Self-catering in Northumberland - a great base for walking breaks in North East England.

Rent self-catering holiday homes in Northumberland

Hadrian's Wall runs almost 80 miles from coast to coast in Northumberland, and is accessible for adults and children - just plan your walks and how long they will take, or join a guided walking group. and at a place called Steel Rigg, which is almost midway between Hexham and Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall can be seen snaking its way across the country, with the Cawfields to Walltown Quarry section said to offer the most dramatic view of all. You’ll also find the well-preserved Temple to Mithras at Carrawburgh.

However, don’t for a minute think that the wall is just a collection – albeit a rather large one at that – of Roman dry wall stones simply flung together on a big scale. Hadrian's Wall is positively scattered with milecastles, forts and temples, together with plenty of archaeological sites that today are still unearthing British Roman history and providing a valuable insight into life in Roman times some 2,000 years ago.

Fancy a lastminute weekend getaway from the city? - Grab you walking boots or wellies (an insurance policy should it rain). The great thing about a self-catering holiday break is that you can make your visit to the wall as informal and as long or as often as you want, without the worry of keeping to a set timetable. If you take the Hadrian's Wall National Trail Path, you’ll enjoy some magnificent scenery and sights and have plenty of opportunities for a break in a friendly inn, café or restaurant in one of the many towns and villages along the route. Gather a group of friends and rent a large house for the weekend - it'll be a superb walking holiday. Guided walking holidays can be arranged - or do your own research and follow one of the many well planned paths.

And if you want something with a little more activity, the Summer months in places such as Chesters, Vindolanda, Corbridge or Housesteads see the recreation of Roman battles, in full costume, as well as opportunities for hands-on events demonstrating what life was like for the troops in Roman times. Highly entertaining and highly recommended.

There can be no doubt that Hadrian's Wall is a fabulous attraction, and the impact of those who built and lived can still be seen across the area today.

Accommodation for groups of walkers near Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviot Hills

Our editors 'top few' pet friendly holiday homes in Northumberland for lots of people within easy reach of walking along Hadrian's Wall - or sections of it:

Big houses for rent for a weekends walking break

Luxury holiday house in Northumberland near Beadnell with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, Pet friendly, Barbecue, Ground Floor Facilities, Golf nearby, Pub within 1 mile, Baby and Toddler Friendly, Cot Available.

View Blue Caps

Large country houses to rent in Northumberland near Alnmouth with 5 bedrooms, sleeps 8, Pet friendly, Pub within 1 mile, Cot Available.

View Littlecroft

Self-catering accommodation in Northumberland near Hexham with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, No pets, Barbecue, Ground Floor Facilities, Golf nearby, Cot Available.

View Brewers Cottage

Holiday home in Northumberland near Morpeth with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, No pets, Barbecue, Ground Floor Facilities, Golf nearby, Cot Available.

View Abbey Cottage

Large rental property in Northumberland near Wooler with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, Pet friendly, Barbecue, Pub within 1 mile, Cot Available.

View Till Cottage

Self catering for large groups in County Durham near Durham with 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8, Pet friendly, Barbecue, Ground Floor Facilities, Baby and Toddler Friendly, Cot Available, Swimming Pool.

View Durham Cottage-27765

Pubs and restaurants for walkers and holiday for self-caterers!

Anyone on a self-catering break in Northumberland, will, of course, want to know that they can take a break from the kitchen and enjoy a meal prepared by someone else. Meet fellow walkers and party al the way!

As a rule, inns and pubs in the county offer an especially hearty welcome, with great locally sourced and prepared food, often in a home-made style, accompanied by superb drinks, some brewed or fermented in the heart of Northumberland.

You’ll find plenty of character in these independent, family run hostelries scattered throughout the towns and villages of the county. Many are in fact the focal point of long-established and traditional communities, and will be only too happy to extend the hand of friendship to visitors. And if wanted, they’ll be only to pleased to offer friendly information and advice about the area, and, if you’re lucky, a bit of local gossip thrown in as well!

It makes no difference what your tastes are. Whether you want a quick, tasty bistro lunch or to sit down and be pampered as you treat yourself to a full a la carte evening dinner, you’ll certainly find what you are looking for in Northumberland. But be warned – the portions will be large and filling, especially in the pubs and inns by the coast and in deep rural Northumberland! Remember to reserve a table ahead for large groups.

Hadrian’s Wall runs from coast to coast so if you want to head to the sea for a bite and a pint, you'll soon discover that you are spoilt for choice. Whether it’s Blyth in the south or Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north, you’ll discover charming pubs and inns along the way serving good beer – with many local brews still surviving to this day – as well as wholesome, local food. And some may even serve it fresh from that morning’s catch.

Seahouses and Amble are especially famous for fantastic local fish and chips, and of course no stay would be complete without trying the famous Craster Kippers, so beloved by Her Majesty the Queen.

And with Northumberland being such a great walking county, you’ll always find a good inn or pub along virtually every walking route, sometimes hidden way in the village or hamlet, but nevertheless ready and willing to serve you good food and drink to perk you up for continuing on your walk. In fact, you'll even discover pubs near Hadrian's Wall providing that vital stop-over after a few hours wall-walking!