Cockpit House

This is the first chance I've had to post a review of this charming B&B, as they have only recently gone online. I first came upon Cockpit House when staying in the village for a quiet break just after losing my wife in 2010. Every year since, I have returned - sometimes more than once. I'm hooked on the place which is ideally situated just behind the lifeboat station, so very close to the beach, in fact the only B&B at the bottom of the village. I can even hear the seawater lapping the beach from my room which has stunning views across the bay, as all the three rooms do. Jenny Smith, the hostess, is really lovely and nothing is too much trouble; to me it's like home from home. Jenny provides a tasty full English breakfast which will set you up for the day. The rooms are spotless and come equipped with tv, tea making facilities and there is free wi-fi. Be aware that there is no en-suite, but a bathroom/toilet between the three guest rooms - perfectly adequate for my needs. A comfortable residents' lounge is provided too. Well behaved dogs are permitted as long as they are not left in the rooms on their own. There is space outside for a couple of cars, which is very useful in season as the nearby car park can be quite pricey if you want to hang around the seafront all day. In season there is also a lovely beach cafe nearby, which is handy for sandwiches and drinks etc during the day. If you really want to stay local in the evening, within crawling distance is The Royal which serves the usual pub fare during the season. Cockpit House is Runswick's best kept secret - so being utterly selfish; don't all flock there when I need one of my quiet breaks!!