Inspiration

Sea breeze cottages for coastal exploration in Northumberland

Guest Expert

5 min read

The Northumberland Coast AONB has some of the most spectacular, unspoilt coastline in the whole of the UK. The castle-studded coast ribbons from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north, and dotted along the shore you’ll find charming seaside towns and villages, rugged walks and wildlife-rich landscapes. Delightfully, much of the area is tourist-free, even in the height of summer. Come to stay at this handful of sea-salted cottages and get stuck into bracing coastal hikes, pristine beaches and icy swims for hardy souls before hunkering down in your cosy cottage and feeling serene.

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Northumberland

Victoria Cottage & Smuggler’s Cottage

Sitting at the mouth of the River Aln, the village is bustling in summer, fairly hushed in winter. Victoria and Smuggler’s cottages sit in a row with sweet gardens and views of the sea. Both have good sized sitting rooms with open fires (logs are on the house), comfy sofas and original art inspired by the ocean. Smart kitchens have enough gadgets for the fussiest of cooks. Both cottages have a double and a twin up (quite steep) stairs. On fine days it will be lovely to sit by your own front door in the plant-filled gardens and listen to the waves, or just cross the road for the glorious long, sandy beach and a chilly swim if you’re feeling brave! The village has good pubs and an Italian restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking.

Guest Claire: We stayed in Smugglers; the cottage was beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. We loved the view and location; close to the beach and restaurants.

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Brunton House & Cottages

This big dower house and two cottages are just a few fields from the sandy coastline. Plopped in the middle of the Fallodon Estate, surrounded by superb gardens and a fishing lake – bring rods. The main house is perfect for bringing family and friends: children will adore the play area in the garden, TVs in every bedroom, the piano, pool and table football in the games room; grown-ups will love having two sitting rooms and a snug, two kitchens perfectly equipped (one with an Aga), a drinks room with cocktail-making kit, and large bedrooms. The cottages – completely separate – are comfy and light with pretty terraces. Explore 2000 acres of estate, Alnwick and its famous garden and Bamburgh for castles and dunes.

Inspector Diana: A stylish, bright, attractive house for groups, families and dogs for great rambles on a gorgeous Northumbrian estate close to the sea. The cottages offer an easy-living, contemporary space immersed in wooded nature.

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Keeper’s Cottage

A charming 1820s cottage with unbroken views of grazing sheep, the rugged Cheviots and open skies make it dramatic even when the weather is dull. Sit out in the garden, go for walks, take a picnic into the woods or hop in the car for the delights of the Northumberland coast – sandy beaches, historic castles, seaside villages and quaint harbour towns are within half an hour’s drive. You feel remote, but historic Alnwick and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes are close. Lydia leaves you with a welcome hamper with wine, fruit and local cake in the uber-sleek kitchen, and she can arrange all kinds of concierge services – a private chef, foodie hampers, organic spa treatments and guided walks with an ex-shepherd.

Guests Louise & Andy: Thanks for creating a gorgeous and peaceful place to come back to after endless days of beach walks, castles, big skies and great food. We’ve fallen in love with Northumberland and will definitely be back.

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Newt Cottage at Hunting Hall

Wild Northumberland awaits beyond your garden at this eco-friendly cottage on a beautiful organic farm, where you’re encouraged to explore and meet rare-breed pigs, donkeys, geese, peacocks and hens. Holy Island, Bamburgh and the Farne Isles are wonderfully close and coastal paths along cliffs and beaches will tempt walkers. Inside you’ll find a roaring fire, fresh flowers from the garden, window seats in deep stone walls, cosy feather duvets and organic cotton sheets, plus Karen’s delicious cake on arrival. Tucked away in a remote part of the county with not a drop of light pollution means if the skies are clear you’ll see plenty of stars at night.

Guest Lisa: Such a delightful place to stay. Close to beaches, towns and inland walks with plenty to see on and around the farm. Karen is the perfect hostess, offering tea and homemade cake on arrival, plus a basket of local goodies.

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The Fuffins at Hunting Hall

This pretty Georgian farmhouse cottage sits in almost an acre of private garden on a wildlife-friendly farm: sheep graze in the field beyond, birds flit and sing, in spring the meadow is brimming with wild flowers. You’re a short hop from the coast for bracing walks on the coastal path and sandy beaches with wonderful dunes for summer picnics. Nearby are castles and gardens to visit and boat trips to the Farne Isles for puffin spotting. Return to a big Inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove, fresh flowers and beds with organic linen. Karen also leaves you a generous welcome pack with homemade bread, locally produced honey and Hunting Hall rare-breed pork sausages.

Guest Jane: The Fuffins is spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped. The fact that we keep returning says it all really!

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Carmen McCormack

Guest Expert

Carmen is a freelance writer specialising in travel. She once lived in a bus in north Wales, skipped off to study in Barcelona, and now calls Bristol home. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she can be found reading (a lot), lake swimming (a little), and pottering on the allotment with husband and two kiddos. She’s currently dreaming about cold cerveza and torta in Mexico.

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