Coquet Cottages will prove to be the perfect summer getaway, with the perfect weekend planned for you, to make matters easier.
Friday Afternoon At Coquet Cottages>>
It’s Friday. You’re ready for the weekend and you arrive on a hot summer’s afternoon into beautiful, bustling Warkworth. The road loops around the castle walls and arrives at the top of the main street, giving you an impressive view of the village.
With plenty of parking in the centre of the village and down by the pretty riverbank, you could switch off your engine for the entire weekend if you wanted to. We can reassure you that there’s plenty to see and do on foot.
Coquet Cottages’ pretty, inviting office rests gently on the edge of the village square. Its name is after the beautiful river that loops around the village. Established 25 years ago with just one little cottage in quaint Warkworth, their hand-picked portfolio now comprises 150 luxury cottages.
As soon as you book, you’ll get handy updates about your stay. Checking in after a long day of travelling is super easy with their comprehensive Digital Guidebook. It contains a wealth of useful information about your chosen cottage and the town/village you’re staying in.
Arriving To Your Weekend Retreat >>
Arrive by keyless entry, dump your bags and your holiday has now begun. You’ll find care and attention in every aspect of your home for the weekend.
From the generous welcome hamper containing lots of local treats, to the complimentary branded toiletries in the bathroom (by brands such as Temple Spa, Noble Isle and the White Company), you’ll feel taken care of this weekend in your cosy cottage.
Connect to the Wi-Fi (or not, you might want to escape it all for a few days!), put the kettle on and have a nosy through the games and books. Netflix will be waiting for you later on. But for now, pour yourself a glass of wine, run a hot bath with your luxury toiletries, and relax.
Saturday morning >>
Blackout blinds or curtains mean an undisturbed night’s sleep. Waking feeling refreshed and eager to see what the day will bring. Soak in the views of the river and enjoy the slower pace of life in the village.
All of Coquet Cottages’ four and five-star properties have everything you need to switch off. So there will be no judgement from us if you just need a lazy morning!
However, we’re keen to take you through the ideal Saturday. After a quick breakfast with the local, homemade bread and a locally-roasted coffee, it’s time to get out and about.
Our first stop is the arty village of Alnmouth. With its colourful cottages and bobbing boats, at its best enjoyed on a sunny day when the tide is out.
Alnmouth is 3.5 miles north of Warkworth. Linked by a coastal path is very popular with cyclists and walkers alike, so we’d recommend walking to appreciate it to the fullest. The sea views are stunning. Knowing that refreshments are waiting for you on the other side, makes the route a little easier.
After a quick detour to The Old School Gallery, where you will find a seasonal art exhibition, you’ll need to refuel. Retreat into the comfort of Scott’s Deli. An artisan, upmarket local delicatessen specialising in good coffee, great gin and even better baked goods.
We hope you’ve brought a backpack because you’ll probably take home some goodies for later on!
After a quick deli-sandwich pit stop (they welcome dogs, too), we’d recommend heading up to The Alnwick Garden in the afternoon. A quick caveat on this one though. You’ll find Alnwick easier to reach by car (or bus) and sadly dogs are a no at The Alnwick Garden.
Step through those magnificent gates and you’ll be met with the Grand Cascade. After a tranquil stroll through the Cherry Orchard, a mysterious wander through the Poison Garden, and a little fun in the spell-binding water sculptures, you’ll be ready to retreat to your handpicked holiday home – hopefully with the gin you purchased earlier!
Kick off your walking boots and sink into the bath, making the most of the complimentary toiletries. A glass of wine will go down nicely, especially when paired with alfresco-style dining in the enclosed garden.
Sunday At Coquet Cottages>>
Your final day is a lazy Sunday – with emphasis on the lazy! The beds are so comfortable that breakfast turns into brunch. You only need to make it as far as the garden before lunchtime.
Taking a short walk into the village, you will stumble across Cabosse. A small French patisserie with delectable goodies for gift shopping (and a treat for you, too).
Have a wander down to the riverbank and follow the loop around the village. You’ll pass The Hermitage. An English Heritage site that can be reached only by rowing boat from across the river. It was once the home of a monk who retreated into solitude after losing the love of his life, carving designs into the rockface.
If you’ve built up an appetite, a Sunday roast is the perfect end to a wholesome weekend. The Masons Arms is regarded as the best pub in the village for atmosphere and food and they’re dog-friendly too. Their huge beer garden has been recently refurbished with a pizza hut. It is a hidden sun-trap in the warmer months.
After sharing some heavenly food, we expect you will feel defeated! Perhaps substitute the planned dessert for a cold beverage; never a bad idea.
In a last effort to see more of the sights, we’d recommend a drive through Amble, past the Sunday Market selling the day’s local catch, and park up by the seafront.
The local Sunday market is held every week on the old quayside which is a delight to wander around, leading into the ‘Harbour Village’, a collection of mini boutique-style independent shops operating out of pods resembling old fishermen’s huts.
The views from the quayside are spectacular – not just of Coquet Island and out to sea, but snaking down the Coquet estuary, framed by impressive Warkworth Castle.
Upon your return for one last relaxing evening – we’re sure you will want to stay a while longer at Coquet Cottages. The guest book offers even more inspiration for your next trip. Perhaps you’ll want to stay for a week or two, discover a different season, or bring the whole family next time.
Whatever your ideas are, the friendly team at Coquet Cottages are travel experts and will happily chat you through their recommendations for the perfect next trip.
coquetcottages.co.uk
01665 710700
