Gardeners Cottage

Top Attractions: Cultural treats in the area include the award winning £32 million Alnwick Garden, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, umpteen historic castles to be explored along Northumberland's Heritage Coast, Hadrian's Wall, and Newcastle's Quayside with its Baltic Arts Centre and Sage Music Centre. The largest estate owned by the National Trust, Wallington Hall, is a short drive away, as is the National Trust owned Cragside House, the home of Burnfoot's illustrious former owner, Lord Armstrong. Less strenuous pursuits include spending lazy days enjoying the endless, golden beaches of the Northumbrian coast, or simply browsing through the boutiques of the charming market towns of Alnwick and Morpeth. Other days you will simply want to stay put and appreciate your surroundings. The fields surrounding the cottages are a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare wildlife present - from otters and kingfishers, to a variety of rare wintering wading birds. With your own holiday home in what the Campaign to Protect Rural England have scientifically proven to be the most tranquil place in England, you'll just need to be here to be restored, inspired and refreshed!

Recommended Places to Visit: Northumberland has so many castles due to its turbulent past. The Kingdom of Northumbria was formerly the Capital of England and this area has been the site of many power struggles in history. Keep an eye out as you drive around north Northumberland and you will notice many ‘Pele Towers’ or fortified houses – at times it was virtually impossible to live in anything else around here. There is a full list of the best Castles, Gardens and Stately Homes within an easy drive inside every cottage. The coast of Northumberland is stunning. Beautiful, deserted sandy beaches, littered with ancient castles. There are umpteen walks and beaches – details of which can be found in the welcome pack of every cottage.

Annual Eventst: Rothbury Food & Craft Festival, May. Rothbury and Coquetdale Walking Festival, June. Brinkburn Summer Music Festival, July. Rothbury Traditional Music Festival, July. Alnwick International Music Festival, August. Simonside Country Fair, August. Whittingham Show, August. Harbottle Village Show, September. Alnwick Food Festival, September. Thropton Village Show, September. Alwinton Border Shepherds Show, October. Alnwick Northumbrian Gathering, November. Alnwick Farmers' Market is held on the last Friday in the month. Morpeth Farmers' Market is held on the first Saturday in the month, with a weekly market every Wednesday. Hexham Farmers' Market is held on the second Saturday in the month.

Recommended Places to Eat Out: Just a five minute walk from Burnfoot is The Star Inn, one of only twelve pubs from England and Wales to have appeared in every issue of the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide since it was first published in 1974. There are lots of other local inns and restaurants, from fine dining to hearty pub grub – a full list of which is inside every cottage.

Local Sports: fishing, horse riding, tennis, golfing