Cosy B&Bs in Northumberland
There’s nothing quite like waking up in Northumberland to kickstart a day of exploring ancient castles, cycling along quiet country lanes, or staying cosy in a B&B curled up by the log fire. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Northumberland B&B retreats, each one locally owned, full of character, and ready to welcome you.
Brunton House & Cottages
Set between the seaside towns of Alnwick and Bamburgh, these luxury cottages sit on a 2,500-acre estate on the edge of the Northumberland Coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house and cottages overlook a burn and lake with views towards Beadnell Bay and are built around an old water mill. With Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh only a short drive away and miles of empty beaches on your doorstep, Brunton is perfect for a group break sleeping up to 16, or book a cottage for two and enjoy secluded mornings watching wildlife on the lake.
Lucker Mill House
This peaceful Northumberland B&B in the village of Lucker is just a short journey to the golden sands of Bamburgh beach. After three decades in the hospitality trade, owner Laura renovated the old mill to create a quiet, warm country guest house with two bedrooms, one king-size and another double, tastefully furnished with antique pieces and contemporary touches. Both rooms look south over the garden and come with comfortable chairs, Smart TV, and walk-in showers. Guests can unwind beside the crackling wood stove in the vintage-styled lounge, then start the day with a full English or continental breakfast in the bright garden room.
Top tip: If you fancy glamping, Laura’s handcrafted shepherd’s huts in the grounds combine creature comforts with a taste of the great outdoors.
Market Cross Guest House, Belford
Housed in a Georgian coaching house in the village of Belford, Market Cross is a welcoming and award-winning B&B. There are four individually styled rooms, each with a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, White Company toiletries, Nespresso machine, and large Smart TV. Guests are greeted with homemade cake on arrival, and the dining room serves a memorable breakfast baked in-house. Ingredients are proudly local, the flour is ground at Heatherslaw Mill, kippers and smoked salmon come from Seahouses, and sausages are sourced from Carters in Bamburgh.
Top tip: If you’re a keen walker or cyclist, Belford makes an ideal base for exploring St Cuthbert’s Way, the Coast & Castles cycle route, and the beaches of the Northumberland coast.
Old Rectory Howick
Close to secluded beaches near Craster, this Georgian country house B&B sits in its own grounds surrounded by fields and woodland. Inside, guests can relax with a glass of wine in the cosy lounge or watch pheasants wander across the lawn. After a good night’s sleep, fuel up on a hearty breakfast of Northumberland sausages, bacon, and eggs from the house’s own hens. Packed lunches can be prepared for day trippers, and home-cooked evening meals are available on request. Adventurers can also opt for glamping. The bell tent and shepherd’s hut on the grounds come with private facilities and BBQ areas.
Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest
On the moors bordering Cumbria, this stylish Northumberland inn is a destination for food lovers and those seeking dark skies. The pub champions sustainability, serving seasonal dishes made with Northumberland’s produce. Its four bedrooms are individually designed by award-winning interior studio Fantoush. Each room has a king size Hypnos mattress, Smart TV, Bluetooth radio, mini fridge, and sustainably made toiletries.
Top tip: Book a table for the 10-course tasting menu and pair it with their wine flight. The locally sourced dishes and cosy bar make a stay here feel like a special occasion.
The Pheasant Inn, Kielder
Tucked away near Kielder Water, this family run coaching inn exudes country charm. Inside, oak beams and open fires create a traditional Northumberland pub atmosphere, while the kitchen turns out hearty, home cooked British food. Accommodation includes eight en-suite rooms all set around a peaceful courtyard garden. Each room has a spacious en-suite shower, fluffy towels, Bramley toiletries, flat-screen TV, and a hospitality tray with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits. Breakfast is worth getting up for. Order the full Northumberland fry-up or keep it light with porridge, fruit, and cereals. The inn is a popular stop for walkers and cyclists exploring Kielder Forest and the surrounding trails.
Top tip: After a day on the water or in the woods, settle into the bar for a pint of local ale by the fire. For longer stays, their Garden Cottage offers self-catering luxury just a stone’s throw from the pub.
The Walls B&B
This elegant townhouse B&B overlooks the River Tweed. Inside, Georgian architecture blends with modern comforts; the three large bedrooms share a guest lounge with wood-burning stove and a stunning dining room. Each room has an en-suite with a walk-in shower, a large Smart TV with full Sky and Netflix, complimentary hot drinks, and a safe. The Walls Room sits beside the Elizabethan walls and has a king-size sleigh bed, two comfy chairs, and a wheelchair-friendly layout,a great option for accessible accommodation In Northumberland. Upstairs, the Tweed Room and Swan Room command fabulous views across the river from their Georgian windows. The Swan Room is the largest and can be paired with the smaller Cygnet Room to create a family suite.
Top tip: Take a walk along Berwick’s Elizabethan town walls straight from the front door. Berwick’s independent shops and galleries are on your doorstep, and trains to Edinburgh and Newcastle make this an easy car-free getaway.
Wydon Farm
For a taste of rural life, head to this National Trust working farm near Haltwhistle. Wydon is a 366-acre cattle farm on the Bellister Estate and offers Northumberland B&B accommodation in a luxurious converted barn. The annex houses three en-suite bedrooms, including a double with a four-poster bed and whirlpool bath, and two family rooms. Wydon makes an excellent base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall. Breakfast is a traditional farmhouse feast, and guests are invited to collect eggs from the hens before sitting down to porridge, cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit, or a classic full English.
Top tip: After walking Hadrian’s Wall, unwind in the garden. Children will love meeting the cows, and the Primrose and Bluebell family rooms have plenty of space for little ones.
We hope we've given you enough inspiration to plan your cosy stay in Northumberland this winter. Don’t forget to tag us in your retreats on social media using @visitnorthumberland.