Girls Guide to Northumberland

Planning a weekend break with friends? Then look no further than the Northumberland coast. A hidden gem of unspoilt beaches and countryside, this area offers plenty of opportunities to relax – all just a few miles from Newcastle City.

Where to Stay

We have a number of cottages perfect for girls get togethers, whether that is an upmarket hen do, milestone birthday or friends reunion.

Moo House at the countryside location of Tughall Steads is five minutes from Beadnell and Newton-by-the-Sea beaches. This spacious barn conversion has a funky interior, party size barbeque and sleep-inducing king size beds. Moo House can be booked with the smaller adjacent properties in this area if your party exceeds 12.

Bamburgh’s North Star House is an old stone house transformed in 2012. It has vast L-shaped sofas, a feature log burner, inspirational views of Bamburgh Castle and the sea and an exclusive cinema room.

Duneside House is a fantastic beachside Retreat in Beadnell with high end features. Sleeping 10, across four bedrooms, this holiday home lends itself to group stays with its spacious living and dining areas.

The contemporary styling of the six-bedroom Beach 38 , also in Beadnell, is its appeal, along with the short walk to the beach. The outdoor shower is brilliant for post beach adventures and the Jacuzzi bath is fab for some at home relaxation.

Where to Eat

The magical setting of Alnwick’s The Treehouse – a treetop restaurant complete with wobbly rope bridges – shouldn’t be missed.

Fabulous seafood at the Mizen Head Hotel Restaurant in Bamburgh. Locally sourced seafood is the selling point here, so much so that they list the fishing boats and the types of seafood they supply.

Real dipping chips and renowned crab sandwiches at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster – great after a coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle.

Down-to-earth, homely food at the recently renovated Joiner’s Arms in High Newton.

Elan Pizzeria in Seahouses for freshly baked artisan pizzas. Also look out for their retro chic Citroen H-Van serving crepes and galettes at locations throughout the North East.

Bring the fine dining experience to your Coastal Retreats cottage with a meal prepared for you at your venue. See our dining in page for options.

Where to Shop

Artisan shopping is in abundance. Rare collectables can be picked up at Alnwick’s Barter Books , named in ‘The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World’ 2012 list. Located in an old Victorian railway station, there is a café and squishy sofas on site.

Drop in at the Mick Oxley Art Gallery in Craster for unique seascape paintings by the owner, jewellery, photographic prints and other artworks. Equally the Fenwick Gallery in Warkworth has a range of contemporary fine art pieces.

Eleanor’s Byre in Embleton is great for delectable gifts as is Sunny Hills Farm Shop in Belford.

You are also just a train ride from Alnmouth Station to Newcastle City Centre with the boutique stores of Grainger Street such as Jigsaw, Reiss, Space NK and Vivienne Westwood. There are also department stores Fenwicks and John Lewis in the Eldon Square Shopping Centre and the high street shops of Northumberland Street.

Where to go

Northumberland is an area of outstanding beauty and its beaches are unspoilt and uncrowded. Bamburgh, Warkworth, Beadnell, Druridge Bay and Embleton Bay are all equally amazing.

Castles are aplenty with highlights including Chillingham , Alnwick , Bamburgh and the ruins of Dunstanburgh .

The former home of Earl Grey (namesake of the tea), Howick Hall , is good for a spot of afternoon tea and a leisurely walk around the gardens. Similarly Alnwick Gardens is home to the risky Poison Garden and the Bamboo maze, while the on site Jamie’s Ministry of Food means you can become chef for the day.

Where to Relax

Pamper packages are available at the Ocean Club in Seahouses where you can indulge in its signature hot stone therapy, Ocean Spray Facial or back massage. There is also a pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath. Marine technologists Thalgo are the aptly used treatment products at this coastal spa.