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Where to Stay in Northumberland

Where to Stay in Northumberland

Northumberland Northeast England, England Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Common Choices

  • Hostels:

    Found near Hadrian's Wall (YHA hostels) and some larger towns. Dormitory beds and private rooms are available.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) / Guesthouses:

    Abundant across Northumberland. These often family-run establishments typically include breakfast and a welcoming, home-like experience.

  • Hotels:

    Options range from budget chains (e.g., Premier Inn, Travelodge in larger towns) to independent hotels and luxury country house hotels.

  • Self-Catering Cottages/Apartments:

    Very popular, especially along the coast and in the National Park. They offer flexibility for longer stays or groups. Find options on platforms like Vrbo, or local agencies like Sykes Cottages or Holiday Cottages.

Specialized Stays

  • Farm Stays:

    Rural B&Bs or self-catering units on working farms. These create an unique countryside experience.

  • Camping and Glamping:

    Numerous campsites across the county, from basic pitches to glamping pods, yurts, and shepherd's huts. Popular in Northumberland National Park and along the coast.

  • Castle Stays:

    A few properties allow overnight stays within or adjacent to historic castles (e.g., Langley Castle, Bamburgh Castle properties).

  • Lighthouses:

    Unique self-catering accommodation found in converted lighthouse keeper's cottages.

Neighborhood Guide

Northumberland’s diverse regions present distinct characters and advantages for your stay.

Northumberland Coast

Highlights:
  • Picturesque fishing villages, stunning beaches, iconic castles.
  • Access to major attractions, beautiful scenery, fresh seafood.
  • Good for coastal walks and birdwatching.
Considerations:
  • Can be busy in peak season.
  • Limited public transport between villages.
  • A car facilitates travel.

Hadrian's Wall Country

Highlights:
  • Roman heritage, rolling hills, market towns.
  • Proximity to Roman sites, excellent walking trails.
  • Charming market towns with amenities.
Considerations:
  • Further from the coast.
  • Some areas are remote and quieter.

National Park / Cheviot Hills

Highlights:
  • Wild, remote landscapes, dark skies, excellent hiking.
  • Unspoiled nature, tranquility, exceptional stargazing.
Considerations:
  • Limited services.
  • A car for access.
  • Weather can be harsh, especially in winter.

Safety and Ambiance:

Safety:

Northumberland generally maintains a very safe environment. No specific areas report significant safety concerns. Standard travel safety practices apply.

Noise Levels and Ambiance:

Northumberland is generally quiet and peaceful, especially outside major towns and popular attractions during peak season. Coastal villages can have a lively buzz in summer.

Booking Strategies

Planning ahead for your accommodation selection is recommended.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August) and School Holidays: Book 6-12 months ahead for popular self-catering cottages in coastal areas.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Book 3-6 months ahead for a good choice of properties and competitive prices.
  • Low Season (November-April): Book 1-3 months ahead. More flexibility is present, but popular properties can still book up for weekends.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are significantly higher in July and August, and during UK school holidays. Prices drop in shoulder seasons and are lowest in winter (excluding Christmas and New Year).

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com are suitable for hotels and B&Bs. IHG Hotels for chains.
  • Cottage Agencies: Sykes Cottages, Holiday Cottages, National Trust Cottages, English Heritage Holiday Cottages for self-catering options.
  • Direct Booking: Many independent B&Bs and hotels present better rates when booked directly through their websites.
  • Deposit and Cancellation: Policies vary by provider. Always check the specific policy before booking. Many require a deposit upon booking.

Considerations:

Negotiation Customs:
  • Negotiation is generally not customary for hotels and B&Bs in the UK.
  • Prices are usually fixed.
  • Last-minute deals can appear but are not guaranteed.
Specialist Sites:

Important Note:

Check Terms:

Understand all terms and conditions to avoid unexpected charges.

Peak Availability:

During high season, availability becomes very limited, and prices are highest.

Last-Minute:

Finding walk-in rates is rare, as prices are typically non-negotiable.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some selections to guide your choice, suited for various travel styles.

Budget and Mid-Range

Budget Options:

For economical stays.

  • Hostels: YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall, YHA Berwick (Berwick-upon-Tweed).
  • Campsites: Riverside Leisure Park (near Alnwick), Hadrians Wall Campsite.
Mid-Range Options:

For a balance of comfort and cost.

  • B&Bs/Guesthouses: The Links Guest House (Bamburgh), The Maltings (Alnwick), Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant (Wark, near Kielder).
  • Self-Catering: Numerous cottages are present through local agencies.

Luxury and Family-Friendly

Luxury Stays:

For a premium experience.

  • Country House Hotels: Matfen Hall (near Hexham), Slaley Hall Hotel (Hexham), Langley Castle Hotel (Langley).
  • Boutique Hotels: The Joiners Arms (Newton-by-the-Sea), The Lord Crewe Arms (Blanchland).
Family-Friendly:

Great for families.

  • Hotels with family or interconnecting rooms.
  • Campsites or glamping sites with play areas and family activities (e.g., Kielder Waterside).

Solo Travelers and Long Stays

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations:

    Hostels foster social interactions and budget-friendly trips. B&Bs provide a welcoming, personal experience. Consider properties in towns with good access to public transport if you are not driving.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Self-catering cottages or apartments are ideal for stays of a week or more. Discounts apply for longer bookings, presenting a good value.

Cultural / Historical Significance

  • Langley Castle Hotel:

    Stay within a medieval castle, for a historical immersion.

  • The Lord Crewe Arms:

    A historic hotel in the charming village of Blanchland, with parts dating back to the 12th century.

  • Historic Inns:

    Many historic inns, converted into hotels or B&Bs throughout the region, share glimpses into the past.

Proximity to Attractions:

Coastal Access:

Coastal villages allow good access to coastal attractions, but frequently require a car for efficient travel between them. Train stations at Alnmouth and Berwick connect to other regions.

Inland Hubs:

Hexham/Corbridge provide excellent access to Hadrian's Wall sites and train connections to Newcastle and Carlisle. Alnwick offers a good base for Alnwick Castle and easy access to the central coast. Buses connect to Newcastle. Rural areas almost always require a car due to limited public transport.

Special Notes:

Advance Booking:

For peak season, booking far in advance is a good idea to secure preferred properties.

Price Variation:

Expect higher prices during popular times and lower during off-peak.

Direct vs. OTA:

Booking directly with properties can sometimes present better rates.