Holiday House Northumberland Getaway: Your Complete Guide to Self-Catering Accommodation

Northumberland offers one of England’s most diverse locations, with holiday houses scattered across dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, and historic villages. From charming coastal cottages overlooking pristine beaches to luxury country retreats nestled in the hills, this remarkable county provides the perfect base for exploring everything from castles to the stunning landscapes of Northumberland National Park.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway for two, a family adventure near Alnwick Castle, or a group celebration in a spacious holiday home, Northumberland delivers year-round appeal with its rich history, outstanding natural beauty, and exceptional self catering accommodation options.

Key Takeaways

• Dozens of holiday houses available across Northumberland’s coast and countryside
• Choose from coastal cottages in Bamburgh and Seahouses, countryside retreats in Northumberland national park, or luxury properties with hot tubs
• Dog friendly options available with enclosed garden areas and proximity to beaches and walking trails
• Prime locations near Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Farne Islands
• Year-round destination with spring hiking, summer beach activities, and cozy winter breaks
• Accessible by car (30 miles from Newcastle) or public transport from major UK cities

The Watch House, Seahouses

Types of Holiday Houses in Northumberland

Coastal Cottages with Sea Views

Coastal cottages represent the most sought-after accommodation type, particularly in picturesque villages like Bamburgh, Seahouses, and Beadnell. These Northumberland holiday cottages emphasize panoramic views of the north sea, direct access to pristine beaches, and proximity to historic landmarks.

Lobster Pot – A well-appointed, stone-built holiday cottage in Seahouses, Northumberland. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove. Close to beach.

The Boathouse – An impressive boathouse conversion in Seahouses in Northumberland. Sea views. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Welcome pack. Beadnell 1.9 miles; Bamburgh 3.4 miles; Warkworth 19.4 miles.

The Watch House – A stunning, spacious property overlooking the harbour at Seahouses in Northumberland. Sea views. Parking. WiFi. Spacious. Well-presented. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Bamburgh 3.5 miles; Alnmouth 16.6 miles

Keildon– A three-storey house resting along the coast of Seahouses, Northumberland. Sea views.

Lobster Pot Cottage. Seahouses

Countryside Retreats

Country cottages typically nestle within Northumberland National Park or surrounding scenic rural areas. These holiday cottages in Northumberland often occupy working farm settings and feature high-standard construction with wood burners, large gardens, and easy access to local attractions.

The Garden Room – A contemporary-styled cottage boasting stylish charm and a wonderful base for your romantic retreat to Northumberland.

Honeysuckle Cottage – A pretty detached stone-built cottage resting in the countryside hamlet of Wark, near Bellingham, Northumberland. Close to a national park. Off-road parking. Rural location.

The Hayloft – a charming, two-bedroom apartment rests on the grounds of Walwick Hall in Humshaugh, Northumberland. Contemporary. Close to amenities. Woodburning stove.

The Filly – A charming, two-bedroom holiday accommodation located in Humshaugh, Northumberland. Woodburning stove. Near the Northumberland National Park.

Honeysuckle Cottage, Wark

Luxury Holiday Homes

For those seeking premium accommodation, luxury holiday homes feature high-end amenities including hot tubs, games room facilities, and smart home technologies.

Marmalade Cottage – An outstanding holiday home in Seahouses in Northumberland. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Close to beach.

Ty y Mor – An attractive semi-detached cottage in Seahouses in Northumberland. Pet-friendly.

Lavender Cottage – A beautiful stone-built property settled into the coastal town of Seahouses, Northumberland. Garden. Close to a harbour.

Waters Edge Beadnell – A stunning, detached property in Beadnell, Northumberland. Sea views. Family-friendly / Pet-friendly.

Lavender Cottage, Seahouses

Dog Friendly Properties

A significant portion of Northumberland cottages welcome pets, typically featuring enclosed garden areas, direct countryside or beach access, and interior layouts designed with guest pets in mind. The extensive network of walking trails and dog-welcoming beaches makes this a particularly attractive option for families travelling with dogs.

Keeper’s View – A coastal property overlooking Bamburgh Castle and resting in Bamburgh, Northumberland. Close to a beach.

Charlton Cottage – A single-storey stone cottage resting in the historic town of Bamburgh, Northumberland.

Elliot Cottage – A delightful stone-built cottage resting in the historic seaside town of Bamburgh, Northumberland.

Castlewood– A stone-front detached holiday home resting in Bamburgh, Northumberland. Pet-friendly and lose to local attractions.

Keeper’s View, Bamburgh

Romantic Getaways for Couples

Intimate cottages and lodges offer secluded settings with stunning views and cozy features like wood burning stoves and luxury interiors. These properties focus on creating atmospheric environments perfect for romantic breaks and peaceful retreats.

Waters Edge Beadnell – A stunning, detached property in Beadnell, Northumberland. Sea views. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove.

The Hemmel – A superbly presented holiday home on the fringes of Beadnell in Northumberland. Family-friendly. Pet-friendly. Woodburning stove.

Mid Cote – An authentic, outstanding Grade II listed cottage in Shoreston Nr Bamburgh, Northumberland. Close to beach.

Fenwick Retreat at Fenwick Lodge – Beautiful, stone-built cottage located in stunning countryside, near the Northumberland village of Ponteland.

The Hemmel, Beadnell

Top Locations for Holiday Houses

Coastal Villages

Bamburgh stands out for its unspoiled beaches, the impressive castle perched on dramatic cliffs, and extensive sand dunes. This historic village offers high-end properties within walking distance of scenic sites and local amenities, making it a favourite among history enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.

Seahouses serves as the major departure point for Farne Islands cruises, featuring a colorful working harbor and excellent seafood restaurants. The vibrancy of this traditional seaside town creates an authentic Northumberland coast experience.

Beadnell appeals to those seeking quieter surroundings focused on watersports. This charming village offers access to sailing, surfing, and kayaking, with modern cottages positioned close to the bay for easy water access.

Alnmouth captivates visitors with its sandy shores, turquoise waters, and striking red rooftops. This picturesque village provides easy access to both coast and countryside, offering the perfect location for diverse exploration.

Craster attracts foodies with its famous Craster kippers and provides walking access to the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. This small fishing village offers an authentic taste of Northumberland coast life.

Inland Destinations

Alnwick thrives as a market town centered around the magnificent Alnwick Castle, famous as a Harry Potter filming location. The town also features the renowned Alnwick Gardens and Bailiffgate Museum, serving as an excellent hub for exploring both coast and countryside.

Hexham positions itself perfectly for discovering Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site while offering the historic Hexham Abbey as a local attraction. This market town provides an ideal base for history enthusiasts.

Allendale nestled in the North Pennines, offers peaceful, scenic retreats prized for walking, cycling, and rural escapes. This location appeals to those seeking tranquility away from busier tourist areas.

Warkworth presents a medieval gem with its imposing castle, charming village streets, and secluded riverside hermitage. This historic village offers a perfect blend of heritage and natural beauty.

Berwick-upon-Tweed holds the distinction of England’s northernmost town, famous for Elizabethan walls, turbulent Anglo-Scottish history, and eclectic architecture. Its strategic position makes it an excellent base for exploring both Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.

What to Do from Your Holiday House

Historic Attractions

Northumberland’s extensive history manifests in its wealth of castles and monuments. Alnwick Castle, renowned as a Harry Potter filming location, offers guided tours and immersive family activities that bring medieval history to life.

Hadrian’s Wall, stretching across northern England as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents extensive walking opportunities with well-preserved Roman forts and comprehensive visitor interpretation. This ancient frontier offers countless exploration opportunities from any holiday cottage base.

Bamburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle capture the region’s Norman and medieval legacies, while Berwick-upon-Tweed features walkable medieval walls and dramatic river vistas that showcase centuries of border conflicts.

Natural Attractions

The Farne Islands, accessible from Seahouses, provide some of the UK’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Visitors can observe grey seals, puffins, and rare seabirds in their natural habitat during seasonal boat trips.

Northumberland National Park, covering over 1,050 square kilometers, attracts hikers seeking tranquility and dramatic landscapes. The park offers countless trails suitable for all abilities, from gentle walks to challenging mountain hikes.

Cycling enthusiasts enjoy the Coast-to-Coast route and other scenic paths crisscrossing the region. Kielder Water and Forest Park provide numerous opportunities for watersports, mountain biking, and star-gazing, with Europe’s largest man-made lake and England’s darkest night skies.

The Northumberland coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) preserves miles of remote, uncrowded sandy beaches perfect for long walks and family days out, offering a sense of wilderness rare in England.

Best Time to Visit Your Holiday House

Spring (March-May)

Spring brings mild temperatures and blossoming landscapes, creating ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife spotting. The season offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities while avoiding peak summer crowds.

Summer (June-August)

Summer provides the warmest temperatures, longest days, and most vibrant coastal life. This peak season appeals particularly to families and outdoor adventure seekers, though advance booking becomes essential.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn features dramatic foliage displays and lower crowd levels while maintaining comfortable temperatures for both activity and relaxation. This season offers excellent value and atmospheric landscapes.

Winter (December-February)

Winter creates magical snow scenes, festive markets, and cozy evenings by firesides. Indoor cultural attractions and off-season property deals enhance the winter offering, making it perfect for peaceful retreats.

Northumberland maintains year-round appeal, but peak booking season traditionally runs July-August for families. Advanced booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for summer holidays, while 1-2 month lead times suffice during quieter periods.

Getting to Your Northumberland Holiday House

By Car

Road access proves direct and straightforward, with Northumberland situated roughly 30 miles north of Newcastle, 100 miles south of Edinburgh, and around 200 miles from Manchester. The A1 major trunk road runs through the county, making driving the most flexible option for reaching your holiday cottage.

By Train

Rail connections provide strong alternatives through stations at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, and Hexham, all linked to the national rail network. These connections offer convenient access to most holiday house locations.

By Coach

Coach services from operators like National Express offer direct connections with cities including London and Birmingham, providing budget-friendly travel options.

By Air

Air travel routes primarily through Newcastle International Airport, approximately 45 minutes drive from key holiday areas. International visitors can also reach the region via ferry services from Amsterdam to Newcastle.

Local Transport

Local bus services supplement public transport mobility within the region, though rural coverage and timetables require advance planning for those without cars.

FAQ

How much does a holiday house in Northumberland cost? Weekly rental prices range from £300 to £2,000 depending on property size, location, and amenities. Luxury properties or large group accommodations with 10+ guests, hot tubs, and sea views command higher prices, while smaller rural cottages offer more budget-friendly options.

Are dogs allowed in Northumberland holiday houses? Yes, many cottages in Northumberland welcome pets. Properties usually feature enclosed garden areas and proximity to walking routes, with the extensive trail network and dog-welcoming beaches enhancing the appeal for pet owners.

What’s included in a self catering holiday house? Self catering accommodation generally comes fully equipped with kitchens (fridge, oven, hob, basic utensils), bed linen and towels, and starter packs of essentials. Many properties provide dishwashers, washing machines, and welcome pack treats featuring local specialties.

How far in advance should I book? For summer school holidays and Christmas/New Year periods, book 3-6 months ahead. For shoulder seasons or off-peak periods, 1-2 months proves usually sufficient. Peak demand occurs during July-August family holiday periods.

Is Northumberland suitable for families? Absolutely. The region excels for family holidays due to spacious holiday homes, safe beaches, child-friendly attractions, and diverse activities. Many properties cater specifically to families with appropriate amenities and nearby attractions.

What’s the minimum stay requirement? Most properties require 3-7 night minimum stays, with shorter breaks (2 nights) more readily available outside peak season. Some luxury properties may require week-long minimum bookings during high season.

Planning Your Perfect Northumberland Holiday

Northumberland’s diverse landscape and rich history create endless possibilities for memorable holidays. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic coastline with its iconic castles and pristine beaches, or prefer the tranquil countryside of the national park, the county’s extensive collection of holiday houses ensures you’ll find the perfect place to call home during your visit.

From romantic cottage breaks overlooking the north sea to large family gatherings in luxury properties complete with hot tubs and games rooms, Northumberland offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget. The region’s year-round appeal, combined with excellent transport links and wealth of attractions, makes it an ideal destination for your next self catering holiday.

Start planning your Northumberland adventure today by exploring the diverse range of holiday cottages available across this captivating county. With hundreds of properties to choose from, your perfect holiday house in Northumberland awaits!