There is something so utterly enchanting about the county of Northumberland. An area steeped in history and adorned with the most unbelievable coastline you will ever see. It can offer you everything you could want in a UK holiday and more.

The northern most county of England, it boasts more castles than any other. You may find the breeze from the north sea a little chilly but I guarantee you will find the Geordies far from this. They really are a warm, friendly bunch.

No danger of over crowding on a hot summers day…… with 30 miles of spectacular beaches – there is room for everybody including their dog. Most of Northumberland’s beaches are dog friendly so it makes the perfect place to enjoy a true family holiday.

Luxury accommodation with a dog used to be a rarity……. now such companies as www.coquetcottages.co.uk offer 5 star dog friendly accommodation. No sign of any chintz in these properties, just pure luxury with a price tag to match.

Last summer we embarked on a four week UK summer holiday that started in Bamburgh, Northumberland. We stayed at a stunning New England style cottage called Waterford that had plenty of room for our 3 boys, Coel aged 14, Caleb aged 12 and Caden aged 9. We also brought Scout, our 7 year old black lab.

Bamburgh is just over 50 miles north of Newcastle. A drive that warranted plenty of toilet stops on the way from our West Midlands home. The house was just off the coast road and it was a 5 minute walk through undulating sand dunes to get to the beach. Beach towels provided by the owners of Waterford were a handy extra and the downstairs wet room was a blessing for 3 boys who love the surf of the north sea! The owners have gone all out to provide guests – including the dog –  with all that they need for a more than comfortable stay.

The iconic castle at Bamburgh can only be described as dramatic. It is perched on a basalt outcrop overlooking the North Sea. Views of The Farne Islands and Holy Island can be seen and they are undoubtedly worth a visit also. Just check your crossing times for Holy Island before you make your journey!

The museum dedicated to Grace Darling is ran by the RNLI. Her heroic tale is fascinating story for old and young alike.

The village in Bamburgh has an abundance of places to eat and drink, all within a 10 minute walk of the cottage. We ate at the www.mizen-head.co.uk which ranks as the top restaurant in Bamburgh on trip advisor. The food and service were excellent. The Castle Inn on Main Street was great for pub grub and very child friendly.

You won’t find a supermarket in Bamburgh but there is a butchers, deli, ice cream shop and small convenience store. There is a well stocked co-op in Seahouses only 3 miles away but I suggest you visit the historic market town of Alnwick at some point as this town has the nearest large supermarket not to mention it’s very own castle (used as film locations for Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves, Harry Potter and more recently Downton Abbey),  gardens, cinema, leisure centre and its home to one of the largest second hand dog-friendly book shops in England – Barter Books. It is located in in a former railway station and the smell as you walk through the door encapsulates everything that a second hand bookshop should be. Kids particularly enjoy the model railway and train that circles above their heads, linking together columns of books. You will lose yourself in here for hours…….

Finally I would whole heartedly recommend going to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, they do not disappoint especially if you start at Craster and take the coastal path. A great way to burn the kids energy and the dog’s too!

Northumberland is the perfect location for a fun filled family holiday. You will fall in love with its charm and no doubt will want to return for another curious adventure in the North East. I recommend that you get booked up…… Just don’t forget your coat and a Geordie phrase book!