Hotel Review: The Percy Arms, Northumberland

Mid-way between the two main routes through Northumberland - A1 and A697, both around ten minutes away - and with its central position in the county, the hotel makes a good base for exploring both the coast, with its beaches and castles, and inland areas such as the Cheviot Hills as well the Scottish borders. There's nothing in the village, and the views aren't great, but it is very quiet and convenient. Chillingham Castle, a splendid medieval affair - and still lived-in - is a mile to the south; otherwise the coast, including Bamburgh Castle, and beaches are a 20-minute drive, and Alnwick is 30 minutes away.

By car: under 3 hours from York, 4 hours from Manchester and 6 hours 30 minutes from London. Free parking on-site.

By train: London Kings Cross to Chathill (via Newcastle) is over 4 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the station. Book trains to Chathill.

The stone-built, former Victorian coaching inn, with its cottagey looks of window boxes and bay windows, is deceptively large. An L-shaped ground floor wraps around the bar in a series of eating areas with flagged or wooden floors, scrubbed tables, exposed-stone or panelled walls and a scattering of hunting prints and antlers.

The large bar area has a cheery log fire and the occasional sofa amongst the tables while, for warmer days, there's seating on the grassy front terrace or on a decked area to the side. Outdoorsy types are catered for with walking books to borrow plus wet clothes and boots can be dried. Staff are cheery and welcoming and work hard to make guests feel at home.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

In a light-touch country house style, with big headboards, soft colours and a mix of tartans and florals, the five rooms have a gracious yet fuss-free style with few ornaments or frills. Bathrooms are smartly modern with large walk-in showers, and some have free-standing baths.

Room types: Chatton Park Hill, Fowberry Tower, Hurle Stone, River Till, Amerside Moor

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, biscuits, TV, free Wi-Fi

It's an all-day menu of handsome pub classics - homemade steak and ale pie, speciality burger, fish and chips - with a few smarter dishes such as pan-fried sea bass or sirloin steak with all the trimmings. The wine list has a good choice and is well-priced, plus there are several hand-pulled ales.

The Percy Arms: traditional village pub, classic fare, locally-sourced produce. Dishes include steak & ale pie, sea bass and pork belly. All-day menu, open daily. Sunday roast served 12-6pm.