Lookout Cottage

This former lookout stands tall in a dreamy position just above the golden sands of the beach in Embleton Bay. It was built in 1822 and was used to combat smuggling on the coastline.

Inside, quirks of its 19th-century past remain, from the wood-panelled walls to the original bunks where the coastguards used to sleep. It's snug and homely, with an inviting living space with woodburner and one four-sleeper bedroom. As this is partly still a working coastguard service, the north room of the cottage houses HM Coastguard radio equipment.

You can walk down to the fine, sandy beach, with good surf conditions, rockpools and plenty of space for kite-flying, and the pub in Low Newton, serving locally caught seafood and own-brewed beer. You can also walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, a ruined 14th-century coastal fortress, or drive there in 10 minutes. If the conditions are right, you may even be able to witness the Northern Lights in the winter months.

It's only a 15-minute drive to Seahouses, where you can join a boat to the Farne Islands – a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers. These islands are home to one of the largest grey seal colonies on the east coast of England, and over 40,000 paris of puffins breed here from May to July. 

There are two other cottages in the bay, Rockside Cottage (sleeps four, dog friendly) and Risemoor (sleeps six, dog friendly).

Layout

Ground floor: Living space with a full kitchen, sitting area, bay window seating around the dining table, and woodburner. Bedroom with double bed and two original built-in bunks (smaller than average at 2'3" x 5'7"). En-suite shower room with toilet and washbasin.

Outside space

An enclosed garden with lawn, picnic bench and sea views. There’s an outside toilet (not in use) in an outbuilding built into the walls of the garden. 

What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?

Heating: Electric heating included.

Access: Access to the cottage is across a field, so careful driving is advised.

Parking: Cars can be parked next to the cottage when good weather permits. There is a designated parking space at the bottom of the hill where guests can leave their car at all other times. Additional car parking available in public pay and display car park across the lane from the cottage.

Please note: The north room of the cottage houses HM Coastguard radio equipment. Sounds may be heard and engineers may visit the property at any time but access is separate to the holiday cottage.

There is an outdoor toilet in the garden that is only for use by the coastguard. 

Offers: Free entry to National Trust places (parking may be payable). Simply show your booking confirmation upon entry.