Luxury, dog-friendly cottage in rural Northumberland
Northumberland's stunning coastline is just a short drive away
Craster
Craster is a small fishing village just a short drive from Quail's Nest in Edlingham, and 8 miles from Alnwick.
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It has a small harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle ruin is a gentle, fairly flat, walk northwards on grass (dogs must be kept on a short lead).
Craster kippers are world-renowned, and the Jolly Fisherman Inn is a charming gastropub with panoramic sea views from the beer garden and the restaurant.
Dunstanburgh Castle (English Heritage)
Earl Thomas of Lancaster began building Dunstanburgh Castle in 1313 on a grand scale, as indicated by the latest archaeological research. After the Earl was defeated and executed in 1322 the castle passed to John of Gaunt who strengthened it by converting the great twin-towered gatehouse into a keep.
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It was central to the fierce fighting during the War of the Roses, twice besieged and taken by Yorkist troops, but fell into decay.
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Reached by a beautiful walk from Craster, the ruins overlook a very dramatic section of the Northumberland coastline.
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Credit: Naomi Booth
Low Newton-by-the-Sea
Low Newton-by-the-Sea can be reached as a longer walk from Craster, past Dunstanburgh Castle ruins or by road. Visitor parking is a short walk away from the beach.
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Hostelries include The Joiners Arms (High Newton-by-the-Sea) and The Ship Inn (Low Newton-by-the-Sea) with sea views.
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The beach is clean and quiet; dogs are permitted all year round.
Beadnell Bay
Beadnell Bay beach at low tide has to be seen to be believed. Almost-white sand as far as the eye can see and barely a soul around.
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There is a large car park directly behind the beach, alongside The Landing - a great, informal beach bar and kitchen serving seafood, burgers, steak, with a real beach bar vibe.
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Dogs are permitted all year round, but must be kept on short leads during bird-breeding season.
Seahouses
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The magnificent Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island can be seen in the distance, whilst you explore the beach and sand dunes, and discover the history of Grace Darling, the iconic RNLI figure.
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Fish and chips, and an array of other eateries are in abundance after you've soaked up the sea air.
Credit: Bazzadarambler
Alnmouth
Alnmouth, a coastal village, just 4 miles from Alnwick, was rated among the "20 most beautiful villages in the UK and Ireland" by Condé Nast Traveler in 2020.
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It lies at the southern end of the Northumberland AONB, and the saltflats of the estuary and the south beach dune are a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. Two lines of WWII anti-tank cubes defend Alnmouth's north beach.
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Dogs are allowed on Alnmouth beach all year round.
Credit: Stephen McKay
Credit: Ian Proctor
Bamburgh
Bamburgh has everything for visitors wishing to experience Northumberland at its very best.
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The quintessentially British village with its magnificent, Grade I Listed castle dating back to 547AD, and miles of beautiful, dog-friendly beaches, Bamburgh is not to be missed.
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Bamburgh is just 25 miles from Quail's Nest and a highly recommended day out during your stay.
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Dogs are allowed on Bamburgh's beaches all year round.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
In 635AD, St Aidan founded his monastery on the island of LIndisfarne (also called Holy Island). The monastery was destroyed during the Viking invasions, but re-established Lindisfarne Priory after the Norman conquest of England.
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The island is accessed via a causeway; visitors must check the tide tables carefully or risk being stranded either on foot or in a vehicle.
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Lindisfarne Castle is also open to visitors. Dogs on leads are permitted. The island is also home to over 300 bird species and as such is a favourite for bird-watchers from all over the world.
Credit: Ian Proctor