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The Old School

Alnwick, Northumberland
original cottages logo

This property is managed by Original Cottages info_outline

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/DVD
  • Lovely, enclosed garden and access to Howick Hall’s gardens
  • Off-road parking for 1 car
  • Storage for bikes
  • Pub and shop 2 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 09:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Holly Hopkinson

This property is personally managed by Holly.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 36 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 stars4.9
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 stars4.7
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

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

Reviewed by Jenny 22nd May 2024

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

Reviewed by Carys 6th May 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

We really enjoyed our stay at The Old School during the Easter holidays. The cottage was comfortable and an excellent location for travelling around Northumberland. We loved being close to the coastal path and made use of the complimentary entry to Howick Hall and Gardens - which were lovely and quiet in the early evening. Anna was very welcominRead moreg and helpful. We would love to return to the cottage for another holiday Hide

Reviewed by Helen 22nd April 2024

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

A great return visit to beautiful Howick and The Old School. A perfect location from which to explore our favourite part of the beautiful Northumberland coast. The entry to the gardens and arboretum is a lovely bonus, and we used it well this week.

Reviewed by Fiona 10th March 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 at Howick is a cosy retreat ideal for getting away from it all. It is well located for many of the coastal trails and unspoilt sandy beaches. Quiet and tranquil location which offers a peaceful environment. Wi-fi worked well which was a surprise given the remoteness of the area.

Reviewed by Dorothy 3rd March 2024

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

Reviewed by Philip 18th February 2024

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

Reviewed by Simon 11th February 2024

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

Reviewed by Debora 24th December 2023

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

We went for one week in December, just before Christmas, and paid the very high price of 977 for the two of us and our dog. Howick Hall gardens and grounds were closed, so there was no use for the free pass. But the large arboretum was open and made a pleasant longer walk round to the sea. We enjoyed the quiet location of the cottage and its proximRead moreity to the sea. On the coast, we spotted a lot of birds and took a lot of landscape photos. The cottage was clean and comfortable. I would not recommend paying 977 for this property but I would recommend it at a much cheaper rent. Hide

Reviewed by Jane 5th November 2023

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

Reviewed by Janet 29th October 2023

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

Reviewed by Katherine 22nd October 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Cheryl 30th September 2023

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

Reviewed by Antony 25th September 2023

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

We had an extremely comfortable stay, in very pleasant surroundings, and Anna was most helpful. The school conversion is really imaginative, and Howick is a very good centre for exploring this part of the country. Highly recommended - we're hoping to stay there again.

Reviewed by Nicola 17th September 2023

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

The Old School is a beautifully decorated, cosy but spacious house in a very peaceful location. The property is well equipped and very close to the Howick Arboretum and Gardens. It is well located for visiting quaint towns and villages nearby and also close to coastal walks. I would definitely recommend this house.

Reviewed by Rachel 27th August 2023

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

The Old School was the perfect home from home, clean, comfortable and set in a beautiful location. Anna made us feel very welcome and the staff on the Howick Estate were very helpful and friendly. The Howick grounds contain some amazing trees from all around the world and the tea rooms and gardens are well worth a visit or two! The stunning coastalRead more path is only a few minutes walk away too. Hide

Reviewed by Sheila 21st August 2023

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

A lovely, well equipped, comfortable cottage in a beautiful area. Very warm welcome from Anna, who made us feel very welcome and had prepared the house to a very high standard. Wonderful area for walking with its proximity to coast path and stunning beaches.

Reviewed by John 13th August 2023

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

This was a very nice property in a lovely location. It was very well presented with nice comfortable furniture and equipment. Everything seemed good quality and it was clean. The location was very peaceful and convenient for access to the area.

Reviewed by J 24th July 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by David 17th July 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Robert 10th July 2023

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

A very comfortable and well equipped cottage in a lovely location close to the coastal path and within easy reach of many of the Northumberland tourist locations. Wonderful castles and beaches

Reviewed by Kim 11th June 2023

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

An excellent clean,comfortable cottage in a super location. Slept like a dream

Reviewed by Rosamond 7th May 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely cottage, cosy and well- positioned

Reviewed by Rosie 30th April 2023

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

The only downside was the unreliability of the wi fi. If this was upgraded it would all have been perfect.

Reviewed by John 5th April 2023

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

Anna, our contact at the property, was extremely helpful and friendly. Gold dust!

Reviewed by Helen 26th March 2023

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

The location of the cottage was ideal for access to the Coast Path; the entry to the gardens and grounds of Howick Hall was a lovely bonus. A very comfortable place to stay.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 15th March 2023

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The property was exactly as described, clean, warm and in a stunning location. I woud have no concerns with using Original Cottages in the future based on our recent experience.

Reviewed by Philip 19th February 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

34 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.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages in Northumberland is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages in Northumberland | 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.