Moorgair Cottage near Slaley has been praised by guests as a ‘quiet and peaceful’ getaway with a forest and reservoir to explore just minutes away

Northumberland is perhaps best known for its miles upon miles of verdant countryside and beautiful beaches, providing endless unforgettable days out for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But nestled among the rolling hills and sweeping valleys are hidden gem villages aplenty, each with their own history and charm.

One such place is Slaley, a small village set in a picturesque farming landscape of woods, streams and fields that is described by its parish council as an “excellent starting point” for visitors looking to discover Northumberland. For tourists seeking somewhere to stay in this quiet part of the county, one option just outside Slaley is Moorgair Cottage, which is open for bookings via Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Priced from £369 for a seven-night stay with room for up to five guests, this stone-built cottage adjoins the owners’ 150-year old farmhouse. With a stellar rating of 4.9 out of five stars from guests and described as a “comfortable and cosy” stay in a “quiet and peaceful” location, the cottage has forest tracks and country lanes from its doorstep for keen walkers and mountain bikers.

Moorgair Cottage is just a five-minute drive away from Slaley Hall, a former Edwardian mansion turned hotel, spa and golf resort where visitors can treat themselves to a pamper day, tuck into afternoon tea, or take a stroll through the sprawling grounds. Rooms and suites are also available to book here with a summer sale currently offering up to 25% off flexible stays.

The cottage is also 15 minutes away by car from Slaley Forest, where winding pathways through the woodland provide the perfect day out exploring in nature for families of all ages. To soak up even more of Northumberland’s spectacular scenery, visitors staying at Moorgair Cottage can also take the 10-minute drive down to Derwent Reservoir and Waterside Park, which is described as “a haven for nature enthusiasts” with scenic walking and cycling routes galore as well as a play space for families.

We have a dedicated newsletter for What’s On news and reviews. It’s free and you can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East.

Right next door to this beauty spot is the neighbouring village of Blanchland, a pint-sized place nicknamed “the fairytale in the fells” by Visit Northumberland. The Blanchland Community describes this as a “truly unique” place, with its stone buildings made from the ruins of a medieval monastery in the 18th century and surrounded on all sides by picture-perfect countryside.

Other holiday cottages available to book in Blanchland via holidaycottages.co.uk include Hornbeam Cottage from £430 for seven nights, which sleeps up to five guests, and Pennine Holly Cottage from £489, which can house up to seven, both of which are dog-friendly options. (For visitors planning a trip with four-legged friends in tow, it’s worth noting that Moorgair Cottage does not allow pets.)

Alternatively, those who would prefer to stay in a hotel can book a room at the famous Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland which is also a highly popular restaurant and bar that people flock from all over the region to visit. Available to book through Booking.com or directly on the hotel’s website, the Lord Crewe Arms has been singled out by the Good Hotel Guide as one of the best places to stay in all of Northumberland.

Meanwhile, couples or families seeking a more unique way to spend their holiday can check out Honeysuckle Hut, a bespoke shepherd’s hut located on a working farm just outside Blanchland that has been branded a top spot for stargazing. With more than 120 reviews from guests, this quirky accommodation has earned a stellar five-star rating – placing it in the top 5% of places to stay on Airbnb.

For tourists looking for more adventures to have while visiting this part of Northumberland, the village of Slaley is just a 15-minute drive away from Corbridge, where one of the top attractions is the English Heritage Roman Town home to some of the oldest archaeological finds in Britain. This charming village is also known for its independent businesses, from the award-winning Forum Books to fashion and art shops alongside a selection of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants.

Slaley is also 15 minutes away by car from the historic market town of Hexham, a place rich in history from the impressive Hexham Abbey built in 674 AD to Hexham Old Gaol, England’s first purpose-built prison which can be traced back to the 1300s. And there’s so much more to discover here, as Visit Northumberland writes: “Stunning architecture, picturesque parks, and a bloody history are all waiting to be explored in Hexham” – read more about aa unique place to stay in the town here.