Northumberland cottages for October half term
Published: Saturday 5th Oct 2019
October half term offers the chance for a family getaway before the craziness of the countdown to Christmas begins. Autumnal sunshine, colours and feasts mix with log fires and spooky shenanigans for a holiday that’ll certainly blow away the cobwebs.
Be inspired by these Retreats and our recommendations of what’s nearby to eat and visit.
This two bedroom ground floor apartment in Seahouses has sea views from the lounge and is well located to enjoy the nearby village restaurants, shops and activities from boat trips at the harbour to swimming and spa treatments at The Ocean Club, of which guests receive complimentary membership (small entry fee applies).
Visit: Bamburgh Castle for pumpkin bowling and a Halloween trail, its state rooms and dungeon, plus some amazing coastal views.
Eat at: St Aidan’s Bistro for fresh fish and seafood or its signature slow cooked Northumbrian beef, with panoramic vistas of the Farne Islands, Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island in the distance.
Enjoy: A boat trip out to The Farne Islands to see the thousands of grey seals and their pups, which are born at autumn time.
Just outside of the centrally positioned coastal village of Beadnell, three-bedroom Driftwood is situated in the hamlet of Swinhoe. Its private and communal gardens make it an ideal family-friendly Retreat where children can let off steam while the adults kick back in front of the wood burning stove.
Visit: The Alnwick Garden’s ghoulish garden and enjoy a spooky trail around its bamboo maze, rose and formal gardens and through its water features for Halloween. If you like things a little scarier then it also has a ‘zombie-infested’ Scare Zone in the evenings.
Eat at: Box pizza restaurant for artisan wood-fired pizzas. We’d recommend the garlic bread and the Hot ‘Duja if you like things spicy.
Enjoy: Stand-up paddle boarding at Beadnell Bay or many other watersports from canoeing to land yachting.
This two-bedroom country Retreat in the Scottish Borders is perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside, exploring woodlands and rivers and even jumping on the train and heading to Edinburgh for the day. A warm and inviting Retreat, it has kept children in mind while also heaping on the luxuries for the adults from White Company linens to squashy Loaf sofas.
Visit: Floors Castle on the banks of the Tweed in Kelso to see the home of the Duke of Roxburghe, sample food from the castle’s chef at the Terrace Restaurant and even take some back to eat at Tweedswood – the shop sells a range of upmarket ‘ready meals’ prepared in the castle kitchens. Children will find the zip wire at the castle’s excellent play area irresistible.
Eat at: The Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells. A destination bookshop and café, it is an absolute must if you love to read, drink coffee and eat cake.
Enjoy: Trying your hand at salmon fishing on the River Tweed. More salmon are caught here than any other British river, so you’re in with a good chance of taking dinner home with you.
See our full collection for more October half term holiday cottage inspiration. Seven night and weekend and mid week breaks available.
