Tag: Northumberland

Autumn walks

Posted on September 5, 2020 by St Oswald's Farm - Northumberland

Isn’t Autumn just the most glorious time of the year? Crunchy leaves, misty mornings, crispy air and with a myriad of colours sweeping over our trees, woodlands, gardens, hedgerows, fields and even across our skies. Autumn is definitely not the time to hibernate.

Northumberland is renowned for its walks and trails right across the County from coast to country, from remote moorlands to river walks, Northumberland offers the very best in walking opportunities. For hardened walkers Autumn brings a new dimension to each walk with a kaleidoscope of colours to indulge in and for those who enjoy more of a gentle stroll there’s no better time than Autumn to breathe in the great outdoors. Whatever your walking level or experience we can guarantee Northumberland has a walk for you.

alt="orange leaves on the ground at Tyne Green hexham" — Tyne Green in Hexham

alt="Tyne green hexham autumn walk" — Tyne Green in Hexham

You don’t need to travel far from our back door to enjoy the River Tyne. One of Hexham’s nicest green spaces is Tyne Green and it is the most tranquil of places to enjoy, this long river walk at any time of the year is lovely but bathed in Autumn glory it’s nothing short of beautiful.

Further east, the River Tyne takes you to Wylam and to Hagg Bank which is dominated by an impressive single span arch bridge, this former railway bridge is now a footbridge only. The walk East, Keelman’s Way (cycle route 141), stretches from Wylam to Newburn and can be accessed from either end or you may wish to explore the river stretch from Prudhoe to Wylam taking in sights such as George Stephenson’s Cottage and Prudhoe Castle along the way.

alt="autumn walks at Hagg Bank bridge Wylam" — Hagg Bank at Wylam

The walks at Allen Banks & Staward Gorge are a must-see in Autumn. The gardens and woodlands are owned by the National Trust and are the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. This beautiful wooded gorge that follows the River Allen has many different walks to enjoy with miles of paths, most are signed, however some are fairly steep and in places can be a little uneven. Amongst this ancient and ornamental woodland not only will you discover wildife and fauna but also ancient monuments and perhaps even a summer house! Make sure to grab a map available from the car park to keep you on the right path. For current opening times and parking details please check their website before visiting. Top tip – afterwards head to Bardon Mill Village Store & Tearoom for hot drinks, light lunches and cake!

The Simonside Hills in Northumberland National Park are perhaps the most recognisable hills in the County and as the Autumn months approach they bring just an expanse of purple beauty across the heather moorland. There is a circular 7km walk to the summit and although the route across the woodlands and moor are classed as moderate it is oh so worth it. At the summit you will encounter 360 degree view and be able to take in the Cheviot Hills, Coquetdale and over to the North Sea coastline. You will find details of parking and route guidance on the National Park website.

alt=" autumn walks through the purple heather of simonside hills " — Simonside Hills

It’s hard to choose our favourite place to visit in Autumn, Gibside with its long tree lined avenue or the charm of Belsay Hall and the colours that appear across the gardens and surrounding woodlands at this time of year. Or perhaps our favourite is Cragside House & Gardens which despite the many evergreens amongst their 7 million trees they just seem to highlight and compliment the display of Autumn colours. Talkin’ Tarn is lovely for a gentle walk around a lake but then so is Bolam Lake and there’s Blanchland …if only Autumn lasted longer. There’s always next year when nature will do it for us all again!

Whatever or wherever you choose to walk during your Autumn stay we can guarantee you will ‘fall’ for the charm of Northumberland.

alt="cragside house in autumn" — Talkin’ Tarn

Heavenfield Cottage is the perfect base for all your Autumn days out and just perfect to return back to following a day in the great outdoors. With underfloor heating, a log burning stove, a deep double ended bath, walk-in rainforest shower, fluffy bathrobes, the biggest most comfortable bed with luxury bedding, oh and there’s even somewhere to dry your boots! Sound good? All our Autumn availability can be found here.

We look forward to welcoming you to St Oswald’s Farm.

Visit Hexham

Posted on August 5, 2020 by St Oswald's Farm - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

The town of Hexham is only a short 10 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm and lies in the heart of the stunning Tyne Valley. This picturesque town is the perfect destination for a day out in beautiful surroundings whilst taking in the rich history which you will find around every corner of this ancient market town.

alt="Hexham aerial view" — Handsome Hexham

Hexham is as handsome a market town as you will find anywhere, and the imposing priory is a central part of what makes it memorable”
Bill Bryson, Best Selling Travel writer.

Hexham Abbey undoubtedly takes centre stage in this town and dominates the historic Market Place. This flourishing place of worship was founded by the Northumbrian saint and bishop Wilfrid in 674. Hexham Abbey is home to a wealth of artifacts from the Anglo-Saxon crypt to the tombstone of a Roman soldier, from exquisite sculpture and stained glass windows to the frith seat and from a medieval painted screen to the night stair, a set of time-worn steps. With so many stories, discoveries and with an interactive museum to explore you might find you need to take some time out to reflect and relax with a piece of cake in the lovely Refectory Cafe. To visit Hexham Abbey or attend a service please do check their website for times.

alt="Hexham Abbey and bowling green" — Hexham Abbey & Bowling Green

Hexham certainly isn’t short of impressive buildings and Hexham Old Gaol is no exception, this large square stone structure was built in 1333 as England’s first purpose-built prison. The building’s history and the story of its infamous inhabitants including the Border Reivers is told in full and gruesome detail across the four floors of the museum you see today. All floors are fully accessible with a glass elevator to transport you effortlessly back through time.

alt="Hexham Old Gaol" — Oldest purpose built gaol

Hexham is fortunate to have its own cinema which is centrally located in the Market Place. This community owned cinema dates back to 1937 and has been brought right up to date with the latest 3D technology. They offer a wide range of up to date films, hold exhibitions and have regular live music events, stream live performances and have a licensed cafe so you can enjoy your favourite tipple with that all important popcorn! Visit their website to find out what’s on during your stay.

alt="Forum cinema" — Forum Cinema – a community owned cinema in the heart of Hexham
image credit Forum Cinema

The Queen’s Hall on Beaumont Street is a striking Victorian building, once a Corn Exchange before becoming a dance hall, it is now a 350 seat theatre and home to two galleries. The programme is varied and combines a selection of the finest theatre performances including a wide variety of drama, comedy, musicals and more. Top tip…make time for a bite to eat in the cafe…best cheese and bacon scone you will ever taste!

alt="Queens Hall Hexham" — Queen’s Hall Arts Centre
(image credit Queen’s Hall)

Hexham however isn’t just about the history and the impressive buildings, it also boasts Northumberland’s only racecourse and England’s most scenic and highest National Hunt racecourse! Located high above the town with outstanding panoramic views, Hexham racecourse has been in operation for well over 100 years and has an annual programme of race meetings. The views are outstanding and well worth a drive up there for the views alone or of course if you fancy a flutter all meeting dates can be found on their website.

Never short of green spaces Hexham undoubtedly has some of the nicest parks and walks. The grounds of Hexham Abbey with it’s Grade II listed bandstand, the wide open space of the Sele, the beautifully kept Bowling Green with lots of park benches to sit and enjoy your surroundings, or if you fancy a river walk there’s nowhere nicer and more tranquil than the Tyne Green river walk which can be reached by car just before heading east out of the town.

alt="Hexham green spaces" — Parks, walks & green spaces to enjoy

A trip to Hexham wouldn’t be complete without a saunter around the retail offer where lovely independent gift shops and art galleries compliment some high street favourites. Do try to wander off the main high street and find some of the small independents tucked away on some of the quaint side streets with their interesting quirky shops and galleries. Explore Market Street, Hallstile Bank and the cobbles of St Mary’s Chare, oh and remember to look up, you might just spot a little piece of history peering down at you!

alt="town welcome sign" — A warm welcome in Hexham

Hexham is a warm and welcoming town and was even recently voted the happiest place to live and in this town you won’t be short of places to stop for something to eat or drink with lots of coffee shops to choose from. You might want to plan your trip to coincide with the fortnightly Hexham Farmers’ Market or plan your stay when one of the many events are taking place. Hexham is a town where there really is something for everyone. To find out more about what’s on and when, take a look at the Visit Hexham website

A visit to Northumberland can take you from town to country to remote hills within a matter of minutes with unrivalled beauty and scenery wherever you choose to go. Many of our guests arrive here wondering what this northern most County holds for them, and within a few short days find they have fallen for it’s charm. Of course you don’t have to take our word for it, book your stay with us and discover Northumberland for yourself.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

King of Castles

Posted on June 4, 2020 by St Oswald's Farm - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

So, where is the King of Castles? Well without doubt it has to be Northumberland which boasts more castles than any other county in England, a clear legacy of its turbulent past including the infamous Border wars which raged from the 14th to 16th centuries. Northumberland is home to over 70 castle sites and although some of the buildings have now gone many remain, some in all their grandeur yet some only in ruin, leaving only a hint of what once was.

No trip to England’s northernmost County would be complete without a visit to at least one of these remarkable reminders of the history which Northumberland lays claim to. No matter where you stay or where your days out take you, you can rest assured there will be a castle just around the corner.

alt="Alnwick Castle one of Northumberland's king of castles" — Alnwick Castle – image D Bartlett

A trip to the North of Northumberland brings delights such as Alnwick Castle which is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle and is home to the 12th Duke of Northumberland. This historical and impressive monument stands inland and holds guard over the River Aln with the impressive grounds surrounding the castle landscaped by none other than Lancelot “Capability” Brown. The castle itself has featured in over 40 films and TV shows including two of the Harry Potter films. Visit the lavish state rooms, enjoy the exhibitions or take up the chance to have a guide with one of the daily talks and tours or there’s always the opportunity for a spot of broomstick training for those would be wizards!

alt="Bamburgh castle king of castles in Northumberland" — Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights on the North East coastline with the unmistakable fortress which has stood guard high on its rocky plateau for over 1400 years, it is quite the the formidable structure sitting above the small and very beautiful village of Bamburgh. A vast history ensures there is plenty to enjoy from the state rooms to the keep, and from the armoury to the museums, halls and even the stables, it’s a treasure trove of delights.

North Northumberland is home to many magnificent castles, Warkworth Castle is just off the coast and with it’s cross shaped keep it sits proudly above the River Coquet and has it’s own Hermitage & Chapel with can be visited but accessible only by boat. The ruins of the once dominating Dunstanburgh Castle stand on a remote headland between Embleton and Craster and can be reached by taking the short coastal walk from Craster village.

alt="Warkworth Castle in Northumberland king of castles" — Warkworth Castle

As you would expect with over 70 sites there are castles to be found all over the County and St Oswald’s Farm is within a very short drive of some really lovely castles. Aydon Castle is a real treat and quite literally 10 minutes from us, this fortified manor house is almost intact and is set in secluded woodland and with it’s own walled garden it’s the perfect spot for a picnic. A short drive further east along the picturesque Tyne Valley you will find Prudhoe Castle which was built in the late 11th century can be found on the South bank of River Tyne, both are English Heritage properties and have good amenities.

The castles across the County are vastly different and all with their own unique story to tell, it’s easy to get lost in time and imagine a life long ago. So whether you visit the ruins of Belsay Castle or cross the water to Holy Island to discover Lindisfarne Castle or seek the thrill of ghost hunting at Chillingham Castle you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable day out as you explore our past.

Why not book your stay now and start making plans for your next trip. All our prices and availability can be found on our website and of course if you have any queries or there is anything we can help please just get in touch. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Northumberland Coastal Path

Posted on February 5, 2020 by St Oswald's Farm - Northumberland

The Northumberland Coast has to be one of the most stunning in the UK and with it’s own dedicated Coastal Path it couldn’t be easier to enjoy and offers some of the most spectacular walking in Europe.

alt="Northumberland Coastal Path Signpost" — Northumberland Coastal Path – Image Gavin Duthie

As you would expect there are huge expanses of gorgeous sweeping beaches but the path takes you on a journey to discover so much more. Ancient castles, spectacular cliffs and rocky outcrops, wild sand dunes, secluded coves, friendly villages and fishing ports, a national nature reserve and the opportunity to take in the wildlife and bird life and undoubtedly has an unspoilt yet majestic beauty.

The 62 mile linear route through the Northumberland Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty runs from Cresswell in the South to the historic border town of Berwick Upon Tweed in the North. It is well signed and a mainly flat walk with only a few steep climbs giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the constantly changing landscape around you.

The whole route is broken into 6 stages with many of the stages taking in some of our Northumbrian highlights. Section one enjoys Druridge Bay, Hauxley Nature Reserve, views of Coquet Island before arriving in Warkworth, a picturesque village sitting in the shadow of its impressive Castle and Hermitage.

alt="Northumberland Coastal Path Warkworth Castle" — Warkworth Castle

Section two visits Alnmouth and Boulmer before reaching Craster where an obligatory visit to the smokery is a must and perhaps refreshment at The Jolly Fisherman! Section three takes you past the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and onto Embleton Bay and Low Newton which offer a haven for birdwatching & wildlife before the route continues on to the fishing port of Seahouses.

alt+"Northumberland Coastal Path Craster" — The fishing village of Craster
Image Gavin Duthie

Section four takes you from Seahouses to Belford and section five from Belford to Fenwick both only a short 6-7 mile walk with the final leg of this magnificent walk taking you 12 miles to the border town of Berwick Upon Tweed.

The Coastal route isn’t just for those wishing to complete the whole walk, there is a bus service that enables you to enjoy shorter sections, the X18 Coast and Castles which services the route of the Northumberland Coastal Path between Amble and Berwick. It’s ideal if you’d like to enjoy short linear routes and return to your starting point.

alt+"Northumberland Coastal Path Dunstanburgh Castle" — The impressive ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle

Also ideal for day visitors are the circular walking routes, choose from 4 miles routes from Craster to Howick Hall (famously the home of Earl Grey Tea) or Craster to Dunstanburgh. If you have a little longer to spend then there is a walk of just over 10 miles from Belford to St Cuthbert’s Cave which is reputed to be where the monks of Lindisfarne brought St. Cuthbert’s body to rest for a short period in AD875.

alt="Northumberland Coastal Path Howick Hall" — Enjoy a cup of Earl Grey Tea at Howick Hall

To enjoy the circular trails it is well worth obtaining the trail leaflets from a local Tourist Information Point and the Northumberland Coastal Path Official Guidebook & Path Passport can both be purchased from Northern Heritage.

Northumberland has no end of fantastic walking opportunities, each one as unique and diverse as its neighbour. We hope that when you visit you get to enjoy some of our walks and the see the very best of our lovely County.

We’re always happy to recommend walks and days out to our guests and there are books and guides in the cottage to help you choose. For all details of our accommodation here at St Oswald’s Farm and our current availability please go to our website

We look forward to welcoming you here and sharing our walks and our magnificent coast with you!

Discovering our Museums – Vindolanda

Posted on January 7, 2020 by St Oswald's Farm - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Northumberland

St Oswald’s Farm is so well placed for days out in Northumberland and there really is so much to see and do across the County and the whole of the North East. So whether you stay for a weekend, a week or two weeks you won’t be short of places to visit and enjoy. If you like to soak up the history and enjoy discovering museums during your time away then you most definitely won’t be disappointed!

The wealth of museums is endless from the Aviation Museum at Bamburgh Castle to the National Trust property Cherryburn which was the birthplace of artist Thomas Bewick, to Blyth Battery, the Grace Darling Museum and of course the many museums along Hadrian’s Wall boasting more Roman artefacts than you can begin to imagine. The Ferryman’s Hut in Alnmouth is said to the be the country’s smallest museum and the nearby town of Hexham boasts the oldest purpose built Gaol in England with the market town of Morpeth holding claim to a dedicated bagpipe museum!

Of course any trip to Northumberland wouldn’t be complete without delving into our vast Roman history and we are lucky enough to have the Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum only a short 20 minute drive from St Oswald’s Farm. This is one of Europe’s most important Roman archaeological sites and is situated on the Stanegate Road, one mile south of Hadrian’s Wall and is set in a stunning landscape which really allows you to feel and connect with this inspiring historic site.

alt="Discovering our museums Vindolanda site" — Vindolanda – Nine forts over nine centuries

Vindolanda comprises of nine forts built on top of each other over nine centuries with the visible stone fort dating back to the third century. The site includes a modern world class museum which tells the vast and interesting Roman story and the museum is constantly updated and changes with annual archaeological finds added as a result of the ongoing excavation programme.

The Vindolanda tablets are perhaps Vindolanda’s greatest discovery and have been voted as ‘Britain’s Top Treasure’. These delicate, wafer thin pieces of wood covered in spidery writing were were found in the oxygen-free deposits in the floors of the deeply buried early wooden forts at Vindolanda and are the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.

alt="Discovering our museums vindolanda replica roman temple" — Replica Roman Temple at Vindolanda

The Vindolanda Excavations take place every year between April & September and attract hundreds of volunteers from all over the world and visitors are welcome to watch the excavations as they take place, you might be lucky enough to be there when the next major Roman artefact is discovered and dug up from the ground. Of course if you want to get stuck in yourself you can book to take part in the excavations but they do book up quickly. More details can be found here with the 2021 dates released at the end of this year.

alt="discovering our museums vindolanda excavation site" — Excavations underway at Vindolanda Image credit :Vindolanda

You could easily spend more than half day embracing all that’s on offer at Vindolanda and with an on site café offering a range of hot and cold drinks as well as snacks, lunches and afternoon tea it’s the perfect way to spend a day out come rain or shine!

Whatever your interest you’ll be sure to find so much to see and do in Northumberland and of course if you need any help or guidance on where to visit you just need to ask and we’ll be happy to help.

For all availability and details of Heavenfield Cottage please go to our website. We hope to see you soon.

The most famous tree of all!

Posted on December 9, 2019 by St Oswald's Farm - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, North East Attractions, Northumberland

EDIT…in September 2023 in a dreadful act of vandalism our beloved tree was felled, the devastation, disbelief and sadness has been felt not only locally but right across the world. There are now plans to create a series of initiatives designed to mark the legacy of the tree and these plans will develop over time. For an update on these plans please go to the Northumberland National Park website

It’s thought to be several hundred years old and is one of the most photographed trees in the country, Sycamore Gap is undoubtedly a instantly recognisable landmark and is one of the most iconic places to visit whilst in Hadrian’s Wall Country.

This famous Sycamore tree or Acer Pseudophatanus to give it’s official name, was catapulted to fame in 1991 when it appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Robin Hood Price of Thieves’ and is only a 20 minute drive west from St Oswald’s Farm and a considerably longer way from those White Cliffs of Dover! Don’t let Kevin Costner fool you!

The tree itself, which was crowned ‘Tree of the Year’ in 2016 by the Woodland Trust, is set a dramatic dip in the landscape with Hadrian’s Wall stretching up both sides away from it and is near to Milecastle 39 otherwise know as Castle Nick.

Sycamore Gap can be reached on foot and is only a 15 minute walk from Steel Rigg car park and with Housesteads and Vindolanda both only a short 5 minute drive away it’s the perfect destination for those perhaps on a shorter stay or for who would like to only spend a day seeing some of the highlights of Hadrian’s Wall!

The landmark is cared for by The National Trust and Northumberland National Park and although there was a young replacement sapling sycamore tree planted nearby this no longer remains, perhaps it succumbed to the locals (sheep) nibbling it!

This is a spectacular walk and a stunning destination with dramatic views and whatever time of year you visit the surrounding countryside is rugged yet wildly romantic! If you can plan to be there on an early autumn evening as the sun starts to go down then you will be lucky enough to see something that resembles the whole of Northumberland bathed in a golden glow!

Of course no walk is complete without refreshment and if all our lovely Northumbrian air leaves leaves you with an appetite for either a light bite, dinner or just a quiet drink by a warming fire then The Twice Brewed Inn is perfectly situated just a stones throw away from Sycamore Gap. Here you will find seasonal menus of hearty home-cooked meals and their own superb selection of ales, brewed on site in the Brew House. There is also the opportunity to see how these ales are created with a tour of the Brew House itself. Full details of opening times and tours can be found here

Book your stay in Northumberland and at St Oswald’s Farm and discover the true beauty of England’s most northern county. We can’t promise you Kevin Costner but we can promise you a relaxing, peaceful, scenic, breathtaking and the most memorable of stays! We look forward to welcoming you here.

St Oswalds Farm Cottages, Wall, Northumberland

Tag: Northumberland

Autumn walks

Visit Hexham

King of Castles

Northumberland Coastal Path

Discovering our Museums – Vindolanda

The most famous tree of all!

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