This stay in Northumberland was on my bucket list, here’s why…
Have you ever found a place that when you step foot inside, you instantly do not want to leave?
Nestled among the trees right on the border of Northumberland and Scotland sits Tiptoe Retreat. Being less than 1.5 hours from both Edinburgh and Newcastle, it is the absolute perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life.
It had been on my bucket list for ages, and after finally staying there, I can tell you it lives up to every bit of the hype. Tiptoe Retreat currently has two absolutely stunning treetop cabins. I had been eyeing up the Howlet cabin for a while, specifically for its gorgeous outdoor bath area and the colourful yet calming interiors. We managed to book a stay for my birthday at the end of last year. As the retreat is situated in a designated Dark Skies area, sitting in that outdoor bath during the autumn months was an amazing stargazing experience. Looking up at a blanket of stars while surrounded by nothing but nature was truly magical.
From the second we arrived, I knew I didn’t want to leave. And honestly? They make it incredibly easy for you to stay put. You can enjoy walks right from the doorstep, go fishing in the river, sit in the sauna or even join an on-site pilates or bread making class. They have truly thought of everything.
If you do decide to tear yourself away from the cabin, the surrounding area has lots of beautiful history and scenery. Here are a few things I would recommend:
Right from the Farm (No Car Needed):
Duddo Five Stones Circle: A really cool ancient monument roughly a 45-minute walk from the farm.
Etal: Walk into the nearby village to explore the historic Etal Castle, there is also a local pub called The Black Bull.
A short drive away:
Take a 30 minute drive to the breath taking Holy Island (which I would 100% recommend you do). Here are my tips for your visit:
Definitely check the safe crossing times!!!
Grab a coffee at Pilgrims Coffee House & Roastery and take a stroll toward Lindisfarne Castle.
Be sure to pop into the Window on Wild Lindisfarne viewing glass along the way to spot local wildlife.
Lindisfarne Castle
Or head roughly a 40 minute drive to Bamburgh for a stroll on what has been voted the third best beach in the world by Tripadvisor. It is a beautiful place to visit, with miles of beach to explore, and you can’t forget about the breath taking Bamburgh Castle that sits right on the beachfront (just to note it’s not dog friendly). There is nothing better than grabbing a hot drink and watching the sunset along the beach.
Whatever you choose to do with your day, returning to the peace of Tiptoe Retreat in the evening is the best feeling. Especially knowing that it is a genuinely dog friendly stay, not just a dog tolerant place. They even provide a dog hamper and a blanket so your dog can curl up on the sofa with you which Skye absolutely loved. She sat on the sofa with us with the log burner on watching the birds out the windows.
We loved our initial stay so much that we actually returned just a couple of months ago where we stayed in their lovely Borderview Cottage. The cottage is great for a family, two couples or friends to get away. It offers peaceful views right across the Scottish borders and an amazing wood fired hot tub in the garden.
No matter which accommodation you choose, you are greeted with a delicious welcome hamper packed with local produce and goodies. What makes this place feel so special is that it's a genuine family farm, and the owners are the loveliest people. You can clearly see how much they care about the place and making sure you have a great stay.
Whether you are planning a trip to Northumberland or just passing through on your way up to Scotland, I couldn’t recommend adding this place to your bucket list enough. It is hands down one of the best stays we have ever had where we made memories that we will cherish for a lifetime!
