The Old Forge is a stone-built cottage set on a quiet lane behind Alnwick's main street, in Northumberland. It sleeps up to four across two bedrooms, with a kingsize room and a twin room upstairs. The kitchen/dining area is well presented and the cosy living room has a 42-inch TV. Outside you'll find a fully enclosed patio garden, a nice spot for morning coffee or dinner outdoors.

Alnwick itself is a historic market town with independent shops, restaurants, a cinema and several pubs, all within walking distance. The coast lies just four miles away, part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with sandy beaches and coastal walking and cycling routes. To the west, the Cheviot Hills offer heather-capped uplands for longer walks.

Both bedrooms sit on the first floor: one with a 5ft kingsize bed, the other with two 3ft single beds. The bathroom has a bath with a shower over. Downstairs, the kitchen/dining room has a dishwasher, washing machine, electric oven and hob, plus its own 32-inch TV. A parking permit for one car is included, though there's no on-site parking.

Alnwick Castle is roughly a mile away (5 minutes' drive), home to the Duke of Northumberland and famous as a filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Right next door, Alnwick Garden holds the Grand Cascade waterfall, a Poison Garden and the largest treehouse in Europe, complete with its own restaurant. The shop is 150 yards away and a pub and restaurant sit just 200 yards from the door.

This is a solid pick for couples or small families wanting an easy base for exploring Alnwick, its castle and gardens and the Northumberland coast beyond. The Old Forge puts you within walking distance of the town and a short drive from some of the county's best-known sights. Book your stay in Alnwick today.