The Best Hotels and Inns to Book in Northumberland
Make Northumberland your next escape
Bailiffgate Hotel
In brief: An elegant boutique hotel in the historic market town of Alnwick.
Insider guide: Each of the 48 bedrooms at Northumberland’s newest hotel is a perfect blend of past and present, ranging from Courtyard Rooms to the Suites with views of neighbouring Alnwick Castle. Dine in the Motte & Bailey bistro on locally-sourced dishes designed by head chef Paul Blakey, relax in the welcoming Commissioner’s Bar, and don’t miss the hidden Courtyard for al fresco dining when the weather behaves. The hotel now also offers a choice of Temple Spa Treatments.
2–8 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1LX
01665 661500
bailiffgatehotel.com
The Beaumont
In brief: A contemporary townhouse-style hotel opposite the sixth century Hexham Abbey.
Insider guide: Perfectly placed to explore Hadrian’s Wall country, this Victorian property has been reimagined into a contemporary hotel with 33 rooms spread over three floors. The open-plan restaurant, lounge and bar with open kitchen combine to create an airy, informal space where the talented kitchen team serve up locally-sourced, seasonal specials.
Beaumont Street, Hexham NE46 3LT
01434 602331
thebeamonthexham.co.uk
The Tempus
In brief: A super-stylish boutique hotel with new Garden Cabins overlooking the lake.
Insider guide: Each of the 41 bedrooms at this award-winning hotel is unique. Stay in the hotel itself or in the Farmhouse, Farm Cottage, Pole Barn or the Lookout. Those requiring extra space can stay in one of the eight new dog-friendly cabins on the shore of a private lake, each with an outdoor copper bath and private terrace. Head to The Orangery for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner and watch the chefs at work creating their delicious dishes, or the hotel’s bar for handcrafted cocktails and bar snacks.
Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5DZ
01665 579173
thetempus.co.uk
Matfen Hall
In brief: Northumberland’s first and only five-star hotel, set in 300 acres of parkland.
Insider guide: Having undergone serious investment and renovations, the 63 elegant bedrooms here range from contemporary classics to spacious suites overlooking the parkland golf course. Dining options at Matfen Hall include the contemporary grill restaurant Cloisters, the three-AA Rosette Emerald Restaurant for fine dining, and a more relaxed offering at The Keepers. The Retreat spa offers a place to unwind with an indoor pool, thermal suite, gym and a range of treatments available, and the parkland golf courses (Douglas, Standing Stone and Dewlaw) are set within the stunning 300-acre estate.
Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH
01661 886500
matfenhall.com
The Greenhead Hotel
In brief: A hidden gem on the Northumberland/Cumbrian border.
Insider guide: Spend the night in one of the seven refurbished bedrooms, all named after locations or attractions on nearby Hadrian’s Wall. The restaurant has recently been awarded an AA Rosette and you can enjoy a great selection of elevated pub dishes, while the friendly bar serves a selection of local ales and hand-picked wines.
Main Road, Greenhead, Brampton CA8 7HB
016977 47411
greenheadhotel.co.uk
The Lord Crewe
In brief: A cooly contemporary seaside pub with sleek rooms just a short stroll from the award-winning beach at Bamburgh.
Insider guide: Expect to find plenty of locally-sourced seafood dishes on the menu here, which have earned the restaurant an AA Rosette. Inside this award-winning retreat you’ll find seven individually-designed bedrooms (several including window seats so you can soak up the coastal views). A pre-dinner cocktail in the cosy bar area is a must before tucking into local delicacies in the pub’s popular restaurant.
Bamburgh, Northumberland NE69 7BL
01668 214243
lord-crewe.co.uk
Lord Crewe Arms
In brief: This historic bolthole sits in pride of place in the chocolate box village of Blanchland.
Insider guide: For a pint of the best, head straight to The Crypt, a snug spot to enjoy a tipple tucked away in a medieval vaulted chamber. The luxurious rooms here include cosy, family, and dog-friendly suites but this is also one of the finest places to dine in Northumberland, whether you choose to indulge in the carefully-curated dishes in The Bishop’s Dining Room or opt for a cosier, more relaxed meal by the fire in The Hilyard.
The Square, Blanchland DH8 9SP
01434 677100
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
The Black Bull Inn
In brief: A rightly popular village inn just outside historic Berwick.
Insider guide: The bar is a real highlight at The Black Bull, a warm and welcoming space with a great choice of real ale and keg beers. Take your pick of 12 luxury rooms which are named after local valleys, rivers, hills and castles. The restaurant serves great dishes including all your favourite British classics – think beer-battered cod and chips and sticky toffee pudding served with a delicious butterscotch sauce.
2–4 Main Street, Lowick TD15 2UA
01289 388375
blackbulllowick.co.uk
Bertram’s
In brief: A welcoming neighbourhood bistro with rooms in the pretty village of Warkworth.
Insider guide: The menu here is packed full of local delicacies from renowned chef Richard Sim. Bertram’s is a café by day and bistro by night, and the menu takes full advantage of the nearby coast and countryside. There’s a pretty courtyard at the back for al fresco dining, and five comfortable ensuite bedrooms, two of which are dog-friendly.
19 Bridge Street, Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 0XB
01665 798070
bertrams.co.uk
Pentonbridge Inn
In brief: An historic Michelin-starred inn with nine unique rooms.
Insider guide: Holding a Michelin star and three AA Rosettes, Pentonbridge Inn is nonetheless a relaxed and welcoming space with a passion for seasonality and locality, using produce from the gardens of nearby Netherby Hall. Perched near the English-Scottish border, the room names are inspired by the chequered history of the area and there’s plenty to discover in the surrounding landscape.
Penton, Carlisle CA6 5QB
01228 586636
pentonbridgeinn.co.uk
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest
In brief: A refined country pub with rooms on the western edge of Northumberland.
Insider guide: Taking full advantage of its surroundings and local produce, this characterful gastropub has a game-led menu which holds seasonality and sustainability at its core. All produce and ingredients are sourced within 50 miles of the pub and their field-to-fork philosophy is reflected in both their à la carte and tasting menu. Guests can choose from a clutch of individually-designed contemporary rooms or book The Old Rectory, a great option for family holidays, just next door to the pub.
Slaggyford, Brampton CA8 7PB
01434 671526
theksi.co.uk
Hadrian’s Hotel
In brief: A classic country pub in Hadrian’s Wall Country, recently given a new lease of life.
Insider guide: Picture crackling fires, traditional interiors and a welcoming atmosphere at this elevated gastropub which recently came under new management. Guests can choose from 14 bespoke bedrooms, and dinner in the Willow Restaurant is where you can expect elevated, contemporary dishes. For something simpler enjoy a pint and browse the pub menu for hearty favourites.
Front Street, Wall, Hexham NE46 4EE
hadrianshotel.com
