The Waiting Room

Deep in Kielder Forest near Hexham, the village of Falstone sits on the edge of moorland and water. The Waiting Room occupies what was once part of the old railway station—a single-storey conversion that now serves as a quiet base for exploring the forest, the reservoir, and the dark skies overhead. One dog is welcome here.

The cottage gives you a living and dining space open to a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms (one double, one with twin beds), and a bathroom with both bath and shower. Everything you need for self-catering is provided, along with heating, electricity, Wi-Fi and fresh linen. There's garden furniture outside, a boot and dog wash area, and parking for two cars. The Blackcock Inn is within a mile if cooking isn't on the agenda.

This suits families and small groups wanting a straightforward country retreat rather than fuss. The garden has four steps, and check-in is after 15:00, departure before 10:00.