Published: 26.03.2026

Guide to Northumberland for Cottage Breaks

Thinking of booking a self-catering break in Northumberland and want to find ideas and inspiration on where to visit and holiday?  Read Countrycottagesonline.com’s guide to help you discover just why you should visit and how to discover some of the best of Northumbria on a cottage break.

Northumberland coastline
 

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What Does Northumberland Offer for Cottage Breaks?

Northumberland lies in the very north of England, bordering Scotland, and very much like Scotland, offers tranquil unspoilt beauty and the road less travelled.  If you want stunning scenery without hordes of tourists in most places, Northumberland could be a great choice.

Northumberland lies in the very north of England, bordering Scotland, and very much like Scotland, offers tranquil unspoilt beauty and the road less travelled.  If you want stunning scenery without hordes of tourists in most places, Northumberland could be a great choice.

The county is sparsely populated compared to some of England. There are large stretches of countryside between villages and numerous secluded farms. It is a holiday destination where seclusion and peace are found.

Secluded cottage that were once shepherd’s huts up on the moors offer more scope for tranquil breaks. All those people who desire an escape for the stress of modern life can find peace of mind in the north east.  It wasn’t all peace and quiet in the past, as can be seen in Hadrian’s Wall Country. Castles and ruins still stand on the hills, testament to the area’s past.

 

 

Northumberland’s Best Attractions include:
 

 


Discover the Northumberland Countryside on a Cottage Break  Northumberland countryside

If you love walking, hiking and wildlife watching, Northumberland is a great place to discover on holiday.  Walk and hike along the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail and discover breathtaking landscapes, views and historical attractions along the way.  The Northumberland National Park covers over 400 square miles.  There are opportunities to cycle or explore this area on horseback too of course!

 

 

Explore the Northumberland Coastline on a Self-Catering Holiday Sandy Northumberland beach

The coast includes the Northumberland Coast AONB and is expansive and fascinating, dotted with long stretches of sandy shores, historic castles and even islands like the Farne Islands and Holy Island.  Much of the Northumbrian coastline is a dedicated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Whether for lazy days sunbathing on the beach in summer time, seal watching trips or for visiting castles, the Northumbria coast is a wonderful place to visit.

 

 

Visit Northumberland’s Historical Attractions on a Cottage Break Dunstanburgh Castle

Historical attractions to visit and explore in Northumbria include Hadrian’s Wall related attractions, and historic castles.  Due to its history, this area is blessed with some fascinating historic sites.

Many of the Roman forts found in Northumbria are managed by English Heritage and include:

  • Chesters Roman Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Corbridge Roman Town and Housesteads Roman Fort.


Visit and learned about life in Northumberland in Roman times, discover why the Romans built the wall and see parts of it still in place today!

When it comes to historical castles, these vary from well preserved castles to ruins, and are found both inland and by the coast.  Historic castles in Northumberland include:

  • Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Chillingham Castle, Craster Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle,  and Warkworth Castle.
     

 

Discover the Great Outdoors in Northumberland

Northumberland is a wonderful area to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, from hiking and walking in the Cheviot Hills, to fishing and wildlife watching by the coast, to stargazing in the dark skies.

The fishing is also good in Northumberland.  People come to fish on the various rivers; the Breamish, Coquet, Blyth, Wansbeck, Allen, Pont and Tyne.  Hire a boat for fishing on Kielder Water. Rent a pine lodge or cottage specifically for a fishing break in Northumberland and have a good rest into the bargain.

Much of Northumbria is very dark at night, creating magnificent places for star gazing. It is not just young romantics who might enjoy the experience. people of all ages marvel at the clear night skies as they pick out the constellations. During the winter there is even a chance of spotting the greenish flickers of the northern lights.

 

Whether you are planning a take it easy break and want to relax and unwind at a cottage with a hot tub, or want to enjoy an invigorating self-catering break walking and hiking along Hadrian’s Wall Country, or a wildlife watching trip near the coast, we hope we’ve inspired you with the range of possible options when it comes to self-catering breaks in Northumberland.