There’s no shortage of places to eat in the area, with everything from cosy pubs to comfy cafes, not forgetting some of the best fish and chips of course!

The hugely popular Ship Inn at Low Newton (3 miles) is renowned for great seafood lunches and its microbrewery, or try the Joiners Arms in nearby Newton By The Sea. Follow the coastal trail to sample delicious crab sandwiches at the highly regarded Jolly Fisherman at Craster (6 miles) or head to the lovely Shoreline Cafe for a steaming cappuccino and home-made cakes - muddy boots and dogs welcome! A must-visit is Robson’s Smokehouse, home of the famous Craster kippers as well as a wonderful selection of smoked delicacies, fresh fish, shellfish, cheeses and other delicious local produce from the Northumberland heartlands.

For evening dining, try the Potted Lobster at Bamburgh which has a fantastic reputation for producing exceptional seasonal dishes using the very best produce the area has to offer, while fans of the traditional British takeaway should head to Pinnacles in Seahouses (7 miles).

A little further afield, you will find a greater range of amenities in nearby Alnwick (9 miles) with an eclectic selection of specialist shops, including a deli, bakery, award-winning butcher’s, charming coffee and gift shops, as well as a number of large supermarkets for holiday provisions.

For a dining experience with a difference, the Treehouse Restaurant at Alnwick Gardens is not to be missed. Set high in the treetops, it is a magical spot to spend an evening, featuring local fish and seafood, meats from Northumberland’s farmlands, as well as other regional specialities all within a lovely ambient setting.

A leisurely two mile walk will take you onto the beach which extends to Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Embleton Bay, a breathtaking stretch of coastline just perfect for families where you can spend endless hours paddling, sandcastle-building, walking, surfing and body-boarding.

The Northumberland Coastal Path and National Cycle Route 1 also runs right through this area taking in scenic coastal paths for walking and biking and never-ending beaches all the way along to Beadnell Bay, which is also one of the best equipped places in the county for watersports. Backed by huge dunes which offer shelter for a cosy picnic on blustery days, the wide, golden sands of this horseshoe shaped bay make it a popular destination for families with options for kitesurfing, bodyboarding, coasteering and kayaking with a number of accredited schools and instructors across the area.

For golf fans, there are scenic courses at Foxton, Alnmouth, Alnwick and Dunstanburgh, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line on the lake below the mill and in the Brunton burn that runs down to the sea - by arrangement with the estate office.

For riding, there is a livery yard on the estate that welcomes visitors, and guests are welcome to bring their own horse to ride on the wonderful bridle paths and beaches of the area.

Sitting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers will be captivated by the vast variety of wildlife and birdlife right on the doorstep, or why not take a boat trip from nearby Seahouses where you will be enthralled by the thousands of breeding sea-birds and seals taking up every square foot of this incredible rocky outcrop, including over 37,000 pairs of characterful Puffins. Alternatively Ross Links and Holy Island are both top spots for vast numbers of migrant species, including the chance to see the odd grey seal bobbing inquisitively in the sea, while sightings of minke whales and white-beaked dolphins can also be spotted in calm sea conditions.

History buffs will delight in visits to the grand stately homes and medieval castles of the area - Dunstanburgh, Warkworth, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne stand as reminders of the area’s turbulent past, or head inland to the magnificent Alnwick Castle for a super family day out. Here you will find an activity programme brimming with adventure where children can take part in all sorts of magic and mayhem inspired by the characters of Harry Potter or test their knightly courage in the Dragon Quest.

Finally for garden lovers, a visit to the stunning setting of Alnwick Gardens, Howick Hall and Cragside is an absolute must, with spectacular colours and beautiful walks through the grounds.

Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Golf

There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.

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Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Horse riding

Horse riding is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of the area and goes right back to the 13th and 14th centuries where townspeople would ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands. Thankfully our riding pursuits today are not quite so dramatic!

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Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Shopping, arts and crafts

We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.

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Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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Spas and beauty treatments

Everyone needs a little time-out to relax and for many that may involve a little pampering, the chance to experience new therapies, or simply some dedicated ‘me time’ to enjoy or practise disciplines which bring a sense of well-being and good health.

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Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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