Beach House Hotel

There's something magical about the Northumberland Coast, which is hard to put into words. Is it the big skies and vast beaches? Or the sheer emptiness of its scenic shoreline compared to other parts of the country? Whatever it is, we know it's worth the trip – and that there aren't many better places to base yourself than at this spruced-up boutique hotel in the picturesque village of Seahouses. Not only is it an ultra-comfortable and welcoming place to stay, with beautiful sea-facing rooms and a lively bar and restaurant, it's also a perfect springboard for visits to the legendary Farne Islands. It's also just a short drive from any number of other Northumberland Coast hotspots, not least the magnificent castle at Bamburgh, a couple of miles north, and Lindisfarne or Holy Island, just beyond that.

The Beach House has been around for a while, but it's recently been done up by the owners of the lovely Beadnell Towers hotel in the next coastal village south. They did a wonderful job there – and it too has beautiful rooms and a terrific bar-restaurant –  but they've excelled themselves here, turning what was a slightly tired location into a family-friendly seaside place to stay that also oozes style. The Beach House is aptly named for its beachfront location, and it boasts 30 chic and contemporary guest rooms. All have en-suites with walk-in showers and Noble Isle toiletries, comfy king-size beds with Hypnos mattresses, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bottles of water, fast WiFi and Smart TVs. Most rooms at the front have big windows and sea views while the rest overlook the hotel's gardens. Many of the ground floor rooms also have outside patio areas with seating. There are also several family-friendly suites and dog-friendly rooms, which is just as well as you're in a part of the world that is a paradise for both kids and their canine companions. The hotel even runs a regular 'rockpool school' for children and their parents, and dogs of course have the run of the many beaches and nearby footpaths

The hotel's restaurant and bar are open daily, offering a convivial spot any time of day. The bar has been decorated beautifully with a cool, contemporary vibe, while also offering up stunning views of the Farne Islands as a backdrop. The menu in the restaurant makes the most of the natural bounty on the hotel's doorstep while not attempting anything too fancy, serving great fish and chips, seafood, local beef and lamb, and culminating with a popular roast on Sundays. Really active guests can work off the calories by using the complimentary pool and spa facilities at the nearby Ocean Club Spa, a short walk away. Although to be honest, the joy of this spectacular location is really just soaking up the scenery of the stunning Northumberland Coast.