Our Travel Top Tips – Northumberland Properties

Planning the perfect staycation can be a breeze with the right preparation. At Catch the Breeze Retreats, we want to ensure your time with us is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled our top travel tips for our Northumberland properties to help you get the most out of your visit. From a smooth check-in process to insider advice on local attractions, we’re here to take the stress out of your getaway so you can simply unwind and enjoy everything our beautiful locations have to offer.

Stress-free Access to Your Dream Staycation

There’s no waiting around in reception queues to get your key when you stay at one of our properties. Our property keys are securely stored in a key safe, but we know there’s nothing worse than after an excitable journey having to try and find said key safe or call someone for a code. There’s none of that with Catch the Breeze Retreats! Our friendly staff will send you a welcome pack 10 days before your stay in preparation for your arrival. This pack includes everything you need to know, from the key safe location to that all-important security code – making your arrival smooth and easy. Simply enter the code. Set down your bags. And relax.

Straight-forward Security

On the subject of keys, there’s no worse feeling when you’re trying to enjoy your holiday and every now and then you get the thought: “Did I lock the door?” or “Where’s the key?” Don’t worry, we have a recommendation that is simple and secure. Just relock your keys in the key safe when you leave each day! This way, you won’t have to keep track of it during your travels, and everyone in your group can access it as needed – no need to pass the key around or remember who has it. Plus, it allows for flexible comings and goings, so everyone can enjoy their day without hassle. It’s a win-win!

The Best Kind of Meal Prep

You’ve just settled down in your new home for the week – the last thing you want to be thinking about is what to cook for dinner or where the nearest supermarket is! Continue the relaxation by pre-booking a grocery delivery before your stay, that way you can have your food ready the same day you arrive.

We provide some essentials to get you started, like a welcome pack with milk, butter, bread, eggs, tea, coffee and jam. But if you’re planning on dining at home during your stay, it’s a good idea to book your delivery directly to Craster, so you can have everything you need without the need for stress.

Making the Most of Your Stay

While some people love a bit of spontaneity on holiday, a little light planning can help you make the most of your staycation with us. We say light, as we provide a wealth of information for our guests to use. From our favourite activities and places to eat, you’ll never be short of ideas and places to book and visit for your trip.

The Northumberland Coast in particular, where our Craster properties are located, is a popular destination all year round, so we recommend pre-booking your favourite restaurants and activities in advance. And if you need some inspiration, read our blog or call and have a chat with one of our staff members who would be more than happy to help.

There’s a Reason for Every Season

Speaking of year-round popularity, if you’ve ever wanted to see the Cherry Blossom in full bloom at Alnwick Gardens or see the freshly hatched puffins on Coquet Island, be sure to book your stay in spring. Or if you dream of stargazing at crystal-clear skies, the longer nights in autumn and winter make the dark skies more dazzling. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your stay with us as soon as possible so you can see all the beautiful sights.

Don’t Forget Your Beach Towels

If you’re joining us during the summer season, we remind guests if they plan on doing some rest and relaxation on any of the nearby beaches, a lovely beach towel is a must.

We provide you with everything that you will need for your home from home stay including bath and hand towels, just not beach towels! So, if your itinerary includes a beach day or two, don’t forget your beach towel. Or why not treat yourself to a Northumberland-themed towel on one of the local shops?

Keep It Local

If you’re planning on staying in the local area (which we highly recommend, Craster is so beautiful!), there’s so much wonderful local produce on offer in Northumberland so be sure to sample this during your stay. Craster Kippers from L Robson & Sons smokehouse located in the heart of Craster or the award winning “Bamburgh Bangers” from R Carter & Son butchers or Alnwick Farm Cakery for fabulous home-made baked goods. Treat yourself to the flavours of Northumberland!

Step Away from the Crowds

Another fantastic reason to stay local is if you want to have a tranquil staycation, Craster is the place to be. With so many castles, beaches and towns on your doorstep, it isn’t hard to fill your time when you stay at one of our properties. 

While popular attractions can get busy, especially during the summer, don’t forget to explore some of the quieter gems. Warkworth Castle is well worth a visit and offers a brilliant audio tour as you go around. And for a beach off the beaten track, head to Ross Back Sands for 3 miles of unspoilt dunes and sands and much less visited than other beaches.

Get Up Early to Watch the Sunrise

Finally, the pinnacle Catch the Breeze Retreats activity; watch the beautiful sunrise over Craster Harbour. Craster has some of the most incredible sunrises and our properties are the perfect place to watch these from, so it’s worth a few early alarms to see this for yourself!

At Catch the Breeze Retreats, we strive to provide a hassle-free and memorable experience from the moment you arrive until the time you say goodbye. With our easy access, local recommendations, and thoughtful amenities, we hope these travel tips will help you fully enjoy your time with us. So, pack your bags, plan a few activities, and don’t forget your beach towel – your perfect staycation awaits!

For further information on our properties and their availability all year-round, contact us on 01829 708693 or email info@catchthebreeze.co.uk. And do not forget to tag us in any pictures you may take and use the #MyCTBR, we love seeing your fabulous pictures and all the fun you have whilst staying with us in our properties.

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