Holiday rentals and lettings in Northumberland

• Property types: Choose from charming traditional cottages, cosy cabins that ooze character, and spacious holiday homes for the whole gang, perfect for exploring England's northernmost county and its beautiful, rugged landscapes
• Popular amenities: Many properties feature gardens and fireplaces, with luxury touches like hot tubs to give your holiday that extra touch. Travelling with Fido? Look for hosts who offer pet-friendly accommodation.
• Location Benefits: Northumberland offers stunning landscapes from Hadrian's Wall to pristine beaches, dark skies perfect for stargazing, and easy access to the Scottish borders and the Lake District.
• Outdoor activities: It's the perfect base for all kinds of fun activities: hiking in Northumberland National Park, exploring historic castles, visiting Holy Island, and enjoying some of England's most unspoilt countryside.
• Castle country: Northumberland has more castles than any other English county, including Bamburgh, Alnwick and Lindisfarne – a remarkable concentration of history on your doorstep.

Northumberland offers an exceptional range of holiday accommodations, from romantic log cabins to spacious holiday homes. These properties are ideal for couples seeking coastal romance, families exploring castles, and adventure seekers discovering Hadrian's Wall. Whether you choose dog-friendly cottages or luxury rentals with modern amenities, each provides an authentic base for exploring this remarkable region. These carefully selected accommodations feature premium amenities for every traveller:

• Hot tubs
• Sea view
• BBQ
• Private gardens
• Fully equipped kitchens

These features ensure comfort while you explore Northumberland's stunning landscapes and heritage sites.

What are the best areas to stay in Northumberland?

For the ultimate Northumberland experience, Seahouses offers the perfect combination of coastal beauty and convenient access to the Farne Islands. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our Northumberland properties consistently achieve ratings of 9.0 and above, with guests praising the stunning coastal locations and exceptional hospitality. Many reviews highlight the perfect balance of rural tranquillity and convenient access to attractions, while couples especially appreciate the romantic settings near historic castles and pristine beaches.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals and lettings in Northumberland from the past year:

1. The Old Chapel - 10.0+: A striking refurbished chapel, with a stunning historic exterior that masks all the modern comforts you need inside. The cosy woodburning stove is a highlight
2. The Stannington Pullman - 10.0+: A unique stay in a converted railway coach, a must for anyone with an interest in trains. Choose this quirky property for true first-class ambiance set in a prime location
3. The Den - 9.3+: This modern property is ideal for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. Set on a working farm, it has a sea view, firepit, BBQ area, and a private hot tub

Located in the far north of England along the Scottish border, Northumberland is celebrated for its wild beauty, ancient history, and stunning coastline featuring dramatic castles.

✈️ What is the best way to get to Northumberland?

Getting to Northumberland is straightforward, with excellent connections by train, car, and air from across the UK. Here are the most common ways to get to this county:

• By train: Direct services run from London King's Cross to Newcastle Central Station (3 hours), with frequent connections to smaller Northumberland towns like Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed. This option is recommended for travellers wanting a comfortable, scenic journey without driving.
• By car: The A1(M) provides direct access from London (5-6 hours) and Scotland (2 hours from Edinburgh). This is ideal for exploring Northumberland's rural areas, coastal villages, and reaching remote cottages with luggage convenience and flexibility.

🥗 Where to eat in Northumberland?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Dirty Bottles is the best rated restaurant in Northumberland. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐ Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller James recommends Lewis's Fish Restaurant in Seahouses: a longstanding local favourite right near the harbour, known for its perfectly crisp batter, generous portions of fresh-caught fish, and friendly service.

☀️ When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Northumberland depends on your interests, but late spring to early summer (May–July) offers the perfect combination of mild weather and long daylight hours. For budget-conscious travellers, autumn and winter provide dramatic landscapes, while summer is ideal for coastal activities.

Spring to early summer (April–July)

• Best for: Hiking enthusiasts, families, and photographers wanting wildflower blooms and perfect castle-visiting weather.
• Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 12–22°C, moderate rainfall, and increasing sunshine hours.
• Atmosphere: Quieter than peak season with reasonable prices and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Summer (July–September)

• Best for: Beach lovers, families with children, and those seeking the warmest weather for coastal activities.
• Weather: Warmest period with temperatures between 15–25°C and longest daylight hours.
• Atmosphere: Peak tourist season with higher prices, but vibrant seaside towns and lively events.

Autumn and winter (October–March)

• Best for: Budget travellers, solitude seekers, and those wanting stargazing opportunities in dark sky parks.
• Weather: Cool temperatures from 3–15°C, higher rainfall probability, but crisp clear days.
• Atmosphere: Quietest and most affordable season with authentic local experiences and cosy pubs.

⭐ Our Hosts' Recommendation: Janice, our local expert from The Old Chapel, recommends visiting Northumberland during the Kielder Dark Sky Festival in October. This internationally recognised dark sky park offers incredible stargazing experiences in one of England's most tranquil locations, perfect for autumn getaways. You can read more about local tips on Janice's page.

1. Visit Alnwick Castle
2. Explore Hadrian's Wall
3. Discover Holy Island
4. Stargaze at Kielder Observatory
5. Boat Trip to Farne Islands

1. Visit Alnwick Castle

   Known as the "Windsor of the North," Alnwick Castle is one of the UK's most iconic inhabited castles. Visitors can enjoy broomstick training on the very spot Harry Potter first flew, explore the lavish State Rooms, and walk through the stunning Alnwick Garden with its famous Poison Garden and grand Cascade fountain.

2. Explore Hadrian's Wall

   This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches across the narrowest part of northern England. Hikers can follow the Hadrian's Wall Path, visiting ancient Roman forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda. The dramatic landscape at Sycamore Gap provides one of the most photographed spots in the entire Northumberland National Park.

3. Discover Holy Island

   Accessible only at low tide via a paved causeway, Lindisfarne (Holy Island) is a unique destination steeped in religious history. Explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, visit the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle perched on a rocky outcrop, and sample the island's famous mead produced by local monks for centuries.

4. Stargaze at Kielder Observatory

   Northumberland boasts the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. At the Kielder Observatory, located deep within the forest, visitors can join events to view distant galaxies through professional telescopes. It is a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, making it the premier spot in England for observing the Milky Way.

5. Boat trip to Farne Islands

   Departing from Seahouses, boat trips to the Farne Islands offer an unparalleled wildlife experience. Between May and July, you can see thousands of puffins, arctic terns, and guillemots nesting on the cliffs. The islands are also home to one of the UK's largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals, often seen lounging on the rocks.