4 Night Northumberland Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
A land of rugged beauty, Northumberland rewards with marshes, meadows, sweeping beaches, wide-open spaces, and all manner of Roman, Viking and Anglo-Saxon relics. Perfect for discovering the county’s charms at a more relaxed pace, this holiday rewards with breathtaking trails, big-name historic attractions, picturesque villages, market towns, comfortable accommodation, and more. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, including a gentle walk of three to four miles.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the stunning landscape of Northumberland on foot
- Keeping your eyes peeled for interesting wildlife
- Soaking up dramatic views of the countryside and National Landscape coastline
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at a former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth
What’s included
- Tickets for the Farne Islands Cruise
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three different-grade daily walks
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Thropton to Cragside
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Ascent: 750 feet (230 m)
In summary: From the village of Thropton the walk ascends Physic Lane to the Rothbury Terraces and then wends across moorland with views of the Coquet Valley before entering into the Cragside Estate.
Highlight: Views along the Coquet Valley of the Cheviots and Simonside and the unique creation which is the Cragside Estate and house.
Option 2 - Rothbury Carriageway and Terraces
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (250m)
In summary: Beginning in traditional market town of Rothbury our route climbs gently through woodland before circuiting the Rothbury Terraces with panoramic views of the Coquet Valley. We then descend back to Rothbury via Physic Lane with fine views continuing all around. There should be time to explore the town prior to our journey back to the house.
Highlight: Views along the Coquet Valley of the Cheviots and Simonside Hills.
Option 3 - The Coquet Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (350m)
In summary: From Rothbury main car park the walk ascends to reach the Hamlet of Whitton and then continues below the Simonside hills to visit the hamlet of Great Tosson. After descending and crossing the Coquet Valley there is an ascent up to Rothbury Terraces before returning to Rothbury.
Highlight: Views of the Coquet Valley from both sides and the hamlet of Great Tosson with its mediaeval remains and nearby Lime Kiln.
Option 1 - Budle Bay to Bamburgh
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 130 feet (40m)
In summary: We head out to the coast along gently sloping paths with views of Budle Bay appearing and reappearing through the frames of huge dunes. Eventually reaching Bamburgh.
Highlight: If the tide is waning, keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of wading birds in Budle Bay, including oystercatcher, curlew and turnstone sifting through the sand and silt and rocks for their next meal.
Option 2 - Seahouses to Bamburgh
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Ascent: Minimal
In summary: Explore Seahouses, or take a morning boat trip around the Farne Islands.* This is a fantastic wildlife-watching trip - from March/April until mid-August up to 37,000 puffins nest on these islands! Beyond August there’s still plenty to see too – the islands are home to over 3000 seals and plenty of birdlife. We've a superb beach walk in store for you, from Seahouses to Bamburgh. Our entrance to Bamburgh shows the Castle in its full glory and offers its most photographed view. If there's the time, there's a plentiful supply of pubs and tea shops, the opportunity to visit the castle, and museum or sit back and relax on the beach and enjoy this stunning setting. *fair weather permitting.
Highlight: If the weather’s good, a trip to the Farnes shouldn’t be missed.
Option 3 - On the way to Bamburgh
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Enjoy an iconic beach walk from Beadnell to Seahouses with time to look at the harbour then it’s on to Bamburgh and its castle.
Highlight: Look out for seabirds and seals flying and bobbing about amongst the waves on this excellent coastal walk.
Option 1 - Amble to Warkworth
Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: Explore Amble and admire the views out to Coquet island, before we begin our walk today. There’s a fabulous range of craft shops in the pastel-painted beach huts on the front, or discover the range of fish caught locally at the Northumberland Seafood Centre. We pass through the marina and along the estuary, a great place for spotting birdlife, and follow the River Coquet to the historic village of Warkworth with its castle, hermitage, riverside walks, coffee shops, and far too tasty – chocolate shop!
Highlight: The Amble harbour boardwalk gives spectacular views of Coquet Island seabird sanctuary.
Option 2 - Low Hauxley to Warkworth
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 560 feet (170m)
In summary: From Northumberland Wildlife Trust's nature reserve at Hauxley, a varied walk all the way back to Alnmouth via the harbour at Amble and historic Warkwarth.
Highlight: Wildlife spotting at the nature reserve
Option 3 - Warkworth to Alnmouth via Lesbury
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 490 feet (150m)
In summary: Starting in historic Warkworth, follow in the footsteps of St Oswald along the coast to Alnmouth.
Highlight: Warkworth's medieval castle and the expansive views out to sea.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nether Grange
You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nether Grange has 36 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Nether Grange
Alnmouth
Alnwick
Northumberland NE66 2RZ
Tel: +44 (0)1665 830431
By train
The nearest station is Alnmouth, on the main east coast line between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 1.5-mile journey from Alnmouth railway station to Nether Grange is about five minutes by taxi. Taxis are in limited supply in Alnmouth, so we recommend pre-booking as early as possible.
For pricing, please contact the taxi company directly.
Taxi companies in the area include:
Sovereign Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)7553 360662
Wizard Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 663709
AA Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0)1665 606060
Some taxi companies have school runs so taxis may be in short supply between 9:00am and 10:00am. It is advisable to book your return taxi when you book your arrival taxi.
*HF Holidays does not own or manage any of the above taxi companies.
By car
Before travelling by car, note that there is no car park at Nether Grange and there’s very limited on-street parking.
Exit the A1 onto the A1068 towards Alnwick. At the roundabout turn right (it’s not well signposted), following the A1068 towards Alnmouth. Go straight ahead at the first roundabout then left at the second roundabout onto the B1338.
As you approach Alnmouth, turn right at the next roundabout, then left into The Wynd. Follow to Marine Road into Northumberland Street. After 100 yards turn right into Pease’s Lane. You’ll find Nether Grange on the left.
By air
The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport. Take the metro to Newcastle Central station, then the train to Alnmouth - a straightforward journey taking just over an hour.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most, should you choose a walk with sightseeing options.
Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have National Trust (NT) or English Heritage (EH) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you.
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
NT & EH members |
£44.50 |
£17 |
£61.50 |
|
NT members |
£44.50 |
£31 |
£75.50 |
|
EH members |
£44.50 |
£35 |
£79.50 |
|
No memberships |
£51 |
£49 |
£100 |
Nether Grange Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
28 Oct - 01 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
26 May - 30 May 2025 4 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £755 pp |
from £755 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
07 Jul - 11 Jul 2025 4 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £755 pp |
from £755 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
06 Oct - 10 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Gentle Walks Single from £689 Double from £689 pp |
from £689 pp |
from £689 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
115Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
