Self-catering holidays in Northumberland offer the perfect blend of freedom and flexibility for your next adventure. We’ve watched countless guests discover the joy of having their own space while exploring our stunning coastlines, ancient castles, and rolling hills.
Our Victorian country house hotel sits perfectly positioned between Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, just 18 miles from Hexham and close by to the ancient ruins.
Key Takeaways
- Design your perfect break with flexible accommodation options across Northumberland
- Explore historic sites and natural wonders at your own pace
- Save money by cooking your own meals using fresh local produce
- Enjoy home comforts with added luxuries like our indoor pool and award-winning restaurant
Choose Your Perfect Location
The key to a successful self-catering holiday in Northumberland lies in smart planning. Our location in Bellingham offers easy access to both major attractions and essential amenities. The nearest large supermarkets are in Hexham (Tesco, Waitrose), a 30-minute drive south, while Bellingham village provides local shops for daily needs.
Your location choice shapes your entire holiday experience. The coastal zone, including Bamburgh, Seahouses, and Craster, puts you right on Northumberland’s stunning shoreline. You’ll have direct access to pristine beaches and coastal paths, plus local fishmongers selling the morning’s catch. Keep in mind that coastal properties command premium rates during peak season (July-August).
Inland market towns like Bellingham, Rothbury, and Wooler offer excellent value and versatility. We’ve found these locations ideal for guests who want to explore both coast and countryside without committing to one area.
Essential Planning Tips
Book 3-6 months ahead for summer stays, especially if you’re eyeing coastal locations. Winter visits offer better availability and lower rates, plus you’ll get to experience Northumberland’s dramatic landscapes without the crowds.
Consider your must-have amenities carefully. While all self-catering properties offer basic kitchen facilities, extra features like washing machines, dishwashers, or pet-friendly policies vary widely.
Here at Riverdale Hall, we provide guests access to our heated indoor pool and award-winning restaurant – perfect for days when you don’t feel like cooking. The restaurant seats up to 90 people at one sitting, but its layout is such that it offers an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy even for lone diners.
The restaurant has received a Les Routiers Gold Plate Award (the only hotel in Northumbria to receive this accolade), numerous AA rosettes, RAC blue ribbons and been named the “Best Hotel in Northumberland.”
Smart Shopping and Local Supplies
Bellingham Co-op provides essential supplies, while Hexham’s market (Tuesdays and Saturdays) offers fresh local produce and artisanal foods. We recommend Northumberland Cheese Company in Blagdon for award-winning local cheeses, and Turnbull’s of Alnwick for quality meats and pies.
For specialty items and larger shops, Morrison’s and Marks & Spencer in Alnwick offer extensive selections. Don’t miss the local farm shops – Blagdon Farm Shop and Brocksbushes Farm near Corbridge stock seasonal produce and homemade treats that showcase Northumberland’s finest.
Making the Most of Your Stay
Start your day with breakfast overlooking the North Tyne River, then pack a picnic for exploring. Key attractions like Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle, and Kielder Water all welcome picnickers with designated areas.
Our local tip? Time your coastal visits around the tide tables. Low tide reveals hidden caves at Cullernose Point and opens the causeway to Holy Island. We provide daily tide times at reception to help you plan safely.
Seasonal Considerations
Each season in Northumberland offers unique advantages for self-catering holidays:
Spring (March-May)
Watch lambs in the fields and enjoy mild walking weather. Local produce starts appearing at markets, including wild garlic and early vegetables.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings the warmest weather and longest days. Book ahead and expect higher prices, especially in coastal areas. Perfect for beach activities and outdoor dining.
Autumn (September-November)
Experience Northumberland’s golden colours and rich harvests. Wild mushrooms and game meats feature prominently at local markets. We often see dolphins off the coast during this quieter season, especially near Craster.
Winter (December-February)
Discover dramatic landscapes and cosy nights. Many properties offer winter discounts, and you’ll find peaceful walks along empty beaches. Dark skies are at their best, making it perfect for stargazing at Kielder Observatory.
Money-Saving Tips
Shop at budget stores, then supplement with local specialties from markets. Many local attractions, including parts of Hadrian’s Wall and numerous beaches, are free to visit.
Our guests often take advantage of our “dine-in” option – enjoy our award-winning restaurant on arrival night, then self-cater for the rest. We also provide secure storage for groceries if you arrive before check-in time.
Beyond the usual holiday items, bring:
- Basic cooking essentials (oil, salt, pepper)
- Food storage containers for picnics
- A good cool bag for beach days
- Reusable shopping bags (5p charge in local shops)
- Walking boots – even coastal paths can get muddy
Stay away from bulky kitchen items – all our self-catering properties include full cooking equipment and crockery. Instead, pack those special ingredients you might not find locally.
Make the Most of Local Knowledge
At Riverdale Hall, we’re passionate about helping guests discover hidden gems. Our favourite local spot is the North Tyne River, right on our doorstep, where you can fish for salmon or simply enjoy riverside walks. We’ll happily arrange fishing permits and provide local walking maps.
Don’t miss Bellingham’s heritage centre, just five minutes from us, which tells fascinating stories of the Border Reivers. The nearby Black Middens Bastle House offers a glimpse into the region’s turbulent past – and it’s free to visit.
While a car gives you the most flexibility in Northumberland, we can help arrange alternatives. The Tynedale Links 680 bus stops near us. Local taxi services are reliable but need booking in advance – we maintain a list of trusted drivers.
For coastal excursions, try the X18 bus route connecting Newcastle to Berwick. It follows the coastal route, offering stunning views and stopping at key villages and attractions.
Why Choose Riverdale Hall as Your Base?
Our indoor pool, sauna, and seven acres of grounds give you extra space to relax. Plus, our location in Bellingham puts you within an hour’s drive of Northumberland’s major attractions.
Special touches make your stay easier – from secure storage for bikes and fishing gear to our drying room for wet weather gear. When you don’t feel like cooking, our restaurant showcases the best local ingredients, including game from nearby estates.
Each self-catering apartment overlooks our cricket field, with stunning views of the North Tyne River, bridge, and Dunterley Fell along the Pennine Way.
Ground Floor Apartments
Abrahams Apartment offers flexible family accommodation with:
- Two bedrooms (one double, one triple)
- Spacious bathroom with shower over bath
- Open-plan living area
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Private patio area
Milburn Apartment is perfect for smaller groups or those needing accessible facilities:
- Large bedroom (configurable as double plus single or three singles)
- Accessible bathroom
- Open-plan living space
- Well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Adjacent parking
- Ground-level patio
First Floor Apartments
Blakey Apartment provides extra privacy with:
- Two bedrooms (configurable as twins or doubles)
- En-suite bathroom to main bedroom
- Additional family bathroom
- Open-plan living area
- Private balcony
Graham Apartment offers comfortable accommodation featuring:
- Two flexible bedrooms (twin or double options)
- Well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Open-plan living and dining space
- Private balcony with fell views
Each apartment includes laundry facilities, outdoor dining space, fulla access to hotel amenities, free wi-fi, and dedicated parking.
At Riverdale Hall, we also offer 28 individually styled rooms, each featuring:
- En-suite facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Access to our indoor heated pool – check times at Reception
- Use of our award-winning restaurant (breakfast 7:30-9:30am, dinner 6:30-8:30pm)
Our two distinguished feature rooms offer extra luxury. In the main house, you’ll find a grand half-tester bed and an indulgent bathroom with a roll-top bath and separate walk-in shower. Our garden wing feature room opens onto a private patio and includes a slipper bath – perfect for relaxing after a day’s exploring.
Our superior rooms face south, treating you to stunning views across our grounds and the North Tyne River. Many feature private balconies or patios – ideal for morning coffee or evening drinks. While our standard rooms vary in size and outlook, they maintain the same high-quality facilities throughout.
Travelling solo? Our single rooms come with double beds for extra comfort. Two superior singles in the main house offer double beds, while our garden wing singles feature king-size beds and spacious walk-in showers.
For families, we offer flexible options. Choose from rooms with double and single bed combinations, or our largest family room with a double bed and three singles – perfect for larger families or groups.
All our rooms give you access to:
- Indoor heated swimming pool (7am-9pm)
- Award-winning restaurant
- Seven acres of riverside grounds
- Free parking
- 24-hour reception service
Our riverside location gives you direct access to:
- Private fishing on the North Tyne (permits available)
- Seven acres of grounds with cricket field
- Walking routes into Northumberland National Park
- Dark Sky viewing areas
Everything you’ll want to see in Northumberland sits within easy reach:
- Hadrian’s Wall: 16.5 miles (30 minutes)
- Kielder Water & Forest Park: 19.2 miles (35 minutes)
- Alnwick Castle: 35.4 miles (1 hour)
- Bamburgh Castle and beaches: 45 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Ready to book your Northumberland adventure? Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or peaceful retreats, we’ll help create your ideal Northumberland experience.
Book your stay directly through our website, email us at reservations@riverdalehallhotel.co.uk or call us on 01434 220254. Contact our team for more details.
We’ll need:
- Your preferred dates
- Number of guests
- Any special requirements (accessibility, high chairs, etc.)
- Arrival time for check-in arrangements
Our reception team can advise on room choices – some offer river views, others have private patios perfect for summer evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is check-in/check-out?
Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 11am. Early arrivals can use our facilities and store luggage. We do a late check out to 12 noon for a cost of £20.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking right outside your accommodation. We have space for larger vehicles too.
Can we bring dogs?
We welcome well-behaved dogs in selected rooms. There’s a £10 nightly charge, and we provide dog beds and treats.
What if we need supplies after hours?
Bellingham’s Co-op shop opens until 10pm daily. We also keep emergency essentials at reception.