Guests say
Guests consistently praise the cottage's prime location in Alnwick, its cleanliness, and the comfortable and well-appointed interiors. The property is described as a quiet, cosy retreat with easy access to local amenities and attractions. While most reviews are positive, a few guests noted minor maintenance issues and personal preferences regarding mattress firmness.
The property is frequently described as clean and well-presented, with only one mention of a grill pan not being cleaned to the highest standard, suggesting a high level of cleanliness overall.
The location is highly commended for its convenience, being central and close to shops, restaurants, and attractions, with no noise disturbance reported, indicating an exceptional location.
Comfort is generally rated highly, with several mentions of comfortable beds and furnishings. However, a few guests had personal preferences regarding mattress firmness, which slightly affects the score.
Facilities are well-regarded, with mentions of a well-equipped kitchen and fast Wi-Fi. Some minor maintenance issues and suggestions for additional items slightly lower the score.
Guests appreciate the welcome pack and thoughtful touches, although it's important to note that such gestures are at the discretion of the owners and may vary.
About this property
Resting in the heart of Alnwick in Northumberland is this fully refurbished for 2022, stylish, end-terrace cottage. This has been done to a high standard and includes a brand new kitchen and bathroom. The cottage has amenities, attractions, and historic sites on your doorstep, whilst the property's interior is beautifully presented with cosy, contemporary furnishings and a perfect place to unwind and relax. Park up in the designated parking space before making yourself at home in the pristine kitchen/diner with an electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, and coffee machine. You'll have no problem preparing home-cooked dinners ready to serve at the dining table for four, whilst you reminisce on your holiday adventures so far. After dinner, retire to the bright sitting room with cushioned seats to sink into, turn on the Smart TV, and relax with a glass of wine. The first floor has two bedrooms, a refreshing king-size double and a twin, decorated in white and grey hues with storage space and high-quality furnishings. Start your day in the family bathroom with a heated towel rail to keep your towel toasty, whilst you savour a bubble bath or rinse in the shower over. Make the most of the private patio garden, where you can enjoy an alfresco meal or simply savour a cold drink in the sunshine. The market town of Alnwick, with its famous castle and gardens, is a stone's throw away, the cobbled streets are home to a variety of boutique shops, as well as a weekly Saturday market and a local train station to explore further afield or simply take a relaxing stroll through the centre of town, stopping off for a delicious bite to eat in one of the many local cafés or restaurants along the way. For attractions, visit the Bailiffgate and Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland before taking a tour of the famous Alnwick Castle, used as the backdrop to some of Harry Potter's most iconic scenes. Also, pay a visit to The Alnwick Gardens, with its iconic cascading waterfall, Poison Garden and why not have lunch at the Treehouse restaurant. It's a wonderful, historic base for exploring Northumberland, while Bamburgh, Beadnell Bay, Seahouses, Holy Island and the rest of the glorious Heritage Coast are on the doorstep, waiting to be discovered. The coastal village of Alnmouth is a short journey away, where you can while away the hours relaxing or walking along Alnmouth Beach. Northumberland Coast AONB has scenic coastal paths to explore and beautiful sights, including Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, the 14th-century Dunstanburgh Castle, and the village of Bamburgh. The fascinating Bamburgh Castle offers tours of the stately rooms and overlooks the unspoilt, golden sands of Bamburgh Beach. If you're looking for idyllic countryside, you'll have the Northumberland National Park within easy reach where Hardian's Wall, Kielder Forest and the Cheviot Hills all offer incredible sights and walks. Stop off in Rothbury on your way for a game or two at Rothbury Golf Club, wander the rural mansion and gardens of the National Trust's Cragside, and admire the picturesque Armstrong Cottages. An inviting cottage in a perfect central location, promising a family holiday to remember, any time of year.
Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland, dominates the town's skyline. The 2002 Castle Gardens feature Europe's largest cascading water feature, an enormous treehouse, a delightful rose garden, and a beautiful, walled ornamental garden. Harry Potter's Hogwarts School was filmed at the castle. The town's narrow streets have changed little since the London-to-Edinburgh stage coach passed through, and the Market Place with its stone cross is still the site of the weekly Saturday market. Alnwick has a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and there are miles of golden beaches, numerous castles, and boat trips to the Farne Islands nearby. A great place to explore Northumberland's Heritage Coast.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Ground floor cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Dishwasher.
Sitting room
Gas central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, Washing Machine, Coffee Machine.
Smart TV, DVD, Bluetooth Speaker, Superfast WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair and travel cot available on request.
Patio garden with seating.
Designated parking for 1 car.
Sorry, no pets and no smoking.
Shops, restaurants and pubs 0.1 miles.
Unfortunately, charging of electric cars at the property is not possible, however, there are multiple charging points located less than two minutes' walk away in the main Alnwick car park
Nearby points of interest
- Alnwick Castle
- Bamburgh Castle
- Northumberland Country Zoo
Reviews (18)
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Pauline
House is in a very quiet location with no passing traffic and parking outside the front door. The house is comfortable with good quality furnishings. Close to Morrisons and many shops and restaurants Alnwick has to offer. Great location for visiting the many beautiful villages, castles and beaches along the coast. Short walk to the stunning Alnwick Gardens and Castle. Cragside National Trust well worth a visit. Bamburgh Castle and beach amazing. Good communication with the owners.
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Frank
The property otherwise is an excellent base for Alnwick and surrounding areas
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Roger
First impressions on arrival were good, roomier than we first thought, nice furnishings and warm and cosy. Very well situated for getting around and visiting the sites, and also handy for the bus station and local supermarket. However, during the course of our stay we discovered a few negative points, and to us it did not live up to the praise on the previous reviews, and would not call it "outstanding" as was stated on the website. There were several issues whilst there that needed to be looked at, and we contacted Glen, one of the owners, the day before we left. We had a problem with the mixer tap in the kitchen but managed to repair it, but notified Glen in case in needed further attention. We were asked if there was any damage and we confirmed that there was not. Whilst on the phone we also mention a few other things that needed attention. These were a toilet roll holder in the downstairs loo that was hanging off the wall, there were two chipped mugs in the cupboard, the ceiling light in the lounge had one lightbulb which never worked, and although two tea towels and one pan shiner were listed in the itinerary, we had no pan shiner and only one tea towel. The plinth under the boiler in the kitchen, which was resting on the fridge freezer, fell down every time the fridge door was opened. The grill pan wasn't the cleanest, whoever used it before us did not clean it properly, but it should have been checked anyway. Perhaps a roll of kitchen foil might be an idea. Finally, we had no change of bed linen, towels or tea towels for our second week at the property. So, after all that we have said, they are probably only small things, but it would have been nice if it had been looked after by the owners better rather than relying on the guests to look after it for them. We have booked with Sykes Cottages quite a number of times before and this is the first time we have felt the need to point out things that were not as they should have been.