Fenton Hill Farm Cottages, Northumberland
Child Friendly Cottages Northumberland, Fenton Hill Farm
Fenton Hill Farm consists of 5 four-star child friendly cottages situated in picture perfect surroundings in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. The holiday cottages can sleep families of 4 to 6 or booked together would make an ideal family get-together venue.
We were lucky enough to arrive on a very warm and sunny April day in much need of rest and relaxation and were not disappointed! We were greeted by spectacular views and a very warm welcome by Margaret who has been running the cottages with her husband Hugh for nearly 30 years. The five cottages are surrounding by miles and miles of open countryside, rolling hills, many of which were covered in yellow flowers when we arrived. It was breathtaking!
The Holiday Cottages
We stayed in Elderberry, a spacious, well-maintained cottage, which to be honest felt more like a home that a holiday home! Elderberry easily sleeps six in the upstairs bedrooms. It is deceptively spacious. There is a master bedroom with a double bed, two single beds and a cot, and a spacious second double. All decorated to a high standard. In fact the whole cottage had a lovely cosy feel. It's just the ticket for a large family, or if you are travelling with grandparents. Lovely cotton duvets and blankets all at hand to ensure you all stay snug. And both rooms have beautiful views.
Downstairs there is a spacious hallway (perfect for buggies etc), a decent sized, fully-equipped kitchen (with a walk in pantry - just like Grandma's!), washer/dryer, dishwasher and all the utensils you will need. A lovely dining room with French doors opening onto a decked patio area where we sat and enjoyed breakfast. Plus a cosy lounge, complete with open fire, TV with freeview, CD player, and DVD. Margaret had left us a good selection of books and children's DVDs as well in case of a rainy day!
Each cottage attracts an array of birds who feed on the bird tables near the windows. You can but fat balls and nuts from the honesty box very cheaply (no pun intended) It was so relaxing sitting on the patio in the evening sun watching birds and all the wildlife. This certainly is a very tranquil retreat!
Activities for the Kids Around the Farm
Children will love the large, safe grassy area on the doorsteps of the cottages. Just perfect for them to run around in. It's all enclosed so great for little ones. Our four year old loved the trampoline and the football net. But most of all he loved Bumble the donkey and Petunia and Mabel the Kune Kune pigs! Who we had to visit at every opportunity! There is such a lot of space for kids to let off steam. And you can sit on your patio enjoying a drink with them in full view so you know they are safe.
It is worth noting though that Fenton Hill is a working farm, so children do need to be supervised when around the actual farm yard. However it's great fun for little ones to watch the tractors, or see the cows etc.
It sounds a little twee but this is just the ticket for real family holiday - perhaps reminiscent of the kind of holiday you had as a kid - mucking about on the farm, spending all your time outdoors, lovely walks, picnics etc with all the family. It really did feel like home! Just the place to chill out.
Location and Things to do in Northumberland
Remarkably I never looked at my blackberry once when I was there. I just didn't feel the need or inclination to do so! It was just so tranquil. Yet there are loads to do on the doorstep or further afield. We visited the beautiful Bamburgh Castle, a majestic sight on the coastline! Situated next to a fantastic beach this is a great day out! Take a picnic and after you are tired of clambering around the castle, and pretending to be knights you can relax on the huge sandy beach, just a short hop over the dunes.
For a spookier affair visit Chillingham - reputably the most haunted castle in the UK. Avoid the dungeon area if you have small children as it's pretty grisly!
Or like us you can take in miles of stunning countryside on the many walks just near the cottage. Ask Margaret for directions to the little waterfall, a lovely place to have a picnic.
As the cottages are self-catering we visited the nearby town of Wooler to stock up on amenities. There is a good selection of shops including a decent sized Co-Op where we stocked up on most items. Wooler and the surrounding area offer some lovely places to eat out as well, and Margaret is happy to recommend.
The Milan restaurant in Wooler is particularly good for children, serving evening meals from 5pm. They really go out of their way to welcome kids.
Lasting Impressions
All in all Fenton Hill Farm is a superb place to holiday - whatever the season! It is a place where you really need a car as it is a little remote but you don't feel alone as there are other families nearby. Cost-wise this a good bet for some good honesty free family fun on the doorstep.
Reviewed by Nicola Shepheard for Away with the Kids