When you’re at Chatton Park Bunkhouse, you’re up in the Cheviot Hills, equidistant between the Northunberland Coast AONB and the Northumberland National Park, you’re on just the right side of remote. Lindisfarne with all its stark glory and wildlife is just there and the market town of Alnwick (home of arguably Britain’s best bookshop) is on the postal address. When we stayed there, the children were enchanted by the working farm machinery and animals and all the birdlife almost close enough to touch. It started life as a smithy before being converted into self-catering accommodation and you can tell by the old forge which is still there in the kitchen. Although the weather was scorching when we stayed, I’m sure it would be welcome on cooler evenings.

We explored the area from by cycling and walking. Taking a long climb up to a beautiful waterfall, whose pool cooled us after our exertions. The whole family was fascinated watching raptors of various species hunting over the moors and farmland. 

Chatton Park Bunkhouse is on a farm in rural north Northumberland.  A great base to explore Alnwick with its famous Castle and Gardens,  Chillingham Castle (a brisk walk away) and the many other castles along the  Scottish Borders (just 12 miles away).  The Northumberland National Park is 5 miles away and has a huge area of walking and cycling in the heather covered Cheviot Hills. There are also climbing and boulder crags very close to the bunkhouse.  The bunkhouse has been converted from the old Blacksmiths shed and the high hearth open fire is still in use in the kitchen. You can sit around the blacksmiths fires, looking at the beams where pigeons used to roost and enjoy the evening sun in the secluded garden.