Whitley Bay Caravan

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Whitley Bay Caravan on Blyth Road, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. The name threw me off a bit (I mean, “caravan” suggests something totally different, right?), but this place is actually something pretty special that defies easy categorization. It’s tucked away in Hartley, which is one of those spots where you get the best of both worlds – close enough to Newcastle’s buzz but far enough out that you can actually hear yourself think.

What struck me immediately was how the owners have managed to create something that feels genuinely boutique without trying too hard. You know those places that scream “look how quirky we are” with their mismatched furniture and deliberately weird art? This isn’t that. Instead, there’s this really thoughtful attention to detail that sneaks up on you – the way the morning light hits the windows just right, how they’ve managed to make even the smallest spaces feel generous somehow. The whole setup has this lived-in quality that makes you feel like you’re staying at a particularly stylish friend’s place rather than just another accommodation. And honestly, the fact that they’re pulling a 9.5 rating without chasing after official star ratings says something about their priorities being in the right place.

The location is actually pretty brilliant once you get your bearings. Hartley sits right between the coast and the countryside, so you can walk down to Seaton Sluice for proper seaside vibes (the locals will tell you it’s got some of the best fish and chips around), or head inland if you’re more the rolling hills type. Parking’s never been an issue when I’ve been there – which, let’s face it, can make or break a stay when you’re dealing with this part of Northumberland. The road itself is quiet enough that you’re not dealing with traffic noise, but you’re still only about twenty minutes from Whitley Bay proper if you want the full seaside town experience. What I really appreciate is how the staff seem to actually know the area – they’ll point you toward the good walking routes or tell you which pubs are worth your time without that rehearsed tourist-board spiel you get at bigger places. It’s the kind of spot where you end up staying longer than you planned, not because there’s tons to do right on the doorstep, but because it just feels right as a base for exploring this stretch of coast.