This sweet cottage in the little village of Willingham is brimming with character and charm. Sleeping three guests and welcoming two dogs, it offers a delightful romantic retreat, ideal for couples or a small family. A lovely base from which to explore the beautiful Northumberland National Park, it is close to the River Aln, with the dramatic Cheviot Hills on the horizon. The coast and golden beaches at Alnmouth are within 13 miles and you have peaceful country walks from the doorstep.
The living room is a wonderfully cosy space, with ceiling beams, comfortable sofas and a multi-fuel stove inside a large inglenook fireplace. A dining table sits to one side and there is a pretty, country-style kitchen. Upstairs are a bathroom and two appealing bedrooms with sloping ceilings – a lovely double and a single that’s perfect for a child. The cottage is tastefully furnished, with soft shades and vintage items enhancing its period charm. Outside is a delightful, enclosed and private courtyard garden, with bistro-style table and chairs.
Historic Alnwick (8.5 miles) is famous for its magnificent castle, familiar to film and TV viewers from scenes in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. A visit to the mighty castle and its spectacular gardens is a must, while the medieval market town of Alnwick is also full of interest. Explore its cobbled streets, narrow alleys and fine stone buildings, housing specialist and independent shops. If you love reading, head for one of England’s largest second-hand bookshops, housed in what was once the town’s fine Victorian railway station. You can still catch a train, now a vintage steam version, on the Aln Valley Railway. It runs to the pretty seaside village Alnmouth, with its colourful painted houses and glorious beach.