Here are our travel experts' picks for great meals out in Northumberland:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Rachel and Sam recommend Brocksbushes Farm Shop & Café near Corbridge: a relaxed, family-run spot serving home-grown produce, proper farmhouse cakes and locally reared meats — just the kind of laid-back, farm-to-table stop a Northumberland cottage holiday is made for.

1. Climb the neo-Gothic Brizlee Tower
2. Step back in time at Warkworth Castle
3. Stargaze at Kielder Observatory
4. Walk the Northumberlandia land sculpture
5. Ride the Heatherslaw Light Railway
6. Hike The Cheviot and the Pennine Way
7. Follow the path along Hadrian's Wall

1. Climb the neo-Gothic Brizlee Tower

   Tucked within the parkland near Alnwick, Brizlee Tower is a striking neo-Gothic folly built in 1781 and standing some 85 feet tall. Once a viewpoint for the county's first duke, it offers sweeping views across the Northumberland countryside. The ornate stonework and carved detailing make it a favourite with photographers and history lovers.

2. Step back in time at Warkworth Castle

   Rising above a loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth Castle is a magnificent ruin dating back to the 12th century. Home to generations of the powerful Percy family, its towering keep and weathered walls tell centuries of border history. Climb the stairways, explore the great hall and imagine medieval life within, before wandering down to the pretty village and its riverside.

3. Stargaze at Kielder Observatory

   Set deep in the dark skies of Kielder Forest Park, close to the Scottish border, Kielder Observatory is one of the best places in England to stargaze. Its remote location, far from light pollution, reveals the Milky Way, distant planets and shooting stars in astonishing clarity.

4. Walk the Northumberlandia land sculpture

   Just outside Cramlington, Northumberlandia is a vast land sculpture in the shape of a reclining woman, formed from 1.5 million tonnes of earth across a 47-hectare site. Footpaths wind up and over her contours, offering ever-changing views of the surrounding countryside and a gentle, family-friendly walk. It's a genuinely unusual landmark — part art, part nature reserve — and free to visit.

5. Ride the Heatherslaw Light Railway

   For a relaxed afternoon, climb aboard the Heatherslaw Light Railway, a charming narrow-gauge steam train that trundles along the gentle Till Valley. The leisurely journey between Heatherslaw and the village of Etal offers amazing scenery, with vintage locomotives adding to the nostalgic appeal. It's a hit with both families and railway enthusiasts, and pairs nicely with a visit to nearby Etal Castle or the local corn mill.

6. Hike The Cheviot and the Pennine Way

   The highest point in the Cheviot Hills, The Cheviot rises to 2,674 feet and offers walkers everything from gentle routes to a serious challenge. It also marks a dramatic stretch of the Pennine Way, the 268-mile national trail that threads south towards the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Whether you tackle a short loop or set off on a longer expedition, the rolling moorland, big skies and sense of remoteness are unforgettable.

7. Follow the path along Hadrian's Wall

   One of Britain's most famous monuments, Hadrian's Wall runs for 73 miles from coast to coast. Built by the Romans, it's still in good condition today. A long walking route clings to the wall, which runs through Northumberland National Park, making it a great choice for history buffs and nature lovers alike.