Curlew Cottage Bellingham

It's Curlew Cottage. It's a converted barn on the outskirts of Bellingham, in Northumberland. You're on a working beef and sheep farm here, so you'll see the animals around. The owners are nearby if you need anything, but they leave you to it.

The cottage sleeps six, in three bedrooms. There are two bathrooms. It's got a 4 Star rating, which is good. It was all renovated a few years back. Each bedroom has its own TV.

The main thing is the shared facilities. There's an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub in the farmhouse garden next door. You book slots to use them. They have changing rooms.

It's very quiet. The views are over the Northumberland National Park. The Pennine Way footpath runs right through the farm, so you can start a walk from the door. Hareshaw Linn waterfall is a short walk away in Bellingham. The owner can sometimes arrange private fishing on their land if you ask ahead.

Bellingham village is about a mile down the road. It's got a couple of pubs, a café, a shop, and a golf course.

For days out, Kielder Water and Forest Park is about a 20-minute drive. It's good for cycling, walking, and water sports. It's also an International Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing is excellent. The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is worth a visit, and it's about half an hour away by car. Hexham and its abbey are roughly 25 minutes' drive. The coast, like places such as Bamburgh, is just under an hour away.

Inside the cottage, there's a woodburning stove in the living room. It has a dishwasher and a washing machine. Bedding and towels are included. There's a cot and a highchair if you need them. There's also bike storage.

Useful links for planning: Northumberland National Park, Kielder Water & Forest Park, and Northumberland Coast & Country.