5 Unusual Places to Stay in Northumberland

Tourism in Northumberland is booming. As many holidaymakers head to popular destinations such as Alnwick and Bamburgh, we want to share with you the more unusual places to stay in Northumberland, to help you book that unforgettable break. 

Perhaps it’s the combination of coast, castles and hills that attract so many visitors a year. Or maybe it is the unique hidden gems such as Holy Island – accessible only at low tide – or the border villages with their remote locations. Whatever the magic charm you’re looking for, we can guarantee you’ll find it staying in one of these unique places to stay in Northumberland.

Northumberland is England’s most northern county, boasting over 40 miles of stunning coastline and more castles than any other county in England. It’s your gateway to the famous Farne Islands, as well as the rolling Cheviot Hills that border Scotland. You’ll find this north east county has friendly and hardworking people, who strive to give visitors a warm welcome as well as a memorable visit.

Frequent buses and trains will take you into the centre of the city of Newcastle in as little as 20 minutes. Or if you wish to head further north, you can be in Edinburgh in just one hour on the train. 

Attractive for both couples and families, you can’t go wrong making Northumberland top of your staycation list.

Unusual Places To Stay In Northumberland

The best of the more unique hotels in Northumberland to enjoy

1. Huts in the Hills

Location: Prendwick Farm, Whittingham, NE66 4UZ

(Minimum two night stay)

When you think of Northumberland, you may picture a scene of vast moorland, rolling stretches of beaches or even ‘there not being much there’. 

While there is certainly plenty on offer from the busy fishing harbours and market towns, you can quite easily find yourself lost in the Northumberland countryside in the middle of nowhere. It’s a chance to switch off from the daily grind, with space to unwind, unplug and relax. 

That is exactly what you will find at Huts In The Hills. 

Nestled at the base of the breathtaking Cheviot Hills, there are four luxury huts providing the perfect base for the escapism you are longing for. 

Two out of the four huts are geared more towards families: The Cheviot and The Maylies. The Maylies has two double beds and a little bunk, suitable for a family of five.

Each of the huts has a hot shower and flushing toilet (!), gas hob and electric oven and fridge along with a wood burning stove. Glamping at its best! Families have even booked these huts through to January, showing they are comfy to stay in all year round. There’s nothing cosier than staying in one of these huts with the log burner on, curled up with a favourite book or simply taking in the stunning views. 

The huts are equipped for you to do your own cooking, but if you are wanting full luxury, there are different meal packages available from breakfast baskets to evening meals and puddings. This is a perfect location for families, individuals or couples wanting to switch off and get back to nature. With walks and cycle routes from your doorstep, you can explore Ingram Valley or head to the market town of Alnwick which is a short drive away.

Unfortunately no pets are allowed due to the location being on a working farm. 

Prices start from £250 for a two night stay, but the price varies depending on which hut you stay in and the time of year. 

Visit hutsinthehills.co.uk for full booking details. 

2. Ilderton Dod Barns 

Location: Use postcode NE66 4JL

Situated in the Cheviot Hills between the Breamish and Harthope Valleys, Ilderton Dod Barn is another perfect location to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

The converted farm buildings are in the middle of an 1800-acre working hill farm so you may well see action involving tractors, sheep, cattle and working collies during your stay.

Here you can either stay in The Barn or Cuckoo Cottage; the Barn is a bunkhouse sleeping up to eight people plus three dogs, while Cuckoo Cottage sleeps three people plus a dog. With plenty of parking and a lockable bike storage, Ilderton Dod Barns are great for large parties, and an excellent base for walking and cycling in a gorgeous location. It also handily has washing and drying facilities outside, which is great when staying with plenty of muddy walks planned. 

Where better to spend your Northumberland break than surrounded by lambs and chicks on a working hill farm?

With six hundred ewes spread across our 1800 acres within Northumberland National Park you would struggle to miss seeing the lambs skipping around.

After a day out exploring, enjoy a powerful shower, log burners, barbecue and outdoor seating. A stay here provides that back-to-nature feel but without having to rough it.

Prices start from £350 per night, with a reduction for extra nights booked.

Visit Ilderton Dod Barns on Booking.com for the latest prices.

3. Pot-A-Doodle-Do

Location: Scremerston, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, TD15 2RJ

This glamping site has plenty of activities for families. Pot-a-Doodle-Do sits just south of the border town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, and as well as being able to stay in a glamping pod not far from the beach, there are plenty of activities to do on-site. 

You’ll find a choice of 30 different accommodation options available: 25 wigwams, a deluxe suite and five ensuite pods. One of the main attractions is pottery painting, where visitors to the area can even come and do just the pottery painting, without having to stay on the site. They also cater for small birthday parties or celebrations. 

There’s a restaurant offering hot and cold meals, an outdoor play park and plenty of running-around space for children. 

You can also come fishing at the well-stocked, two-acre lake, which is a great one to do with the kids or novice fishers because you are almost guaranteed to catch a fish. All equipment is available to hire from the small shop on site.  

Prices start from £124 for two nights, but a minimum booking of two nights is required.

Check the latest prices for Pot-a-Doodle-Doo on Booking.com

4. Langley Castle

Location: Langley-on-Tyne, NE47 5LU

Yes, you can stay in a castle! A night in Langley Castle is definitely not one to miss if you’re looking for unusual places to stay in Northumberland. The castle itself was built in 1350, and makes up just one of seventy castles in this county. 

Here you’ll find the nine castle rooms have contemporary twists and features, from spa bath to sauna and walk-in wardrobe to wet room. These modern features are combined with original architectural features, incredible raised window seats and impressive archways and fairy-tale staircases.

There are nine guest rooms within the castle itself and a further 18n rooms within the grounds. Family friendly rooms are available. Langley Castle is also a short drive from Hadrian’s Wall, perfect for making the most of your Northumbrian adventure.

Prices start from £99 for a last minute getaway (room only), and from £115 for bed and breakfast. Check the latest prices on Booking.com here.

5. The Black Hut

Location: Birtley, Hexham, NE48 3JA

Time to experience Northumberland’s dark skies. Sycamore Glamping Pods welcomed a new addition in 2022, The Black Hut. Set on a working farm, you take a short meander through the woodland and discover The Black Hut. A secluded and quirky glamping hut that offers luxury and tranquillity in rural Northumberland; a perfect romantic getaway for couples. There is space for two children as well, but the recommended age is 7+.

Two of the best features of The Black Hut include its viewing platform to stargaze under the blanket of Northumberland’s famous and protected Dark Skies. The other highlight is the roll-top outdoor bath. A luxurious location to sink into the bubbles under the stars, sipping on a glass of prosecco. Fluffy white bathrobes and beautiful English Bramley products can all be found in the Hut to treat yourself to after your relaxing soak. 

A space to indulge your senses, reconnect with yourself and sink into the landscape in this unique and secluded getaway. 

A retreat stay in The Black Hut includes: a king-sized bed with views to go to sleep and wake up to, a comfortable living space including a huge window seat and reading chair, plus a mezzanine level with beanbags and floor cushions, ideal for stargazing. 

There is also a fully equipped kitchen with everything you would need for your stay, including a combi oven, hob and even a dishwasher. You will be nice and cosy during your stay with central heating and luxury linen.

Prices start from £170 per night during off peak. 

Visit the website for full booking details. 

READ MORE: How about one of these spas in Northumberland if you’re looking for somewhere relaxing to stay?

Unusual places to stay in Northumberland

Northumberland is such a vast county, with so much to explore from the coast up into the Cheviot Hills. This round-up of unique places to stay in Northumberland provides a real taste of the different accommodation you can be booking for your trip, to experience the county at its finest.  

If you’re looking for activities during your stay in Northumberland, you may also be interested in the 4 best Northumberland coastal walks.

Quick List: Unusual Places to Stay in Northumberland

1. Huts in the Hills
2. Ilderton Dod Barns 
3. Pot-A-Doodle-Do
4. Langley Castle
5. The Black Hut

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