Northumberland cottages

This area is the perfect destination for a holiday with your four-legged friend. With so many dog-friendly cottages in Northumberland, your pampered pooch can have the choice of an enclosed garden, wide sandy beach or woodland trails to let off steam. With so many pet-friendly options available your canine companion will be well-catered for, leaving you time to relax and unwind together.

The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. Awarded gold tier designation by the International Dark Sky Association, it’s the fourth largest in the world, joining the likes of Death Valley and Big Bend Dark Sky Parks in the USA. The observatory itself is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine. There are loads of fascinating talks, classes and events specially designed for families.

From woodland to bogs to marshy grasslands and sandy shores, there’s a whole host of flora and fauna at the Kielder Water and Forest Park. The biggest artificial lake by capacity in the United Kingdom is surrounded by the largest man-made woodland in Europe, covering an area of 600 square kilometres in total. Around the lake’s shoreline is a 27-mile multi-user trail to be explored in whole or in sections.

You might spot badgers and roe deer, shrews, up to seven species of bat, otters and many different birds of prey. This is also where 50 per cent of the UK’s red squirrel population lives. There is a dedicated hide created for those who want to catch a glimpse of this endangered and elusive creature. You can even go on a red squirrel safari!