Autumn in Northumberland

Autumn in Northumberland | Self Catering Cottages | Seahouses | Staycation

Autumn in Northumberland


Autumn in all its splendour is one of our favourite times of year in Northumberland. Whether you’re looking to enjoy walks whilst soaking in the incredible colours of the foliage, have some downtime at a slower pace, or soak up the peaceful beaches with dramatic waves, our Little Hideaways getaways are a) easy to get to, b) require little more than a few days to feel rejuvenated and c) are guaranteed fun for the whole family, including your four-legged friends! We thought we’d let you in on a few of our favourite Autumnal things to do.


Soak In That Fresh Crisp Sea Air

Head straight to the beach and get back to nature. There’s nothing like it on the beaches here in Northumberland during Autumn. As you walk along the rugged coastline, watch the white horses rise and break on the shore, it feels altogether wilder at this time of year and maybe even more dramatic. Seek solace in the fresh air and crisper days rewarding yourself with a hot chocolate stop on route. Away from devices, we can’t think of a better way to recharge your batteries. A few of the beaches local to our Little Hideaways came in the UK’s top 50 this year out of 800! Read more about them here. Bamburgh Beach has also just been voted the BEST beach in England!

Get Your Walking Boots On

Swap sand beneath your feet for leaves and head inland to enjoy over 1,100km of trails in what we’re lucky enough to call one of England’s choice walking destinations. 

First things first. Book a guided walk with local Patrick Norris of Footsteps in Northumberland through our activities page and explore the Cheviot Hills and the rugged Northumberland National Parks. Or if you’d rather go it alone and don’t mind the drive, a couple of our favourites include:

Sycamore Gap
Drive from Seahouses: 1hr 30mins
Distance: 4km (2.5mi)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

In this striking dip along the Hadrian’s Wall Path sits the 2016 England Tree of the Year (yes, there’s an annual award for that). This short but sweet walk is the perfect introduction to Northumberland National Park and its most famous landmark, Hadrian’s Wall. You can also start and finish at the Twice Brewed Inn where you can reward yourself with one of their home-brewed ales.

Simonside Hills
Drive from Seahouses: 1hr
Distance: 12km (7.5mi)
Duration: 3-4hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Take in a 360° view of the Cheviot Hills dressed up for Autumn and the North Sea coastline. The distinctive crags along the way make for a very scenic hike.

If you’re feeling energetic why not climb to the summit of the former Callaly Castle site with its ancient beech wood too!

Have a Pamper

If the thought of all this walking tires you out just thinking about it, then an altogether more relaxed stay is just as inviting. And with Viking roots in Northumberland a bit of Scandi hygge might be just what’s needed. We’ve teamed up with Glo Pamper – all you have to do is decide what treatment you’d like, then enjoy in the comfort of your Little Hideaways cottage. 

Now you’re all chilled out, an ultimate cosy night in might be in order. Each of our cottages are fitted with smart TVs, you can add your Netflix code and can catch up on this season’s must-see films and series. Or tuck into a new good book, we’ve got plenty in our Cottages from our guests book swaps.

Enjoy A Cosy Fireside

Come evening time, warm up fireside in one of the local pubs or in our cottages. The local craft beer and real ales are delicious and you’ll find places like The Olde Ship Inn in Seahouses is packed with authentic seafaring paraphernalia. With regular folk nights The Ship at Low Newton boasts good local cuisine and homely atmosphere too.

Gaze At The Stars

Whether you’re walking back from the pub or fancy stepping out over the dunes at night looking out to sea to do a spot of stargazing. In 2013, Northumberland National Park was was designated a Dark Sky Park which means it is protected from artificial light pollution to promote astronomy in the region. In fact, it is the largest area of protected night sky in Europe making it one of the UK’s best places to stargaze! Our cottage, Swallows Rest is the perfect spot for star gazing as it’s so rural and has all the glass windows.

Pick A Pumpkin or Walk On Fire!

We always love heading into the Scottish Borders for a ride out to St Abbs Pumpkin Patch. Open date for 2022 still TBC but we’ll keep you posted.  With lots of different varieties to choose from, you can pick your own straight out of the field. Head down to the harbour after for a steaming bowl of Cullen Skink at Ebbcarrs Café.

Bamburgh Castle in the next village from our cottages, also have a great calendar of seasonal events from trying your hand at Fire Walking (great after a chilling day to, well, warm those feet!).

To discover and book your perfect Little Hideaway, click here.