Northumberland Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Northumberland Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Northumberland packs in more castles than any other English county - over 70 at last count! Alnwick Castle (NE66 1NQ, open 10am-5pm March-October) isn't just a Harry Potter filming location but houses one of Britain's finest private art collections. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 8,000 reviews.

The Roman legacy is massive here. Hadrian's Wall stretches 73 miles with multiple forts to explore. Housesteads Roman Fort (NE47 6NN) offers the most complete Roman fort in Britain with stunning views. It's rated 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and open daily 10am-5pm.

I recommend visiting Holy Island (Lindisfarne) but check tide times first! The causeway floods twice daily and you don't want to get stuck. The priory ruins and castle are worth the trip, plus there's excellent birdwatching. The island scores 4.5/5 from over 2,300 TripAdvisor reviews.

After a day out, your cottage hot tub will feel even better under Northumberland's famous dark skies. The county has Europe's largest protected Dark Sky Park and on clear nights, you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Northumberland! Most beaches allow dogs year-round, unlike many UK coastal spots with summer bans. Bamburgh Beach offers miles of sand for energetic pets, while Druridge Bay's seven-mile stretch rarely feels crowded even in summer.

We've found several dog-friendly pubs serving great food. The Jolly Fisherman in Craster (NE66 3TR) welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves famous crab soup. The Ship Inn at Low Newton (NE66 3EL) brews its own beer and allows dogs throughout - both score over 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Many Northumberland attractions welcome dogs too. Alnwick Garden allows dogs in most outdoor areas, while Cragside estate has miles of woodland walks where dogs can run off-lead. After muddy walks, your cottage hot tub will be tempting, but remember to keep pets out of the water!

Pack a longer lead for castle visits as most require dogs to be kept on leads. Also bring towels for wet paws - the weather can change quickly here and those North Sea beaches can get windy!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Northumberland

Kielder Water & Forest Park (NE48 1ER) is an absolute must-visit. It's England's largest forest and man-made lake, offering mountain biking, watersports and wildlife watching. The Kielder Observatory runs stargazing events throughout the year - book ahead as they sell out fast. One visitor wrote: "Saw the Milky Way for the first time in my life. The astronomers made complex science accessible and fun."

Bamburgh Castle (NE69 7DF, open 10am-5pm) dominates a stunning beach and village. It's been continuously occupied for over 1,500 years and houses collections spanning centuries. The great hall and keep are impressive, but the views across to the Farne Islands steal the show. Recent TripAdvisor review: "Worth every penny of the entrance fee. The audio guide brings history to life and the staff knowledge is outstanding."

Farne Islands boat trips from Seahouses (NE68 7SH) offer wildlife encounters you won't forget. Between April and July, over 150,000 breeding seabirds nest here, including puffins you can approach within feet. Grey seals bob around boats year-round. Billy Shiel's boats (running since 1918) offer various trip lengths. One family reported: "Our kids were speechless seeing puffins so close. The skipper spotted a pod of dolphins on the return journey too!"

When is the best time to visit Northumberland?

May to September offers the best weather, but April and October can be lovely with fewer visitors. For hot tub enjoyment, summer evenings stay light until after 10pm. Winter visits have their charm too - imagine stargazing from your hot tub with snow on the hills!

Do I need a car in Northumberland?

Yes, public transport is limited. The county covers 1,936 square miles with attractions spread out. Most hot tub cottages are in rural locations without regular bus services. Taxis are available but booking ahead is essential.

Is Northumberland good for families?

Absolutely! Beaches offer safe swimming and rock pooling. Alnwick Garden has a fantastic treehouse restaurant and poison garden tours. Kielder Water runs family activities year-round. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days.

What should I pack for Northumberland?

Layers! The weather changes quickly. Walking boots are essential for exploring. Binoculars help spot wildlife and distant castles. Swimming costumes for your hot tub, obviously, plus beach gear in summer.

Are there good restaurants in Northumberland?

Yes, from Michelin-recommended The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh to excellent pub food at The Craster Arms. Local specialities include Craster kippers, Lindisfarne oysters and Doddington cheese. Many villages have farm shops selling local produce.

Can I see the Northern Lights in Northumberland?

Sometimes! The Aurora Borealis is visible several times yearly, especially between October and March. The dark skies and northerly location increase your chances. Download an aurora alert app and keep your hot tub ready for late-night viewing!

1. Visit Northumberland Official Tourism Site
2. Northumberland National Park
3. Hadrian's Wall Information
4. National Trust Northumberland Properties