Back again for the 2nd time.  Superb stay, great welcome pack - thank you.  Weather really good - saw red squirrel, heard teh cuckoo for firts time in 30 years. Had a great meal at The Pheasant.  Lots of great walks with Raff. Many thanks again to Kath and Ken for a really lovely stay x

May 2025 -  Helen, Jan and Raff 

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All the stars aligned together - fabulous accommodation, superb location and amazing weather ! Over our many years of holiday cottage vacations, this ranks in our top 10 - some lovely walks from the door, especially the one down the bank to the pub !  We really liked the viaduct walk and heard a cuckoo for the first time in decades.   Thank you Kath & Ken - a really super cottage xx

p.s we called the red squirrel Roger !!

April 2025 -  Noel and Freda Stevenson​

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Our 2nd year here at Castle Cottage and it was every bit as good as we remember from last year!  Hard to imagine we just line an hour away as we could be in another world.  Castle Cottage still remains one of (if not the) best cottage we've stayed in.  We'll  be back yet again for sure !  Clare x

April 2025 -  Clare and Paul

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A fantastic cottage and a wonderful Easter with friends in beautiful countryside.. Many thanks to Kath and Ken for being so kind and considerate.

Great place, clean, neat, convenient .  Well located and all mod cons - thank you.

April 2025 -  Angela, Sam, Andy & Gurk

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The cottage and gardens are wonderful.  We loved absolutely everything! Watching the squirrels activity and a multitude of birds was fabulous!  We have been well located to get our and about, even if the weather hasn't been on side.  Thank your ! x

April 2025 -  Thirza, Peter, Elodie and Granny - Lincoln

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We said we'd be back - and here we are !  Sunny days, cloudless and midgeless.  Cottage as immaculate as ever.  Kath and Ken do a fantastic job.  No pine marten or tame pheasant in the garden this year but plenty of small birds, particularly chaffinches.  Maybe next year !

April 2025 -  Tony & Philomena

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The cottage is brilliant in every way !   We were lucky with the clear skies and full sun every day.  Sitting in your garden with the birds was idyllic.  Thanks for making us so welcome in a part of the world we have not visited before.  The place scores 100%.

April 2025 -  Ian, Jan and Alex - Blackpool

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The fact we keep coming back just says it all really !  Great hosts as always and a real home from home, making us all feel welcome.  We will be back for the unveiling of the blue plaque to commemorate the number of visits we have made.

April 2025 -  Stephen, Moira and Ernie

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A home from home, well equipped.  Thank you for the welcome pack, it was a nice touch.  Great to watch the variety of birds - the red squirrel made an appearance but we saw them and the pine marten on the camera.  We also loved looking at the sky at night - so clear and full of stars.  We would love to come back and stay again.

March 2025 -  Paula, Jon, Tracey and Geoff plus Poppy and Dexter - Grimsby and Essex.

 

​Beautiful and well appointed cottage, everything needed for our holiday.  Red squirrel made an appearance first morning of our visit.  Seen them every day, two visited Thursday am.  Lovely walks straight from cottage.  Fab collection of birds visiting, including a woodpecker.

March 2025 -  Dave and Tracey, Alfie and Max - Thirsk

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Such a beautiful home.  Everything was both cosy and spotless.  This is the perfect place to stay with dogs, ours loved the garden and the nearby walks.  The feeders for the birds and squirrels meant that we were spoiled by the wild visitors, always something to see !  The perfect holiday cottage.

March 2025 -  Jenni and Nick - Selby

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Thank you for a lovely quiet stay in your beautiful cottage.  Weather fantastic for time of year, sat in garden most afternoons, saw a red squirrel and many birds.  Trip to observatory, clear night and glimpse of aurora.  Oatey & Harley loved their jar of treats and great walks.  We will be back.

March 2025 -  Lynne & Graeme - Longframlington

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Thank you for a wonderful stay.  Beautiful cottage - home from home.  Comfortable, fragrant and well equipped.  Great to sit in the summer house and watch the birds.  Lucky enough to have 2 clear nights and a visit to the observatory meant we knew what we were looking at !  A visit from the red squirrel on our last morning was the icing on the cake.  Thank you for everything xx

March 2025 -  Andrea, Janet and David 

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This is our second trip to this cottage and it couldn't have been better !  Beautiful birds in the garden and great views from every angle. Look forward to coming back.

February 2025 -  David, Lynsey, Lauren, Sophie, Manny and Dash & Heidi - Northumberland

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What a delightful cottage, a home away from home, with everything you could need.  The weather may have bee typically British but that didn't stop us.  Not sure who has been smiling more, the dogs or us, exploring all of the wonderful walks close by and then coming back to relax net to the fire.  Can't thank you enough for a wonderful break and lovely welcome hamper.  We'll be sure to recommend your cottage.  Thank you.

February 2025 -  Asta, Andrew and Pups (Isla and Bracken)

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An amazing property in an amazing location, beautifully presented and so well equipped.  Beds so comfortable - huge bonus.  You have thought of everything to make this an extra special place to stay. Thank you for all the goodies - we will highly recommend and hope to come back.  Thank you Kath & Ken .

February 2025 -  Philip & Jane

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We should be going home and telling everyone how lovely the cottage is.  My gut says to keep it as our secret - What a wonderful stay !  Thank you Kath and Ken for such a homely stay.  The weather has been very kind for the time of year.  It's been lovely to see the birds and the Pine Marten.   We've enjoyed some beautiful walks and have great photos for memories.  We would love to return.

February 2025 - Barbara, Eric and the boys

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What a fabulous cottage in a wonderful location.  Very welcoming, warm and cosy.  Thank you for the welcome basket and the beautiful Christmas decorations Spot on.  We felt very much at home and our border collie Raff loved it too.  Many thanks to Kath and Ken, we will be back asap.

January 2025 - Helen, Jan and Raff

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Another fantastic holiday at Castle Cottage.  Christmas is always special as Kath and Ken go all out to decorate and the gift basket is always welcome.  The cottage itself is like it was made for us - it's beautifully decorated, so cosy and being able to look out at all the wildlife is fabulous.    The EV charger is also a fantastic addition, we'll be back again next Christmas.

December 2024 - Nikki, Sue, Kevin and Jolene

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Wonderful cottage, beautifully decorated, comfortable, warm and cosy.  Made extra special with lovely Christmas tree and decorations.Really enjoyed our stay with walks through forest and lake shore.  Will definitely return in warmer weather to take advantage of lovely garden and summerhouse.  Great hosts Kath and Ken

December 2024 - Sharon and Len

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We all absolutely loved this cottage !  Stunning views and the house itself is absolutely gorgeous, well decorated and made for some brilliant memories.  Lots of local walks for a de-stress as well as lovely local villages with good places for coffee.  Be back soon !

November 2024 - David, Lynsey, Sophie, Manuel and Molly (and Bush and Heidi)

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This has been a lovely return visit to Kielder.  The perfect base for an evening visit to the observatory - on a perfectly  clear starry Monday evening.  We've been lucky - the rest of our week has been shrouded in fog which has made for some really atmospheric walks in the forest.  What can we say ?  We'll be back to make it a trilogy!

November 2024 - Janine, Denise and Martha the dog

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Second visit and wonderful again.  Lovely quiet stay.  The garden is still lovely  in the winter.  We had a great view of the stars at night.  hopefully the red squirrels will return soon.  Great hosts!  We will be back soon.

November 2024 - Penny, Anthony and Luna

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Our second visit to this lovely cottage and it was as great as we remembered.  Thank you for the 'goodies' and for the attention to detail throughout Ken & Kath.  Sadly the squirrels must be dining elsewhere this week !  We will be back to enjoy this peaceful haven.

October 2024 - Jim, Wilma and Yoshi

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First impressions always last, and upon arrival I was already a very happy person!  Wonderfully situated, lovely homely decor and everything we needed for an amazing week in Kielder.  We could not have asked for anything better.  The dogs loved it too.  Ideally situated to enjoy the stunning lakeside walks, trips to Hadrian's Wall and further across the border.  Will definitely recommend and hope to return.

September 2024 - Paul, Jayne, Chester & Daisy

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The best holiday home that we have ever stayed in.  The most relaxing experience, the cottage is set out perfectly for you to feel that you can land and straight away enjoy your holiday.  Fantastic stylish cottage in an amazing location.  This place is magical and we have really loved our stay here.  Thank you we will be recommending to family and friends.  Best Wishes Lizzy, Paul and Blake.

August/September 2024 - Lizzy, Paul and Baby Blake

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Having stayed at Kielder Cottage several times we knew what great hosts Kath & Ken are and were in no way disappointed.  Cottage is well located for a wide range of activities, extremely comfortable and well decorated with lots of touches of how to make your guests experience memorable.  Thank you Kath and Ken as always and will definitely be back !  We now have the extra challenge of deciding which cottage to book !

August 2024 - Stephen, Moira & Ernie the Labrador

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Lovely cottage, beautifully decorated.  Garden is fab.  Great location.  We are already looking to come back.  Our dog loved it too.  Thanks

August 2024 - Penny and Anthony

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We had an absolutely fantastic week!  We saw lots of wildlife - red squirrels (in garden), Ospreys, red deer, shrews and loads of garden birds !  The Anglers Arms is a gem - lovely food and real ale !

The cottage is amazing - garden room too.  Lovely and clean, well appointed and comfortable.  We will be back !

August 2024 - Steve, Sophie and Tricia

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We were here a week and loved it.  The cottage has all you need and more & is beautifully decorated.  Although it rained most of the time, it didn't matter!  We enjoyed the area, the wildlife, the quiet, the walks and most of all the locals.  They were so friendly and filled us in on Kielder walks.  Our dog also loved it ! Much obliged xx

July 2024 - Doug & Lizzie

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Oh my what a place !  Thank you for a delightful stay in your beautiful cottage.  The basket of goodies was such a friendly touch and the cottage so thoughtfully equipped it was  the perfect place for us recent retirees to stay and relax.  The dark skies evaded us but the observatory was enjoyable.  The walks were great and the osprey ferry exciting.  Best bit - a cuppa in the summerhouse in the company of birds and red squirrels listening to (in the words of Simon & Garfunkle) " The sound of silence" - utter bliss.  Thank you.

July 2024 - Mary & Bob

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A lovely well appointed home from home.  We enjoyed the birdlife and squirrels.  Very convenient for touring an area we had not previously visited.  Travelling south now then home to South Africa.

July 2024 - Mike, Marcia & Teresa - South Africa

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Wonderful location as a base for the Northumbrian Iron Man ! Fantastic cottage with marvelous wildlife, Will certainly be back again to explore the area as this visit was all about swimming/cycling/running- and supporting.  Tired but proud achievers travelling south! x

June 2024 - Kate, Jessica and Jonny

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What a lovely cottage !We had lovely weather too, which was a bonus.  Watching the birds and squirrels in the garden whilst having breakfast was special!  Unfortunately our visit has been cut short but we intend to return soon.  Thank you !

June 2024 - John and Dee 

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What a lovely cottage !  We really enjoyed seeing the birds and squirrels feeding. We loved the area and hope to return soon.  Thank you for a memorable experience.

June 2024 - Mike and Pepi

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Wow !  Words cannot express the amazing time we have had.  What an amazing stay in Castle Cottage, such a gem in the most beautiful surroundings.  Fantastic weather to enjoy the abundance of birds and the red squirrels.  We will definitely be back.  Thank you both so much.

May 2024 - Mandy, Andy & dogs

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What a fabulous weekend we have had in this beautiful cottage.  The garden is a sun trap and the summerhouse is an added bonus.  The cottage has everything you need and the beds are so comfortable. Thank you, we will definitely return !

May 2024 - Bev, Helen, Carol, Lesley and Christine

 

What a wonderful and comfortable stay we have had.  We are sad to leave.  The cottage is perfectly equipped and thank you for the tasty treats !  Francesca (3) has enjoyed feeding the resident red squirrel and the beautiful birds, plus taking dog treats out to feed any passing dogs! it has been a truly enjoyable week!

May 2024 - Vicky, Stefan and Francesca

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Kath and Ken, again a lovely stay at Castle Cottage.  We cannot praise enough.  Wildlife all around and that's just the garden !  Willow loved her walks and all the smells in the forest.  We will be back as we just can't keep away x

April 2024 - Liz, John and Willow the woof

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Well appointed and thoughtfully presented cottage providing excellent accommodation.  We were fortunate with the weather.  Some 15 different birds recorded - many in the garden including of course, the sociable pheasant !  We also saw a Pine Marten in the garden ! How about that !  

The location provides a great opportunity for exploration but local hostelries have yet to open.  As noted by others writing in this book, we'll be back.

April 2024 - Philomena, Tony, Damian & Henry

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First time at this cottage and will not be the last !  Lots to do and fantastic walks.  Amazing wildlife to spot just in the garden !  A very relaxing stay.  Would highly recommend.  Five stars !!!

April 2024 - Tom, Joe, Owen & Steve

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A fantastic week in a lovely cottage.  Credit to the owners for having everything we need.  Loved watching the birds too.  Cycle storage and bike cleaning facility a big plus.  Can recommend The Pheasant Inn for food.  Thank you for a great week.

March 2024 - Mick & Alison Woodall

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Comfortable cottage for short stay to attend Kielder Observatory.  Treated to views of birds, magnificent male pheasant and the red squirrel in back garden,  Clear skies and aurora !! on Sunday night.  Lovely walks along river below castle.  Shame Anglers Arms closed for (flood) refurb but went instead to Blackcock at Falstone, great Sunday lunch ! A very pleasant stay.

March 2024 - Becc, Jacq, Smudge and Beeblz

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This is a very lovely cottage, in a special part of the world.  Our regretfully short trip has been both exciting and relaxing and filled with the joys of nature.  We could find no fault with the cottage and thank the owners for thinking about everything needed to have the perfect winter get-away xxx

Oh and thanks for the treats !

February 2024 - Robin, Jane & Finbarr

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How lucky we were to have booked this cottage for our trip to Kielder.  We have enjoyed our time here watching the birds and squirrels.  Lovely cottage, great location - we really hope to come back.  Thank you x

February 2024 - Jude and Trev

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What an incredible place to see in our New Year and start our 2024.  Your cottage is beautifully homely and it feels like you have thought of everything.  The location is unrivaled. We have walked the forest and the water, explored the surrounding villages and had a truly magical night at the observatory. The piste de resistance was watching the birds and red squirrels in the garden.  Thank you x

New Year 2023/2024 - The Carritts and Charlie 

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First time at Castle Cottage but not the first time staying at Kath and Kens accommodation.  Everything from the fabulous Christmas decorations and the wonderful welcome basket.  Everything is geared to making you feel at home.  The cottage and garden is awesome.  Indoors so comfortable, and outside like a Disney show every day.  Can't wait to come back next year. 

Kath and Ken you are truly special ! xxx

Christmas 2023 - Nikki, Sue and Kevin & Jolene the dogs - Stoke on Trent

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Wow what a week.  Frost, snow and brilliant sunshine - how lucky we've been !  Came for the dark skies which we saw on 3 nights and given a recommended app for aurora alert, so on our last night were treated to that too. 

The squirrel and birds in the garden have entertained us too.  Thank you for the use of your immaculate cottage, everything perfect.  Looking forward to the next time.

November/December 2023 - Linda and Jim

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Amazing !  Beautiful cottage, enjoyed watching all the birds in the garden and we were treated to a few visits from red squirrels which made our week very special  We enjoyed lovely meats from the small butcher in Newcastleton - the sausage rolls are delicious.  A mix of damp weather and cold sunny days.  Fresh air, good nights sleep, total relaxation.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and the goody basket all really appreciated.  look forward to returning soon xxx

November 2023 - Rachel, Tony & Johnathan

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We had a wonderful stay in your beautiful cosy cottage - thank you.  We loved all the thoughtful touches, such as the basket of goodies, such a treat - many thanks.  We came for the dark sky experience but the weather did not play ball so we will need to return !  Despite this we thoroughly enjoyed our stay .  Thank you.

November 2023 - Caroline, David and Cooper the dog

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Our first time in Castle Cottage and it certainly won't be the last !  It really is a home from home here.  The welcome pack is a lovely touch.  Would recommend Sunday lunch at The Blackcock Inn (Falstone).  Some great walks in beautiful countryside - big treat to see the red squirrels.  Thank you Kath and Ken for your hospitality - Good times !

November 2023 - Diane, George & Bella the dog

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Thank you for a lovely and cosy stay in your beautiful cottage!  Such gorgeous surrounding and a lovely decorated cottage that makes you feel relaxed.  We loved feeding and seeing the squirrels and local birds.  We would love to come back !

November 2023 - Kayleigh, Freddie & Luna

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We've absolutely loved our time here and seeing a red squirrel was such a treat !  All the effort and details you've made, made us feel at home.  We can't wait to come back again.

November 2023 - Eva Hume, Shain and Kaiser

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Once again a great time at Kielder.  Kath and Ken have a touch of magic with the cottages.  Both cottages are worth a stay as both offer different things.  So many birds, cheeky squirrels, owls hooting at night.  We just love it here.  Willow the Cockapoo makes herself at home as this is our fourth visit.  Booked for next year.

October 2023 - Liz, John and Willow the Woof 

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Lovely week in this beautiful cottage.  Thanks for all the little extras that made it very special and for the lovely welcome pack.  We loved seeing the squirrel enjoy the nuts.  Jim went on the Astro Photography course at the Observatory which was fantastic.  Visits to Roman Army Camp Museum, National Trust, Cragside and Wallington all worthwhile too.  We hope to return !

October 2023 - Wilma, Jim and Yoshi the Samoyed

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Fantastic cottage, fantastic location.  Very warm and inviting.  Great time had by all.  Enjoyed seeing the red squirrel and the different species of birds.

October 2023 - Ann, Andrew and Jessica - Blyth, Northumberland

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What a retreat !  Truly far from the madding crowd.  Birds and squirrel (not forgetting the weasel!) display every day, wonderful stuff.  Don't eat at the Waterside complex, overpriced for pub grub!  Observatory is great even on starless nights!  Forest drive is also worth a venture !

October 2023 - Simon and Sarah

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First visit to Kielder, beautiful place and the cottage is fantastic.  Beautifully done and couldn't want for anything more.  Enjoyed feeding the birds and lucky enough to glimpse a red squirrel.  Had some lovely walks and bike rides around the lake.  Recommend Kielder Observatory, the weather was appalling but the talks/shows they did were fascinating and well worth a visit.  Thank you Kath & Ken for a wonderful week.

October 2023 - Emma & Chris

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First visit to Kielder, we had an amazing time staying here at the cottage,  Enjoyed watching the garden birds and the red squirrels.  Lots of good walks along the lake, and to and from Skyspace and the Observatory.  Excellent meals out at the Pheasant Inn and the Black Cock Inn.  Hope to return and explore the area further.

September 2023 - Elizabeth & George

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A wonderful experience in a year of firsts.  Our first visit to Kielder and surrounding area.  Perfectly location for a wee trip to Scotland too.  The cottage and its location is quite stunning.  Wonderful hosts, you have certainly thought of everything.  Very welcoming,  we look forward to a return visit in the near future.  Thank you. 

p.s. We were outwitted by the squirrel, a very sneaky clever squirrel

September 2023 - Eileen and John

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This is a lovely house in a lovely place and our hosts have been so kind and helpful.  We would love to come back soon.

August 2023 - Paul & Caroline

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Another amazing Kielder visit.  The first one in this cottage but it won't be the last.  Perfect location, clean, spacious.  The welcome pack was a lovely touch.  Fantastic communication from Kath and Ken from the moment we booked right through to during our stay.  Thank you.

August 2023 - Kelly & Violet

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Absolutely first class cottage with everything we needed.  Bird and squirrel supplies a lovely touch and plenty of wood for a lovely fire,  Great walks and scenery, our two dogs had a fab time.  Thank you Kath & Ken.

August 2023 - Trace, Shaz, Billy & Paddy

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Had a fabulous few days. Weather hit and miss but it didn't matter, summerhouse is brilliant - watching the birds and red squirrels better than any TV.  Sunday lunch at The Pheasant is highly recommended.  Thank you both - these few days have been lifesaving x

August 2023 - James and Christine

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We all had a great time staying in your lovely cottage and exploring Kielder and the local area.  Had some nice walks straight from the door. The cottage is really comfortable and we love the outdoor space.  Thanks.

July 2023 - Scott, Jess & Cooper the dog - London

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Thank you for having us.  It was absolutely beautiful and so much around for us to do.  We can't wait to come back and visit again.

July 2023 - George, Leah, David, Claire and Misty & Bella the Border Collies - County Durham

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Thank you for a great stay in your lovely cottage and for the welcome gift.  Tennis balls are Frankie's favourite thing !  We have loved feeding and watching the birds and the squirrels.  We hope to be back in the future sometime. 

June 2023 - Cheryl, Colin & Frankie the dog ​

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Our stay was fantastic with brilliant weather - enjoyed the garden.  Went to Newcastleton to the Olive Tree, they do a great lunch.  Handy for a small shop for essentials.  Had a beautiful Sunday lunch at the Black Cock Inn in Falstone, dog friendly as well.  Tea room is nice too.  I just don't want to go home. A beautiful cottage Ken and Kath.  Looking forward to Kielder Cottage tomorrow :) xx

June 2023 - Tina, Bob and Lola the Sprocket - Cambridgeshire

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We have had such an incredible stay at your stunning cottage.  We have been to Kielder twice before however we prefer this location.  Thank you for allowing us to bring our dogs too !  We look forward to another visit again !  

June 2023 - Ian & Dan plus dogs - Middlesbrough

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Simply gorgeous !  From the stunning location to the immaculate cottage, this has the lot.  Weather has been superb !  Thank you for the welcome basket - we will be back :) !  Thanks to Kath & Ken xx

June 2023 - Andy & Jackie

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Again a smashing time, cottage is just perfect with a garden with so much wildlife to see.   Plenty to do - or not to do !  Lucky to see vintage car day at the Castle.  Three times at Kath and Kens cottages and just booked again for October - Perfect !   Willow is pleased to be coming back too.

May 2023 - Liz, John, Claire and Willow the Woof

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Had a lovely weekend going for walks and relaxing in the cottage next to the fire.  This is a beautiful cottage with plenty of space and a big garden that we hope to come back to and enjoy in the summer!  Thank you Kath & Ken for having us !!

May 2023 - Jade and Lloyd - Newcastle

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Great cottage with beautiful back garden in stunning surroundings.  Really well equipped and a lovely place to spend time and watch the world (or birds/squirrels) go by.  No mobile signal but wi-fi is rock solid and better than the service we get back home.  Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

May 2023 - Vicki

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We couldn't get enough of this place !  Booked completely on a whim, it turned into one of our favourite staycations of all time.  We're already planning our trip back for the winter time when the skies are dark enough for stargazing.  Thank you Kath & Ken for all the homely touches xxx

May 2023 - Stacie & Matty

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Fabulous cottage in a fabulous location. Much appreciated the delicious treats.  Thrilled to see a red squirrel in the garden.  It would be lovely to return - but it's an awfully long way !  Thank You.

April 2023 - Alan & Vivienne

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Booked as a last minute Easter break with kids and struck gold !  Fantastic location for all the activities on offer around Kielder - we did it all !  The cottage is wonderful - peaceful, warm and cosy, well equipped , tastefully decorated , thoughtfully laid out and super clean.  From one holiday cottage owner to another, you've nailed it Kath & Ken :)

Thank you for the generous welcome gifts.  The kids (and us) were thrilled !

April 2023 - Butler Family

 

Fantastic weekend.  We came up to run the Kielder Dark Skies races and completed 10M - 26.2M -14M over 3 days.  Very tiring but great experience, shame the stars didn't shine due to the cloud.  Wonderful cottage to stay in and rest our tired feet.  Absolutely love it here, watching the birds very relaxing and definitely will come back.  Thank you Kath & Ken xx

March 2023 - Caroline & Sean

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What a brilliant week this has been !  Splendid location and delightful cottage set in such a perfect environment !  From 7am we've been up and out, exploring and walking in every direction.  Then back home for morning coffee at the top of the garden which gets the sun all day ! And to top it off, we were snowed in for a couple of days which was perfect.  Thanks !

March 2023 - Denise, Janine & Martha the Welsh Springer

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Lovely cottage in a great location with everything that you need.  Had a lovely time at the observatory and loved the fact that we could get up for a leisurely breakfast the next day.  Pheasant Inn was good - shame about The Anglers Arms being closed.  Can't go without mentioning the wonderful wildlife, especially the very tame robin that eats out of your hand - great experience.

Jan 2023 - The Hebbs

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