An eleven-room boutique hotel in a former convent on Alnwick's Bailiffgate, next to the castle, with a bistro and walled garden.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Cookie Jar
The Cookie Jar occupies a handsome building on Bailiffgate in Alnwick that spent more than 120 years as the Convent of Mercy before its conversion. It stands almost directly opposite Alnwick Castle, so you can walk to the castle gates, the Alnwick Garden and Barter Books in a few minutes. The name comes from the nuns' habit of leaving cookies out for local children.
There are eleven bedrooms and no two are the same. Several occupy the former chapel and retain arched windows and high ceilings; others are tucked into the older parts of the house with beams and sloping walls. All are decorated to a high standard with large beds, good linen, proper bathrooms and, in a few cases, freestanding baths. It is a small hotel run at a level of finish closer to a boutique city property than a country B&B.
The ground floor holds a bistro serving lunch and dinner, a bar, and a lounge with an open fire, plus a walled garden that comes into its own in summer. Breakfast is cooked to order. There is no spa or gym, and the building is not a good fit for anyone who needs step-free access throughout, but staff are attentive and parking is available on site, which is a genuine advantage in Alnwick.
The Cookie Jar is best suited to couples wanting a comfortable, characterful base for a few nights in north Northumberland. Alnwick itself is a good market town for an evening walk, and the coast at Craster, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh is a short drive away. It has been picked out by the national press as one of the better small hotels in the north of England.
What guests say
Of all the many hotels that we have stayed in over the years, for leisure or business, the Cookie Jar is among the very best. Our room was well appointed and comfortable with a spacious bathroom and high quality products. There’s a comfortable lounge. The bistro serves excellent food, with a menu of fresh, seasonal food. But what really defines this lovely hotel is the experience of engaging with the team. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome and at ease. Nothing was too much trouble. Everyone took time to chat with us and offer tips on where to go and where to eat. Over the six days during which we stayed, we came to know and like all the team. It was a particular pleasure to meet Debbie, whose hotel this is and who is often present. It’s clear that this is a team which works happily together and is wonderfully well led, and that is reflected in their relationship with guests. We look forward to returning. By the way, despite the extremely hot weather in July, we were able to stay cool using a fan which was supplied in the room. It had a setting on it which made it run continuously, so we were able to cool the room at all times.
a month ago · via Google
A magical stay! We had five nights at The Cookie Jar with adult children. The rooms were beautifully appointed and very comfortable. Both breakfasts and dinners in the bistro were wonderful. There are many corners in the lounge, garden and reception to tuck yourself away in with a cold drink in hand. Staying here is a memorable experience but what makes it extra special are the staff. Everyone is friendly and more than willing to go out of their way to ensure that your visit is exceptional. I cannot recommend this property more highly.
3 weeks ago · via Google
We hired the Cookie Jar restaurant for our wedding breakfast and had a wonderful experience from start to finish! Lynn & Debbie were a brilliant help with organising everything beforehand and accommodating all the needs of our group! On the day we had beautiful weather and access to the garden which was in full bloom and looks beautiful in all the pictures! The staff were all so helpful and the food was delicious! Would highly recommend to anyone and thank you so much again for everything! 😊
a month ago · via Google
Couldn't say enough great things about this hotel - we had a fantastic time! Super friendly staff, gorgeous rooms... Penhaligon's products in the bathroom and a dreamy rainfall shower - plus freshly baked cookies everyday! The breakfast was fantastic, really fresh and homemade - continental and cooked in the beautiful bistro. Fantastic location, right in centre on Alnwick next to the Castle. Beautiful area! Will absolutely be back.
4 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers beautifully designed, comfortable rooms with thoughtful touches like fresh cookies and high-quality bath products. They also highlight the delicious, freshly prepared breakfast and dinner options, including gluten-free choices. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff and the hotel's convenient location near Alnwick Castle.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 12 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, NE66 1LX Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Bailiffgate, Alnwick
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 9.2 / 10 (900 reviews)
- Prices from
- £175 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Northumberland