Set the trend on your next trip to Northumberland with our list of ten of the best, brand new hotels, glamping sites, activities, experiences and more for you to try in Northumberland.
In the tranquil landscape of
Kielder lies one of Northern England’s most outstanding conservation success stories; the return of the Osprey. This activity, launched by
Wild Intrigue and Kielder Waterside, sets sail on serene Kielder Water in the evening, ready for a striking sunset. While you admire the rare Ospreys soar overhead and fish in the water, your expert guide will share the history, ecology and inspiring conservation story of the Osprey, all while you munch on the delicious canapes that will be served on board.
This truly unique luxury glamping accommodation has relaxation and wellbeing at its heart. Set in natural woodland on a farm near
Morpeth, the rural setting and rustic style of the stunning huts allow you to truly connect with nature, not to mention the meadow yoga sessions you can partake in during your stay. This focus on nature does not compromise on comfort and luxury and each cabin has its own private decking with a wood-fired hot tub and fire pit, plus other features such as freestanding bathtubs, an outdoor shower and a bountiful hamper filled with local treats on arrival.
Top tip -
Enter our competition for the chance to win a two night stay here.
The Magic Bottles is a brand new outdoor ‘escape room’ style family adventure game in the magical town of
Alnwick, where broomsticks, bookshops, jousts and dragons are just a few of the possibilities. Using your smartphone, the game guides you around Alnwick where you will meet characters from the town’s past at various points along the route. The game is inspired by the legend of The Dirty Bottles pub, whose window holds haunted bottles that (legend has it) the landlord of the pub tried to move 200 years ago. After touching them, he immediately dropped dead and no one has touched them since. The game skilfully blends this local legend with a Harry Potter-inspired plot where the players take the role of young wizards to tackle a variety of challenges.
Nestled on the border of England and Scotland,
Till Fishing’s newly renovated cottage near
Berwick is perfect for exploring Northumberland. You can cosy up in front of the crackling open stove at the end of a day exploring nearby Berwick and Northumberland’s staggering coast, or sit out in the west facing garden to watch the sunset. The cottage is pet friendly so you can bring your pooch on your staycation. The River Till is just a short walk from the cottage offering serene, waterside walks, excellent fishing opportunities and even wild swimming if you fancy a dip. Based on a working farm, there is an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, badgers, deer and many species of birds.
Starting purely as a pop-up concept in summer 2021,
Bamburgh Under Canvas is an adult only glampsite located within one mile from the historic village of
Bamburgh, and the success of the pop-up made owners Cam and Amy decide to make this a permanent fixture for 2022. The experience is as close to camping as you can get without compromising on comfort, as the luxuriously furnished Lotus Belle tents have proper beds with bedding and even cooking/ barbeque facilities provided. If you are visiting for an occasion or just fancy treating yourself to an extra touch of luxury, there is one deluxe tent on-site with the added bonus of a private, wood fired hot tub under the stars. The site’s proximity to Bamburgh means you can feel the sand between your toes on striking Bamburgh Beach, explore majestic
Bamburgh Castle and enjoy exquisite food on the village high street. Travel further afield for attractions such as
Holy Island,
Beadnell,
Craster and a host more of Northumberland’s highlights.
Budle Bay Croft’s newest addition, Bothy Ho Ho, is a beautiful, two bedroom glamping cabin located on a coastal farm near idyllic Budle Bay. This cosy, wooden cottage is family, couple, solo-traveller and pet friendly and is ideally located to explore Northumberland’s wonderful
beaches, majestic
castles, and quaint
towns and villages. The open plan lounge and dining area offers tranquil views and a crackling log burner perfect for warming your toes after a day on the beach. There are a number of luxurious touches, including a Hotel Chocolat velvetiser for the creamiest of hot chocolates when you’re curled up on the sofa at the end of the day, and outdoor seating to enjoy a glass of wine under the stars on warm evenings.
Starting from the picturesque harbour at
Craster, this astounding adventure takes you along a staggering stretch of Northumberland’s rugged coastline, navigating around reefs, under cliffs, along hidden coves and beside secluded beaches. Stopping regularly to explore these hidden sections of shoreline and maybe even jump from the cliffs, you will pass the stunning, ruinous remains of
Dunstanburgh Castle as you paddle. This three hour trip (including one hour for kitting up) is an unmissable experience on your next visit to Northumberland.
Providing a perfectly romantic, rural escape for couples, East Farm is surrounded by rolling fields and peaceful countryside. Spend your Northumberland getaway in this secret spot and you’ll be surrounded by blooming trees, wildlife and the soundtrack of British farmland. Opening in September 2021, Duck Pond Cabin is fully furnished and equipped for two, and a traditional log burner warms the open plan kitchen/living/diner. The real highlight is the wood fired hot tub that sits on your private, fairy light-strewn terrace, overlooking the peaceful duck pond and the remote landscape beyond. A brand new Shepherd's Hut will be a welcome addition in early 2022, so keep your eyes peeled.
“Sleep like a wizard,” at Hallow and Crux, the hotel inspired by witchcraft and sorcery that
Alnwick has been waiting for. Given the town’s starring role in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when
Alnwick Castle is the backdrop for Harry and co’s first flying lesson, what better place to stay than in one of four individually designed bedrooms with a wizardly, whimsical twist. With names such as, “Dumbledorm,” and, “The Marauders,” candlelight sets the tone of the interior, as well as four poster beds, stone walls and hanging tapestries. Two of the rooms sleep four making a fantastic options for a Northumberland holiday with the kids, and the hotel’s location makes it an excellent spot for exploring Alnwick’s attractions including Alnwick Castle,
The Alnwick Garden and Barter Books. Not to mention that this hotel is part of The Dirty Bottles pub, so mouth-watering meals are just a staircase away.
Top tip - Speaking of witchcraft, Hallow and Crux isn’t the only new thing bringing a hint of magic to Northumberland. Pop into
Sweet Solstice, a new witches' kitchen specialising in magical sweet treats including delicious chocolate frogs, as well as a myriad of other irresistible pastries that fill the counter.
Trees at Tughall is a new, contemporary and modern self-catering accommodation just a two minute drive from Beadnell Beach. The concept of these stunning cabins is simply to offer a clean platform to enjoy nature, far away from the clutter and hustle of modern life. Just one look at the cabins will make you feel just that, with their light and airy decor, floor to ceiling windows and position in nature, each of them are placed in what feels like a completely private spot with their own specific relationship to their surroundings. Whether that be amongst ancient woodland or beside a trickling stream, the therapeutic qualities of nature are sure to take effect when you stay here. Close to some of Northumberland’s finest stretches of coastline and the rugged
Cheviot Hills, there is also a bustling local dining scene, with the Potted Lobster and quirky takeaways such as Embers just down the road.
Go completely off the grid with
Overland Adventures' expedition-ready Land Rover hire. From their beautifully rural location on the outskirts of Morpeth, incredible beaches, countryside, lakes and the Scottish Border are all within easy reach. Set out for an overnight adventure in the fully equipped Land Rover that has a Howling Moon roof tent, 270 awning and camping gear, plus there is parking on-site so you can leave your car once you pick up your new one. If you're arriving by public transport, they also offer a handover service from all local airports, train stations and North Shields ferry terminal.
12) Keep your eyes peeled for Ad Gefrin
Opening in February 2023,
Ad Gefrin will be a world class Northumberland Anglo-Saxon Museum and English whisky distillery in
Wooler. This must-see visitor attraction will celebrate and showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts and produce of Northumberland, re-awakening the Northumbrian tradition for Whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years.
Be a trend-setter on your next trip to Northumberland and try one of its brand new accommodations, activities and experiences. Make sure to tag us in your adventures
@visitnorthumberland and use our hashtags #endlessexperiences and #visitnorthumberland.
Author Jenni Meikle