Cottages in Northumberland - Planning your Perfect Holiday in Northumberland

This is a collaboration with Cottages in Northumberland

If you're planning to holiday in the UK this year, you really can't go wrong with a short break with Cottages in Northumberland who have an impressive range of holiday homes in the most beautiful county in England.

I have lost count of the amount of people I know who plan UK breaks to the Lake District, Cornwall or the Cotswolds, all beautiful places I agree but it always baffles me a little that Northumberland isn't talked about as much as a holiday destination. Why? This beautiful county in the North East of England offers everything - miles of beautiful walks, hillside views, picture perfect beaches, quaint villages, delicious local produce and an impressive history - it ticks everything on my list for the perfect holiday getaway yet seems to fly somewhat under the radar!

Our Holiday Cottage for Two at Riding Mill 

We've just got home from a short break with Cottages in Northumberland where we spent a romantic night away for two in a cosy cottage in Riding Mill, the perfect spot to stay if you want to explore Hadrian's Wall and its surrounding villages.

Our home for the night was Courtyard Cottage at Riding Hills Farm, easily the tiniest holiday cottage we have ever stayed in, it was very very small but oh so cute and a great place to stay if you actually quite like being around your other half and fancy a countryside escape together.  The kitchen was so small it gave me the perfect excuse to settle myself down on the sofa watching Netflix allowing my husband to have all the space to prepare my dinner (I'm not daft!) and with only a "build your own" table available in the snug kitchen it meant having food on our laps which I was definitely not complaining about.

With its perfect location close to Hexham and Corbridge and with plenty of pubs on the doorstep we could have dined out, but Courtyard Cottage was the kind of place where you actually just want to stay in. We settled ourselves down on the sofa for the night and watched movies before retiring to bed early, being asleep by 10:00 pm always feels like such a treat for me and definitely something I only ever enjoy when we're away and can't get myself distracted by the need to do housework and chores.

The next morning I decided to get up early for a little wander outside the cottage, I shamefully strolled out still in my PJs, with a coat thrown over the top and wearing Simon's shoes and made my way over to our little outside space - our very own table and chairs overlooking the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Unfortunately it was a little too damp to enjoy an alfresco breakfast the  morning of our visit but if you were to stay in the Summer months it would be quite the treat to eat outside.

Choosing your Own Cottage in Northumberland

Cottages in Northumberland don't just offer cosy cottages for two, they also have larger properties for families and dog friendly spaces for holidays with your pooch! So whether you're holidaying as a group of 11 or looking for a solo escape there'll be something to suit your needs.

They have Studio Apartments, Lodges, Cottages, Farmhouses, Shepherds Huts and Converted Barns - something to suit every taste and budget! All accommodation is self catering, great if you want to be completely in control of your budget and plans, and their website is really easy to use with so many helpful guides to Northumberland and holiday ideas.

Planning your Perfect Holiday in Northumberland

You may not realise until you start planning your holiday in Northumberland, but the county is actually pretty big and varies a lot in what it can offer depending on whereabouts you stay.  Cottages in Northumberland offer you a coastal retreat, rural escape or city break so where do you even begin deciding which part of the county to explore?

For the Great Explorers

If you want a great adventure then there's lots to be found in Northumberland. Book yourself a cottage near Hadrian's Wall for a rich history, beautiful views and miles of walks to suit all abilities. Of course it's not all hill hiking and wall adventures, when you fancy a few days out to appreciate the  more leisurely side to Northumberland you'll love the towns of Hexham and Corbridge, both bursting with independent shops and cafes with plenty of charm and character.

To discover more check out:

Walking Hadrian's Wall - Sycamore Gap
A Day Trip to Hexham 

For the Sea Lovers

The Northumberland coastline is one of the best in the country, mainly because its our little secret and remains unspoilt. You can venture to the coast on a baking hot day in the Summer and still find miles of quiet sands to explore - the perfect place to get lost and enjoy a true slice of the simple life. With plenty of busier towns and villages along the way, we love driving the Northumberland Coastal Route and visiting the Puffins on the Farne Islands is a must!

To discover more check out: 

Our Northumberland Coastal Route Road Trip
Puffins on the Farne Islands

For the City Fans

Although Newcastle isn't exactly in Northumberland I can't really talk about a perfect holiday in Northumberland without mentioning the city. Newcastle may be portrayed in the press as a party city but if you're yet to visit I promise you will discover something quite different. Bustling streets bursting with independent restaurants, coffee shops and beautiful architecture. The world famous Quayside with its seven bridges over the River Tyne is perfect for an afternoon stroll and offers some great views of the city.

To discover more check out:

The Ultimate Newcastle City Guides
A Newcastle Food Guide

For Stargazers

Did you know that Northumberland is home to the Dark Skies and is one of the best places in the country for stargazing? If you're very lucky, the chance to see the world famous Northern Lights. Pack yourself a flask and snuggle down for a night under the stars in some of Northumberland's most beautiful spots. Kielder is one of our favourite places for night skies and also offers some breathtaking walks - the scenery is spectacular!

To discover more check out:

A First Time Visitors Guide to Kielder

Book yourself a Holiday in Northumberland

To discover your perfect holiday in Northumberland - take a look at the Cottages in Northumberland website and book yourself a picture perfect break:

https://www.cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk/

01665 661 273

We were treated to a complimentary night's stay at Courtyard Cottage in exchange for this review.