Dog friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 6 - Alnwick, Northumberland

Close to castles, coast and countryside, escape to this welcoming cottage for a magical stay in Northumberland. Head to the nearby sands at Alnmouth (4.5 miles) or jump on a boat to the fascinating Farne Islands from Seahouses (16 miles). Sleeping six guests over three bedrooms, spend your days exploring and your evenings enjoying sociable dinners alfresco in the pretty courtyard.

Welcoming two dogs, you'll be pleased to know that all of the beaches along this stretch of coast welcome visitors of the four-legged variety. Stepping inside, leave shoes and coats in the handy hallway before making your way to the inviting lounge/diner. The comfortable corner sofa wraps itself perfectly around the flame-effect electric fire, and the Smart TV and is a welcoming sight after long days in the great outdoors.

Pile the coffee table high with treats or lay out a board game and begin a family tournament. Bright and fresh, with a fabulous feature wall, the kitchen is a beautiful space in which to cook up a storm. The bistro-style table and breakfast bar are great for gathering around with a warming mug of coffee in the morning, whilst the dining table is suited to formal meals and the garden table is perfect for sundowner feasts.

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in one of three, light bedrooms. Sitting on the first floor with the contemporary, family bathroom, the bedrooms are fresh, tranquil places in which to drift off for the night. There is roadside parking.

With lots to explore, plan your days and head to the seaside or the national park for a family-friendly day. Jump in the car and travel 17.5 miles to Bamburgh where the Grace Darling Museum, Bamburgh Castle, the golf club and beach are all great ways to keep guests of all ages entertained for the day. In the other direction, Northumberland National Park is also great for a day out exploring the valleys, hills and rivers which dot the landscape.

A 19-mile journey will take you to Linhope Spout, a towering waterfall in the Breamish Valley.