FAQ's
Please use the contact forms on the HOME or CONTACT pages to submit any other queries.
What are the check-in and check-out times? Check in is from 4pm. If we are able to allow you to check in earlier we will contact you to let you know. If you arrive earlier than planned we suggest you enjoy a cuppa at Paxton House tea room or a drink at The Cross Inn. Check out is by 10am to allow our cleaning team access to prepare the cottage for the next guests.
How do I check in? We offer simple self check-in via a key safe at the cottage. Full details will be sent before your arrival. Please return the keys to the safe upon departure.
Is parking available? Yes, we have a parking space for one vehicle directly outside of the cottage. Please park parallel to the fence where the “Briar Cottage Guest Parking” sign is located, so our neighbours have space for their own vehicles. There is on-street parking for additional vehicles just outside of The Square, within Paxton village.
How many guests does the cottage sleep? The cottage comfortably sleeps four with a king size bed in the master bedroom and twin single beds in the second bedroom. There is also additional space for a travel cot to be set up for one infant.
Is the cottage family-friendly? Yes. We offer a travel cot, highchair, stair gate, and children’s crockery. We have a range of books, games and DVD's that children can enjoy too. There is a fully enclosed terraced area however this is not a garden as such. Within the village there is a newly refurbished play park, Paxton House adventure playground, and a family-friendly restaurant a short walk up the road with a children's menu. There are plenty of child-friendly activities in nearby Berwick too.
Is the cottage dog-friendly? Yes, however we ask that dogs remain downstairs and have a built-in stairgate for your convenience. We provide bowls, towels, poo bags, and sofa throws for our furry guests. There is a stone-covered terrace area for your dog which is fully enclosed for their safety. Please see the 'DOGS' section in the menu for more information.
Are towels and bed-linens included? Yes. We provide one bath sheet and one bath towel per guest plus hand towels and dish towels throughout. All beds will be made for your arrival and you do not need to strip them before you leave.
Do you provide logs for the wood burner? Yes. We provide a starter bundle with matches, firelighters, kindling and logs. Additional logs can be purchased at supermarkets, petrol stations, the garden centre, and B&M / Homebargains in the retail parks.
How is the cottage heated? Aside from the wood burner, we have electric radiators. The heating is pre-set for comfort, however you can adjust individual radiators using the controls on the side. They are simple to operate, however if you need help, we can assist remotely.
Is there public transport nearby? Yes. A bus service runs to Berwick on weekdays. Reliable taxi services operate locally - you'll find a list in the cottage guest information folder. Berwick train station is a short drive away (Edinburgh & Newcastle in ~45 minutes).
Is there EV charging on site? No, there is no charger at the cottage and we ask that there is STRICTLY no charging of your vehicle from any of our electrical outlets. There are however several fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid chargers are available in Berwick-upon-Tweed, including: • Parade Car Park • Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre • Ramparts Business Park • McDonald's Loaning Meadows Most supermarkets also have charge points.
What is supplied at the cottage? We provide essentials such as: • body & hand towels • some toilet rolls • cleaning products and washing-up items (including dishwash pods) • some tea, coffee, sugar and sweetener sachets to get you settled • blankets • salt, pepper, light olive oil and Nespresso pods • starter logs & kindling • selection of books, board games and DVDs plus a dedicated Netflix account for cottage use. You may wish to bring additional food staples or your preferred coffee pods.
What appliances are there? We have tried to think of everything that you'd need for a comfortable stay. The cottage provides: - washer / dryer - iron and ironing board - vacuum cleaner - dishwasher - fridge - freezer (full size) - kettle -toaster - Nespresso machine - microwave - Smeg oven - induction hob - bullet blender - electronic scales - DAB Radio / Bluetooth speaker - TV with integrated DVD player - 2 hairdryers (one with a diffuser)
Should I book The Cross Inn? Yes! We wholeheartedly recommend this local pub / restaurant for a drink or a meal however as it is such a popular destination it is worth booking ahead - particularly during weekends and peak holidays. It is dog-friendly and has a children's menu.
Is there a shop in the village? There is no local shop in the village. There are several major supermarkets plus many independents locally in Berwick. Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda deliver to the cottage. A full list is available in the cottage guest information folder.
Are there things to do nearby? Absolutely! Our favourites include: • Paxton House (grounds, tearoom, playground) • Berwick Boat Trips (dolphins, seals, seabirds!) • Alnwick Castle & Alnwick Gardens • Holy Island (check tide times!) • Bamburgh Castle & beach • St Abbs for stunning coastal walks • Eyemouth (especially Giacopazzi's for fish and chips or ice cream!)
Are there any house rules? Yes. To keep the cottage in great condition for subsequent guests and to be respectful to our neighbours we ask: • No smoking or vaping • No dogs upstairs • No unregistered guests • No parties or events • No EV charging from the cottage • Quiet hours: 10pm–8am
Do you have accessibility information? There is a step up to the front door and to the French doors from the terrace. Both bedrooms are upstairs and accessed by a single flight of stairs.