This isn’t a mini-break – it’s a bucket-list experience. Sleeping in a tower of an ancient castle, on a volcanic outcrop overlooking an award-winning three-mile sandy beach –and dog friendly too? It’s like you’ve stepped into a real, live fairy tale.
Perched on the Northumberland coastline with views of the magical Holy Island, 11th-century Bamburgh Castle dominates the landscape. It offers more than just history, too – think pony-grooming sessions, sword-handling classes, and open-air cinema evenings in its grounds during summer.
Dogs are warmly welcomed when you stay, and there is even a dog-sitting service in the castle grounds on selected days. This is provided by Northumberland Dog Rescue, who will keep pets watered, walked and played with while their owners are off exploring, for a suggested donation of £5 for 30 minutes – with all the proceeds going directly to this fantastic charity.
AND FOR THE HUMANS?
Surprisingly cosy for a castle, The Clock Tower is set over three floors, has three bedrooms, and is decorated in rich, jewel colours with original art, vintage furniture and sumptuous velvet sofas. There are antique writing desks in hidden nooks, breakfast bars overlooking the village green and the Cheviot Hills, and plush red armchairs at the top of the tower with heart-stopping sea views. An impressively equipped kitchen means you could dine in your regal residence for your whole stay. If you do decide to venture out, the village’s famed Potted Lobster serves the fish and chips that TV cooks The Hairy Bikers raved about. (It gets very busy, so do book ahead.)
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES?
Bamburgh Beach is one of the UK’s most stunning dog-friendly stretches. Slip out of the castle at dawn to watch the sunrise and spot horses galloping along the shore and the seals sunbathing on the rocks.
Head for breakfast at the newly opened Bamburgh Walled Garden, which has a great dog-friendly café (bamburghwalledgarden.co.uk).
WALKIES
Walk south to Seahouses where you can take a dog-friendly boat trip to the Farne Islands to see puffins (from mid-April to July) and seals (all year). For spiritual pilgrims and zombie fans (scenes from Danny Boyle’s new flick 28 Years Later were filmed here), drive up the coast to nearby Lindisfarne which offers more dog-friendly trails – just check the tide times before you go, as strandings are common! Do try the incredible coffee and cake at dog-friendly Pilgrims Coffee House, a small, independent coffee roastery on the island.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Crabtree & Crabtree offers seven nights at The Clock Tower from £1,750. Sleeps five people in three bedrooms.
HOW DO I BOOK?
To secure your stay at The Clock Tower, call 01573 226711 or visit crabtreeandcrabtree.com.
