[Disclaimer: Accommodation was gifted but opinions, thoughts, and photos are my own.]
Last weekend was a big weekend for James. It was his birthday and he had agreed to go on a mystery adventure to St. Marys Inn in Northumberland that I had secretly planned, but most importantly, this was the weekend he would learn how to use a camera so he could be my “Instagram husband”. Something he will later regret, I’m sure.
St. Marys Inn, Northumberland
If you’re looking for the perfect answer to “where to stay in Northumberland”, I’d recommend you consider the lovely St. Mary’s Inn, where are weekend took us. St. Mary’s Inn, a charming hidden gem of a place near Morpeth in Stannington, is nestled in the heart of Northumberland, providing a rustic and cosy experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion with friends and family, or seeking a tranquil escape as a couple, St. Mary’s Inn is the ideal place to stay in Northumberland. The charm, picturesque surroundings, and wonderful onsite dining options make it a top choice for your North East stay. We’re excited to return to this inviting haven, and it’s the answer to your “where to stay in Northumberland” question.
As we drew into the Inn, the taxi driver said in the broadest of Geordie accents “Did yee kna this place is haunted? Nah, {chuckle chuckle} divint listen, I’m only joking…..”. I could see why he would think that given the history of the site; Built in the early 1900s, serving as Gateshead’s county asylum with 2000 patients, the hospital ceased operations in 1996. After the investment, renovation and refurbishment, St. Mary’s Inn transformed into what it is today; a unique, beautiful country-style bed & breakfast with an exceptional restaurant to dine in.
Upon arriving, you can expect to check-in at the at the bar (like a good ol’ traditional inn!) as there isn’t a check-in desk or a reception. They led us to our first-floor rooms, which exuded a tranquil, well-lit, and spacious ambiance.
It’s worth noting that buses to and from are not so frequent on weekends. So instead, of venturing out, we took a long walk in the surrounding area and returned to the inn to enjoy the peacefulness of the room, snacked on the complimentary tea and biscuits before getting ready for dinner.
The property nestled in a lush residential area, surrounded by beautiful houses and woodland. If you have a car, you can easily venture to the Northumberland coast or reach Newcastle City Centre just 15 miles away.
We stayed in the Catleugh room, a deluxe double bedroom with high ceilings and a stunning white marble bathroom – my dream bathroom. It was an unexpected surprise to find that the bathroom was so modern, and equipped with The White Company toiletries.
We ate dinner at their restaurant which you can read here: St Mary’s Restaurant review.
Meanwhile, explore my other travel blog posts for additional inspiration on your next adventure destination!
We absolutely love St Mary’s! We stayed there when we got married, and that’s actually the room we had! We’ve briefly popped back since they reopened for Sunday Lunch and it was absolutely lush, can’t wait to go back!