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6 spring staycation spots in the North East to book now

From a unique stay in a railway carriage to a luxurious family glamping experience complete with an outdoor bath, here are some of the best places to stay in Northumberland and County Durham.

Written by High Life North
Published 31.03.2023

EXPERIENCE LUXURIOUS FAMILY GLAMPING IN NORTHUMBERLAND…

Cheviot at Huts in the Hills 

Sleeps: four (two adults and two kids)

Where: Alnwick, Northumberland

Price: £420 (minimum two-night stay)

Dog-friendly: no

With uninterrupted views of the Northumberland countryside, Huts in the Hills is the ultimate glamping destination to unwind, relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. As you step inside this remote, rustic and spacious shepherds hut, you’ll be greeted with a welcome hamper to help you settle in. With a cosy lounge area featuring a wood burner and a fully equipped kitchen, Cheviot feels like a home away from home but with some indulgent extras.

 

After a long day of family fun, cosy up by the fire pit toasting marshmallows. The little ones will love scrambling up the climbing wall to reach their bunk beds. Once the kids are asleep, it’s time for some well-needed adult quality time. So why not pop open a bottle of bubbly and watch the sunset over the rolling hills of Northumberland National Park, before soaking in the outdoor antique bath under the dark Northumberland skies while getting lost in a spot of star gazing? And relax…

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TAKE YOUR CANINE COMPANION ON HOLIDAY…

Ash Cottage at Stablewood Coastal Cottages

Sleeps: six

Where: Lucker, Northumberland

Price: £474 (minimum two-night stay)

Dog-friendly: yes

If you’re currently searching for dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland, you’ll know that the options are quite limited. We bring you, Stablewood Coastal Cottages whose full range of self-catering accommodations are dog-friendly.  Home in a rural location on the edge of the beautiful Northumberland village of Lucker and just a 10-minute drive from Bamburgh Castle, Ash Cottage is the ideal destination to make special memories with your loved ones.

With a modern, open-plan lounge compete with a cosy log burner and a spacious separate dining area that leads to an outside decking area to take your meals alfresco with stunning surrounding countryside views, this cottage is perfect to entertain all your guests. And there’s plenty of space for your whole party with two ensuite bedrooms and one junior suite that’s set over two floors with its own lounge area, shower room and free-standing bath in the upper mezzanine creating a romantic tranquil space.

HLN TOP TIP: If you want to take relaxing one step further, treat yourself to an optional upgrade to hire a hot tub and book a spa day at award-winning Beau Monde Salon & Spa

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BOOK A ROMANTIC RETREAT AT…

The Hiddle Hut

Sleeps: two

Where: Bardon Mill, Hexham

Price: £450 (minimum two-night stay)

Dog-friendly: no

Think cosy nights snuggled up beside a log burner, hosting a BBQ in the sunshine and sipping on a glass of wine whilst watching the sunset. Home in the heart of Northumberland with breathtaking countryside views and under the darkest of skies, a stay at this luxury two-storey cosy cabin will be a memorable one.

From the star-gazing roof window over the king-sized bed to an outdoor fire pit to toast marshmallows on and a roll-top bath for a relaxing soak whilst you take in the rural views, The Hiddle Hut has all of the home comforts you need but with an extra touch of luxury. Mornings at The Hiddle Hut are something else. As you wake up you can watch the sunrise over the captivating countryside views from the comfort of your own bed, before moving to the outdoor decked terrace for a cuppa surrounded by the rolling hills of Northumberland and the peaceful sounds of nature.

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IF YOU’RE AFTER A UNIQUE STAY…

Railway Carriages at Lockhaugh Farm 

Sleeps: two

Where: Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear

Price: £195.00 (minimum two-night stay)

Dog-friendly: yes

These two converted cargo railway carriages recovered from the disused Derwent Railway line have many original features but are individually styled and offer a unique, contemporary and cosy stay. These quirky staycation spaces are light and airy with open-plan living design and double-glazed doors. They have everything you need with a small equipped kitchen including a mini hob, oven, toaster and fridge. Each carriage has a dining table and comes complete with a bespoke handcrafted day bed which converts to a full-size double bed with a comfy mattress and fresh linens.

Escape away from it all at this woodland retreat at Lockhaugh Farm, as each carriage has its own small private garden with seating perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing while taking in the uninterrupted views of the gorgeous National Trust Gibside grounds.  From here you can wander into the meadow which leads you to beautiful walks along the River Derwent where you can watch wildlife, have a go at river dipping and there are plenty of outdoor activities to discover, too.

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BOOK A COSY HOTEL STAY AT…

Park Head Hotel 

Sleeps: one-four (per room)

Where: Bishop Auckland, County Durham

Price: from £63

Dog-friendly: yes

Home in the heart of County Durham, this new contemporary hotel and restaurant provides a luxurious retreat if you just want to get away from it all. With 38 en-suite hotel rooms to choose from Park Head Hotel is the perfect base that offers everything you need to enjoy your stay in the historical town of Bishop Auckland. Whether you’re on a family holiday and want to all be together or you’re solo travelling and need a one-bedroom suite, each room is light, modern and welcoming with beds featuring comfy mattresses that you’ll just sink into after a day of exploring.

The bonus is that there’s a cosy onsite restaurant that serves timeless classics with a twist, made from locally sourced produce. We’re talking a wholesome Sunday lunch, a juicy 8oz beef burger complete with bacon, cheese and skin on fries and slow braised lamb shank in red wine sauce.  But what makes Park Head Hotel unique is how it’s set up by regeneration charity, The Auckland Project which means by staying here and visiting the project’s unique collection of heritage attractions, you will help them to create a bright future for Bishop Auckland and its people.

HLN TOP TIP: Four-legged friends are welcome for a cost of £20 and in this package, your pooch will receive a bag of treats and a toy. 

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CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION WITH ALL YOUR LOVED ONES AT…

Blackton Grange

Sleeps: 17

Where: Barnard Castle, County Durham

Price: £3,004.54 (minimum two-night stay)

Dog-friendly: yes

The doors to County Durham’s newest luxury self-catering accommodation have officially opened. Blackton Grange is the ultimate celebration destination that really does have it all. From a private hot tub, cocktail lounge, games room and a cinema room, here you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the North Pennines and make special memories while celebrating life’s biggest milestones. 

It can be so hard to find a rural retreat that’s big enough to host your whole family and friends but with space for up to 17 guests across eight rooms, Blackton Grange is the perfect spot for entertaining your loved ones. Plus, owners Stella and Jodi have really thought of everything and have curated a range of suppliers from beauticians to chefs, chauffeurs to mixologists and even Pilates instructors who will be on hand to help make your stay at this luxury holiday home extra special.

HLN TOP TIP: Blackton Grange is kindly offering HLN readers 15% off a 3-night stay by quoting ‘HLN15’ when booking online

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