The Northumberland Arms, Felton, Northumberland

Walking across the old stone bridge to the Running Fox bakery to pick up some treats was hard to resist.

The coast is only a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
By car: around 2 hours from Edinburgh, 3 hours from Manchester and 5 hours 30 minutes from London. There is free parking on site.
By train: There are direct trains to Morpeth station from Edinburgh Waverly ( 1 hour 30 minutes) and London Kings Cross (3 hours 30 minutes). The hotel is a round 15 minute's drive from the station. trainline.com

People who want a countryside stay in a characterful pub but with style, should be happy here. The solid, no-nonsense rustic furniture, glammed up with the odd Chinese vase or antler candelabra gives it a hint of fun.

We love returning from a breezy walk along the coast to warm up with a drink at the bar while listening to the locals' crack, before going upstairs to change for dinner. Some bedrooms can take dogs - with a dog basket and treats available - and dogs are welcome in the bar.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Pet friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

St Michael's Church is a very large room, overlooking woodland, with a vast bathroom with egg-shaped bath and walk-in shower. The coffees and teas (from local company, Ringtons) are nicely set out on a butler's tray, and there are lovely touches of wool blankets and old-fashioned alarm clocks.

St Michael's Church, Eshot Castle, Brainshaugh Priory, Thirston House, Bockenfield Market, New Moor Tower
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with shower, The White Company toiletries, Ringtons teas

There's a good range of non-meat choices with dishes such as a vegan burger, roasted vegetable flatbread, and potato and wild mushroom terrine. Breakfast in the conservatory looking towards the river is a lovely way to start the day.

Restaurant: casual, refined gastropub fare. Mains from £12.95.