Discovering our Museums – Woodhorn

Posted on March 1, 2022 by - Northumberland

Woodhorn Museum brings to life Northumberland’s proud mining heritage and is set on the site of what was once the largest pit village in the world. Woodhorn however is more than just a traditional mining museum, the exhibitions, the collections, tours, talks and facilities together with a packed programme of events ensure a great day out.

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Woodhorn Museum

Many of the colliery buildings still remain and are open for you to explore and each of these buildings tell their own fascinating story. Stand above the staggering Heapstead, find out what steam power did in The Jack Engine House, sniff out the Stable Block, see the only remaining Cappell Fan in existence in the Cappell House and Motor Room and discover the vital role of the winderman in The Winding House.

There are many exhibitions and collections of interest on offer at Woodhorn Museum. Coal Town is one of the permanent exhibitions and this interactive and thoroughly moving exhibition takes you on a journey where you’ll discover the true story of coal mining in Northumberland and of a way of life that has disappeared forever.

Take in the unique art collection by the amateur yet famous art group The Ashington Group, also known as the ‘Pitmen Painters’. They began as an art appreciation group in the 1930’s and then went on to meet weekly over the next 50 years and produced hundreds of paintings depicting what life was like for the men and women who lived and worked in the mining communities in Northumberland.

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Pitman Painters Gallery at Woodhorn Museum

You can enjoy the museum at your own pace or if you prefer there are tours and talks that take place daily to help you explore the various parts of the museum. Please check the website or ask staff about times and how to join these tours and talks.

At Woodhorn Museum the much loved heritage blends seamlessly with more modern development and The Cutter Building which is home to exhibitions and collections includes a wall which features a moving sculpture of 98 birds made from moulded miners’ gloves with each one sadly representing the lives lost at the colliery throughout it’s history. Woodhorn Museum is informative, interactive, cultural, hands on and at times really quite thought provoking but more than anything it’s a really enjoyable day out.

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The Cutter Building at Woodhorn Museum

If history, heritage and culture is what you enjoy then look no further and book your stay at St Oswald’s Farm and discover all that Northumberland has to offer.

A Haven for Wildlife

Posted on January 20, 2022 by - Northumberland, St Oswald's Farm

If you’re wild about wildlife then Northumberland is most definitely the place to be. Our diverse countryside of rolling hills, dales, moorlands, woodlands, forests, rivers, lakes and our coastline are teaming with wildlife and any drive or walk through Northumberland will undoubtedly mean you can easily spot some of our slightly wilder residents.

  • Coastal dunes
  • Rolling hills and woodland
  • Perfect for spotting resident wildlife

Our nature reserves are second to none, and each one with it’s own unique offering. Kielder Water & Forest Park provides a huge variety of habitats from marshy grasslands and bogs to woodland which attract an impressive amount of wildlife including badgers, roe deer, otters, red squirrels, shrews, pine martins, foxes, several species of bat, woodland birds and birds of prey, including ospreys. Of course the offering doesn’t stop at birds and animals, the insects, grasses and wildflowers come into their own at certain times of year, don’t be surprised to see the likes of yellow rattle, bird’s foot trefoil, and a variety of orchids. 

The Kielder Water website is packed full of information on all their ‘residents’, their ongoing projects, such as the ‘restoring ratty project’, their own Bakethin Nature Reserve and check out their nature calendar for what you’re most likely to spot during your visit.

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Roe Deer

In North Northumberland Hauxley Nature Reserve is right next to the beach and offers one of the best wildlife watching spots in the North East. The reserve is renowned for it’s bird life and regularly attracts 140 different species a year including tree sparrow, reed bunting and bull finch to coot, moorhen and curlew. The summer offers spectacular wild flowers including viper’s bugloss, bloody cranesbill and northern marsh orchid and of course where there’s flowers you will find variety of butterflies and the reserve attracts species such as the common blue and wall brown and you may see dragonflies and damselflies on the ponds, including the common hawker and the common darter. The reserve has a circular path leading to it’s wildlife hides and lots of information boards if you’re unsure what you might have spotted.

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Common Blue

If you’re visiting Holy Island, the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve offers 3500 hectares of dunes, saltmarsh and mudflats and is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. The Reserve can be enjoyed all year round with Winter being the best time to see the visiting waterfowl, Autumn and Spring are the best for spotting rare birds on migration and with Summer best for the stunning flowers, butterflies and insects.

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Ringed Plover

We couldn’t talk about nature in Northumberland without mentioning The Farne Islands. For any bird and wildlife enthusiast a boat trip to The Farne Islands is simply a must. The Farne Islands are home to 100,000 seabirds ranging from Eider Ducks to Artic Terns to Puffins and then if that wasn’t enough there’s the thousands of grey seals. Each Autumn hundreds of seal pups are born there and rangers are on constant ‘pup watch’ as the keep an eye on the numbers born each year! The National Trust wildlife calendar is really useful to check the best times of year to enjoy your favourite.

  • Images: Serenity boats

If you prefer something smaller that can be found while exploring the open countryside there are plenty of small reserves dotted all over Northumberland. Druridge Pools, Cresswell Pond, East Chevington, Falstone Moss, Whitelee Moor, Butterburn Flow, Greenlea Lough, Grindon Lough, Beltingham River Gravels… to name but a few. If you’re looking to pack a flask and sandwich and head on a quiet wildlife hunt then there’s lots of information on where to go and how to access them on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.

Even a relaxing day spent enjoying St Oswald’s Farm can bring some wonderful wild finds, heron, curlew, woodpecker, buzzards, lapwing, a huge array of garden birds and if you’re lucky you may spot a barn owl. We encourage and protect our environment however we can and in the Spring it is heartwarming to see our birdboxes being put to good use. A quick peek out of the bedroom window in Heavenfield Cottage might just bring a glimpse of a busy little wren. This year we’re hoping to create a new stumpery and look forward to seeing who’s going to join us and makes St Oswald’s their home.

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.

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Zyka in Hexham
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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

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The Lord Crewe Arms
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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.

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Twice Brewed Inn
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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.

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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.

A County for all Seasons

Posted on November 1, 2021 by - Northumberland

We’re sometimes asked when is the best time of year to visit Northumberland, and to be honest the answer is absolutely anytime. There really isn’t a best time of year to enjoy all that this county has to offer, each season and month is beautiful for it’s own very special reason. As the seasons come and go Northumberland changes, sometimes dramatically and sometimes even just a small and subtle change in light means we witness a new and spectacular beauty.

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Northumberland skies in October

Let’s begin with winter, probably the most dramatic of seasons and a one that really shouldn’t be missed. A visit during our darkest months will bring you an experience that is second to none. You may not be aware that you’re looking for a great ‘night-life’ but perhaps you’re one of the 85% of the population that have never witnessed a truly dark sky. The winter months are the best time of the year to go star gazing, to look up and be in awe of the stars above you.

Northumberland has an International Dark Sky Park status and is home to fantastic observatories where you can book to hear from the experts who will help you navigate the dark skies and leave you in awe of what lies above. If you prefer to explore on your own then there are various dark sky viewpoints across the County or you can of course just grab a cosy blanket, head out onto the patio and look up! The winter months however aren’t just about stars, you might encounter some of the most dramatic skies imaginable, from dark and moody to blue and crystal clear, no two days are the same.

The winter brings fantastic walking opportunities, just as summer walks are gift wrapped in lush green leaves, winter walks take on a whole new dimension as the naked trees and hedgerows expose the vastness of our landscape. If you’re one of those people who like to get wrapped up and enjoy a fresh or bracing winter walk and then head back to the comfort of a log fire and a long deep soak then look no further!

As Winter morphs into spring Northumberland wakes up and puts on it’s best dress. From as early as February when the snowdrops appear, to the colourful riot of purple and yellow and the sight of new born lambs right through to the soft fragrant blossom in May, spring is the time to witness nature just doing it’s thing! Springtime is all about new beginnings, new life on the farms, new buds appearing, the chatter of birds and fresh brand new colours across our fields and hedgerows. Spring is well and truly celebrated across the region with many of our visitor attractions, our towns and villages and gardens putting on a real showcase for you to enjoy. Look out for spring updates on the snowdrop woodlands and the crocus lawn at Wallington Hall or keep your eye on Alnwick Garden‘s Blossom Watch!

Hexham Abbey colourful blooms in every seasons
Alnwick Garden blossom in spring

When the summer months arrive Northumberland just keeps dong what it does best and looks spectacular! Our wide open spaces, our unspoilt landscapes, the rugged moorlands and our rolling hills and farmland become a patchwork of colour. The walks you enjoyed in the sleepy winter months take on a whole new dynamic and our views and big summer skies will once again take your breath away. If you really want to be in awe of our skies then we recommend taking an evening walk right here at St Oswald’s to watch the sunset …it’s nothing short of magical!

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As the seasons change and summer morphs into autumn and just when you thought Northumberland couldn’t get any prettier mother nature turns everything up a notch. Misty mornings, lower lazy sunrises, the green shades darken, the air turns crisp, the landscapes begins to change and every colour imaginable begins to appear, from the brightest red to shades of orange and gold. The walks become crunchy, the hedgerows become laden with berries and everything begins to feel a bit, well, cosy! The days shorten, the evenings become darker and before we know we’re looking up at the night skies to see our 2000 stars get bigger and brighter.

Autumn landscape seasons

Northumberland is definitely not just somewhere for your summer holidays, each season is spectacular and when each one arrives we always think ‘this is our favourite season’ but then the next one arrives and we find ourselves saying the same thing! Our recommendation is simple – try them all and enjoy Northumberland in all it’s guises! Book your long or short stay in glorious Northumberland, we promise it really doesn’t matter what time of year you choose.

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!”

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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!

Exploring Corbridge

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

The nearby village of Corbridge offers a perfect mix of things to see and do, with an abundance of history, a fantastic mix of independent shops, a traditional market place with pretty church, a beautiful river walk, festivals and events, yet all the while retaining all the charm, character and friendliness of a smaller Northumberland village.

Corbridge was originally a busy Roman Town and now 2000 years later it describes itself as a destination of distinction, and we couldn’t agree more. The village centres around the Market Place where you will find the ancient, monastic Church of St Andrew’s which was founded over 1300 years ago and is one of the most important surviving Saxon monuments. Along with regular services the church is also host to some of the loveliest annual events such as a Flower Festival and hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival and is part of all the events taking place in the village throughout the year.

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St Andrew’s Church, Corbridge – image Ian Wylie
  • Corbridge Flower Festival

The Pele Tower also stands within the Market Place, with it’s unmistakable heritage, this three-storey defensive Pele Tower with one room to each storey was built in the churchyard in 1318 and used as the vicarage for the adjacent church. However following a contemporary yet sympathetic restoration, it is now a unique and quirky micro pub, it really has to be experienced to be believed.

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The Pele Tower by night- now a unique micro pub

Corbridge is a haven for those who love to browse and shop with a plethora of independent shops, Corbridge is truly what shopping local is all about and it’s one of our favourite places to shop. Each little shop holds a unique offer and you will be guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome. Corbridge holds a Christmas shopping evening each year to coincide with the Christmas Tree Festival and the village comes alive with stalls, carol singers, the most amazing shop windows displays and as you wander the small and tastefully decorated streets will you find every shop door open and be drawn in by the smell of mince pies and mulled wine. Corbridge knows how to do Christmas!

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The small streets and courtyards with lovely independent shops

There is plenty of free parking to the South of Corbridge and it’s just a short walk to village which takes you over the 17th century stone bridge, the oldest surviving bridge crossing the beautiful River Tyne. The bridge was the sole survivor of the destructive floods of 1771 and it has seen many floods since. There are lovely walks to enjoy in and around Corbridge and you can even download an app and choose a Heritage Trail which will take you on scenic and historic routes.

  • River Tyne
  • 17th Century Stone Bridge

Half a mile to the west of the village is Corbridge Roman Town which unlike other Roman sites wasn’t a heavily guarded fortress but was a supply base and bustling town where the Romans and civilians would pick up food and provisions.

Managed by English Heritage, you can still walk through the town’s streets and experience a true time-capsule of Roman life. In the museum you can see the objects found during excavations, including ‘the Corbridge Hoard’. The Hoard was one of the most significant finds in Roman history, with armour and trinkets and providing a fascinating insight into the life of a Roman soldier.

Corbridge is only a short 10 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm and with it’s huge choice of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and pubs it is a perfect day out during your stay. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.