Where to Stay on the North East Coast
From idyllic shepherd's huts to luxury hotels and cosy cottages, here's where to escape to on the North East coast
The Walls Bed & Breakfast
This Georgian townhouse on Berwick’s town walls provides the cosiest of retreats after a day spent in the sea air or exploring Berwick’s cobbled streets. There are three rooms to choose from: the Walls Room, Tweed Room or Swan Room, and the latter can also be converted into a family room, should larger groups wish to make use of its adjoining Cygnet Room. In the morning they offer continental and traditional Northumbrian breakfasts alongside local delights such as Craster kippers and smoked haddock. In the mood for a tipple? Set yourself down by the wood-burning stove in their guest lounge where you can enjoy a drink from the honesty bar with views over the River Tweed.
Berwick, Northumberland
TD15 1HB
01289 330233
thewallsberwick.com
Tide’s Watch
Who said the British seaside can’t be chic? Live a Scandi-style dream in this bright, contemporary home in the picturesque fishing village of Beadnell. There are three bedrooms (two doubles and a twin), a kitchen/diner with a breakfast bar that’s perfect for holiday brunching, and an upstairs living room with a wood-burning stove and a floor-to-ceiling window that offers an endless view across the coast. On sunny evenings make the most of al fresco dining in the garden before spending an evening by the fire pit. Tide’s Watch offers coastal living made seriously cool.
Beadnell, Northumberland
01573 226711
crabtreeandcrabtree.com
Pine Cone Hideaway
Tucked on the edge of the woodland of Middleton Hall Estate at the end of a row of traditional country cottages, this five-star holiday home makes a perfect couple’s retreat. You’re welcome to bring a dog and Bamburgh is only 10 minutes away, but we’d look forward to evenings in cosying up around the wood-burning stove and admiring views out onto the pretty woodland. Speaking of views, one of the house’s most distinctive features is the detached garden room which occupies an elevated position at the end of the garden to provide the best sea views out to Budle Bay during the day, before you switch to stargazing through the telescope by night.
Middleton, Belford NE70 7LB
01665 710700
coquetcottages.co.uk
The Metropolitan Guest House
This stylish bed and breakfast is only a minute’s walk from Whitley Bay’s promenade and – of course – the beach. Since the current owners took over, the Victorian home has been thoroughly refurbished to create clean, modern interiors whilst retaining the charming and quirky details that make the property unique. Comfort comes first here, with 100 percent cotton bedding and towels provided in every room, alongside luxurious toiletries. They have a full breakfast menu (and will happily cater to dietary requirements) and have designed their public rooms to be places where guests genuinely feel welcome to use and enjoy. In other words: make yourself at home.
13 Esplanade, Whitley Bay NE26 2AH
0191 253 4941
metropolitanwhitleybay.co.uk
The Mill House at Lindisfarne Bay
This five-star holiday cottage has been expertly refurbished to provide a superbly relaxing stay, but it’s the location that really sets it apart. Situated right at the water’s edge in Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, the Mill House is a dream for birdwatchers, with breathtaking views that stretch right across the bay to Holy Island. Up to eight guests (and two babies) can enjoy staying here, and there’s even a piano in the dining room if you’re inclined to have a singalong.
Fenham, Berwick TD15 2PL
07957 508342
lindisfarnebaycottages.co.uk
Fairfield House
Situated in a quiet spot at the edge of Warkworth village, Fairfield House is a traditional guesthouse offering a luxury bed and breakfast experience across four individually-decorated rooms and a self-catered apartment in the garden. Fairfield House dates back to 1890, and still retains a lot of its Victorian features as well as a gorgeous terraced garden complete with elegant water features. They do a cracking cooked breakfast, but we appreciate the option of cinnamon French toast for those with a sweeter tooth.
16 Station Road, Warkworth NE65 0XP
01665 714455
fairfield-guesthouse.com
Crasterway
Sleeping up to eight guests, this brand new dog-friendly five-star holiday home is just steps away from the historic Craster harbour and the popular Jolly Fisherman pub. There are four bedrooms, (one ensuite) and a large kitchen/dining/sitting room with bar seating and a dining table perfect for family get togethers. Bi-fold doors open onto a safe, south-facing garden for al fresco dining if the weather plays ball. Across the hall is a cosy lounge and with two parking spaces (essential in this popular seaside village) and a secure shed for bikes and golf gear, Crasterway is a perfect base from which to explore this enchanting part of Northumberland.
Craster, Northumberland
crasterway.co.uk
The Whittling House
You don’t have to stay at The Whittling House to experience the superb hospitality here (it’s also a great choice for food or some celebratory cocktails) but when the accommodation is so good, why not kill two birds with one stone? There are 10 rooms to choose from, ranging from a king studio with its own living area to a cosy twin, and even dog-friendly options so tired paws can get a proper rest after a day on Alnmouth beach.
24–35 Northumberland Street, Alnmouth NE66 2RA
01665 463001
thewhittlinghouse.co.uk
South Berrington Shepherds’ Huts
In an idyllic location on an organic farm in the heart of coastal Northumberland, these three beautiful shepherds’ huts are filled with rustic charm but kitted out with all the mod-cons you need for a comfortable stay. The huts are perfect for couples (and their dogs) who want to continue their immersion in the Northumbrian landscape long after the tide has come in. Alternatively, for those holidaying in larger groups, the Beach Hut is ideal, with a double bedroom and two single beds on the mezzanine level. Surrounded by rolling countryside by day and dark sky stargazing opportunities by night, this is a room with a view you won’t forget.
Ancroft, Northumberland TD15 2TF
07950 203402
southberrington.com
Roker Hotel
No two rooms are the same at this historic four-star hotel, which has looked out over the coast at Roker for more than 170 years now. There are 43 ensuite bedrooms in a variety of sizes to choose from, a lot of which now sport modern decor with seaside-themed flourishes. There are also two food venues on-site: Poetic License Bar for burgers, cocktails, craft beer and small batch gin, and Let There Be Crumbs, their tea room where you can take your pick of the fresh bakes and patisserie on their cake counter or pop in for brunch.
Roker Terrace, Roker SR6 9ND
0191 567 1786
rokerhotel.co.uk
Brockley Hall
There are 30 individually-designed ensuite rooms in this quirky boutique hotel, all of which offer supreme comfort and lavish features like chandeliers, cast iron baths in the rooms and lots of velvet. Unwind with a drink in a cosy armchair in their lounge or under the Gothic chandeliers of their fabulous bar – the cocktails here are a real treat. The two-AA Rosette restaurant offers a tasting menu, as well as a carefully curated à la carte, and draws its design influences from Moulin Rouge, Raffles and the Orient Express. The location of the hotel is also a major draw: they are just in front of the peaceful Saltburn Valley Gardens and the famous beach and pier are only a five-minute walk away.
Glenside, Saltburn TS12 1JS
01287 622179
brockleyhallhotel.com
The Basement
Hidden away in what was once the butler’s quarters of one of Tynemouth’s stunning Georgian homes, The Basement is a sanctuary of luxurious earthen interiors. The moody colour scheme, wooden panelling and earthy ceramics create a feeling that you’re not so much sleeping here as hibernating here, albeit in an immaculately-designed burrow. If you’re coming to the coast to recharge, this is the place to do it.
The Basement, Tynemouth NE30 4BX
thebasementretreat.co.uk
