Pubs with Rooms: Northumberland | A Northumbrian’s Guide [2023]

Having covered the Lake District and New Forest, a piece on the best pubs with rooms in Northumberland was inevitable. Why Northumberland? It’s my home county, for a start. Where I grew up, it will always be – in some ways – the place I know best. You want accommodation in Morpeth? Then may I compliment your incredibly good taste – that’s my home town.

What does Northumberland have to offer? As England’s northernmost county, it lies immediately south of the Scottish border. Because of this, it has more castles than any other English county – as well as Hadrian’s Wall which runs west from near Newcastle right across to Cumbria. Northumberland’s long coastline is incredibly beautiful and surprisingly unspoilt – expect surf-washed, sand-dune backed beaches like Druridge Bay, with only the odd dog walker to be seen. Some of the friendliest and most down-to-earth people you could ever hope to meet. Lots of historic country piles, like Cragside near Rothbury. Kirkharle Courtyard, where Capability Brown was born. Quaint, old fashioned villages where fishermen still work the North Sea and kippers are cured in the original smokehouse.

The Joiner’s Arms must be a popular pub name in the county – it features in this list, and that’s without even mentioning the one in Morpeth. Other than that, the prime picks are all here. From relaxed hotels on the Northumberland coast to the finest gastro pubs of Northumberland, these are the best restaurants with rooms Northumberland has to offer.

Northumberland pubs with rooms comparison table

Name	Location	Style	Room Rate
The Joiner’s Arms	Low Newton near Alnwick	Coastal pub	££££
Beadnell Towers	Beadnell, near Bamburgh	Stylish pub	£££££
William de Percy Inn	Otterburn	Bohemian pub	££££
Bamburgh Castle Inn	Seahouses	Harbour pub	£££
The Northumberland Arms	Felton near Morpeth	Village pub	££££

Five of the best pubs with rooms, Northumberland

The Joiner’s Arms, Low Newton, Alnwick

Every time I mention that I’m from Northumberland, whoever I’m talking to is bound to mention the county’s many miles of unspoilt coastline. If that’s what you want to see when heading to the North East, then the Joiner’s Arms in Low-Newton-by-the-sea might be top of your list. Top quality Northumberland accommodation on the coast – with a first class restaurant.

The Joiner’s Arms Food and Drink

The ethos of the Joiner’s Arms food team is simple. Home style cooking done really well and served with flair. As honest and down-to-earth as your average Northumbrian – and every bit as local, too. A great place to start in our search for good pub food in Northumberland.

The Joiner’s Arms Starters

To begin your meal at the Joiner’s Arms, choose between light dishes like a rare breed sausage roll, seafood tempura, baked camembert, a soup, salad or sharing platter. The latter being like a pick ‘n’ mix of the best starters on the menu. If you’re after a light lunch, don’t miss the chance to try a stottie – a round, soft bread that is a north-eastern speciality.

The Joiner’s Arms Mains

Mains at the Joiner’s Arms range from vegetarian Italian style pasta dishes or Moroccan roasted cauliflower, superfood or Caesar salad to meatier mains like steak, burgers, or rump of Northumbrian lamb. Seafood dishes include Cassoulet and of course fish and chips – there is even a vegan version of the latter, too.

The Joiner’s Arms Desserts

Puddings are mostly very British – fruit crumble, Eton mess or sticky toffee pud are typical. Fans of savoury can choose the ‘cheese of the week’, while those with a sweet tooth may also get the chance to try an imaginative dessert like a chocolate and honeycomb brûlée tart served with raspberry sorbet.

The Joiner’s Arms Drinks

Whatever tipple most tickles your fancy, you’re sure to find it at the Joiner’s Arms, Northumberland. Fine wine, fizz, gin, lager, local ale or perhaps a whisky from just over the Scottish border?

The Joiner’s Arms Rooms

Of all Northumberland inns, this one offers boutique style rooms, with coastal names like Sennen Cove or Sandwood Bay. Typical features include double-ended roll-top baths, antler chandeliers, flatscreen TVs and four-poster or low slung beds. Decor features rich woods, exposed brickwork and warm jewel tones. Some rooms have Juliet balconies, and all have tactile touches of velvet, satin and damask.

See current room rates for The Joiner’s Arms, Alnwick HERE

Beadnell Towers, Beadnell, Alnwick

Just up the road from Low Newton is Beadnell, a seaside spot located between Alnwick and Bamburgh on the Northumbrian coast. A tiny fishing village, Beadnell also has a fine beach. The area is handy for visiting Bamburgh and Warkworth Castles and the Farne Islands. Then there’s one of the top gastro pubs with rooms in Northumberland, too…

Beadnell Towers Food and Drink

The Towers is the place where villagers and visitors can come together to enjoy locally sourced food cooked with confidence – and a conscience. The freshest seafood is a highlight, but there’s plenty of other choice too.

Beadnell Towers Starters

As you might expect, Lindisfarne Oysters and North Sea Mussels are among typical starters, but guests can also choose the goat’s cheese, or opt for the soup or terrine of the day. The soup and mussels are served with artisan bread baked in Alnwick.

Beadnell Towers Mains

Eyemouth dressed crab, North Sea fish and chips and fisherman’s pie are of course stars of the menu for seafood lovers. High quality burgers, steaks and a delicious vegetarian option are also featured. Side options include sweet potato, hand-cut, skin-on or halloumi fries.

Beadnell Towers Desserts

Those who love cheese can choose a generous cheeseboard instead of a pudding if they wish, while lovers of puds can sample local ice creams or sorbets, crumble, a chocolate pot, creme brûlée with shortbread – or, of course, sticky toffee pudding.

Beadnell Towers Drinks

The Hotspur Bar is a great spot to retire to after dinner. With a laid-back atmosphere, all are welcome – including dogs as well as those with sandy or muddy footwear. Local ales, fine wines and an extensive range of spirits – as well as pub food in Northumberland – are served to locals, residents and diners alike.

Beadnell Towers Rooms

There are 18 individually designed rooms at Beadnell Towers. The fresh decor features stripes, checks, florals and Liberty prints. All rooms are comfortable, stylish and flooded with natural, coastal light.

Check out the latest rates for Beadnell Towers, Alnwick HERE

William de Percy Inn, Otterburn

If rural rather than coastal Northumbria is more your bag, then Otterburn’s William de Percy Inn might be just the ticket. Pubs with rooms in the Otterburn area don’t come any better – especially if you have a dog. If you do stay here and you’re a green-fingered type, don’t miss seeing Capability Brown’s birthplace at Kirkharle. There’s a great cafe there too, which is run by a friend of mine.

William de Percy Food and Drink

The William de Percy is actually part Northumbrian inn, part French crêperie. Think French elegance meets English (just) country house charm. Food also reflects this, and features fish and appetising vegan options as well as local meats.

William de Percy Starters

You can choose individual starters or sharing platters here. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for by creamy burrata or baked camembert as well as soup or salad. Chicken liver parfait, and a herby sausage roll served with homemade piccalilli will appeal to committed carnivores, or go oriental with tempura squid and prawns with an asian-style dipping sauce.

William de Percy Mains

Whether you prefer a cauliflower or rump steak, vegan or freshly-caught fish or would like to munch on a hearty burger, the menu includes these. Lighter dishes include pasta with arrabiata sauce, a couple of tempting salads and local lamb served with Indian spiced accompaniments like Bombay aloo and coconut curry sauce.

William de Percy Mains

Again, there’s no need for vegans to miss out when delicious desserts such as a chocolate orange ‘cheesecake’ are offered. There’s also the likes of crumble, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate tart or ice cream sundae. As well as a cheese alternative, complete with grapes, biscuits and honey.

William de Percy Drinks

As you might imagine, an inn this close to Scotland can offer you a wee dram or two. Plus there are fine and sparkling wines, lagers, spirits, and local ales at this historic B and B in Northumberland.

William de Percy Inn Rooms

There are four room types available at the William de Percy, ranging in size from ‘Petite’ via ‘Classique’ and ‘Grande’ to ‘Deluxe’. Whichever you choose, decor is bohemian and decadent. Minimalism does not feature; rich textures, intricate carvings and chandeliers do.

View and compare rates for the William de Percy, Northumberland HERE

The Northumberland Arms, Felton, Morpeth

And at last we come to hotels in Morpeth, Northumberland. Well almost… Felton is a tiny village close to the county town of Northumberland. What a fine town it is, too (yes, of course I would say that). It tickles me to discover that the Northumberland Arms’s dress is on ‘The Peth’ – a longstanding, affectionate nickname for my home town. This former coaching inn is steeped in local history, being build by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland. It is just a mile from the A1 and a well-known destination for foodies. The position is ideal for heading both north to Northumberland’s rural and coastal areas, and south towards Newcastle.

Northumberland Arms Food and Drink

The aim of the team at the Northumberland Arms is to provide a memorable dining experience. This is a bar and restaurant with rooms – the focus being very much on the finest food Felton has to offer. With an ever-changing menu, the following are just examples of what might be on offer when you visit.

Northumberland Arms Starters

You may start your Northumbrian culinary journey with a classic prawn cocktail, chicken and ham terrine or a delicious bowl of today’s fresh soup.

Northumberland Arms Mains

It’s mostly about hearty, filling and tasty main courses at the Northumberland Arms. Typically a couple of pies will feature on the menu, alongside meat and vegan burgers. Dishes that are cooked low and slow are also a speciality – such as beef braised in red wine or venison mince with dumplings.

Northumberland Arms Desserts

English favourites like sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, chocolate brownie or local ice cream are perfect for rounding off a satisfying meal in this quintessential Northumbrian inn.

Northumberland Arms Drinks

If your visit falls during fine weather you’re in luck – the inn has a tree-shaded beer garden overlooking the River Coquet and the 16th bridge that spans it. The perfect spot for a local ale, glass of wine or fizz or the refreshing spirit-plus-mixer combination of your choice.

Northumberland Arms Rooms

All the luxurious rooms at the Northumberland Arms are designed to reflect the locale, featuring a subtle colour palette of heathers and greens. Each is named after a local landmark and include White Company toiletries, walk-in showers, complimentary robes, local Rington’s Teas and spring water.

Compare room rates for the Northumberland Arms, Morpeth HERE

The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses

Bamburgh castle’s position could barely be more lofty, windswept and majestic, perched as it is on a clifftop above the North Sea. If that and the Farne Islands are on your Northumberland wish list, then a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn is your best bet among restaurants with rooms in Northumberland. There is great food and comfortable rooms.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Food and Drink

Back to pubs with rooms on the Northumberland coast, but be warned. It might be tricky to concentrate on what’s on your plate here, due to the panoramic views across the sea towards to the islands, including Lindisfarne – aka Holy Island. Menus and specials are drawn up using seasonal, local ingredients like shellfish and game.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Starters

Worldwide influences can be seen – and devoured – at the Bamburgh Castle Inn. Cheese fans can choose between rings of cheese coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, or goat’s cheese with fig chutney and freely baked bread. The comprehensive starters menu may also feature hummus, parma ham, soup, pate, crayfish and potato skins.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Mains

Fish and chips, scampi and sea bass echo the coastal location, while pub classics like pies and burgers are joined by dishes with a more exotic feel – think Indian chicken, Moroccan lamb and Thai noodles. A rib eye steak or barbecued chicken kebab should satisfy hungry carnivores, while a ham and peach salad will suit lighter appetites. Vegans aren’t forgotten – several appetising options are offered, typically including a burger, pasta and stew option.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Desserts

Will it be vegan brownie or sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream? The former comes with raspberries as well as the vegan version of the ice cream. There may also be a meringue, crumble, sundae and cheesecake to choose from. Or sample some local ice cream made in Amble, which even comes in a very apt sea buckthorn flavour.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Drinks

The pub overlooks Seahouses harbour, and is the ideal place for whatever will quench your thirst. From a hand-pulled guest ale or glass of wine, to a dry gin or even a sophisticated or colourful cocktail.

Bamburgh Castle Inn Rooms

It’s worth splashing out on a sea view room here, as you might well spot seals, dolphins or even whales from your private balcony. You will at least see the boats going between Seahouses and the Farne Islands. A range of tartan-carpeted rooms are decorated with lots of soft green and soothing neutrals, and range in size from singles to family rooms that can sleep four.

Discover room rates for the Bamburgh Castle Inn, Northumberland HERE

Which is the best pub with rooms in Northumberland for you?

When it comes to accommodation in Northumberland, some of the best luxury Northumberland hotels go one better by offering fabulous food as well as a bed for the night. Whether you’re looking for family hotels in Northumberland or Northumberland accommodation that’s close to a great restaurant, something on this list should suit you very well. After all, you can’t much closer than heading upstairs to bed, after a great gastropub feed…

Polly x

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