Hotel Review: Beadnell Towers, Northumberland

On one of the two main streets of Beadnell village, it's a ten-minute walk from the beach and less than a minute's drive from Northumberland's coastal road that leads from Alnmouth, 12 miles to the south, up to Bamburgh five miles to the north. It's a quiet setting, yet easily accessible, though despite the closeness of the beach few rooms have sea views. Other than a couple of shops and another hotel, Beadnell's main attraction is its lovely, curved and family-friendly beach. Bamburgh Castle, five miles north, is the area's big draw.

By car: around 1 hour 10 mins from Newcastle, 2 hours from Edinburgh and 6 hours 30 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: there are direct train to Alnmouth from Newcastle (25 minutes), Edinburgh (1 hour) and London Kings Cross (3 hours 40 minutes). The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the station. Book trains to Alnmouth.

While the outside is austere, inside everything has a sassy look that mixes rustic chic with seaside-y touches while also remaining practical: parquet flooring, exposed stone walls, leather and velvet-covered chairs, statement lampshades and assorted nautical paraphernalia. The odd vintage touch of Bakelite telephones and leather suitcases adds to a sense of fun.

There's a small sitting room - though sometimes used as an overspill dining area - plus a pleasant outside terrace beside the car park. Beach chairs can be hired and wellies borrowed if you've forgotten to bring them. The staff are young and chirpy.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Library
• Free parking
• Pet-friendly

Bedrooms blend a boutique smartness - oversized headboards, designer lampshades - with a rustic warmth in the form of beams, exposed stone walls and leather armchairs. Some have fun feature wallpapers and all have jaunty coastal touches such as framed shells or a brass telescope.

Room types: Pairock, Hen Cree, Beeld, Inbyeside, Faad, Ducket, Doose, Hint, Hyem, Gayavle, Lonnen, Canty, Cooth, Yarkin, Shiel, Muckle Hoose, Harberance, Craa's Nest

Key amenities: ensuite with shower and underfloor heating, Noble Isle toiletries, free Wi-Fi

Not surprisingly, given the location, the menu majors on fishy food - including local oysters and mussels and beer-battered fish and chips - served in straightforward, hearty portions. Their homemade burger is also popular and there are always daily specials. Breakfast is cooked to order and includes local kippers plus a vegetarian grill.

The Towers Kitchen: fine dining, seasonal, local produce, modern British cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Dinner mains from £14.