Category: Hadrian’s Wall Area Attractions

Posts about the Hadrian’s Wall area attractions and the many historical sites and roman history visitor destinations to enjoy whilst in Northumberland. Lots of information on the well know highlights of visiting Northumberland and the vast history that lies around every corner. Vindolanda, Housesteads, Corstoptium, Roman Army Museum, the infamous Sycamore Gap or Robin Hood’s Tree, Cawfields, Chesters and Heavenfield and St Oswald’s Church that can all be enjoyed whilst staying in Northumberland at St Oswald’s Farm, a working sheep and cattle farm with 5 star luxury holiday accommodation that sleeps 2, Heavenfield Cottage, which sits uniquely on top of Hadrian’s Wall itself. St Oswald’s Farm is just 5-6 miles from both the ancient market town of Hexham and historical village of Corbridge. St Oswald’s Farm is centrally located to enjoy all of Hadrian’s Wall area attractions and the whole of Northumberland and the North East of England.

Perfect Picnics

Posted on July 18, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Nothing says ‘holiday’ more than heading out into the great outdoors with a picnic, so whether you simply throw some crusty bread and cheese in your backpack or you carefully prepare a gourmet basket of goodies, you will find plenty of perfect picnic spots in Northumberland.

National Trust and English Heritage sites are always a great choice for an al fresco lunch with benches, picnic tables and grassy areas aplenty. At Wallington Hall throw down your picnic blanket in the grassy courtyard or saunter off along one of the many walks to find some dappled shade or sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility within the walled garden. A trip to Cragside offers a huge area in which to enjoy your perfect picnic with perhaps some of the best spots being as you navigate The Carriage Drive with lots of lakeside dining areas to choose from and some hidden in the beautiful woodland of the Cragside Estate.

alt="Cragside Nellys moss lake with picnic bench"
Nelly’s Moss – Cragside

A visit to our Northumbrian Market Towns are a great day trip and a picnic can make for a relaxing lunchtime pitstop. Hexham boasts the beautiful Abbey grounds which includes the pretty bowling green surrounded by seating where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch and if you’re lucky you may even be able to enjoy all the sights and sounds of an outdoor bowls match. Carlisle Park in Morpeth is another great destination for a a picnic lunch and this lovely market town also offers the opportunity to stroll along the banks of the River Wansbeck or even row, row, row your boat up the river.

  • Hexham Bowling Green within the Abbey Grounds
  • River Wansbeck in Morpeth – credit H Avery

As far as scenic picnic spots go there can be few better than the dramatic landscape of Hadrian’s Wall, so throw a picnic together and venture out to enjoy some of the wonderful walks this area provides, although with so many wonderful vistas to admire it can be hard to choose. A short 20 minute drive takes you to the very impressive Cawfields which is one of the best preserved stretches of the Wall and provides the opportunity enjoy your packed lunch by the lake or at the sheltered picnic site before burning off some of those calories and taking the scenic walk to Milecastle 42.

Kielder Water & Forest Park covers an area of hundreds of square miles so finding a secluded but picturesque place to picnic is easy. With large grassed areas, picnic tables dotted all over, designated picnic areas and miles and miles of wide open space Kielder is the perfect place to escape and just enjoy the quiet and the vastness of this remote part of Northumberland. The Visit Kielder website is packed full of information on everything that can be enjoyed at Kielder.

  • Kielder Water – image credit Kielderside Waterside
  • Cawfields – credit Geoffrey Braun

Fancy a picnic and a paddle? Well just pick a beach, any beach on the North East coast. All of our Northumberland beaches are heavenly, the whole of our coastline offers wide, sweeping beaches of golden sands that boast to be some of the quietest in the country, there are hidden coves, huge sea views together with pathways, rockpools and dunes, all perfect for a romantic picnic for two. Although I’m afraid we can’t guarantee you won’t get sand in your sandwiches!

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Bamburgh Beach

The beauty of a picnic means you can enjoy one anytime anywhere and you certainly don’t have to travel far to enjoy some open air dining when you stay at St Oswald’s Farm. We invite you to use our farm map and take a walk around our farmland and head to ‘our favourite spot’ on the farm. Brady’s Crag or The Bottom Crag as we call it, is the most perfect place to admire one of the best views from St Oswald’s and it’s a great place to enjoy an evening walk and witness our huge skies and spectacular Northumbrian sunsets. We provide a rug and a backpack in the cottage so all you need to do is chill a bottle of something lovely, grab some glasses and some tasty bites and take the 10 minute walk. We hope you are able to sit back and enjoy what we truly love about where we live.

A Day in Newcastle

Posted on June 13, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions

If you fancy some city vibes then look no further than then iconic and very beautiful city of Newcastle Upon Tyne that lies just 20 miles from St Oswald’s Farm and is an easy drive or a short train journey along the Tyne Valley line from Hexham. This famous Geordie capital offers museums, theatres, historic sites, culture, shopping and all the buzz you would expect from a thriving city centre.

Newcastle sits on the River Tyne alongside it’s twin city Gateshead and was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. Today, following a massive investment and regeneration programme, the Quayside only gives a hint to it’s once commercial dock and is now home to Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage music venue which provide a modern and cultural destination alongside the stylish restaurants, bars and clubs. Every Sunday the Quayside hosts an outdoor market that boasts a vibrant and varied showcase of quality goods and produce and with street artists and buskers that ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The Quayside boasts seven bridges that link the cities of Newcastle and Gateshead which are a spectacular sight and impressive to see during the day and beautifully illuminated by night, the Quayside is undoubtedly the perfect place for a stroll or to sit back and enjoy a drink and watch the world go by.

alt="Newcastle Quayside with river and bridges"
Newcastle Gateshead Quayside

Take a trip to Newcastle Castle, this imposing Norman fortress is steeped in history and is a rugged reminder of northern England’s turbulent past. The castle is where the story of Newcastle began and the reason it got its name, however this castle is no stately home and is a grim symbol of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. Take your camera to the top of the castle to capture spectacular views across the city and the River Tyne.

Newcastle Castle

As you would expect this spectacular city has a great offer when it comes to Museums and Galleries. The Laing Art Gallery offering world class art through it’s exhibitions and events, The Discovery Museum is all about science and local history and with permanent exhibitions such as the ship Turbinia. The Great North Hancock Museum is dedicated to natural history and ancient civilisations and the Centre of Life is a life science centre whose purpose is to inspire everyone to explore and enjoy science and undertakes groundbreaking research.

The Hancock Museum

A trip to any City would not be complete without some shopping and Newcastle is the perfect hub for some retail therapy. Northumberland Street in the city centre is home to all your high street favourites including John Lewis and Fenwicks but you will also find many smaller independents to browse. Head to The Grainger Market which is a busy vibrant indoor market that dates back to 1835 and a place where you can pick up absolutely anything and everything. Well ingrained in Newcastle’s history and heritage, the Grainger Market is actually a Grade I Listed Market, which retains much of the stunning light and airy architecture that was originally designed and is one of the few market halls in the UK that remain in use for its original purpose.

The Grainger Market

The architecture around the Quayside and the City Centre is second to none and a walk from the Quayside up Grey Street to Grey’s Monument takes in some of magnificent Georgian architecture and takes you past the wonderful Grade I listed Theatre Royal which is one of only 9 Grade I listed Theatre Halls in England and often regarded as the finest in the Country.

For more information on everything that’s to see and do in Newcastle & Gateshead please head over to their official tourist website.

River Walks

Posted on May 2, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Northumberland is well known for its amazing walking opportunities and with it’s varied, rugged and wild landscape the walks in Northumberland provide fantastic opportunities to enjoy everything from the beautiful coastline to hills and dales as well as high remote moorland, iconic castles and historic monuments. Our water ways and river walks are perhaps less well known but a walk by water in Northumberland incorporates all that is great about our landscape with the relaxing sight and sound of water.

Our river walks offer everything from strolls by babbling brooks to the wonders of finding a waterfall and to the wilderness of the Northumberland National Park. Northumberland offers an abundance of river walks right across the County and we are lucky enough to have so many nearby, Hareshaw Linn, Allen Banks & Staward Gorge but here’s a few more of our local favourites.

River Tyne
Riverside at Morpeth

The Tyne Green Trail is a 4.5 mile circular walk that follows the course of the River Tyne between Hexham Bridge and the turning point just past Watersmeet which is where the North and South Tyne join, and the river along which the path continues is the South Tyne, flowing from the Pennines beyond Alston, while opposite is the North Tyne flowing out of Kielder Water. The return walk is on quiet lanes and paths and can be extended to Warden Hill which includes the perfect pit stop for refreshment at The Boatside Inn which is just over the river a few hundred yards from the trail. The walk takes in the lovely avenue of mature trees on Tyne Green itself, the 18th century Hexham Bridge which is the perfect spot to stand and gives an ideal view of the weir and depending on the time of year, you may see leaping salmon. Further upstream look out for the remains of the old railway bridge which was built between 1855-1862 and went on to carry the Border Counties Railway. This is an ideal gentle walk and with a very conveniently placed pub!

alt="tyne bridge hexham river walks"
Tyne Green Hexham

Dukesfield Arches and Devil’s Water is a walk that uncovers the lead industry heritage of this hidden part of nearby Hexhamshire. There are two routes depending how far you wish to walk, either 6.25 miles or a 4 mile walk. The walks start at the gothic arches that are all that remains of the mill that was built to smelt lead ore brought to the site on the backs of packhorses from the North Pennine hills. The original mill dates back to the late seventeenth century and was working until 1835. For much of this time it was probably one of the largest such mills in the country. The Devil’s Water route is in no way menacing as it’s name would suggest but offers a lovely peaceful riverside walk through beautiful countryside.

alt="riverwalks at Dukesfield Arches"
Dukesfield Arches

Wallington Hall is a well known National Trust property that we always recommend to our guests and as well as the impressive house and grounds, Wallington has a lovely circular river walk which takes 1-2 hours and is a relatively flat route. The walk starts at the Courtyard at Wallington Hall taking in the woodland, ponds and walled garden before guiding you along the banks of the River Wansbeck crossing bridges and stepping stones on the way before arriving back in the Courtyard. It’s a gorgeous walk and you’re more or less guaranteed to see plenty of wildlife as you saunter this tranquil river route.

alt="Wallington bridge on the river walk"
The Bridge on the river walk at Wallington – credit Helen Avery

Featherstone Castle & Lambley Viaduct walk is a beautiful circular walk that follows public footpaths and bridleways across fields and meadows beside the River South Tyne and joins the South Tyne Trail. The walk is rich in history taking in a 14th-century castle, a prisoner of war camp and an elegant 19th-century viaduct that used to carry the Alston to Haltwhistle railway line. The walk is around 6 miles and classed as a moderate walk but should you find yourself in need of a refreshment after your walk, The Wallace Arms is just up the road.

Lambley Viaduct

There are just to many gorgeous river walks in Northumberland and each with it’s own unique charm, so whether you enjoy the heritage behind our waterways, want to look out for wildlife or simply enjoy the calming influence a river walk brings then Northumberland will certainly have a walk for you. Book your stay and look forward to enjoying all Northumberland has to offer.

Beautiful Belsay

Posted on April 4, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Uncategorised

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens sit tucked away in the very small but perfectly formed village of Belsay, however there is nothing small about this beautiful English Heritage property with it’s grand Grecian Hall, Medieval Castle and 30 acres of enchanting gardens.

The Grand Hall is an architectural masterpiece, influenced heavily by the temples of ancient Greece, this country house is a true spectacle. Whilst the building itself is unfurnished, beautiful floral print wallpaper from the 1800’s still lines the walls, and from the bedrooms you will enjoy incredible views over rest of the estate. The empty rooms lend themselves to the art installations which are sometimes resident. The Hall with it’s impressive columns was built using rocks from the quarry on the Belsay grounds and was completed in the early 19th century.

alt="Belsay Hall Grecian mansion"
Belsay Hall

The gardens at Belsay are an absolute highlight and with year-round seasonal interest meaning you’ll be impressed whatever time of the year you visit. With one of the biggest collection of rhododendrons in the country you’ll find winter flowering varieties in the Quarry Garden and a magnificent display in the Rhododendron Garden during late Spring. A walk through the ravines cut out of rock bring a jurassic-feeling to the Quarry Garden and with its own microclimate you’ll see all sorts of exotic plants. The formal Yew Garden and Magnolia Terrace bring an entirely different experience and here you will witness the recent restoration by the dedicated garden team who have restored much of the historic fabric of these areas, opening up historic views and restoring biodiversity.

alt="Belsay Hall Quarry Garden"
Quarry Gardens

After visiting the Hall and a meander through the acres of gardens you will find an impressive medieval castle and although in ruins the grandeur of what the castle once was is very evident. Slowly wander through the maze of rooms and you will be treated to traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings. In the manor house style wing you can still see the old cooking range and fireplaces and if your legs are up to it, take the 56 spiral stairs to enjoy the view from the top of the 14th-century defensive ‘pele tower’.

alt="Belsay Hall Castle"
Belsay Castle

Of course any day out wouldn’t be complete without refreshments and Belsay Hall itself has a Victorian Tearoom which is in the hall’s original kitchen and offers lunches and light bites. Alternatively there is a gorgeous independent coffee shop in the village of Belsay, The Blacksmiths Coffee Shop who provide a wide range of home made produce such as scones, sandwiches, quiches, baked potatoes, pies, salads, tray bakes, cakes and much more, although we recommend that you book in advance to be sure to get a table.

To find out more about Belsay Hall and for information on opening times or if you wish to book your visit please go to their website.

If you enjoy days out and taking in the grandeur of historic houses and the beauty of their surrounding garden then a stay in Northumberland is definitely for you. All our availability is up to date on our website so all you have to do is book your stay and look forward to enjoying all Northumberland has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you here.

Dining Out

Posted on December 1, 2021 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

The beauty of a self catering holiday is undoubtedly that you can pack your slippers and enjoy making yourself well and truly at home, and of course you have the choice of whether to rustle something up in the kitchen after a day of sightseeing or to opt for dining out!

This is the first of a series of blog posts on dining out and we’re starting off our fantastic Northumberland offering of great places to eat with our local pub!

The Crown Inn in Humshaugh is a true country pub in every sense of the word, set in a lovely quiet village, with local cask ales, home cooked food, live music evenings and they are also renowned for their classic vehicle events. This family run pub has a lovely outdoor dining area, real fires, seasonal menus and you will receive a very warm welcome. And all just a 5 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm.

The Crown Inn
The Crown Inn at Humshaugh

There’s an array of eateries in the local town of Hexham and if Indian cuisine is your dining out option then look no further than Zyka, a modern boutique restaurant offering exquisite food all expertly prepared under the watchful eye of celebrated chef Khaled Miah. This is no ordinary Indian curry house, but a fine dining experience.

alt="rice dish at zyka"
alt="outside restaurant at night"
Zyka in Hexham
alt="zyka plate of food"

A 30 minute drive over beautiful moorland and you will find The Lord Crewe Arms in the picturesque village of Blanchland. The village and the building are steeped in history, and you will find the setting not only picture perfect but awe-inspiring, this together with a a culinary offer that is second to none makes The Lord Crewe & Blanchland definitely worth a visit.

‘Smitten with seasonal simplicity and sense of place, our food is a culinary collaboration between heritage and landscape.  Guided by the evolutionary imagination of Emma Broom and faithful to the cultures of the north; expect heavenly patchwork feasts, dainty dishes and the occasional fix of comfort food, cooked to the highest order- of course’ –Lord Crewe Arms

alt="Lord Crewe Arms back garden with rose trees"
The Lord Crewe Arms
alt="Lord Crewe huge stone fireplace"

If you find yourself at Steel Rigg and enjoying the walk to the iconic Sycamore Gap or you’ve been discovering the delights of Vindolanda and find yourself in need of refreshments then The Twice Brewed Inn is a must and just a 2 minute drive from the Steel Rigg Car Park and 5 minutes from Vindolanda. Enjoy real ales together with classic but quality home cooked food in front of warming log fires.

alt="steak and chips"
alt="pizza and pint"
Twice Brewed Inn
alt="plate of food at Twice Brewed"

The Beaumont is an independent Victorian townhouse hotel in the centre of nearby Hexham, which sits within sight of Hexham Abbey and with the Abbey grounds directly opposite. The open plan restaurant with open kitchen offers an exemplary ever changing seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients and was recently reviewed favourably by food critic, Grace Dent.

alt="Dining out image of The Beaumont Hotel in Hexham lit up in the evening"
The Beaumont Hotel in Hexham

Our local offer of places to eat is second to none, there is something for everyone and with all tastes and preferences catered for. So many of our restaurants and pubs source the finest of local produce and champion all that is great about the North East through their carefully prepared food whilst all the time ensuring that you have the very best dining out experience when you stay in Northumberland.

Charming Villages – Allendale

Posted on October 1, 2021 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Our villages may be less well known than our main visitor attractions and some may be small, but they are oh so perfectly formed with plenty of charm, character and they are ideal for a quieter and a more relaxed day out. A visit to any of the villages dotted around our remote countryside will offer the opportunity to see the affection with which these villages and hamlets are held and give you a glimpse into Northumbrian life as these small local communities go about their everyday lives.

The pretty stone built village of Allendale lies in the heart of The Allen Valleys in the breathtaking Northumberland AONB. The area is perfect for walking and enjoying the beautiful countryside, take in a stroll along the tranquil River Allen and relish in the sights of waterfalls, stunning moorland and the resident wildlife. The village itself is set around a Market Square with St Cuthbert’s Church tucked in one corner, country pubs, a tearoom and a small selection of shops including the very lovely The Allendale Forge Studios which is an Art and Media Visitor Centre where visitors can meet local artists, shop, enjoy exhibitions and workshops and enjoy delicious home-cooked food. If you’re a sci-fi lover this sleepy little village even boasts it’s own Sci-fi Museum with over 200 original props, costumes & artworks from classic SF film & television. Pack a picnic and head to the river for a relaxed lunch or The Square is perfect for sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by…but keep your eye out for daleks!

St Cuthbert’s Church
Allendale Forge Studios

For a small and quiet village Allendale holds a few surprises and none more spectacular than the annual Allendale Tar Bar’l which is Northumberland’s New Year’s Eve ceremony that has been celebrated here since 1858. This weird and wonderful tradition involves forty-five local men (known as guisers) that carry whiskey barrels filled with burning hot tar in a procession through the town. The men dress in colourful fancy dress and have soot-blackened faces. Locals and visitors alike flock to the town for this night of revelry as music and dancing fill the small streets. At midnight, they arrive at the Bar’l fire in the centre of the village. The test of strength and courage ends in spectacular fashion as the guisers toss their barrels onto the ceremonial Bar’l bonfire to welcome in the new year as everyone shouts “Be damned to he who throws last!”

alt="allendale moor near to villages"
The Moors
Allen Valley

Allendale is a relaxed 30 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm passing through the prettiest of scenery and if you happen to visit towards the end of August you’ll be met with a landscape of heather in full bloom. Northumberland holds so many hidden surprises for it’s visitors and the sleepy village of Allendale is no exception. Book now to enjoy all Northumberland has to offer, or perhaps book to stay with us for New Year to enjoy the most elaborate New Year celebration you may ever encounter, it really does have to be seen to be believed!