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Guide to Northumbria for Luxurious Self-Catering Holidays

What Northumbria Offers for Luxury Self-Catering Breaks

Northumberland is England's most northerly county and benefits greatly in terms of landscape and natural beauty from being so close to Scotland. Northumbria has plenty of rural places for luxury cottage breaks or stay in a bustling town if you prefer. Northumbria is home to ancient castles, long stretches of golden sand, rugged moorland and hills and beautiful attractive villages and towns. Northumberland also boasts some amazing attractions such as Hadrian's Wall and stunning areas of scenery like Kielder Water and Forest Park. There are also a number of quaint places and fantastic sandy beaches dotted along the Northumbrian coast. Packed with well known places as well as hidden gems, Northumberland is a wonderful location for a luxury cottage break for anyone looking to get out and explore or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

Luxury self-catering cottages in Northumberland

Find out more about a luxury cottage break in Northumberland with our video

Top Tips on Food and Dining in Northumberland

Northumberland sunset There is great variation in Northumberland when it comes to food and drink, small family run pubs, luxurious fine dining restaurants and classic country tea rooms are dotted throughout the county for you to enjoy. There are lots of options to choose from when on your luxury cottage break. There is even the opportunity to dine on some fresh locally caught fish in one of the many quaint fish and chip shops along the coast. Local Cheviot lamb, beef and brewed ales are a popular choice in the country pubs as well as fresh lobster or fresh asparagus grown on the grassy shores which can be found as specialities in the great restaurants. Northumberland's culinary traditions have been developed through time starting with the monks at Lindisfarne on to the shepherds and miners.

Northumberland is known to produce one of Britain's finest ranges of fish because of its fantastic salmon rivers and the access to the North Sea. It is also world famous for its production of lamb, its great seasonal vegetables and locally brewed ales. Shopping for your holiday food could not be more of a delight in one of the many independent farm shops, retailers or farmers markets.

However if you prefer not to spend time in the kitchen whilst on your luxury cottage holiday then there are plenty of wonderful restaurants for you to experience. Alnwich can provide you with a unique dining experience in its Treehouse restaurant which is part of the Alnwick Garden. There is also the Rob Roy Seafood Restaurant which is a must-try and a trip to Amble or Seahouses to get some classic fresh fish and chips should not leave you disappointed.

Places of Interest and Tourist Attractions to Visit on a Luxury Cottage Break in Northumberland

As well as fabulous food, there is plenty to keep you occupied when you're not eating on your luxury cottage holiday! Fantastic history and heritage sites are spread throughout the county, providing you with amazing choice when it comes to looking into Northumberland's rich past. Some great places to visit include Bamburgh Castle, Chesters Roman Fort and Chillingham Castle to name a few. There are also some beautiful gardens that are well worth a visit to experience the beautiful flora and fauna which can grow here such as Howick Gardens and Arboretum, The Alnwick garden and Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens which children would enjoy. For those of you looking to take away some fresh knowledge from your trip the Roman Army Museum, the Heritage Centre and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum may be of interest to you.

Two major attractions in this beautiful county are Hadrian's Wall and Northumberlandia. Northumberlandia is the world's largest human form sculpted into the landscape. It is a feature landmark designed by artist Charles Jencks which is aimed at celebrating the natural powers of the earth and the human ability to change the landscape. Although not complete, the sculpture has been an ongoing construction since 2010 and when complete 1.5 million tons of soil and clay will have been used to create this ambitious sculpture. Hadrian's Wall however has a very different approach as one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites and also as one of the UK's most iconic and well known landmarks. The wall stretches for 73 miles between Wallsend and Bowness on Solway and is definitely worth a visit, as well as its 5 excavated forts. Enjoy walks along Hadrian's Wall whilst on your luxury self-catering break but be prepared to hike up for the great views.

Visit Northumbrian Castles on a Luxury Cottage Holiday

Recommended Activities to Enjoy on a Luxury Break in Northumberland

Some visitors to Northumberland would rather simply enjoy the fabulous surroundings rather than visit the attractions. For people who enjoy keeping active and want to enjoy the fresh air there is walking, fishing, golfing, cycling, horse riding, multiple water sports and also bird and wildlife watching to enjoy on your luxury break. For those thrill seekers looking to try something different there is also the option to get involved in some adventure activities such as coasteering, quad biking, rock climbing, paint balling and clay pigeon shooting.

Add an extra touch of luxury...

For those of you looking to add an extra touch of luxury to your cottage holiday in Northumberland there is plenty for you to enjoy. Take a spa day in a Northumberland Spa or beauty boutique, relax and enjoy some tranquil pampering. You could also take a romantic hot air balloon ride above the beautiful county, taking in the sights from a birds eye view.

More Places of Interest or Tourist Attractions to Discover in Northumbria:

Northumberland has a wealth of attractions for visitors. Hexham Abbey, Aydon Castle, Northumberlandia, Northumberland Cheese Company, Coquet island, Couple Sculpture, Bailiffgate Museum, Bolam Lake Country Park, Planetrees Roman Wall, Go Ape Treetop adventure and Belsay HalL Castle and Gardens. A number of boat trips operate mainly from Seahouses. For more information on local attractions we recommend that you pop in to a tourist information office on arrival for free brochures on some of Northumbria's top attractions. Have a wonderful luxury cottage break in Northumberland.