Dale View Cottage

The view from the cottage was stunning, but we won't be going back. We arrived as a group of four and initially felt at home, with dog treats and firewood left for us. The next day, after taking rubbish to the top of the lane as instructed, the owner met us and seemed to be probing for information. Later, our booking company called to say she wanted us to leave because she expected two guests and no dogs. We had confirmation and proof of payment, so we argued that we shouldn't be put out. Then she challenged whether our support bubble was legal, although we'd checked the arrangements before booking. She demanded proof, and we ended up sending the agent a party member's medical diagnosis. I found that completely out of order, especially since the agent had already confirmed we could travel legally. She eventually accepted it and let us stay, but by then we felt we'd been treated like criminals and our spirits were low. I doubt she'd have objected if the same bubble had been a group of people over 60.

The drive is useful in winter, since the road into Allendale is quite steep even though the town isn't far away. We had a cosy, well-equipped cottage and a really impressive view. I'd happily return, especially in summer, when sitting on the patio with a drink and looking across the valley sounds lovely.

We still haven't had an apology, which feels unacceptable both personally and professionally. We arrived happy with the cottage and its surroundings, and there was firewood and dog treats waiting. That changed on our second day when the owner called one of us. She was very rude, accused us of lying, and questioned whether our support bubble was legal, though the concerns had no basis as far as we could see. We had booked through an agent and the bubble details had been confirmed. She said we should have told her that one member of our party had special needs, and over the next two days threatened police action. We were left feeling unwelcome and uneasy for the rest of the holiday.

A lovely secluded spot, with sweeping views across the dale and moorland. The hosts were great, and it's well placed for trips around Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall.