A Northumberland Christmas to remember

For those of you who have booked a Retreats break, and for those who are toying with the idea, here are some of our recommendations to have a truly memorable Northumberland Christmas.

For the kids (and the big kids!)

Take a trip to Alnwick Gardens where its light trail will be illuminating the gardens with light, colours and sound until January 2. This event will be running alongside visits to see Father Christmas and a festive menu at The Treehouse.

Or head along to Bamburgh Castle where there is a Saints and Angels extravaganza - think glittering Christmas trees, towering floral arrangements, dazzling décor and overhead angels - a Santa's grotto and reindeers.

Stay at Red Herring (Sleeps 4), Harbour Master's House (Sleeps 6), Seasalt (Sleeps 6), The Old Gardener's (Sleeps 6) or Garden Cottage (Sleeps 6)

For food lovers

Take a bracing Christmas stroll along Bamburgh, Seahouses or Newton by the Sea beaches and then stop off for a pub lunch and a warm by the fire at The Joiners Arms or The Ship Inn in Newton, The Olde Ship Inn in Seahouses or The Victoria, Bamburgh. Alternatively, combine a beach walk with the craggy coastline of Craster and have some gastro fayre at The Jolly Fisherman.

If you are sick of the sight of turkey then Elan Pizzeria, The Spice House and The Indian Brasserie in Seahouses are great options for some non-Christmas tucker.

Stay at Armstrong 7 (Sleeps 4), Beach38 (Sleeps 11), The Arch (Sleeps 4) or Duneside House (Sleeps 10) 

For the adventurous

Ride the North Sea surf and work off the Christmas Day lunch with some surf lessons from the guys at Northside Surf or take part in the Boxing Day Dip at Spittal beach in Berwick.

Stay at Armstrong 8 (Sleeps 4), Bamburgh Coach House (Sleeps 5) or Bamburgh Beach House (Sleeps 8)

If you need a pamper

Take advantage of the membership to the private Ocean Club in Seahouses which comes with your holiday cottage to enjoy a swim, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi at a small entry fee of £8. The club also offers Thalgo and ESPA treatments if you are in need of a massage or a facial.

Stay at Seafarer's (Sleeps 7), The Beach Pad (Sleeps 4), Bluegrass (Sleeps 4) orSalt Air (Sleeps 4)

If you’re a Christmas traditionalist

Get back to what Christmas is all about with midnight mass on December 24 at St Aidan’s Church in Bamburgh, or join in on their Christmas Day service.

Stay atSeagrass (Sleeps 6),Bamburgh Five (Sleeps 4) orArmstrong 7 (Sleeps 4)

If you’re a home body

Order in all your Christmas food and drink and camp down in your chosen cottage. See the festivities through by warming your feet by the log burner, playing the numerous board games or cosying up on the sofa and watching a movie.

Stay at Skyfall (Sleeps 4), The Old Ale House (Sleeps 5),Craster Colours (Sleeps 12) or The Lodge @ Shirewater (Sleeps 2)