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The Old Ale House

Dunstan, near Craster, Northumberland
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Decorated for Christmas
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
Country houses
12 more

At a glance

  • Quirky 18th-century ale house conversion full of rustic charm
  • Cosy cottage feel with a wood burner in the lounge
  • Pretty courtyard garden ideal for enjoying a meal or a drink alfresco

Property code: OC-566766

This attractive home is perfect for a family or small group of friends to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Northumberland. Located in the little village of Dunstan, right on the green, this home is well placed for exploring the area. There is a great pub just down the road and another in the nearby fishing village of Craster less than a mile away. Craster has several sandy beaches to enjoy and there are some lovely walking routes up and down the coast from here, but especially to the north towards the striking ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle from which there are some spectacular views. The whole of the Northumberland Heritage Coast can be easily explored from here offering some very scenic days out. The charming town of Seahouses is just 11 miles away where visitors can catch a sightseeing boat trip out to the Farne Islands or enjoy the bustling harbour. If you fancy immersing yourself in 3,000 years of history, then Bamburgh with its impressive castle is only another 3 miles along the coast.

The charming cottage has been sympathetically renovated throughout retaining many original features to give it a quirky and rustic charm. The snug living room sofas are gathered around a stone inglenook fireplace with a wood burner making this a lovely, cosy spot to curl up in the evening. There’s a step down to enter the country-style kitchen/diner, which has flagstone flooring and a Belfast sink. The range cooker is a wonderful feature lending the room a genuinely homely feel. A back door opens from here to the garden. Upstairs on the first floor are the two spacious bedrooms and a family bathroom featuring a freestanding roll-top bath and a walk-in shower. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and a single sofa bed, whilst the second bedroom is a comfortable twin room with zip-and-link beds that can be converted into a super-king on request.

The rear courtyard garden is a charming and sheltered space, with a combination of a stone wall and fencing. It has a gravelled area along with pretty flowerbeds and shrubs as well as a table and chairs set up for dining alfresco. There is a small fenced front garden and a gravel driveway.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size (with single sofa bed, suitable for a child and available on request), 1 twin zip-and-link (can be made into a super-king on request)
  • 1 bathroom with roll-top bath and walk-in shower
  • Range cooker and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, coffee maker, washing machine
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Wood burner
  • Smart TV
  • Please bring your own beach towels
  • Gravelled and planted (wall and fence) rear courtyard garden with seating
  • Private parking for up to 2 cars
  • Shop 1 mile, pub 0.2 miles, beach 1 mile
  • 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size (with single sofa bed, suitable for a child and available on request), 1 twin zip-and-link (can be made into a super-king on request)
  • 1 bathroom with roll-top bath and walk-in shower
  • Range cooker and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, coffee maker, washing machine
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Wood burner
  • Smart TV
  • Please bring your own beach towels
  • Gravelled and planted (wall and fence) rear courtyard garden with seating
  • Private parking for up to 2 cars
  • Shop 1 mile, pub 0.2 miles, beach 1 mile
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Laura Watts

This property is personally managed by Laura.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 29 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 starsOverall cleanliness 4.9 stars4.9
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 starsOverall comfort 4.7 stars4.7
Overall location
Overall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Stewart 16th May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was warm and comfortable with everything we could need. Dunstan is well placed for exploring Northumberland. It was a pity the Cottage Inn was closed while we were there.

Reviewed by Julia 9th May 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fantastic stay. The cottage is well situated for the coastal paths and a leisurely walk to Craster. Its also directly on a bus route. Internally its stylish and well thought out. Love the stone hearth in the lounge and the kitchen is spacious and well equipped with a porch directly onto a nice rear courtyard garden. The owners were also very oRead moren hand and contactable if needed. I would definitely recommend this lovely home. Hide

Reviewed by Hazel 28th February 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Wonderful cottage comfortable clean and well equipped. Parking off road a bonus. Nice seating areas front and back both enclosed for dog. Great location for getting out and about. Lovely local pub Cottage Inn fab Sunday lunch. Craster short walk away. Would definitely recommend The Old Ale House

Reviewed by Rebecca 30th December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Perfect in every way - decorated for Xmas, lovely setting, easy access to walks, the owner was very informative

Reviewed by Andrew 18th November 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage was comfortable warm and there was internet if required. There was plenty parking and it was close to the pub.

Reviewed by Kevin 26th October 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Very comfortable and equipped cottage, great location for walking into Craster and travelling in the area. Nice enclosed garden front and back.

Reviewed by Caroline 30th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Janet 27th September 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

As soon as we entered the Old Ale House, we felt we were going to enjoy a lovely holiday there. The cottage is light, airy, spacious and beautifully furnished. Everything is good quality and the cottage kitchen is well equipped for self-catering. There was a very good welcome pack, containing practical items as well as treats for ourselves andRead more our dog. The bedrooms are bright and beautifully decorated, and the double bed was very comfortable; we enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep every night. The bathroom offers both a huge bath and a shower, whichever is your preference - unusual in most holiday cottages. Ben (the owner) sent us a welcoming email on the evening of our arrival, which was unexpected and appreciated. In the email he also gave us some extra information about the cottage, which was useful, and Ben told us we could contact him at any time if we needed further advice. It was particularly helpful to know we could turn on the heating, easily, for an hour on the chillier evenings. Some reviewers have remarked that the water in the kitchen and bathroom is VERY hot. It is, but Ben advised us of this in his welcoming email, so it was not a problem. We did not have a problem with the temperature of the shower, either. We didn't adjust the heat setting at all and the temperature of the water was perfect for us. The location of the cottage could not be better. Craster is an easy 10-15 minutes walk along public footpaths and, from there, we enjoyed 3 longer walks (discovered in a book in the cottage - 40 Coast and Country Walks). We were also surprised to find that there is a very good public bus service along the coast, if you want to go further afield without using your car. (Dogs are allowed on the bus) The Cottage Inn, just down the road from the Old Ale House is very welcoming and has a lovely atmosphere. They serve delicious meals and the Inn is popular with both holiday makers and locals, so we would recommend booking if you want to eat on a Friday night, or during a weekend. We highly recommend this cottage - it is special. Tip: Go into the rear garden at night, don't put on any lights and look up - the stars are amazing! Hide

Reviewed by Andrzej 15th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was lovely. Really comfortable, lovely bedding and towels. Everything we needed for a great stay on the Northumberland Coast really well situated for getting to lots of interesting places and great walks. As others have said, the hot water is so hot it was hard to get a comfortable shower. But otherwise great. Thank you. Response from HRead moreolidaycottages.co.uk thank you for the feedback we have given the information to the owner and they have addressed the issue. Hide

Reviewed by Julie 11th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We ( family of four plus dog ) all had the most wonderful stay in The Old Ale House Dunstan for a week in August . The home was spotlessly clean, welcoming and very comfortable to come home to after our days out. The village was so peaceful and quiet and in the most wonderful location for exploring the wonderful Northumberland coast on foot or byRead more car. The home has everything you need and more, fabulous eat in kitchen and separate utility area , beautiful small garden to the rear to enjoy your morning coffee as the sun comes up and the most beautiful large lounge to relax in on an evening. The beds were all so comfortable, excellent quality linens and pillows too. Shower was powerful and the bath great for a relaxing soak. We would highly recommend and would definitely return . Thank you for the welcome pack also , a lovely gesture on our arrival. Hide

Reviewed by Elaine 30th June 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

The cottage is an absolute delight. It is comfortable and well kitted out. Parking is good and we liked the fence at the front which prevented the dog running out. The local area is great for walking.

Reviewed by Sally 14th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Ale House is a lovely cottage in a nice quiet area, the loudest noise coming from the birds! It is well equipped and comfortable and everything is quality, especially the bed linen. Ben, the owner was in touch to check in and no doubt nothing would have been too much trouble if needed but not necessary as everything had been covered. A greaRead moret base for exploring the area and cant fault any of it. Craster is about 3/4 mile down the road and worth the walk (theres a large car park there too). We only had a drink sitting outside the Cottage Inn, a minute away, so cant comment on the food. We ate twice at the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel in Embleton which was quality food and vfm. Highly recommended. Hide

Reviewed by Sarah 7th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was beautiful. Very comfortable and a perfect location.

Reviewed by Linda 24th May 2025

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Good location. Ideal property for dog owners. Kitchen very dark . Hot water Very hot . Not ideal for children. Welcome pack not very welcoming. No drier . Response from holidaycottages.co.uk: Thank you for your review. We can confirm that we have discussed this with the owner.

Reviewed by Karen 19th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very tastefully decorated cottage, well equipped and great location for many excellent beaches, and seaside villages, Craster was a firm favourite.

Reviewed by Louise 3rd May 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

A lovely clean well maintained house in a nice position with a fantastic pub less than a minute's walk away. Handy for walks and a car drive to other lovely locations.

Reviewed by Rita 12th April 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Thanks again for a lovely stay, our best holiday cottage of three since we first came to Northumberland last November!

Reviewed by Clementine 18th February 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Samantha 28th January 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Old Ale House, beautifully clean and comfortable, we would love to return.

Reviewed by Barbara 4th January 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Lovely cottage in great location

Reviewed by Charles 28th December 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Lovely cottage and very comfortable. In a lovely area of the country. Would definitely go back again.

Reviewed by John 27th October 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

We really enjoyed our stay in this cosy and comfortable cottage. It provides easy access to arguably the best coastline and beaches in the UK - our dogs thought they were in heaven. The short drive to access the beach at Low Newton was a particular favourite. One of our best UK holidays.....

Reviewed by David 21st September 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

It is a lovely cottage in a good location, with nice pub and cafe close by.

Reviewed by 'K' 1st September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely, cosy, well situated cottage, with helpful owner.

Reviewed by Anthony 24th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely, well equipped cottage for a couple or family group, great dining kitchen for family meals and sheltered garden with seating and table for socialising in the evening (weather permitting). Ample parking for 3 vehicles. Well located for this area of Northumberland with plenty of walks to Craster, Dunstanburgh Castle, Low Newton by the Sea and Read moreLonghoughton Beach and easy access to the A1 for Berwick, Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and south to Alnwick. Hide

Reviewed by Andrew 13th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Ale House is in the perfect location for exploring the beautiful Northumberland coastline or relaxing on one of the many beautiful, close by beaches. Many lovely places to eat and all within walking distance. The cottage is immaculate with everything you could want for a short stay or a long holiday. Everything has been carefully consideredRead more by the owners. Beautiful crisp linen, gorgeous interior, outdoor seating....perfect place. Hide

Reviewed by Clare 3rd August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Old Ale House was stylish and comfortable. A great base from which to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Reviewed by Heather 27th July 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Good location, close to coast and local amenities. Lack of advertised tumble dryer was a disappointment, especially as we hadn't been preadvised that this facility was no longer available. Appreciate this resulted from a communication issue between owner and rental company. Wealth of walks from the door. Local pub offers reasonable standard puRead moreb fare, although beer better quality in other village pubs. Shower temperature and trip hazards in kitchen need, in our view, addressing. Plenty of wine/beer glasses but a shortage of tumbler glasses. 2nd bedroom really only a single. With 2 beds there is no room for a wardrobe and only 3 hooks on the bedroom door. Main bedroom good size with plenty of storage. Courtyard garden nice to sit out in, reasonably secure for dog. For the price we would expect a higher standard of facilities in the cottage but would nevertheless probably return for the location. Hide

Reviewed by Keith 8th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A wonderful cottage, beautifully set up for a couple or small family. Perfect location. The best recommendation I can give: we'll be back soon!

27 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.