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The Old Library

Alnwick, Northumberland
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Quirky
Luxury
Internet access
Downstairs bedroom
Decorated for Christmas
Downstairs bathroom
Beach within easy reach
9 more

At a glance

  • Formerly a school and a library, this holiday home proudly preserves nods to its historic past
  • Idyllic countryside setting, just 500 metres to the nearest shop and pub
  • Central position to explore the atmospheric town of Alnwick and its famous gardens
Property code: OC-COQ105

Full of character and Georgian quirks, this reformed library in Alnwick makes a charming base for families wanting both comfort and a sense of history. Step outside and you're right in the middle of one of Northumberland's most atmospheric towns, where a labyrinth of cobbled streets leads to Alnwick Castle (0.5 miles), famous for its grand stately rooms and film and TV connections. Wander through the Poison Garden at Alnwick Garden, or pop into one of the cosy pubs or stylish bistros for a hearty meal. Just 5 miles away, Alnmouth offers a wide sandy beach and a coast path with far-reaching views, while other seaside hotspots, Warkworth Beach and Amble Harbour, sit within 9 miles of the south. For the keen golfers, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club (9 miles) and Seahouses Golf Club (16 miles) provide days of scenic views and personal bests.

Formerly a library and a school, this historic revival boasts many unique features from the outset, including exposed stone walls, sash windows, and vaulted ceilings with original beams. The lounge/diner is an atmospheric space, featuring comfortable seating on a unique platform, a charming dining area, and modern amenities, including a large Smart TV. The kitchen is more contemporary, with its state-of-the-art appliances and neutrally toned walls. The first of two king-size bedrooms is on the ground floor and boasts a striking stone feature wall and elegant sash windows that continue the home's unique character. Climb the next set of steps to discover another king-size bedroom on a split-level mezzanine, alongside a cosy reading nook and colourful patterns. Both bedrooms have access to their own en-suite shower rooms.

Outside, a shared garden space offers pretty borders of flowers alongside a bench and a folding table for four. This is a lovely place to read a newspaper or enjoy an aperitif. There is private parking here for two cars.

  • 2 king-size bedrooms
  • 2 en-suite shower rooms with a shower and WC
  • Electric oven, induction hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer and Tassimo coffee machine
  • Smart TV
  • Garden with dining furniture
  • Private parking for 2 cars
  • Pubs and shops 500 metres, beach 5 miles
  • Luxury, complimentary welcome hamper with local products
  • Children aged 8 and over are welcome
  • 2 Small dogs welcome 
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Natalie McNeill

This property is personally managed by Natalie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 13 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 stars4.1
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 stars4.1
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 3.8 starsOverall comfort 3.8 starsOverall comfort 3.8 starsOverall comfort 3.8 starsOverall comfort 3.8 stars3.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 starsOverall location 4.2 stars4.2

Reviewed by David 31st May 2026

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

would only return as party of two due to upstairs bedroom very poor ventilation

Reviewed by Vincent 23rd May 2026

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Louise 18th May 2026

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

We had a lovely stay at The Old Library in Alnwick. Although the weather outside was very cold, the accommodation was cosy, warm and welcoming throughout our stay. Everything was spotlessly clean, the sofas and beds were extremely comfortable, and the decor was beautiful. The location was perfect as a base for exploring Alnwick and the wider NorthRead moreumberland area, and the parking spaces were really useful. Our only very small criticism was that the duvets felt a little thin for the cold weather but aside from that, we had a wonderful stay and would happily return. Hide

Reviewed by Terence 2nd May 2026

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

This property is exceptional. It was spotlessly clean. The sofas and beds are so very comfortable. The kitchen lacked for nothing. The welcome pack was the best we've ever seen. A big bonus is the on-site private parking. It was amazing to stay in a building that had such a long history. The location was perfect (all the attractions of Alnwick arRead moree within easy walking distance). Rachel was very helpful in suggesting things to do and places to see. Hide

Reviewed by Poppy 8th April 2026

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

We are a party of three adults and one dog. We booked the cottage based on its location in Alnwick and the fact it has a little back garden for the dog. Unfortunately we were disappointed to encounter the following issues during our stay: - We discovered there is no back door to the little back garden (which is not enclosed). Instead, if the dog nRead moreeeded to go out you had to use the front door which was very inconvenient given such opens onto a pavement, bus stop and busy road. This should have been more fairly represented on the website. - Right in front of the property (directly below the living room large windows) there is a motorhome. This motorhome has penalty notices which have clearly been ignored as it has been clamped to the street but seemingly neither the Council nor the Police have impounded it. Upon arrival, the occupants of the motorhome had the engine on which was a noise disturbance and could be heard inside the property. The occupants did not return to the motorhome for the rest of our stay, but we were surprised that no action has been taken by Coquet cottages and/or the owner to remedy this, especially given the price charged for the cottage and Coquet cottages being advertised as 'luxury'. - The bottom window of the front door was broken. Clearly some efforts had been made to secure this but this should be fixed before new guests arrive; especially given the price charged for the cottage and for security reasons. - One of the windows in the living area has a crack in it. No efforts were made to secure this. Again, this should have been fixed before new guests arrived. As per the above, you can imagine that upon a long, 4 hour journey we were upset to find the property in such a state, especially when we were up to celebrate Easter; it made us question the safety of the location of the property making us feel uneasy. Other issues ensued: a floor plank in the living area is chipped (this should have been fixed). The property was very cold and despite putting the heating on, it took a whole 24 hours for it to heat up. Clearly the property has either been vacant for some time or the heating has not been put on. Given the well-publicised 'Storm Dave' which was due that weekend, the cleaners or owners should have put the heating on before our arrival. Our first night's sleep was disturbed by how cold the property was, not least given the fact the duvets in both rooms were incredibly thin and no blankets were provided. Again, this was not in keeping with the price charged for the property nor the fact Coquet cottages advertises itself as 'luxury cottages'. We had to buy blankets at our expense to keep warm. We look forward to hearing back from you and our experience will be remedied. Sadly based on the above we cannot leave a positive review online or recommend the cottage to others. Hide

Reviewed by Christine 6th January 2026

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

Beautifully sited house for all amenities. Fantastic welcome hamper.

Reviewed by Angela 30th December 2025

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

The old library is an old building with lots of exposed brickwork and high windows. It is very spacious and very near to all amenities Alnwick has to offer. It is beautifully furnished with extremely comfortable beds. We have stayed in this property before and would certainly visit again.

Reviewed by Michael 2nd December 2025

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

Reviewed by Anonymous 23rd August 2025

It was in a good location near to town centre shops and pubs and castle, plus it is only a few miles to some great beaches.

Reviewed by Anonymous 28th June 2025

The Old Library is outstanding in every way and is very well located to explore Alnwick and the surrounding area. The service provided by Coquet Cottages was excellent and the digital guide was really helpful

Reviewed by Anonymous 24th June 2025

Lovely comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Alnwick. Everything you need for a great break in the town.

Reviewed by Anonymous 20th May 2025

Wonderful welcome hamper. Spotlessly clean. Everything of good quality with nice touches . Plenty of hot water. Clear instructions about working everything including electric blinds & curtains. Upstairs bedroom quite tricky to get in and out of, up tight small staircase and you had to step over a large beam. But as a converted library it made it alRead morel quirky. Hide

Reviewed by Anonymous 3rd May 2025

We had a wonderful stay. The house met all our needs, well positioned for the town and and getting to the many places we visited with ease.

11 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.