Breamish Valley Cottages
Breamish Valley Cottages are a real find for the traveller seeking an idyllic peaceful setting, together with top class facilities on site. Less than an hour’s drive from Newcastle, this is very much a family run business, now in its second generation.
Nine spacious self-catering cottages channel understated luxury, with quality tasteful furniture and fittings. An early example of farm diversification, each of the cottages is named after a field that the owner, Peter’s father (also called Peter) farmed himself. Outer Moss, Heron Hill. Souterport, Craggy, Heathery, Coally Law and so on. There are options for bed and breakfast accommodation here too.
All on one level and entirely accessible, the cottages are nestled at the foot of the Cheviot Hills on the edge of the Northumberland National Park. This charming complex includes a purpose built indoor heated pool with spa and steam room together with a well-equipped gym. The lovely restaurant – The Bosk – is a very welcome addition.
The Breamish Valley
We are but a short drive from the magnificent North East coast, and in a perfect spot for exploring the amazing surrounding countryside of the lesser known Breamish Valley. There are maps available with walks of different lengths, so that guests can explore this special part of Northumberland.
A tennis court, putting green, trampoline and kiddies play area are on site too. The games room is also a whole lot of fun. A real home from home experience, Breamish valley Cottages are perfect for family holidays, group getaways, romantic weekends or just a relaxing short break.
Heron Hill Cottage
We stayed in Heron Hill cottage which sleeps four people in one double and one twin room. With a huge open kitchen dining/living room, this is open plan at its best. The high ceilings create an airy ‘outside in’ feel along with the huge picture windows.
Everyone loves a fire, and getting the woodburning stove going is one of the fun things to do here in the evenings. The weather is pretty unpredictable in these parts, but curling up in front of a real fire in a lovely cosy room is always a treat.
A welcome pack includes bread, local free range eggs and Tweedside honey, as well as some delicious South African Chenin Blanc – my favourite actually. Spacious bedrooms and bathrooms are the order of the day.
The cottage is decorated in a calming colour palette of greens and blues, complementing the lovely pictures on every wall. The large farmhouse table gives plenty of space for family meals or the odd game of scrabble. We really wanted to play a game of croquet (also on offer here) but we will have to save that for next time!
Branton lake
It is incredibly peaceful and quiet here, ideal for a good sleep. Cross the stile in the next door field, home to Suzy the sheep and Tatty and Rosie the ponies, and you will find yourself on the edge of a lovely lake. The lake is right by the cottages and is a nature reserve with herons, shell ducks and swans to spot en route. We walked all around the lake noting the different flora and fauna. Plants were still flowering, even in November.
Exploring around Branton
A stunning spot surrounded by rugged beauty, rolling hills and rapidly changing skies, this really is some of the best walking country in England. Less visited than other parts of this area, this is hill country rich in Iron Age archaeology and wildlife.
It’s great for cycling too and it is right on the Pennine way cycle path. Historic Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth are less than half an hour away by car. It’s always worth checking in on our stunning coastline with its pristine sandy beaches.
The Bosk
We dined at the Bosk restaurant on site. It also has a bar if you just want a quiet drink. Bosk means wooded copse or thicket and was built for the owners wedding a few years ago. The chandeliers in the atrium are made from the champagne bottles which were used in the celebration toast at that memorable event! Very romantic. Breamish Valley cottages is also a very popular wedding venue.
The food here is superb and not too expensive either. We had coconut and sweet potato dahl with flatbreads and salmon with a creamy crayfish curry. The desserts measured up too. My favourite sticky toffee pudding and a delightful lemon posset were consumed in short order.
This chic, on-site eatery and bar is a bonus, and has proved very popular with guests and visitors alike. Once you have discovered the beauty of this spot you may well want to join the many repeat visitors here.
Christmas and New Year
A perfect time for a luxury family get together, Breamish Cottages are fully decorated at the festive season and a visit to a real Santa Claus is even thrown in!
This is a truly lovely place to visit with friends or family. Enjoy discovering this hidden part of the beautiful county of Northumberland.
There are Bed and Breakfast options here too –check them out here
More places to stay in Northumberland