Nine North East B&Bs You Need to Know About
Why not book a cosy B&B for your next breakaway?
The Walls
In brief: A Georgian townhouse with views over the River Tweed on Berwick’s town walls.
Insider guide: Historic Berwick, once known for war and conflict, is far more peaceful nowadays where The Walls sits perched on the town’s ancient Elizabethan walls. After spending your day wandering the walls and tracing the footsteps of LS Lowry (who famously painted the town), enjoying a round on one of the nearby golf courses, or exploring the rugged Northumberland coast, unwind and warm up by the wood-burning stove in the guest lounge as you pour yourself a drink from the honesty bar. Locally smoked Craster kippers are the order at breakfast, but there are continental and traditional cooked options too.
8 Quay Walls, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland TD15 1HB
01289 330233
thewallsberwick.com
Fauhope House
In brief: An award-winning luxury B&B in the Borders.
Insider guide: This country house dates back to 1897 but has been reinvented as a smart and sophisticated B&B by owners Sheila and Ian Robson, who are on hand to make your stay as relaxed as possible. There are three boutique-style ensuite bedrooms, a welcome drawing room with squishy sofas and a real fire, and the dining room where a hearty Border-inspired Scottish breakfast is served.
Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9LU
01896 823184
fauhopehouse.com
Cragend Grange
In brief: A dog-friendly B&B closely tied historically to the neighbouring estate of Cragside.
Insider guide: Situated on a working farm, Cragend Grange has two gorgeous ensuite rooms both brimming with history. The large Armstrong Wing has its own private entrance and the West Room’s exposed beams allude to its past as home to the farm’s agricultural labourers. The traditional Northumbrian breakfast includes home-baked bread and homemade granola.
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7XN
01669 621533
cragendfarm.co.uk
Market Cross Guest House
In brief: An award-winning luxury B&B in the heart of Northumberland.
Insider guide: A winner of AA Guest Accommodation of the Year, this family-run, five-star B&B has four beautiful ensuite rooms with lots of added little luxuries including White Company toiletries, homemade biscuits and Nespresso machines. Nearly everything on their delicious award-winning breakfasts is homemade (even the baked beans!) and what they can’t make is locally sourced. It’s a great base for exploring the beaches, castles and countryside of Northumberland, either on foot or by bike, knowing you can return to a sumptuous bedroom and the warmest welcome you could want.
1 Church Street, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7LS
01668 213013
marketcrossguesthouse.com
Wydon Farm
In brief: A cosy B&B near Hadrian’s Wall.
Insider guide: This B&B is on a National Trust working farm and is an ideal base for exploring the rich history of Hadrian’s Wall and the Border country, within walking distance of the market town of Haltwhistle. Each of the three ground floor bedrooms in the luxurious barn conversion is ensuite, one with a four-poster bed and whirlpool bath, and the traditional breakfast is served in the farm house – you can even collect your own eggs from the hens.
Haltwhistle NE49 0LG
07896 174229
wydon-haltwhistle.co.uk
Burnhopeside Hall
In brief: A Grade II-listed guesthouse set in 18 acres of gardens and woodland.
Insider guide: Each of the four traditionally-furnished rooms here has a super-king bed, and every downstairs room has a cosy open log fire. Breakfast is served in the dining room around a large, eight-seater table, or can be enjoyed in your bedroom and most of the produce used is home grown. The nearby city of Durham has an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars and the iconic Cathedral and fascinating Beamish museum are also nearby.
Durham Road, Lanchester DH7 0TL
01207 520222
burnhopeside-hall.co.uk
Old Rectory Howick
In brief: A Georgian country house B&B a stone’s throw from the sea.
Insider guide: Set in its own grounds, this luxury six-bedroom B&B is within walking distance of the sea and a secluded beach, with historic Howick Hall Gardens and Craster village both on your doorstep, whilst cyclists can join the Coast & Castles route which runs past the door. With Craster kippers for breakfast, you can’t get more locally sourced than this, and eggs are collected from their own hens. Explore the spectacular Northumberland coast or stay in and relax with a glass of wine in the cosy guest lounge or out in the garden, before enjoying a home-cooked evening meal in the dining room.
Howick, Alnwick NE66 3LE
01665 577590
oldrectoryhowick.co.uk
Lanehead Old School
In brief: A luxury B&B in Weardale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Insider guide: Recently refurbished, this converted Victorian school in the North Pennines has luxury bedrooms with comfy, king-size beds, private lounge areas and ensuite facilities and there’s a spacious lounge with wood-burning stove and a pool table for guests’ use. A hearty breakfast made with local produce is served in the dining room, and refreshments, snacks and homemade cake are also available.
Lanehead, Upper Weardale DL13 1AL
07805 474279
weardalebedandbreakfast.co.uk
The Hill
In brief: A Victorian house B&B in the heart of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Insider guide: In the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty and only 10 minutes drive from High Force, The Hill is in an ideal location for walks, cycling, star gazing or simply a relaxing break. There are three bedrooms in the house and a dog-friendly garden annexe with its own sitting room and garden. A traditional cooked breakfast is served daily in the dining room and there are vegetarian and vegan options available too.
9 Hill Terrace, Middleton-in-Teesdale DL12 0SL
07881 812607
thehillbandb.co.uk
