One of our favourite counties, vast, beautiful and relatively little visited, Northumberland feels far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are miles of empty golden sandy beaches, stunning countryside set amongst two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged Northumberland National Park, as well as more castles than anywhere else in England, the birthplace of English Christianity on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Garden and pretty towns and villages. What's missing, frankly, are great places to stay. There's a dearth, considering the expanse of the county. We have scoured Northumberland, inspecting numerous establishments and discarding most as ordinary. These, rest assured, are the ones that stood out. We include Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the list. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.

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  Jesmond Dene House Hotel

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Grand house with a contemporary style in a leafy city setting

  40 rooms from $209

  Restaurant  -  3 AA Rosettes

  Sights nearby  -  Close to city centre attractions including theTheatre Royal, The Sage Gateshead and Newcastle Arena.

  Local markets  -  Good for local colour.

  Full of character

  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel
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  Collingwood Arms

  Cornhill-On-Tweed, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Wonderful converted inn near the River Tweed

  15 rooms from $193

  Fishing  -  Yards from the River Tweed.

  Views  -  Great views from hotel

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.

  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
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  Hotel du Vin

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Cosy, elegant, boutique hotel on the edge of the city centre

  42 rooms from $169

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Travel Intelligence
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  Malmaison

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Daring, fashionable, modern hip hotel

  122 rooms from $169

  Spa

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

  Recommended by  -  Travel Intelligence
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  Thistleyhaugh

  Morpeth, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Lovely Georgian farmhouse set in sprawling farmland

  5 rooms from $145

  Remote  -  Off the beaten track.

  House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.

  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

  Views  -  Great views from hotel

  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
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  The Pheasant Inn

  Hexham, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Traditional country inn with character and charm

  8 rooms from $137

  Sailing  -  On nearby Kielder Water.

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.

  Fishing  -  Excellent fishing nearby.
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  Angel Inn

  Corbridge, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Historic coaching inn at the heart of pretty Corbridge

  19 rooms from $137

  Fishing  -  Excellent fishing nearby.

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
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  Matfen Hall Hotel

  Northumberland, Northumberland & Newcastle

  Golf and spa resort hotel with a human touch

  53 rooms from $127

  Golf  -  Full 18 hole course, plus 9 hole par three course for the less experienced.

  Restaurant  -  2 AA Rosette Library and Print Room Restaurant

  Swimming Pool  -  16m indoor pool

  Spa