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The Old School

Howick, near Alnwick, Northumberland
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Enclosed garden / patio
Beach within easy reach
6 more

At a glance

  • Romantic bolthole apartment set on the Howick estate
  • Superb and characterful cottage that was previously a school
  • Free access to the extensive grounds and gardens of Howick Hall

Property code: OC-NB350

This enchanting countryside retreat is perfect for couples looking for a relaxing escape. With a unique setting in Howick Hall and Arboretum grounds and less than 0.5 miles from the Northumberland coastline at Howick Sands, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for walking, water sports, or simply relaxing. Explore the secluded woodlands of Howick Hall or stride along the scenic Northumberland Coast Path and visit the pretty beaches of Sugar Sands and Longhoughton, just 1 mile on foot or 3 miles by car. Head to the pretty fishing village of Craster (3 miles) and stay to watch the fabulous sunsets and taste the local delicacy - kippers.

Once a school, this pretty cottage is full of character and is a real home-from-home. The tones are calming, while the decor reflects the area’s local history and nature. Downstairs is a lovely lounge/diner where you can relax on the sofas and chat or watch the TV. Enjoy cooking in the kitchen with all the appliances you need to make meal preparation a breeze. Share a romantic dinner around the table in the pretty lounge/diner. A charming bathroom with a shower over the bath completes the ground floor. Head upstairs and you’ll find a wonderful super-king-size bedroom with an en-suite WC. Outside, there’s a large, enclosed garden with a patio and furniture so you can enjoy an evening drink together. There is free access to the Howick Hall and Arboretum grounds, which are appealing to explore in any season.

The local area is rich in history, with Alnwick (6 miles away) boasting a famous castle, a wide range of places to eat, and shops to peruse. Head north up the stunning coastline, passing Beadnell Bay Beach (10 miles) on the way to the magnificent views towards the Farne Islands at Bamburgh Lighthouse and Beach (14 miles). Druridge Country Park (14.5 miles) and beach are must-visit attractions for water sports and beach walks.

  • 1 bedroom – 1 super-king bedroom
  • 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC, 1 en-suite WC
  • Electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer
  • TV
  • Lovely, enclosed garden and access to Howick Hall’s gardens
  • Off-road parking for 1 car
  • Pub and shop 2 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 09:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Elliot Albiston

This property is personally managed by Elliot.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 25 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 starsOverall equipment 4.9 stars4.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 starsOverall comfort 4.9 stars4.9
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Helen 29th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Another great week in The Old School: we love the location, with the bonus of entry to the wonderful Gardens, and such easy access to the stunning coast. As ever, the cottage had been beautifully prepared and was comfortable for relaxing after our walks. Everything we needed for a relaxing and refreshing week away. Thank you!

Reviewed by Erica 15th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was very convenient for both us and our dogs, with enclosed garden, very easy walk to the coast path. We were very comfortable and warm. The cottage furnishings and decor are way above average, and clearly thought and attention went into all the equipment. One of the best we have ever stayed in, and we plan to return!

Reviewed by Ian 2nd March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Our second visit to the school house and. It wont be our last. Wonderful location with great walks from the doorstep.

Reviewed by Anabel 28th December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved this comfortable cottage, well placed for walking parts of the Northumbrian Coastal Path. We appreciated the effort put into Christmas with a beautifully decorated tree and a festive good bag. We were able to keep a bike in the entrance hall which was very helpful. Would definitely visit again.

Reviewed by Lynn 30th November 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old School is very warm and cosy. The location is ideal for coastal walks and the arboretum. Within easy distance for driving to villages, and there are some lovely pubs and cafes to be visited on those rainy days. We would highly recommend, and Henry, Woof Woof, had a great time.

Reviewed by Geoffrey 19th October 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Tracy 12th October 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Stephen 7th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely cottage this is our 3rd visit and more to come

Reviewed by Sue 17th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage is comfortable, clean and well equipped. It is in a very peaceful and picturesque area with lovely walks straight from the cottage. Having access to Howick Hall gardens was a real bonus. It certainly provided us with a holiday to remember.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 3rd August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old School House is very comfortable and homely with everything you could possibly need. Lovely and totally enclosed garden which is ideal if you have dogs. The village of Howick is idyllic and very close to the coast path and some lovely beaches especially Sugar Sands. Having access to Howick Halls arboretum is a bonus for some lovely walks anRead mored Deer spotting. Hide

Reviewed by Karen 27th July 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Perfect!

Reviewed by Cheryl 22nd June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old School is a great place to stay, and base yourself, to enjoy the beautuful Northumberland coast. Third visit & love it even time

Reviewed by Mary 9th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by David 12th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Belinda 27th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Perfect spot for a quiet break in peaceful countryside. Extra special in my case, as my great-grandfather was the village schoolmaster in the very building from 1888 to 1899.

Reviewed by Hilary 30th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved this interesting historic cottage; it felt very welcoming, tastefully presented, very clean, cosy, well-equipped and spacious. Plenty of local information provided. Super location - few minutes walk to coast path and spectacular sea views, and in opposite direction the beautiful Howick Hall gardens - an absolute must if you stay here, espeRead morecially as you're provided with free entry passes, and the elegant tea rooms there are a delight. Good walking from the door, and many places to visit without driving too far, plus there is a bus stop immediately outside cottage which can be useful to get to the start of a walk and then walk back. Hope to return! Hide

Reviewed by Lynne 13th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Ann 6th October 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Wonderful property - felt so welcoming as we opened the door. Very peaceful but plenty to do in the area. Howick Hall and gardens are a lovely with a very nice cafe with views of the gardens. The Coastal Path provides walks in both directions with stunning views.

Reviewed by Antony 29th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A very comfortable and well-appointed cottage in a quiet location, with easy access to the sea and many other places well worth visiting. The caretaker, Anna, is very helpful.

Reviewed by Robert 27th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very comfortable cottage. Lovely welcome from Anna who came out to meet us on arrival almost before we had got out of the car. Parking good. Coastal path great - well signed (no need for any tricky navigation) and access only about 1/4 mile from the cottage. We would recommend and be pleased to stay here again. This location is very quiet and peacRead moreeful and would suit walkers and bird watchers. Craster, Boulmer and Dunstanton Castle all within easy reach via the coastal path. Free access to gardens in Howick a bonus and only about 10 mins walk. Alnwick is about 10-15 minutes away by car if you need to shop. Hide

Reviewed by Karen 4th August 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The old school house was clean comfortable and very peaceful, it close by to the coastal path, with stunning walks and beaches, it was perfect for us and our dogs, we hope to return

Reviewed by John 28th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A wonderfully tranquil place to stay.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 21st July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old School is a beautiful well equipped, comfortable and homely house set in the Idyllic village of Howick. Lovely big garden which is totally secure for dogs. Just a walk away onto the coastal path to some beautiful beaches. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend to family and friends and indeed hoping to return in the future.

Reviewed by Helen 15th July 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Beautiful property so well set out close to beach.well equpped comfortable bed lots extras tea coffee milk .lovely garden very comfortable

Reviewed by Christine 23rd June 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A perfect place to stay

23 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Cottages in Northumberland is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.