new-year-stays

New Year Breaks in Northumberland

Celebrate in style
Looking for the perfect way to welcome the New Year? Northumberland offers the ideal setting for a cosy winter escape — from romantic retreats to family getaways where even your four-legged friends can join the adventure.

New Year Stays in Northumberland

Is there anything more appealing than a cosy New Year escape in Northumberland? Whether it’s a romantic break in Northumberland or a family trip including your furry four-legged companion, it’s truly the perfect destination for a New Year adventure.

Need a bit of inspiration? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions to make your New Year stay in Northumberland one to remember.

Why stay in Northumberland?

With its varied and scenic Northumbrian landscape, historical towns, and attractions for all ages, there are countless Northumberland destinations that are great places to visit all year round. But where to stay in Northumberland?

If you adore the great outdoors, camping or glamping in Northumberland can be a great option – when the weather is good.  

However, if the forecast isn’t so great when you visit Northumberland in winter, staying in a soggy tent can be less appealing. Likewise, big families and groups may find camping impractical. And, of course, you may just be looking for a little comfort and luxury! The area has a range of accommodation options - whether you’re looking for inns in Northumberland, a local self catering cottage, opt for an elegant Northumberland hotel, or want to discover the best luxury bed and breakfast Northumberland has to offer, there is a stay to suit everyone.

How to choose the best Northumberland accommodation for you

The beauty of Northumberland accommodation is that there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly Northumberland holiday stay to bring your four-legged friend to, you’re sure to find a space to cater to your needs. After a bit of opulence for a romantic weekend? Discover the romantic break Northumberland can offer, with a luxury hotel with spa facilities and special events. Not only are there plenty of things to do in Northumberland, but it is renowned for its relaxation and wellbeing hotels. 

As well as ensuring your accommodation in Northumberland  has all of the attributes you’re hoping for, it’s also a good idea to think about your location. Do you want to be by the sea? Will you need to be in an area with plenty of attractions for children? Perhaps it’s important to be near public transport links for seamless travel around Northumberland? All of these factors can help you find the perfect Northumberland stay for your getaway. New Year is one of the busiest weeks of the winter, so it pays to book early.

The best stays in Northumberland

When choosing accommodation, you need to think about whether you would like to eat out, exploring the local Northumberland pubs, restaurants, cafes and tearooms in the region, or whether you would like to stay in self-catering accommodation in Northumberland, bringing back local produce treats to cook for yourself - or the essentials from conveniently located farm shops in Northumberland. Those looking for privacy and independence have plenty of self-catering cottages to explore across Northumberland, or for those who would like to be waited on hand and foot the area's range of hotels and B&B’s has got you covered. Here are a few ideas to help you plan your dream trip.

Holiday cottages on the Northumberland coast

Embrace the fresh sea air with a holiday cottage on the Northumberland coast. This area of outstanding natural beauty (National Landscape) offers breathtaking views and plenty of beachside activities in Northumberland. 

Midwood Cottage is a lovely self-catering property in Alnmouth. With a secluded woodland garden (complete with treehouse) and just a five minute walk from the beach, it’s the perfect balance of indoor cosiness and outdoor refreshment. It even won the 2018 Hidden Gem Award. Staying over New Year? Wrap up for the Alnmouth New Year's Day Dip, when brave locals and visitors take to the sea.

Countryside inns and bed and breakfasts

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Battlesteads Hotel (@battlesteads)

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Northumberland, countryside inns and bed and breakfasts offer a tranquil escape for travellers seeking a serene retreat. Among these, some of our favourites include, The Holly Bush Inn, Chillingham Newtown B&B and the Battlesteads Inn, quintessential examples of Northumberland's hospitality and charm. 

The Holly Bush Inn, with its rustic ambiance and warm atmosphere, welcomes guests with open arms, offering cosy rooms and hearty homemade meals that highlight the region's culinary delights. With six en-suite bedrooms and pets welcome, it's a lovely choice if the dog is coming too.

Nearby, Battlesteads Inn combines traditional charm and exciting dark skies experiences in Northumberland at their very own observatory. Located in the heart of Northumberland, in Europe’s biggest dark sky park, you and the whole family can enjoy stargazing in Northumberland at the Battlesteads Observatory. Long winter nights make New Year one of the best times of year for stargazing. For more inspiration take a look at our guide to stargazing breaks in Northumberland.

For a grand experience in Northumberland which will make you feel like you have stepped onto a film set? Discover filming in Northumberland and book your stay at Chillingham Newtown B&B, run by the former hosts of Chillingham Manor just a mile up the road. With an open fire in the guests' sitting room and one dog welcome, it's the perfect combination of comfort and charm. This destination is one of Northumberland’s hidden gems, just a stone’s throw from Chillingham Castle, Northumberland National Park, Cragside House, Gardens and Estate and Alnwick Castle.

The Inn Collection Group offers a number of inns across the county, from The Lindisfarne Inn on the edge of Lindisfarne Causeway, to The Bamburgh Castle Inn in the heart of Seahouses with fantastic seaviews, as well as The Amble Inn, The Hog's Head Inn in Alnwick and The Commissioners Quay Inn in Blyth.

Romantic hotel stays for couples

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa (@macdonaldlindenhall)

In the heart of Northumberland, romantic hotels beckon couples seeking an intimate getaway. Couples can revel in the charm of historic Northumbrian estates turned cosy hotel retreats, where crackling fireplaces and elegant suites create a romantic ambiance. Imagine strolling hand in hand along the rugged Northumberland coastline, exploring ancient castles in England, or sharing a quiet moment by the fireplace in a luxurious hotel. Some of the top hotels in the region include Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Course, Doxford Hall and Linden Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa. At New Year, Matfen Hall hosts a gala dinner building to a midnight crescendo of live music and fireworks, Doxford Hall's New Year's Eve break includes Prosecco on arrival, a six-course tasting menu, live music and use of the spa, and Linden Hall throws a black-tie New Year's Eve party.

Family-friendly Northumberland holiday cottages

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A post shared by West Ord Holiday Cottages (@west_ord_cottages)

Just three miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, you’ll find West Ord Holiday Cottages, a collection of cottages on a 470-acre farm, sleeping from two to six people, making it the ideal destination for families. Enjoy riverside walks in Northumberland along the Tweed and fishing spots, as well as a tennis court to keep you all occupied.

Are you getting everyone together for a big family celebration? Beach and Quiet in Embleton has eight properties sleeping from two to 18 guests, including Hemmel House, a great accessible accommodation in Northumberland option with level access and a ground floor wet room, right on the edge of the Northumberland Coast AONB.

Things to do in Northumberland at New Year

Once you've found your stay, there's plenty to fill your New Year in Northumberland:

  • Allendale Tar Bar'l: on New Year's Eve, local guisers in fancy dress carry flaming tar barrels through Allendale Town and light a huge bonfire at midnight, a tradition dating back more than 160 years. It's free and there's no need to book.

  • New Year's Day dips: blow away the cobwebs (or watch from the sand) at the Alnmouth New Year's Day Dip, or at charity dips in places such as Bamburgh.

  • Stargazing: the long, dark nights are perfect for spotting stars in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park.

  • New Year's Day walks: start the year with fresh air on the Northumberland coast or in the Northumberland National Park.

Find your ideal Northumberland New Year stay 

No matter what sort of New Year stay you’re after — a relaxing weekend break, spa weekends in Northumberland, an adventure-packed trip, a luxurious stay or you want to discover how historical Northumberland is — there’s an array of accommodation options to suit you. From Alnwick to Wylam, explore Northumberland and enjoy accommodation that offers a home-from-home experience.

New Year Stays in Northumberland: FAQs

Sometimes, longer winter nights give you the best chance. The Northern Lights have been known to dance over the protected beaches of the Northumberland Coast AONB. Even without an aurora, clear nights in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park reveal the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light years away, with the naked eye.

Crowds gather in Allendale from around 11pm, the 45 guisers light their barrels at 11.30pm, and at midnight they set the bonfire ablaze to the cry "Be damned to he who throws last". The Tar Bar'l has been recorded for at least 160 years. It's free to watch and there's no need to book.

Absolutely. Winter in Northumberland means frosty walks, snow-topped hills, near-empty beaches and the county's darkest, clearest skies of the year. On Holy Island, grey seals bask on the sand and wading birds feed through winter, and when the weather turns there are cosy pubs in Northumberland with crackling open fires to retreat to.

For a gentle start to the year, follow the coast path from Amble to Warkworth, which is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, or stroll from Craster to Embleton Bay past the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Want something more bracing? The Steel Rigg circular on Hadrian's Wall is one of our favourite winter walks in Northumberland, so pack thermals and waterproofs.

Yes, but plan around the tides. The causeway to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is cut off twice a day by fast incoming tides, so always check the Holy Island crossing times, never cross outside them and allow an extra 30 minutes. Pale-bellied brent geese arrive from Svalbard each winter, making it a magical time to visit.

Yes, trains from London King's Cross reach Newcastle in around three hours, and there are direct trains from Edinburgh to Berwick. Stations at Berwick, Alnmouth (for Alnwick), Morpeth, Hexham, Corbridge, Haltwhistle and Wylam put you close to your stay, on what has been voted one of the most scenic train routes in the UK. For more information, take a look at our guide to travelling to Northumberland.

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