More holidaymakers are choosing to ditch travelling overseas in favour of discovering hidden gems right here in the UK – and one Northumberland holiday cottage that has been praised as “simply perfect” by guests is the ideal place for a retreat in the North East.
Bonny Barn is a holiday let found in the village of Harbottle within Northumberland National Park, and promises to be a unique getaway for anyone looking to swap their summer holiday abroad for a peaceful countryside escape. Described as “the perfect romantic retreat”, the quirky and cosy cottage is ideally situated to explore all Northumberland has to offer, with a country pub and a ruined medieval castle just a few minutes’ walk away.
The Star Inn pub just a stone’s throw from the holiday let has served the village for generations, after originally being built as a coaching inn in around the year 1800 using stone from the ruined Harbottle Castle. The castle in question can be found just up the road from Bonny Barn, a magnificent 12th century ruin, and from there it’s a short walk to the famous Drake Stone, a huge boulder which was once thought to have special healing powers.
Those who stay at Bonny Barn can also take the paths alongside the River Coquet, onto the moors and through the national park to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Northumbrian countryside. Inside the cottage, you will walk in to an open-plan living area, with twisting wooden stairs up to the bedroom, where you can stargaze from the warmth of your bed thanks to the skylight above.
At the other end of Northumberland National Park is of course the site of the world-famous Kielder Observatory, where he skies can be so dark that the Milky Way and even the planet Jupiter can cast shadows, so a stay in the area spells a dream getaway for amateur astronomers.
(Image: holidaycottages.co.uk)
With plenty of hiking, biking, fishing and rock-climbing opportunities in the surrounding area, Bonny Barn is also just a 15-minute drive away from the traditional market town of Rothbury, where you’ll find shops, pubs and restaurants. Just outside Rothbury you’ll find Cragside – a Victorian country house often dubbed ‘Britain’s original smart home’ at the heart of sprawling gardens, this is one of the region’s favourite National Trust attractions.
Also less than half an hour’s drive away from Bonny Barn are the English Heritage sites of Brinkburn Priory and Edlingham Castle, making it this slice of Northumberland the perfect destination for history buffs. But if you’re seeking a more relaxing getaway, you don’t even need to leave the cottage to enjoy stunning countryside views – simply head out into the garden or use the glass summer house to enjoy the scenery in all weathers.
There is still plenty of availability to book Bonny Barn this year at a reduced price through holidaycottages.co.uk, with a five-night stay in May currently on offer from £352, and also available to book on Booking.com and through Airbnb from £75 per night. The cottage has earned high ratings from visitors, who praised it as a “wonderful” stay in “fantastic” surroundings.
One guest wrote in their review: “Such a lovely little property to stay at and loved the scenery. Very dog friendly, the owner had provided us with a little welcome basket and dog treats for dogs. On arrival the owner greeted and welcomed into her home with a nice cuppa and loads of advice of where to visit. Would definitely recommend this lovely property to people visiting that area.”
And another customer agreed: “A cosy cottage away from the road in a lovely location which is ideal for walking or trips to the coast. Our host was friendly and welcoming. The property was clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated.
“We enjoyed using the ‘sitootie’ (garden room) overlooking the beautiful garden with views of the Drake Stone. The property is next to a small school so noise should be expected in term time, but it was very quiet and peaceful when we stayed in August. The Star Inn is recommended for eat in and takeaway.”
If you would rather save money by just visiting the area for the day, Harbottle is less than an hour’s drive away from Newcastle city centre, so if you’re travelling from the city you would have ample time to explore the village, take in those views and enjoy a pint and bite to eat at the pub before heading home.
Or if you’re after a Northumberland escape where you can explore more on foot, one of the top-rated choices among customers with fellow booking site Sykes Cottages is Coquet Cottage over in Warkworth. This 19th century riverside cottage offers unspoilt views of the River Coquet and surrounding countryside, while the village of Warkworth is home to a medieval castle, sandy beach and golf course, with plenty to explore whether you’re after some peace and quiet or a journey back in time. Coquet Cottage, which is also available to book on Booking.com, sleeps up to four guests with two bedrooms and pets welcome.
Another favourite among bookers looking to explore one of Northumberland’s most famous destinations is Nurse’s Cottage in Alnwick. Promising to be “the prescription for a perfect holiday”, this single-storey cottage has won awards for its stylish accommodation and beautiful setting.
Home to world-renowned attractions Alnwick Castle and the Alnwick Garden, this market town is one of the most popular choices for those seeking a Northumberland getaway. Nurse’s Cottage is also available to book on the likes of Booking.com and Expedia, with availability remaining for the spring and summer – read more about Northumberland stays you can book for 2025 here.
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