Here at Little Hideaways things don’t stop at the end of Summer. In fact, come the Autumn Equinox it’s a chance to embrace a new season.

Quieter beaches, dark, star filled skies and walks in the fresh air. Albeit it at a slower pace.

So it’s time to dig out that chunky knit and your wellington boots, pack and join us for an Autumn escape to Northumberland…

We thought we’d let you in on a few of our favourite Autumnal things to do.

Out and About

Whether you have brought your beloved pooch on holiday or not, head to the beach and get back to nature. Walk along the rugged coastline and 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 devises, a chance to recharge your batteries and reconnect with your surroundings; getting back to basics.

Head for the Hills:

Swap sand beneath your feet for leaves and head in land to Thrunton Woods for some forest walks with the fragrant woodland smell of pine and damp moss. If you’re feeling energetic why not climb to the summit of the former Callaly Castle site with its ancient beech wood.

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.

Come evening time, warm up fireside in one of the local pubs. With craft beer and real ales and packed with authentic seafaring paraphernalia, The Olde Ship Inn in Seahouses village is a great evening haunt. With regular folk nights The Ship at Low Newton boasts good local cuisine and homely atmosphere.

Don’t forget to look up!

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. With relatively low light pollution and nothing but sea and sky between the coast and our Danish neighbours, it’s a great spot to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Winter too.

As Autumn steps up a gear why not head into the Scottish Borders for a ride out to St Abbs Pumpkin Patch from the 8^th October.  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, have a great calendar of seasonal events from trying your hand at Fire walking (great after a chilling day to, well, warm those feet!) Or prepare to get into the Halloween mood with the National Theatre Companies production of Dracula Oct 29^th

If spooky is your thing, you’ll love Alnwick Treehouse’s Halloween Murder Mystery 30^th Oct.

But what do you do on a rainy day? Well, of course there’s no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes, but if you want a break there are activities indoors too. With some fantastic local theatres in the area, it’s worth checking out what’s on. Putting on some glad rags and settling in to some live theatre.

Alnwick Playhouse

Maltings Berwick upon Tweed

Newcastle Theatre Royal – Train from Berwick or Alnmouth or by car.

Visit Barter Books in Alnwick with a station café and roaring fires it’s easy to spend the afternoon browsing books, LPs, vintage maps and specialist literature.

Northumberland is often referred to as the County of Castles and there are lots to get around. Pick one that is open in the Autumn months and step back in history room by room and allow yourself to be transported through time.

Galleries are a great place to view and bag yourself some original local art, we love The Old School Gallery in Alnmouth, The Granary Gallery Berwick upon Tweed and The Old Bath House Studios, Broomhill.

Cosy on Up

If all that 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 in order indoors too. We’re just not sure they would have soaked in a ‘bubble’ bath…

But if a pamper sounds right up your street, Little Hideaways has teamed up with Glo pamper. Who will carry out your treatment in the comfort of the cottage so you don’t have to go out and can carry on relaxing post pamper.

Now you’re all chilled out, an ultimate cosy night in might be in order. With each cottage fitted with smart TVs, you can add your Netflix code and can catch up on this season’s must-see films and series.

If you’re a bit of a foodie why not try some comforting Autumn dishes. Create a hearty fish pie with fresh ingredients from nearby Swallow Fisheries, or stock up in the village on local products and try your hand at Panhaggerty, or a Northumbrian cheeses and charcuterie sharing board in front of the box with a glass of wine or two.

If you want a break from cooking Swallow Fisheries, KOOKED and The Rolling Pig all offer ready-made dishes.

Want to digitally detox, then head to our book swapping libraries in the cottages. Or bring yourself a new paperback you can’t wait to have the time to divulge in front of the fire or in the bath.

All in all…

Give yourself time to Dream

Explore Northumberland’s rugged landscape

Discover a new season