Coastal star inns shining with The Times & The Guardian

There’s good news for those who do like to be beside the seaside as three coastal pubs with rooms of The Inn Collection Group have been recognised amongst “the best” in two separate lists compiled by national publications The Times and The Guardian.

Hunting out the best affordable short breaks in the UK, The Times has listed the group’s inn of origin, The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal as one of 12 destinations, citing it as handy for the county’s highlights, including Holy Island, Bamburgh and boat trips to the Farne Islands.

Praising the 23 rooms as smart and simple, with their white linen and tartan accents being described as offering a calm base for walkers, the inclusion of a traditional Northumbrian breakfast was also given as a highlight.

Outside of The Lindisfarne Inn, a traditional coaching inn located in Northumberland
The traditional bar at The Lindisfarne Inn
A double bed at The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland pub to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, from which it takes its name, The Lindisfarne Inn is also ideally suited for cyclists, with additional facilities including secure storage and a wash-down repair station also installed.

With double rooms available from £116.10 in July and £134.10 in August on a bed and breakfast basis, attractions including Ad Gefrin distillery, the Heatherslaw Light Railway and Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre are also ready to be discovered as part of an affordable short break.

Reacting to the list, general manager Amelia Dunn said; “We’re thrilled at our inclusion in The Times list. Featuring in things like this article helps introduce people to what we offer and maybe inspire them to visit our part of Northumberland.

An aerial view of Offshore at St Anne's on Sea
A double bed with floral wallpaper behind
A view overlooking the Irish Sea at St Annes

"We’re an ideal base whether people’s plans are for heading over to Holy Island, getting out along the coastal path for heading inland to places like Wooler or Ford & Etal and offer all you’d expect from a traditional inn, which I think is our biggest charm.”

Elsewhere, the multi-million-pound renovations of The Tynemouth Castle Inn and Offshore have been highlighted by The Guardian in their top 10 of the 10 of the UK’s best new and revamped seaside hotels.

Opened in March and celebrating the sea-side traditions of coastal resorts by hosting Victorian fairground attractions, Offshore is The Inn Collection Group’s latest venture into Lancashire, found on the South Promenade of St Annes on Sea.

Born out of the amalgamation of the former Lindum and Carlton Hotels, it earns its place on the list thanks to 98 bedrooms of varying sizes (including 19 singles) and the revamped bar and outdoor terrace, offering all-day dining and drinks.

With the vast, sandy expanse of St Anne’s beach right across the road, and the bright lights of Blackpool just 15 minutes drive away, rooms are available from £98.10 per night for bed and breakfast this summer.

Offshore general manager Sarah McIntosh said: “It’s great to see our extensive renovation recognised as one of the best in the UK and for us to be the only one listed in the north west.

“Our occupancy levels are building nicely as we re-establish ourselves and we’ve seen lots of people coming down to try us out as one of the newest places to eat and drink in St Annes.

“We’re anticipating a huge weekend over July’s Lytham Festival where we are already 80% full over the four days already.”

An aerial photograph of The Tynemouth Castle Inn
Sea view room at The Tynemouth Castle Inn
Main seating area at The Tynemouth Castle Inn

Joining its Lancastrian sister site, The Tynemouth Castle Inn makes its way into the top 10 thanks to the total refurbishment that opened with a bang in November last year, which saw the 84-year-old institution restored to its former glory overlooking Longsands Beach.

Now offering 72 rooms with many affording stunning sea views, the site has quickly established itself as one of The Inn Collection Group’s flagships, providing an opulent new pub in which to enjoy food and drink and visitors with an ideal space to enjoy a beachside getaway.

General manager Jason Milburn said: “We’re delighted to have had The Tynemouth Castle Inn named in the Guardian’s list and for it to be joined by sister site Offshore. It’s welcome recognition of the comprehensive refurbishment the sites have been given.

“Occupancy has been strong over the winter and is growing further as we head into summer, whilst there has been a very strong food and drink trade from locals since we opened last November.

“We knew that the property had a special place in the heart of our community and it’s been brilliant having so many of them come in and be full of praise for the rejuvenation of this iconic venue.”

Rooms are available at The Tynemouth Castle Inn from £89.10 in July and £98.10 in August on a bed and breakfast basis.