Unusual places to stay in Northumberland
Northumberland has a remote and untouched, quality thanks to great swathes of unspoilt, rugged landscapes, brooding castles and a vast wildlife-rich national park, which is also an International Dark Sky Park with acclaimed Gold Tier status. To match this enviable location we’ve picked out five unusual places to stay, ranging in atmosphere from a grand English country house to an eco-friendly, off-grid bolthole, a characterful cottage, a listed inn and a converted church with Pre-Raphaelite Victorian stained-glass windows.
Ingram House, Alnwick
A solid 1704 farmhouse with a peaceful, welcoming feel set on the edge of a small hamlet with two acres of gardens set in glorious countryside. Proper English country house style prances across polished antiques, gilded paintings and pretty swathes of fabric. You sleep in light, spacious and very comfortable bedrooms and wake to a pretty splendid breakfast: full English with local sausages, bacon and black pudding, smoked salmon and kippers from the famous smokehouse in Craster – everything is sourced as locally as possible.
You eat in the dining room at a rather grand table with lovely views over the garden and you can have supper here too by arrangement. It’s a great place to get away from it all.
“An extremely warm and friendly welcome to a beautiful family home with a relaxing atmosphere in the heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside.” – Inspector, Mary
Greystead Old Church, Hexham
A converted 19th-century church, with beautiful Pre-Raphaelite Victorian stained-glass windows and a restored tower, deep in the Northumberland National Park with the riverbank just yards away for paddling, salmon fishing and picnics. Step over the stone porch into a large, flagged hall and make your way to the sitting room, cosy with a wood burner.
Comfortable bedrooms with antique furniture and bathrooms are on this floor too. Up the oak staircase is the mezzanine where you’ll probably spend most of your time, sharing the cooking in the Neptune kitchen, eating convivial meals round the wooden table, soaking up the stunning view over your garden and the churchyard. Books, games and a big TV mean if you’re stuck indoors you’ll still be in holiday mood but the North Tyne Valley waits to be explored.
“What a lovely place to stay… BEAUTIFUL setting, very comfortable house, friendly people and a stunning area of the country. Perfect for dogs too. We will be back!” – Guest, Naomi
Stay at Greystead Old Church >
Keeper’s Cottage, Alnwick
This Grade II listed 1820s cottage feels remote but is only four miles from historic Alnwick and miles of white sandy beaches with dunes. Delight in unbroken views of grazing sheep, the rugged Cheviots and open skies – it’s dramatic even when the weather is dull. Cooks work in an uber-sleek kitchen and extra family or friends can join in comfortably at the large Mousey Thompson table. Lydia leaves you with a welcome hamper of wine, fruit and local cake, and can arrange all kinds of concierge services – a private chef, foodie hampers, organic spa treatments and guided walks with an ex-shepherd.
Sit out in the lovely garden, go for walks, take a picnic into the woods or hop into 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.
“Beautiful cottage and great location. Spotlessly clean and starter basket of logs and kindling most welcome. Nothing was too much trouble for Lydia.” – Guest, Malcolm
The Elm, Morpeth
This delightful eco-friendly, off-grid bolthole sits in the Northumberland National Park inside a Dark Sky area. You’re 1400 feet above the Coquet valley floor with massive views, surrounded by acres of grasslands, heather-covered moors and forests — just the ticket for walkers, nature lovers and peace seekers. Inside your timber-clad cottage you’ll find an unfussy, calming vibe with a spacious living room, view-filled bedroom and a kitchen with plenty of bells and whistles.
On cooler days, fire up the wood burner and snuggle down to watch a film while delving into your welcome hamper – chocolate, biscuits, fizz and more. Wake to views over the Cheviot Hills from your bed. Sit outside on your own patio listening to the sound of birds, sheep and the wind in the trees. Better still, you can slide into your covered outdoor Shanti bath, soak in some Penhaligon’s bubbles and watch the stars dot the sky.
“A glorious week at Kidlandlee, stunning views and wonderful tranquillity. There are so many places to visit locally and it’s great just to sit and enjoy the view as well.” – Guest, Sarah
Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland
Few inns can rival the scale or history of this one, set in a timeless estate village surrounded by wild grouse moorland. Country-smart rooms are very cosy, the food is local, seasonal and delicious, and the area is perfect for walking (routes, maps, drying room) and stargazing (binoculars provided). Originally the abbot’s lodge and kitchens, with its garden the cloisters, the Lord Crewe Arms is now a Grade II-listed inn with dogs dozing by the inglenook, visitors digging into robust modern British fare and locals supping ales ranging from Allendale’s Golden Plover to Nel’s Best from High House Farm at the atmospheric bar in the vaulted crypt.
Dive into the sheep-clad valley for long walks on the moors, return for a long soak and beautiful bedrooms, divided between The Angel, a simple, beautiful, listed ex-inn across the way, and the former tied cottages.
“Prepare to be wowed by ancient flagstones, heavy oak doors, roaring fires and medieval-style chandeliers at this beautifully restored historic inn.” – Inspector, David
Stay at Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland >
