Courtyard Cottage is a traditional end-of-terrace cottage on a quiet residential estate on the outskirts of Alnwick, Northumberland. It sleeps four across three bedrooms and suits families or walkers wanting a base close to town. The interior is simply furnished with a home-from-home feel and one guest called it "wonderfully warm" and "tastefully appointed".

Alnwick itself has cobbled streets, historic buildings and a weekly Saturday market. This part of Northumberland works well for coastal days out and countryside walking, with bus stops nearby giving access to scenic routes along the coastal footpath. Several guests mention using public transport to reach the coast, then walking back into town for a pub meal or a browse of the shops.

Upstairs there's a king-size bedroom plus two singles, one with its own en-suite shower, basin and WC. The main bathroom has a bath with shower over, basin and WC and there's a separate cloakroom downstairs. The kitchen/diner is set up for cooking and eating together and the sitting room has sofas, an electric fire and a smart TV for evenings in.

Alnwick Castle is close by, known for its towers and stone walls and as a filming location for the Harry Potter series (check drive time locally). The Alnwick Garden, with Europe's largest cascading water feature and a large treehouse, makes a good family day out. Alnmouth is 4 miles away (around 10 minutes by car) and Bamburgh is 15 miles (about 30 minutes). Rothbury sits 10 miles off, roughly 20 minutes by car, for a taste of the Northumberland countryside.

Dog owners take note: one review reports three dogs made "very welcome" here. Add easy roadside parking, a courtyard garden and a spot close to Alnwick's amenities and Courtyard Cottage makes sense for walking breaks or family trips to the coast. Book today for a fantastic break in Alnwick for four.