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- 20th May 2026
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16 unique stays in the North East
From enchanting treehouses, historical towers and even a floating hotel, if your idea of a getaway involves more than a standard hotel room, the North East definitely delivers.
From reimagined industrial structures to storybook towers and off-grid escapes, this region is quietly home to some of the UK’s most characterful places to stay, each rooted in local heritage and landscape.
Here’s our curated edit of unique stays that promise something a little different for your next night away.
Bailiffgate Hotel
2-8 Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LX
Experience an unforgettable stay at the newly opened Bailiffgate Hotel, where you can wake up to breathtaking castle views and unwind with a glass of bubbly from your private balcony or beside a luxurious roll-top bath. This elegant five-star retreat in the heart of Alnwick offers beautifully designed rooms, terrace suites, and private dining – making it one of Northumberland’s most memorable luxury hotels.
Hesleyside Huts
Hesleyside Huts, Hexham NE48 2LA
Tucked away in the North Tyne Valley, these handcrafted huts and watchtower-style stays offer a truly off-grid experience, complete with outdoor baths and stargazing decks. Set within the grounds of a historic hall, they’re designed for slowing down and reconnecting with nature in one of England’s darkest sky areas.
The Chapel at The Cookie Jar
The Cookie Jar, 12 Bailiffgate, Alnwick NE66 1LX
Set within a former convent in the heart of Alnwick, The Chapel is the hotel’s standout suite, where original stained glass and timber beams have been carefully preserved to honour the building’s past. Expect a luxurious, almost theatrical space, complete with a freestanding bath and soaring ceilings, that blends historic character with indulgent boutique-style comfort.
Tiptoe Retreat
Tiptoe Farm Cottage, Cornhill-on-Tweed TD12 4XD
Hidden beside the River Till, these elevated tree cabins bring a Scandi-inspired aesthetic to the Northumberland countryside. With skylights above the bed and outdoor bathing spaces, they’re designed for slow mornings and peaceful evenings surrounded by woodland.
Sky Den
Calvert Kielder, Hexham NE48 1BS
Featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, this geometric pod is hidden deep in Kielder Forest. Sky Den’s opening roof allows guests to lie back and watch the stars from bed, making it a dream spot for stargazers in the UK’s largest Dark Sky Park.
The Tempus
Charlton Hall Estate, Chathill, Northumberland NE67 5DZ
If your style leans more bold than rustic, this boutique hotel offers playful, individually designed rooms filled with colour, texture and personality. Set in converted stone barns, it’s a fresh, design-forward addition to the Northumberland staycation scene.
The Ducket
Belford NE70 7ED
Perched above the Northumberland coastline, this restored 18th-century dovecote offers a stay that feels part lighthouse, part lookout tower, with sweeping views towards Holy Island and the surrounding countryside. Inside, its five circular floors are linked by a winding staircase, creating a cosy yet distinctive space that’s perfect for a romantic escape with a real sense of history.
Wannies Retreat
West Woodburn, Hexham NE48 2RH
Wannie’s Retreat offers a modern, minimalist escape set within the Northumberland countryside, where clean lines and natural light create a serene, airy atmosphere. Perfect for couples or small groups, the property combines sleek interiors with private outdoor spaces, allowing guests to fully unwind while surrounded by rolling fields and tranquil rural views.
Craster Tower Apartment
Craster, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3SS
Set within the wing of a historic coastal tower house, this spacious apartment combines period features with sea views across the Northumberland coast. Expect ornate fireplaces, grand rooms and a peaceful setting just moments from the harbour.
Beacon Hill Farm
Longhorsley, Morpeth NE65 8QW
Set within a peaceful estate near the coast, Beacon Hill offers far more than just traditional cottages. Guests can choose from a collection of beautifully designed stone cottages, contemporary hideaways and even a striking treehouse-style retreat, all scattered across landscaped grounds. The variety here means every stay feels tailored, complete with sweeping countryside views and access to on-site spa facilities for an added touch of luxury.
Langley Castle
Langley Castle Hotel, Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU
For a stay steeped in history, this restored 14th-century castle lets you sleep within thick stone walls and turreted towers. Once left in ruins for centuries, it’s now a characterful hotel that blends medieval architecture with modern luxury.
The Glebe Retreat
Glebe Holidays Northumberland, Edlingham, Alnwick NE66 2BL
Set within a private meadow in the Edlingham Valley, this award-winning eco-lodge is designed to feel completely immersed in nature, with a curved, cocoon-like structure that almost blends into the landscape. Thoughtfully laid out around the elements, complete with a fire pit, outdoor stone bath and peaceful lounging spots, it offers a stay that’s both restorative and quietly luxurious.
Bilton Bothy
Bilton Barns Farm, Bilton, Alnwick NE66 2TB
Just outside Alnmouth village, these cabins and the L-shaped Bothy deliver unique design touches, fire pits and expansive views over Alnmouth Bay. With both cosy interiors and outdoor lounging spots, they’re ideal for a couple’s retreat with a seaside twist.
The Octagon Hut on Hadrian’s Wall
Quarry House, High Brunton, Hexham NE46 4EH
For a safari-style twist on glamping, this yurt combines traditional circular living with modern comforts and a light-filled roof, making it a peaceful place to fall asleep under the stars near one of the region’s most iconic heritage trails.
Hurkle Durkle Hut
Joiners Cottage, Preston, Chathill NE67 5ES
Hidden among woodland near Alnwick, this handcrafted A-frame cabin is designed for total switch-off, where birdsong replaces notifications and nature feels right on your doorstep. With its wood-fired hot tub, cosy interiors and secluded setting, it’s the kind of place made for slow mornings, starry nights and fully embracing the art of doing nothing.
Fingal Hotel
Alexandra Dock, Edinburgh, Leith EH6 7DX
A little further afield than the rest, but far too good to leave out. Permanently docked on Edinburgh’s waterfront, Fingal offers a stay quite unlike any other, set aboard a former lighthouse service ship that has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel. Awarded TripAdvisor’s number one in the UK and number four in the world in the One of a Kind category, expect polished wood interiors, elegant cabins and a refined maritime atmosphere where the experience feels part boutique hotel, part luxury yacht without ever leaving the quay.
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