Bayview Escape

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Bayview Escape – I mean, it’s tucked away in Church Point Holiday Park, which sounds pretty ordinary, right? But here’s the thing about Newbiggin-by-the-Sea that most people don’t realize: this little Northumberland coastal town has these incredible hidden gems if you know where to look, and this boutique spot is definitely one of them.

What struck me immediately was how they’ve managed to create something that feels genuinely special without trying too hard. You know what I mean? No pretentious lobby or over-the-top décor – just really thoughtful touches that make you feel like you’ve discovered something the guidebooks haven’t caught onto yet. The whole place has this relaxed, almost residential vibe that’s perfect if you’re tired of cookie-cutter chain hotels. And can we talk about that 9.8 rating for a second? I was skeptical at first (aren’t we all when we see numbers that high?), but after spending time there, it actually makes sense. The owners – and I’m pretty sure they live on-site or nearby – seem to genuinely care about getting the details right.

The location is smarter than it first appears, too. Sure, you’re technically in a holiday park, but you’re literally minutes from Newbiggin’s beach and that gorgeous stretch of coastline that runs up toward Ashington. If you’ve never been, Newbiggin Bay has this really lovely wide sandy beach that’s never as crowded as the more famous Northumberland spots – honestly, even in summer you can find your own space. Plus, parking is straightforward (which, let’s be real, matters more than most hotel websites want to admit), and you’re close enough to Cramlington and the A1 that day trips to Newcastle or even up to the Scottish borders are totally doable. I actually ended up extending my stay because there’s something really restful about being right on the coast but still having easy access to everything else. The whole experience feels more like staying at a friend’s place who happens to have excellent taste – if that friend also happened to run a really well-organized small hotel.