Family-friendly vacation rentals in Alnwick

Large farmhouse with valley views in rural setting

General Follions is a substantial late-1800s stone-built traditional Northumberland farmhouse located located just outside Thropton and Rothbury close to Morpeth, Alnwick and the Northumberland coast including Holy Island. This home from home has been lovingly renovated retaining many original features and a country charisma. Follions has five bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper floor. 2x King size beds (5'), 1x Queen size (4'6") and 4x Single (3') beds. In total, Follions sleeps ten guests in 7 beds. There is also a cot, high chair, stair and door gates available for use by guests. Dogs (up to 3) are more than welcome to stay (£50 charge per booking). Details Follions has five spacious bedrooms serviced by two bathrooms and a WC suitable for up to ten guests and three dogs. The house has a large private garden and private off-road parking for four cars. The dining room has a large dining table which comfortably seats ten diners. The well-equipped kitchen has an oil-fired range, separate integrated electric oven and hob, toaster, bread maker, electric frying pan, slow cooker, and a Nespresso coffee pod machine (pods, not Vertuo) and milk frother in kitchen. Due to the design of the kitchen there is no dishwasher A travel cot with mattress (no bedding provided), high chair and stairs gates are also available for use (at no charge). Guests have full access to the garden with a trampoline, play house and picnic benches. There are also apple trees, strawberry runners and raspberry bushes to enjoy in season. Up to 3 dogs welcome (please bring your own bedding and bowls). Please remember to include that a pet will be joining you in your booking information so that we can invoice you accordingly. The farmhouse is adjacent to a small working sheep farm. So long as you can cope with the odd sheep's bleat and the sound of the farmer's quadbike doing the rounds in the morning, then that is all you know of the farm next door. Guests are not permitted to enter the farm buildings or areas of the working farm - this is for your own safety (farms are dangerous places!) and to allow the farmer (who does not own the farmhouse) to carry out his busy duties of running his farm. Location The property is located five miles from the nearest town (Rothbury) which has a mini-market (Co-Op) and a selection of pubs and restaurants. Slightly closer to hand is a charming village (Thropton) with two good pubs (of which one serves exceptionally good food). Out and About With a beautiful walled garden for the summer and cozy real fires for the winter we’re sure you’ll be happy spending time relaxing at Follions. If you do want to head out and about there are plenty of attractions and activities on our doorstep to keep you occupied. For walkers there are plenty of footpaths through the beautiful countryside immediately surrounding Follions. A few minute’s drive away, Thropton has a lovely riverside path which takes walkers right into the town of Rothbury, alternatively take the high road - the moors above the town are strewn with ancient carriageways and hiking trails which again connect the village to Rothbury. The dramatic crags of Simonside offer glorious views and Thrunton Woods are great for forest walks. Walk through the beautiful national park in Ingram Valley – try climbing the hill to the old Celtic fort or following the trail to the impressive Linhope Falls. Climb Cheviot from Wooler or head slightly further afield to pick up the Northumberland Coastal Path, St Cuthbert’s Way, St Oswald’s Way, the Pennine Way or to hike through Kielder Forest or walk on Hadrian’s Wall. Cycling Cycling Guests are welcome to store bikes in our stables during their stay. There are endless opportunities for mountain biking – try Simonside, the Debden moors or Thrunton Woods locally or head slightly further afield to Kielder Forest or the Sandstone Way which runs from Berwick to Hexham. Northumberland has several long distance cycle routes for road cycling enthusiasts: Pennine Cycleway – Route 68 Hadrian’s Cycleway - NCN Route 72 The Coast & Castles Cycleway – NCN Route 1 C2C -NCN Route 7 Reivers Cycle Route - NCN Route 10. Climbing Climbers will find many sandstone crags in Northumberland with stunning settings and incredible views. Golf There are a raft of excellent courses close by. The nearest is Rothbury Golf Course, 5 miles from Follions. Castles Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. Visit Alnwick, used as location in the shooting of the Harry Potter movies, the atmospheric Chillingham or head over to the coast to visit Warkworth, Dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. Gardens and Stately Homes Visit local National Trust property Cragside or Wallington. Check out Howick Gardens & Arboretum or stroll around Alnwick Castle Garden. Fitness Facilities There are swimming pools and gymnasiums at Alnwick, Morpeth and Cramlington Leisure Centres. Owners We do not live on-site but nearly always have our phones with us so we are available for messages or email sent through your booking agent to answer any queries. Our housekeeper lives close by to help for any urgent matters.

The Granary, Bog Mill Cottages, edge of Alnwick

Visit England Gold award winning cottage. A beautiful, modern and tastefully converted stone barn retaining much of its original character and charm. The Granary is one of 3 holiday cottages converted from the former farm buildings of Bog Mill. Bog Mill is no longer a working farm. All three cottages are completely self contained with each cottage having their own individual garden areas, parking areas and garden furniture. The cottages do not not overlook each other or share any facilities.

Swinburne Castle

Swinburne Castle is perfectly situated within its own beautiful parkland and gardens. Traditionally decorated, parts of the house have tremendous history dating back to the 12th century. The east wing is extremely comfortable and private, and don't be perturbed by the stone steps leading down to the vaulted cellar. In the mornings you can look forward to a delicious breakfast in the formal dining room. There is ample parking and a tennis court you are welcome to use.