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.
What an adorable little cosy cottage, I bet it was such a treat to stay there for the weekend. Every time I read your blog I find new places to add to our mini-moon list for July x
ReplyDeleteAhhh I'm so so glad! I hope you're mini-mooning for a whole month! I bet you have so many things on your list!
DeleteNorthumberland really is the best! I live here and still take one or two breaks here every year. I love how it has everything - top award-winning attractions, beautiful countryside, excellent food and the best coastline. It's a tough call but I think I'd always pick the coast over the countryside though (especially Craster, Alnmouth or Amble).
ReplyDeleteWe always take a week off in the early Summer to explore, every year we mean to take a holiday abroad but then we remember how great Northumberland is and we just end up back there! We can't stay away!
DeleteWhat a cute places for a staycation! I've never been to Northumberland but would love to visit, especially for the puffins!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jess
The Crown Wings | UK Travel & Lifestyle Blog
It is the loveliest place for a holiday, I promise you won't regret it!
DeleteNorthumberland is such a perfect holiday spot and how cute does that cottage look! We are so lucky to have all this on our doorstep...
ReplyDeleteI know, we always end up having a little North East holiday every year because I just can't resist!
DeleteCouldn't agree more - Northumberland is VAST! But oh so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour cottage sounds very cute. We definitely need to visit and explore more. :)
Caroline.x
http://www.carolineelgeywhite.com
I'm trying to remember if I really knew much at all about Northumberland before i moved to the North East and I really don't think that I did - I definitely had no idea how huge the county was and how much there is to see and do!
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