The July edit: summer breaks with Coastal Retreats
Published: Friday 29th Jun 2018
If you’re looking for the complete package for your summer break then this selection of Retreats all deliver on location, luxury, nearby attractions, great experiences and relaxation.
Prepare to be smitten…
A former fisherman’s cottage, sleeping 8, overlooking Craster harbour.
Location: Craster is one of the most popular destinations on the Northumberland coast and Craster Retreat is at the heart of it. With sea views across the harbour and central enough to be able to walk to a pub or restaurant in under a minute you may never wander further than a few feet from this gorgeous bolthole.
Luxury: Careful renovation with exposed timbers and beams, stonework and inglenook fireplaces, Lulu Guinness linen and two master bedrooms with ensuites.
Nearby attractions: Just minutes from the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, an 18th century ruin on the headland between Craster and Embleton. Probably one of the most photographed spots in Northumberland and a regular feature on best walks in the UK guides. Embleton lies just beyond with its white sandy beach and to the south of Craster is Howick, home of Earl Grey who invented the tea of the same name.
Experiences: You can’t come to Craster without sampling a Craster kipper, which have been smoked here for more than 100 years and traditional methods are still used today.
Relaxation: Sunbathe, eat al fresco or just sip a glass of something chilled on the decking in the rear garden. If you are more of a people watcher then the carefully positioned seating is a perfect spot to observe the village goings on or simply wave watch the afternoon away.
A charming Retreat nestled in the grounds of a former 15th century tower house, sleeping four, and perfectly positioned for coast and country holidaying.
Location: The ultimate tranquil escape, Rosebud tempts with its starry nights thanks to its proximity to the Northumberland National Park with its unique dark sky status.
Luxury: Spacious Retreat for four with Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes and slippers for the master bedroom guests and two gardens to really maximise those country views.
Nearby attractions: Close to some of best walks and landscapes Northumberland has to offer in the National Park and to the popular St Cuthbert’s Way, which leads all the way out to the coast and Holy Island. The coastal village of Bamburgh is 20 minutes drive away with its glorious dune-backed beach and iconic castle.
Experiences: Nearby Wooler is a stargazing location and on a moonless night the Milky Way can be seen clearly.
Relaxation: What we love about Rosebud is that if you want to get away from the rest of the world, you can. A sense of calmness surrounds it and its large, open plan socialising areas means you can chat, cook, read, listen to music or if you wish, snooze the day away under the beautifully exposed beams.
Rosebud currently has 10% off all remaining July 2018 holidays. Click here for availability.
A family friendly cottage, sleeping six, deceptively spacious and recommended by Family Traveller Magazine.
Location: Just outside of the coastal village of Beadnell, Nook End has ample outdoor space in both its private and communal gardens, but also benefits from being just one mile from the nearest beach and only 10-15 minutes from the other popular villages of Bamburgh and Seahouses to the north. It is lucky to have Box.Pizza pop up eatery on its doorstep for wood-fired pizza with coastal views.
Luxury: Privacy for all guests with three bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms plus excellent outdoor facilities including a Wendy House, trampoline, table tennis and a garden pod.
Nearby attractions: The Farne Islands are just 10 minutes north at Seahouses where you’ll see a wealth of sea life from puffins to seals, and maybe even dolphins. Alnwick Castle, famed for its Harry Potter connection, and The Alnwick Garden with its Treehouse Restaurant are 20 minutes inland, and should not be missed.
Experiences: Beadnell Bay is the spot for watersports. You can try pretty much anything here from stand-up paddleboarding to coasteering and kayaking. If you are into diving, there are some great shipwrecks just off this part of the coast that are well worth the dive.
Relaxation: Nook End lends itself to lazy mornings drinking coffee in the garden and chilled evenings firing up the barbecue and watching the sun go down from the garden pod. If things get a little chilly the log burner is a delight.
A period cottage, sleeping four, with a luxurious coastal décor in the picturesque fishing village of Craster.
Location: Hidden behind Robson’s Smokery, famous for its Craster kippers, The Arch is another cottage central to all Craster has to offer. With fabulous views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the rocky Craster shoreline from its master bedroom, it is just a short walk to the pub, The Craster Seafood Restaurant, play park, Mick Oxley Art Gallery, and of course, the sea.
Luxury: New to our collection, The Arch has a beautiful open fireplace, some fabulous coastal chic furnishings and a hand painted kitchen with Belfast sink.
Nearby attractions: Rockpooling along the Craster coast is always fun, and the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle is definitely one of our top 10 things to do. If you like sandy beaches, Embleton and Newton are close by and The Alnwick Garden and Castle are just 15 minutes inland.
Experiences: Afternoon tea at Howick Hall and Gardens is something special, especially since this is the home of Earl Grey, who literally invented the tea of the same name.
Relaxation: The south facing courtyard garden is the perfect sun trap, and as everything is so close by, you can getaway with never getting behind the wheel of your car for the duration of your holiday.
