Beadnell Towers, Chathill, Northumberland

The coastal walks are excellent; we walked south to pretty Low Newton with its popular pub, The Ship, overlooking the village green and beach.

Located just off the A1 and a five-minute drive out of Chathill, the hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the beach.
By car: around 1 hour 10 mins from Newcastle, 2 hours from Edinburgh and 6 hours 30 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.
By train: there are direct train to Alnmouth from Newcastle (25 minutes), Edinburgh (1 hour) and London Kings Cross (3 hours 40 minutes). The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the station. thetrainline.com

Its bright and breezy approach suits those who want a weekend at the seaside with a bit of style and fun - plus dog-lovers. The open-plan bar and dining area with its choice of booths, high tables and banquette seating is a great place for people-watching.

The hotel can arrange kite-surfing, windsurfing or coasteering lessons. Five bedrooms are dog-friendly, as is the rest of the hotel apart from the restaurant. Beds, bowls and treats can be provided - and there's an outside doggy-wash for washing off all that sand.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Library
• Free parking
• Pet-friendly

The locally made shortbread plus Belgian chocolate fingers are a nice touch. The Heritage rooms spoil you with chandeliers, copper and freestanding baths, and several have sea views.

Pairock, Hen Cree, Beeld, Inbyeside, Faad, Ducket, Doose, Hint, Hyem, Gayavle, Lonnen, Canty, Cooth, Yarkin, Shiel, Muckle Hoose, Harberance, Craa's Nest
Facilities include: ensuite with shower and underfloor heating, Egyptian cotton bedding, king-size bed, Noble Isle toiletries, free Wi-Fi

We love the choice of where to eat: in a booth, on a high table or in the bar. The homemade fisherman's pie hits the spot if you've done a breezy walk along the coastal path.

The Towers Kitchen: fine dining, seasonal, local produce, modern British cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Dinner mains from £14.
The Hotspur Bar: relaxed and comfortable, local beers and exclusively-produced spirits.