Lavender Cottage sits on Bailiffgate in the heart of Alnwick, Northumberland, a stone-built cottage dating back to around 1750. Sleeping four across two bedrooms, it keeps its original roof beams and a wood-panelled feature wall in the sitting room. One reviewer measured it at just 60 metres from Alnwick Castle and the cottage sits behind a passage leading to Nurses Yard, once a working part of the old town.

Alnwick itself is a market town built around its castle and dominated by the Duke of Northumberland's estate. Narrow streets here have barely changed since stagecoach days. Alnwick Gardens, with Europe's largest cascading water feature and a large treehouse, lies close by. Riverside walks through Hulne Park start almost from the doorstep and the coast with its sandy beaches is a short drive away.

Inside, a double bedroom has vintage furniture and a wooden feature wall, while the twin room has pink walls. The bathroom has a bath with shower over. Downstairs the sitting room has leather sofas and a gas-effect woodburning stove and the kitchen/diner runs off a traditional AGA that guests repeatedly mention for its warmth. A small garden holds a large lavender bush and furniture for morning coffee or evening drinks.

Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Hogwarts filming location, is minutes away on foot. Alnwick Gardens is equally close. Alnmouth beach lies 4 miles off (10 minutes by car), Rothbury is 10 miles away (20 minutes) and Bamburgh Castle sits 15 miles distant (30 minutes).

Book Lavender Cottage (Bailiffgate) for a well-placed Northumberland base, ideal for couples or small families wanting castles, gardens and coastline within easy reach. Check your dates today for a stay in the centre of Alnwick.