Hotel Review: Parade School Guest House, Northumberland

In the upper part of the town, a ten-minute walk from the station and opposite the original parade ground of the town's former barracks, it's in a quiet position with views of the town's Elizabethan walls. The town's principal museums and art gallery are a couple of minutes' walk away, and the shops and eateries of Bridge Street are a ten-minute stroll near the river.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Edinburgh or Newcastle and 4 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. Free parking available.

By train: there are direct trains from Edinburgh (50 minutes) and London King's Cross (3 hours 45 minutes) to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The hotel is a 3-minute drive (or 10-minute walk). Book trains to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

A distinctive Georgian house, with an unusual mansard roof and originally a vicarage, it has been given a startlingly bright makeover of bright-white walls, contemporary furniture, statement mirrors and fun decorative objects. The overall feel is light and upbeat while still respecting the house's original features of large sash windows and well-proportioned rooms.

There's no sitting room but guests are welcome to use the breakfast room with its help-yourself hot drinks and snacks. Plenty of guidebooks and maps are available to borrow and Ann is a ready source of help and information. Resident permits help with free parking, provided there's a space; otherwise, there's a car park opposite.

• Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi

The bedrooms share the same bright contemporary style of wood-effect floors, white walls, glossy white or mirrored furniture, and ruby-red throws and rugs. Larger rooms have space for sofas and armchairs; smaller ones are compact but well-designed with shower rooms tucked into alcove spaces.

Room types: Walls, Wallace, Tweed, Ramparts, Pier, Parade, Barracks

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

This is room only accommodation, but the best areas for evening meal options are Hide Hill or along Bridge Street, both between five and ten minutes' walk away, and Ann is happy to make recommendations.