Horseshoe Bay in Seahouses, Northumberland

Horseshoe Bay Self-Catering

Situated on the spectacular Northumberland coast, this Beadnell bolthole is ideally set up for beachside retreats with family and friends. In keeping with your surroundings, this home's contemporary and casual interior is bright and breezy, with expansive sliding doors that open onto a patio and a small lawned area – perfect for the peak summer months when daylight hours run close to eighteen hours from dawn 'til dusk.

On days when the weather's not cooperating, you can draw the curtains, light the fire and settle in for an atmospheric evening reading and watching TV from the comfortable sofas. Alternatively, take shelter in the nearby Craster Arms – a traditional coaching inn dating back to the 16th century. Elsewhere, a sleek kitchen and adjacent dining area make serving up at mealtimes a straightforward experience, while four soothing bedrooms will lull you off to sleep in no time at all.

A little under a mile away, the glorious dune-backed Beadnell Bay beach stretches for around two miles along the coast, making for idyllic coastal walks and providing plenty of space for beach games and sandcastle-building competitions. History buffs will appreciate the proximity of no fewer than three castles – Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh – all within a twenty-minute drive. Finally, if you can persuade the family to let you go, Seahouses Golf Club is a little over a mile up the road, with a challenging par sixty-seven links course.

Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*Given the location, a car is a necessity – there's on-site parking for up to three vehicles
*Check yourself in on arrival with the lockbox
*There's one twin bedroom and a bathroom on the ground floor, so the home may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility
*Access to the home is via a private entrance