Tag: Northumberland

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.

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.

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.

Holy Island

Posted on August 2, 2021 by - Northumberland

Take a scenic drive up the North East coast and visit The Holy Island of Lindisfarne which sits in the North Sea a mile from the North Northumberland coast. This remote island is cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tide but when the tides allow the island is accessed by a causeway which takes you to this peaceful and very beautiful part of Northumberland. As well as the wealth of history within its tidal walls, the island offers a quiet, tranquil but fascinating day out.

On your route to and from Holy Island you might spot a row of long wooden poles that mark the way from the mainland to the village. These markers show the last part of St Cuthbert’s Way, the 62 mile pilgrimage walk from the town of Melrose in the Borders to the island, many walkers choose to do this final stage of this long distance walk in bare foot, undoubtedly a truly unique and memorable way to end this pilgrimage walk.

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    Poles mark the route
  • Causeway to Holy Island

Probably the most well known and iconic view of Holy Island is that of Lindisfarne Castle which stands prominently and high up on top of a volcanic plug known as Beblowe Crag. It’s a steep climb to the castle but you will be rewarded with some of the best views of the island.

A visit to Lindisfarne Priory takes you in the footsteps of the ancient monks who built it over 1400 years ago. It stands proudly and although in ruins, these give a clear indication of the grandeur that this building once had. Be sure to look up at the ornate ‘Rainbow Arch’ which still towers high above these highly decorated remains.

  • Lindisfarne Castle
  • Lindisfarne Priory

A walk to the North of island away from the village takes you to ‘The Links’, a dune covered area which is part of the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve and that boasts animals and plants that can’t be seen elsewhere. There are several wildlife viewing points around the island and if you look out to sea you may spot the resident seals! Another haven for wildlife is St Cuthbert’s Island, a small tidal island to the south west of the main island and is where it is said St Cuthbert himself went for peace and quiet away from the priory.

Holy Island is not short of places to visit, St Mary’s Church, the Old Lifeboat Station Museum, The Heritage Centre with it’s exhibitions and an interactive copy of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels. In the centre of the village you will find St Aidan’s Winery where the popular Lindisfarne Mead is produced. It is believed that mead was first produced and enjoyed on the island following the arrival of St. Aidan in AD687, it is a unique blend of honey and fermented grape juice and is a strong contender to be classed as the ancestor of all fermented honey drinks making it one of the oldest alcoholic drinks. There are lots of variations of the mead to enjoy, it would be a shame not to try at least a few whilst you’re there!

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Another attraction are the Gertrude Jekyll Gardens which are just a short walk from the village and are free to visit. These enchanting gardens are still set in the original garden plan of 1911 when they were created by Gertrude Jekyll and are still to this day planted to be at their best in the July & August when she is said to have visited the gardens.

Holy Island has a unique link to our little piece of Northumberland as it lies at the opposite end of the 97 mile walking route, St Oswald’s Way which ends in Heavenfield right here at St Oswald’s Farm. The route links some of the places associated with St Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people and the route takes in castles, coastline, islands, scenic river valleys, hills, attractive villages, forest and farmland. The walk is divided up into sections which are all detailed on the St Oswald’s Way website.

Holy Island is a special and atmospheric place and a trip there will undoubtedly be a memorable one, but please ensure it’s memorable for the right reasons. Each year many people unfortunately get caught out by the tide and become stranded. Please always forward plan your trip and check the safe crossing times by going to https://holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk/

Book your stay in Northumberland and look forward to enjoying all this glorious County has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon.

More Gorgeous Gardens

Posted on July 2, 2021 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

Northumberland has so many gorgeous gardens to visit that there is undoubtedly a garden for everyone to enjoy. As well as the better known and larger gardens there are many more that are perhaps not quite so well known but that are quietly and discreetly waiting to be discovered and admired.

Longframlington Gardens near Morpeth offers a lovely place to visit, so whether you’re looking for plants to buy and take home or just looking for a unique garden to visit during a day out, these gardens are great stop off and with a coffee shop too. They were established over 20 years ago and were originally green pasture fields and over the years have gone on to be developed in phases. There are 12 acres of walks, landscaped gardens & arboretum, ponds, garden art, nature & garden trails, information displays & a wild meadow and boasting over 1000 different types of trees shrubs and perennials all set in the peaceful Northumbrian countryside. The ‘Garden & Arboretum Walk’ gives you the opportunity to take in the plant collection and the seasonal changes of the planting schemes, in their ‘Living Exhibition of Plants’. For more information and a to download their leaflet please go their website.

Longframlington Garden near Morpeth

For a garden visit of a different type, Dilston Physic Garden is a must see. Dilston is a unique and modern physic garden tucked away in the beautiful Northumberland countryside and only a few miles from our local town of Hexham. There are currently only 6 other gardens of this type in the UK including the Chelsea Physic Garden in London.

Grounded in the science of how each plant works, throughout the physic garden you will find over 700 plants each with informative signboards. These not only show the traditional and modern plant medicine use, but also the science and active ingredients, as well as the folklore and magic that brings each plant to life!

Dilston is full of surprises, sculptures, art, places to ponder, events, you can chat with a herbalist, enjoy a tour, taste their popular speciality teas or even take a snooze on the soft and fragrant Chamomile Lawn. Dilston is a place for wellbeing and a tranquil space to calm the mind. More details of this lovely hidden treasure can be found here.

Dilston Physic Garden

Whalton Manor Gardens near Morpeth are an absolute gem. You will find a 17th century house with a three-acre garden that is bursting with inspirational planting and magnificent architectural structures, such as the charming Lutyens-designed, Italianate summerhouse, game larder, pergolas and vast stone-paved courtyard. The gardens are open for individual private viewings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from April to October but must be pre-booked in advance, for more details please go to their website. Why not combine this with a visit to the nearby Belsay Hall.

Bide-a-Wee Cottage Gardens near Netherwitton are a must for all those that enjoy gardens with imaginative planting. The gardens contain a huge variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs, ferns and grasses planted in both a formal and informal style. Bide-A-Wee Garden was created from a small sandstone quarry over the last 25 years with the site once originally bare and exposed apart from rough grassland and gorse. It has undoubtedly been a project which has taken years of careful planning, hard work and love to transform this former grassy and rough site into the garden oasis you see today. This garden is in the perfect countryside setting and a great place to enjoy the peace and tranquility while taking in the views of the garden and of course the stunning Northumbrian countryside.

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Bide-a-wee Cottage Gardens

To enjoy these gorgeous gardens together with the other visitor attractions, the fantastic roman history, stunning scenery and coastline, walks, dark skies and more just book your next stay and look forward to enjoying all Northumberland has to offer. You can check availability and prices of our lovely Heavenfield Cottage here. We look forward to sharing our Northumberland with you soon.