Northumberland boasts many lovely towns but none perhaps as remote and picturesque as the traditional market town of Rothbury which sits in the heart of the Coquet Valley and within the stunning Northumberland National Park. Both the town and the surrounding area are perfect for a day out enjoying rural Northumberland.
Rothbury tucked away in the distance in Coquetdale
Known as the ‘capital of Coquetdale’, Rothbury is a thriving market town with welcoming pubs, cafés, art and craft galleries and boasts a number of traditional independent shops along it’s quaint high street. There’s two car parks, loos, picnic area and if you fancy a stroll by the river then there’s a lovely riverside walk that takes you along the banks of the River Coquet.
Rothbury is fantastic place to access all types of walks so if you’re looking for something more a leisurely walk then the Simonside Hills must not be missed and as a Special Area of Conservation you may encounter wildlife such as the curlew, red grouse, mountain bumblebee, and even red squirrels and there are marked walking trails to keep you on the right path. Get to the top of the Simonside Ridge walk and you will enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view encompassing the Cheviot Hills and North Sea coastline.
Rothbury Riverside WalkRothbury
The area surrounding Rothbury is full of surprises, and no more so than Lordenshaws which is just a short drive out of Rothbury and where you can take in the impressive remains of an Iron Age hillfort built 2,000 years ago. You will see burial mounds and intriguing cup and ring rock carvings that our ancestors left behind and in fact this site has one of the largest clusters of ancient cup and ring marked stones in the country.
The house is a showcase of Victorian gadgets and inventions for efficient and modern living and witness for yourself how this grand Victorian mansion was powered by hydroelectricity and hydraulics. Outside is just as impressive and with around 1000 acres there’s a lot to enjoy, the Formal Garden, Pinetum, The Rock Garden, the Carriage Drive and the opportunity to discover more of the science and engineering behind how William Armstrong harnessed the force of water.
Cragside HouseCragside Formal Terrace Garden
Whatever you’re looking to do during your stay in Northumberland, be it gardens or walking or shopping or history, the lovely market town of Rothbury offers it all.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
