Beaches, pubs, walks and villages in the local area

Wren's Nook is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within easy reach of spectacular beaches, historic castles and beautiful footpaths.

Dunstanburgh Castle

Just ten minutes walk from the front door, this spectacular fourteenth century ruin is run by English Heritage.  You can stroll down and then when you hit the sea turn right and walk on to Craster Village.

Craster Village

A small fishing village, 20 minutes walk or five minutes drive, Craster is famous for its kippers with a working smokery still in action. There is also a very nice pub, The Jolly Fisherman, which serves excellent food, a restaurant and a café.

Howick Hall

This stately home is best known for its gardens.  It is the ancestral home of Earl Grey of tea and Great Reform Act fame.  The gardens are beautiful and the tea room (perhaps unsurprisingly) is delightful.  Ten minutes in the car.

Alnwick

Alnwick is fifteen minutes drive away and is the local centre with a market and the famous Alnwick Castle and Gardens.  The castle is an excellent trip for Harry Potter fans as it doubled as Hogwarts Castle in the films. The Alnwick Gardens are spectacular and a fun family day out too.  If spending time in Alnwick you should go to Barter Books an enormous second hand bookshop set in the old railway station.  You can spend hours browsing and pick up some bargains and sit and read in front of their open fire.

Beadnell 

Kitesurfing and Paddleboards for hire in the car park of Beadnell Bay, the favoured spot for water sports.  

Seahouses

Seahouses offers boat trips to the Farne Islands where (at the right time of year) you can see puffins.  You can also see seals and the famous Lighthouse.  The village itself offers several fish and chip opportunities too. It's about 25 minutes drive.

Bamburgh

Just a little further north from Seahouses is Bamburgh (about half an hour's drive).  Famous for its castle which towers above the beach, the village has several good pubs tea rooms and a charming village green.