With the summer weather improving at last, many of us will be keen to make the most of it and treat ourselves to a trip away for some much-needed relaxation.
And with staycations still proving popular despite the easing of restrictions on travelling abroad, the North East has plenty to offer both locals and visitors from further afield when it comes to idyllic getaways. We're spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation too.
Besides hotels, guest houses and pubs in and around Newcastle, popular choices across the region include everything from wild camping and glamping sites to luxury cottages. With the latter in mind, we've been looking at tried and tested suggestions from travellers who have left reviews and recommendations on TripAdvisor.
Read more: Top North East camping sites according to Google
Here is a round-up of the top 10 holiday cottages in the North East according to their views. The same one to 10 ratings apply in TripAdvisor's 'best value' assessment of 50 North East cottages.
Elishaw Farm Holiday Cottages
Elishaw Moor, Otterburn NE19 1JH
Described as cosy barn conversions, these two cottages boast log-burning stoves, timber floors, original exposed beams and vaulted ceilings.
Among its five-star reviews was one waxing lyrical over the "magical little cottage", with much praise for the owners, the setting and on finding of cakes, fresh eggs and milk upon arrival. The review added: "Despite the weather we enjoyed the hot tub and swing in the orchard and the robes supplied were perfect for our dash back to the cottage for a film on the smart TV" and it concluded: "We didn't want to leave." Another noted the location had been easy to find and added: "The cottage adjoins another rental property so would suit two families who want to travel together and also the owners are next door." Read more reviews here.
Riding Farm Cottages
Riding Farm Riding Lane, Beamish, Gateshead, NE11 0JA; see here
Described as being equipped with modern luxuries, these cottages are on a working family farm, surrounded by countryside but just three miles from the A1(M).
The most recent review is from December which stated: "It was super"; "accommodation was just what we wanted" and "nothing was too much trouble". Before that came reviews at the end of 2020 which were full of praise with comments including "I do not wax lyrical about many places and I rarely write a review but this place deserves all the recognition it can get" and adding that he stay in a dog-friendly cottage with en-suite facilities was an "absolute pleasure".
Hamsteels Hall
Hamsteels Lane, Durham, DH7 9RS; see here
These stone-built modernised cottages of various sizes are 10 minutes' drive from Durham city centre and each claims a four-star Visit Britain award.
A TripAdvisor review from last autumn reported "accommodation is huge" relating to one property called Dairy Cottage and added "bottle of wine much appreciated". Another gave a thumbs-up to the Clydesdale, also very spacious, and said: "We are looking forward to returning and would recommend this property."
Coquet Cottages
Dial Place, Northumberland, Warkworth, Amble, NE65 0XQ; see here
The privately-owned luxury holiday cottages are available in the likes of Warkworth, Amble, Alnwick, Rothbury, Bamburgh, Alnmouth, Beadnell, Seahouses and in the heart of the Northumberland National Park.
One customer who stayed at Beadnell thought it "perfect accommodation, in a quiet location, with stylish decor and attention to detail" and made mention of its enclosed gardens being ideal for enjoying the views and the sunshine while also being well placed to explore the Northumbrian coast. Another said: "What can I say, absolutely fabulous!"
Cheviot Holiday Cottages
The Old Rectory, Ingram, Alnwick, NE66 4LT
These five-star luxury holiday cottages designed for couples are set in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside and are well located for walks and cycling in Northumberland National Park as well as being a short drive from the coast.
One happy customer wrote: "Absolutely beautiful place, couldn’t fault it at all! Stunning location, easy to get to all the beaches and castles but you could have just stayed close by and had a lovely holiday. Everything in the Coach House was beautifully done and everything was thought of to make your stay perfect." Another, who picked The Retreat, enthused about everything from the freshly-made bread and soup on arrival to having a private jacuzzi and every single kitchen gadget you could ever need adding: "WOW - It was absolutely amazing!" Read more reviews here.
Bowlees Cottages
Bowless Farm, Wolsingham DL13 3JF
Described as stunning cottages set in the Durham Dales, each has a hot tub and access to a heated pool and sauna.
Praise for two cottages included "both were very spacious and clean and comfortable. The swimming pool and hot tubs were also clean and well looked after. The location of the cottages is breathtaking with perfect views of the countryside." Another thought the pool and snooker rooms "an added bonus". See here.
Doxford Cottages
Doxford Estate, Chathill NE67 5DW
These are described as luxury cottages on a 2,500-acre estate near the coast in Northumberland.
One reviewer who had a "wonderful time" thought the cottage and location - with wood and lake and being close by car to Bamburgh and Seahouses - both beautiful; adding the property was "spacious yet cosy" and saying: "Loved watching the birds outside of the patio doors."
Another wrote: "If you are looking for the best impeccable comfort in a peaceful setting with easy access to miles of wild beaches, wild skies and wild life (and sometimes wild weather), then this is the place to be." See here.
The Hides
146 Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7UA
Offering dog-friendly en-suite holiday accommodation, these cottages are described as being in "the quiet end of Seahouses" which itself is billed as the 'gateway to the Farne Islands'. Outside are picnic tables, BBQs and an equipment washdown area for dogs, bikes or diving gear.
One solo traveller had "everything I needed", adding: "It might be a bit cosy if all four beds were occupied, but so long as you are friends it will work out." The review highlighted a sun-trap garden, ease of parking and added: "I love the location, short walk into the town centre and good road links to wherever you need to get to." Another enjoyed the friendly, homely atmosphere". See here.
Outchester and Ross Cottages
The Farmhouse Outchester and Ross, Belford NE70 7EN
There are 16 cottages on farms along Northumberland's Heritage Coast between Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle plus an 18th century tower - the Outchester Ducke - overlooking the sea and Lindisfarne. Five cottages are pet-free. It says a star-gazing observatory, family-size canoe, bird-watching hide and mobile BBQs are available at no extra charge.
One reviewer said: "This tower is amazing - fully deserves its five stars." Another loved the cottages, with the bird hide at Ross, praising the wildlife and walking trails and saying: "We’ve seen nesting birds feeding their young when visiting in June and July and loads of seals in September." See here.
The Willows Cottages
Red Row, Druridge Bay, Northumberland
There are three converted four-star bungalows in the village of Red Row, near Druridge Bay Country Park and beach.
One happy customer enjoyed a seventh stay at Red Row and said their hosts ensured that "our stay is home from home". Another said: "Our particular favourite is Little Willows which has recently been refurbished to an excellent standard." Read more reviews here.
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