Discover The Bowes Museum

Posted on February 7, 2023 by - North East Attractions

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose built in the 19th century by John and Joséphine Bowes, this Museum has a wonderful story to tell.

The Museum is a unique cultural icon and is one of the most important museums outside London, it’s wonderful history and it’s outstanding collection of treasures span three exquisite floors.

The walls of the picture galleries are covered with a huge collection of world class paintings, many of which are priceless masterpieces, ranging from the smallest and oldest, Sassetta’s Miracle of the Eucharist (c1423) to the eye-popping sized Canaletto-double.

alt="The Bowes Museum front aspect and formal gardens"
Image Credit – The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle

The fashion collections take you on a journey from the 17th to 20th centuries with the displays fashioned in a manner which enable you to get a sense of time. The treasures include The Blackborne Lace collection, one of the largest and most important lace collections in the world. Shoes and garments are displayed on transparent acrylic mounts which enables a glimpse into the making of the garments with a view of the linings and labels which are normally hidden from sight.

Amongst the many collections there are a number of mechanical toys, music boxes and watches with automaton movements but perhaps the most well known and popular attraction is the clockwork Silver Swan which has been resident at the museum since it opened in 1892 apart from when packed away for safety during World War II. Unfortunately The Swan was a casualty of Covid regulations and due to the lack of use at that time is now undergoing maintenance, hopefully she will be performing and delighting visitors again soon.

The permanent collections are complemented by an eclectic exhibition and events programme and there are guided tours most days that you may wish to take advantage of, but places do need to be booked in advance.

Whatever time of day you visit Cafe Bowes is perfect for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch or delicious afternoon tea, and a day at The Bowes Museum wouldn’t be complete without a walk around the 20 acres of gardens, take in everything from woodland walks to the formal parterre garden which completes the look of this stunning French Chateau style building. If you love museums then a visit to The Bowes Museum will not disappoint.

We look forward to welcoming you to St Oswald’s Farm and hope you enjoy all the North East has to offer.

Exploring Northumberlandia

Posted on January 7, 2023 by - Northumberland

Northumberlandia is a unique and stunning piece of public art set in a 46 acre country park which lies near the town of Cramlington and a 35 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm. ‘The Lady of the North’ as she is more affectionately known is the world’s largest human landform sculpture and is made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil and is 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile in length. There are 4 miles of footpaths on and around the landform centrepiece and the paths follow the curves of this reclining female form and there viewing platforms that offer great views. The Shotton Surface mine can also be seen from the top of Northumberlandia which is perfect for fans of big machinery!

alt="Northumberlandia lady of north profile and lake"
The lady of the North

This ambitious piece of public art and landmark feature were designed by world renowned artist and architect Charles Jencks and the inspiration for the landform comes from the distant Cheviot Hills. The whole history of Northumberlandia and how the project came about is detailed on lots of information boards and it’s fascinating to learn the story behind the ‘lady’ and see the images of the build and transformation that took place.

alt="Northumberlandia history information board"
alt="information board Northumberlandia"
Northumberlandia information boards

Northumberlandia was designed to be a living part of the countryside and you won’t find this artform in any way manicured but what you will find is a structure that blends into the landscape and something that will mature over time and change with the seasons. What you see when you visit is only the start of something that will evolve and develop through generations to come.

alt="View from top of Northumberlandia with low winter sun"
You can see for miles from the top of Northumberlandia

The sculpture, country park and woodland trail are open from dawn ’til dusk each day with free entry and parking on site together with a small cafe and loos. Northumberlandia also has a packed programme of food and craft markets and other events throughout the year and details can be found on their website. Northumberlandia is definitely worth a visit and is only a couple of miles from The Milkhope Centre which is a perfect stop for lunch at ‘The Blacksmiths’ and a browse around the small artisan shops.

Christmas in Northumberland

Posted on November 7, 2022 by - Northumberland, St Oswald's Farm

December may not be the obvious month to visit Northumberland but there are so many reasons to put England’s most Northern County on your Christmas go to list. Whether you’re looking for a pre Christmas break, a festive shopping trip, a place to relax and unwind or somewhere to spend a truly special Christmas or New Year then look no further.

St Oswald’s Farm is the perfect base to enjoy the wonderful Christmas markets and events that take place across the North East each year. Living North takes place each year in Newcastle which is a huge 4 day event and with others closer to home such as Brocksbushes Fair, the Tynedale Gift Fair and The Sill Christmas Fair to name just a few. The local town of Hexham holds it’s annual Christmas Market on the 2nd Saturday of December each year with over 50 seasonal stalls laden with gifts, locally produced food, festive wreaths and much more, all dotted around the historic Market Place and throughout Hexham Abbey. Enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and with carol singers and live music ensuring the event is all a Christmas market should be.

Corbridge Late Night Christmas Shopping evening and Christmas Tree Festival takes place at the end of November each year and is such a special event that the whole village participates in. St Andrew’s Church in the Market Place is packed with ‘trees’ from so many local groups, shops and organisations. As anyone who has visited Corbridge before will know the shop windows are always lovely and at this time of year they step it up to another league, there can be no better place to get into the Christmas spirit.

alt="Christmas tree festival welly tree"
Corbridge (image Ian Wylie)
alt="christmas tree festival plant tree"

Of course Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be all about the markets and high streets, you could always opt to escape to the comfort of your own festive cottage and spend a day in your PJ’s in front of a log burner with a warming drink in one hand whilst the other hand shops online for the those perfect gifts. We’ll even supply you with a list of some of our local makers and businesses.

If shopping just isn’t your thing then the winter months are the perfect time for getting wrapped up and heading out for a walk in the beautiful Northumberland countryside and with the trees stripped of their summer foliage the views take on a whole new appearance. The winter landscape that stretches for miles and miles is stunning and if you catch them wearing a hoar frost then you’re in for a real treat.

alt="view with haw frost"

If you’re looking to escape over the Christmas holidays then Heavenfield Cottage is the place for you with every luxury you’d come to expect from a 5 star property but yet with all the comforts of home so your Christmastime can be truly relaxing. You’ll arrive to find the cottage decorated and looking beautifully festive so all you need to do is unpack your bags, pop your presents under the tree and relax. On Christmas Eve there is even the opportunity to walk over Heavenfield to St Oswald’s Church for a candlelit service and let’s be honest you can’t get much more magical than that!

alt="St Oswald's church in snow at Christmas"
St Oswald’s Church holds a candlelit Christmas Eve service (image Ian Wylie)

We offer a 7 night stay over Christmas so you can spend a whole week of leisurely days in front of the log burning stove, binge watch TV, indulge in a bookfest or take long soaks in the deep double ended bath before wrapping up in a fluffy bathrobe. Or if Christmas for you means getting outside we have that covered too with lovely walks from the doorstep and as evening falls with our amazing dark skies overhead there’s nothing nicer than simply heading out onto the patio and looking up for a star studded show.

Maybe it’s time to put the magic of Northumberland on your Christmas list!

More Dining Out

Posted on October 5, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

If you’re hoping to dine out during your stay with us then you will be hugely impressed at the wide range of quality eateries our local area offers. We have everything from small country pubs to Michelin Star restaurants and with everything in between ensuring every taste and pocket is catered for.

Vercelli is a lovely family run Italian restaurant and cocktail bar in the local town of Hexham. The whole Vercelli team will be sure you receive a warm welcome and best dining experience. Their head chef sources the finest Italian provisions along with local produce to provide high quality Italian dishes with a modern twist. Open 7 days a week with specials nights and live music evenings, Vercelli is a great place for a quick bit to eat or a relaxed dining experience.  Vercelli can get booked up so be sure to book in advance, full details can be found on their website.

alt="vercelli indoors and selection of plated dishes"
Vercelli in Hexham

The Carts Bog Inn lies near the small village of Langley and is a 10 mile drive from St Oswald’s Farm and is well known throughout the region for it’s fine food, exceptional range of ales and it’s stunning panoramic views. It also offers extensive outside space and indoors you will find plenty of charm with beamed ceilings, log fires and lots of cosy places to sit enjoy the atmosphere of this family run inn. Please check their website as opening times can vary. If you’re a pie lover then our top tip is definitely to try their Bog Pie!! 

alt="dine out Carts Bog Inn front image with red creeper over walls"
The Carts Bog
Bog Pie – not for the feint hearted

To dine out for a special occasion or for something a little more exclusive then a short 10 minute drive takes you to Restaurant Pine, a Michelin star restaurant located at Vallum Farm who offer an exceptional yet relaxed dining experience with a generous tasting menu using locally sourced ingredients and those grown in their own onsite kitchen garden. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent views of surrounding Northumberland countryside or watch all the action as your tasting menu is carefully prepared in the bespoke open kitchen. Bookings are released quarterly so you’ll need to plan your visit in advance of your stay with us. For full details of Restaurant Pine and how to book please go to their website.

Restaurant Pine
(c) Joe Taylor Photography
alt="dining room at Restaurant Pine"
Restaurant Pine
(c) Joe Taylor Photography
alt="dine out exquisite dish on grey plate"
Restaurant Pine
(c) Joe Taylor Photography

The Barrasford Arms is a short 10 minute drive away and tucked away in the quiet village of Barrasford. A real country pub with a restaurant that offers traditional pub food but with every dish home made and elevated to the highest standard. They are proud to have a menu that uses produce which is locally sourced, be that from their own garden or from local suppliers. They hold specials nights and events with further details on these together with their opening times and menus available on their website.

alt="Barrasford Arms front elevation and garden dine out"
The Barrasford Arms

The market town of Hexham is also home to the very lovely Danielle’s Bistro, it may be tucked away off the main street but it is a real gem. The restaurant offers fine Mediterranean and British cuisine and is traditional in every sense of the word and with set menus, lunchtime and early evening specials and an al a carte menu. Danielle’s is a long standing restaurant in Hexham with friendly staff and a quiet ambience for a relaxing lunch or evening meal. To see their menus pop onto their Facebook page.

alt="front of restaurant at night"
alt="main course at Danielles"

On any visit to Northumberland you will find you are spoilt for choice when trying to decide where to eat, we’re always happy to give our recommendations and for more of our ideas of where to dine out please take a look at our blog post from last year which gives some more of our recommendations for dining out during your stay with us.

Charming Villages – Otterburn

Posted on September 8, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

The remote and small village of Otterburn sits in Redesdale on the banks of the River Rede in some of the most stunning and picturesque countryside that lies within the Northumberland National Park. It may be small but Otterburn has a vibrant and thriving community and is home to a small selection of shops and pubs as well as the renowned Otterburn Mill.

The whole of the Redesdale Valley and Otterburn Ranges are a haven for wildlife as birds and animals are able to thrive in this remote landscape. Although nearly a quarter of the Northumberland National Park is owned by the Ministry of Defence and used as a military training area it is the shared aim of the Northumberland National Park and the MoD to encourage as much access to the area as possible. The area boasts amazing walking opportunities and you will encounter some of the most spectacular unspoilt landscapes and views that will simply take your breath away. There are walking routes both on and off the ranges but please note the walks on any part of the ranges are inaccessible when the red flags are flying, a guide to accessing the ranges can be found here.

  • Otterburn Ranges
  • alt="percy monument near Otterburn"
    Percy Monument

The Percy Monument, also known as the Battle Stone, lies just north-west of the village. It commemorates the Battle of Otterburn which took place in 1388 and is named after the Percys of Northumberland who lost the battle against their arch enemies, the Douglases of Scotland. You can take a lovely walk up to the Percy Monument from Otterburn and take in the site of this iron age hill fort and this is walk 2 in the leaflet that can be downloaded below .

Otterburn Mill is a great stop, not only is it a former textile mill which boasts a rich heritage but you will also find a shop with a great range of outdoor and country clothing as well as textiles and tweeds. A small museum tells the story of the weaving trade that used to thrive here and the lovely cafe serves hearty lunches as well as light bites and some divine looking fresh cream cakes!

  • alt="Otterburn village and mill"
    Otterburn Mill

The car park at Otterburn Mill is a also a start and finish point for some of the walks that take you through the stunning surrounding countryside of the Rede Valley with plenty fauna to enjoy and you may even be lucky enough to spot an otter or two. You can download the self-guided walk leaflet here or you will find a copy in the cottage when you stay with us.

Northumberland is home to so many gorgeous little villages who can sometimes be overlooked by the larger towns and visitor attractions, but these villages often hold the key to a wealth of history and reveal some of the totally unspoilt beauty of Northumberland. Make sure you put some of them on your ‘must visit’ list.

EV Charging

Posted on August 10, 2022 by - Northumberland, St Oswald's Farm

If you’re thinking of holidaying in Northumberland but are unsure as you have an electric vehicle then worry not. We’ve made sure that you can travel to Northumberland and enjoy a great holiday using your electric vehicle with total confidence when you stay with us here at St Oswald’s Farm. You can rest assured that you can charge your vehicle at any time, day or night as Heavenfield Cottage has it’s own dedicated Type 2 EV Charger right beside the cottage and within a short and easy reach of the parking area.

alt="EV Charger outside holiday cottage"

Unlike some holiday homes we don’t restrict you to specific charging times and the charger is for your sole use for the duration of your stay with us. We don’t charge an upfront payment and you will only pay for the electric that you use and we will always only charge you at our current standard tariff. The EV Charger has a meter attached to it which you are free to check, however for added convenience it is also linked to an App on our mobile phones which makes it really easy to calculate your electricity usage. At the end of your stay we will let you know what you have used and provide you with a detailed print out of the units used each day should you wish. Payment can just be made at the end of your stay by either BACS, cash or by card using our handy card reader.

Booking to use the charger during your stay is easy too, just tick the box on the form when you book online and that’s it, all you then have to do is remember to bring your own charging cable. There are also charge points located around Northumberland should you need to ‘top-up’ during your days out and locations of these points can be found here.

You will enjoy a great holiday in Northumberland with the reassurance of knowing you car is always fully charged and we’ll do the rest to ensure you go home from your stay fully recharged! We look forward to welcoming you and your vehicle here very soon.