Review – Findara Cottage, Northumberland
Every now and then we stay somewhere that really sticks with us and I’m going to start this review by saying that this is most definitely one of them!
As part of our recent trip to Northumberland (you can read our full itinerary of the Northumberland trip here), we split our time between two accommodations, with Findara Cottage being our second base for exploring the area. It is a truly special place and I think I would have happily packed my bags and moved in with the dogs given half the chance – it really does offer everything we’re looking for in a dog friendly getaway.
As soon as I stepped inside and into the huge open plan kitchen/living room, it was very clear to see that everything had been done to the absolute highest standard, with an attention to design and detail that I’ve rarely seen in dog friendly holiday cottages.
It’s safe to say that Findara has one of the most well stocked kitchens I’ve seen in a holiday cottage. From a full selection of recipe books, to beautiful glassware, crockery and all the cookware you could need, it actually feels like a home from home where you could easily whip up a roast dinner, rather than scrambling around trying to find a tray to cook a pizza (don’t worry they have one of those too!).
The cosy lounge area has squishy sofas, a TV with full Netflix etc and a selection of board games, books and magazines to choose from for quiet evenings in.
A hamper packed full of local produce and some homemade teacakes (the chocolate kind!) had been left for us, as well as a dog bed and hamper of treats, toys and bowls for the dogs. These extra touches really do get a stay off to the best start!
Into the bedrooms and there would be no arguments over rooms here! They lead off opposite ends of the open plan lounge and both bedrooms are a really good size with king beds (the second bedroom can be made up as a twin) and ensuite bathrooms. One has a shower with bath and the other a double rain shower. Again, the interiors have been done to perfection, with the most stunning upholstered headboards and soft furnishings that I’ve definitely taken notes of for my own home! It’s worth noting that dogs are asked not to go in the bedrooms here to protect the cream carpets.
I can confirm that I slept so well, I actually had to check the brand of the mattress because it was so comfortable (it’s a Hypnos).
There is also a small single children’s room (without windows) but again beautifully decorated and would be great for a small child.
Outside, Findara Cottage has a lovely garden with views over the surrounding countryside, a BBQ area and table and chairs for 6. I’ve also heard that there is a fire pit on the way, which would be wonderful for evenings outside under Northumberland’s dark skies!
Good news for the dogs – the garden is fully enclosed and we were so lucky with the weather for our stay that I was happy to leave the doors open so the dogs could wander in and out. We even had a visit from the lovely resident Golden Retriever Lola who lives next door and let her into our garden for a while to have a play with Maple!
The lovely owner Lydia was really happy to give us recommendations on places to eat and things to do during our stay. Every single recommendation was brilliant and you can read more about our full itinerary here.
A wonderful pub in the village of Lowick just a mile from Findara Cottage. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and I would recommend booking, as I was extremely lucky to get a table on a Tuesday night! There is a huge focus on the highest quality meat and supporting local suppliers here and the food was absolutely fantastic. Definitely worth a visit!
This beach was a tip off from the owner Lydia and definitely one of our absolute favourites. Cheswick Sands is less than 15 minutes from Findara Cottage. Dog friendly all year round, backed by enormous sand dunes with miles and miles of almost empty beach. Dog heaven!
Within 20 minutes of Findara Cottage, Bamburgh is another beautiful beach, dog friendly all year round with the castle to the back of the beach. Carry on over the headland to find the vast Budle Bay – we had this completely to ourselves and it was an absolutely beautiful beach and a favourite with the dogs!
Holy Island is just 15 minutes from Findara Cottage and accessed by a tidal causeway (make sure to check the tide times before crossing as the island is cut off twice a day). There is plenty to see on the island including beaches, the castle and abbey ruins. We’d recommend the full circuit of the island to experience everything on offer. Dogs need to be on leads or under close control on the island to protect wildlife.
In summary, I really couldn’t recommend a stay at Findara Cottage more. Not only is it incredibly well placed for discovering some of the very best beaches, castles and attractions that Northumberland has to offer, it offers a level of comfort and luxury that is unusual to come by in dog friendly properties.
It’s definitely up there with one of our favourite ever dog friendly stays and we’ll absolutely be back in the future!
Thanks for reading,
Cara, Andy, Poppy and Maple x
This post is a collaboration with Findara Cottage and we enjoyed a complimentary 2 night stay in return for an honest review.
You can book your own luxury dog friendly stay with Findara Cottage direct on their website. Use the code ATTD10 for 10% off 1 week stays.
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