Explore Northumberland
Outdoor Activities
West Northumberland is bursting with outdoor activities. Slaley Hall offer an array of activities including Segways, Quad Bike, Clay Pigeon Shoot and paintballing to name a few. Matfen Go Ape, a high ropes course suitable for all abilities. Other activities include horse trekking centres, outdoor swimming, paddle boarding, cycling routes & lots more. Local championship golf courses include Matfen, Slaley, Hexham and Close House. We would be glad to advise of further activity centres if you are looking for something in particular.
Cycling
Dozens of outstanding cycle trails nearby, whatever your ability or passion. There is over 350 miles of cycle paths in Northumberland. Four of the most famous routes run near by Hadrian’s Cycleway, The Coast & Castles, Pennine Cycleway, and the UK's most popular route, the Coast to Coast (C2C). Safe storage for your bikes is also on offer at Brewers Cottage.
Hexham
The market town of Hexham is only 3 miles away and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and a number of useful superstores. There is also a swimming pool, leisure centre and bowling alley, and for those who enjoy visiting historical attractions, Hexham Abbey dating back to AD674 and Hexham Old Gaol offer a great day out. Why not spend a day at the races and take a trip to Hexham Racecourse.
Northumberland National Park
Relax in picturesque valleys, uncover hidden histories and learn more about our wildlife and habitats. Visit spectacular waterfalls and woodland or walk through ancient palaces and beautiful hay meadows. Leave the tarmac behind and go trail running, cycle out on quiet country roads or challenge yourself on two National Trails. This is Your Landscape… Get Stuck In. Let us know your chosen sport/activity and we will gladly guide you to local centres or natural routes.
Kielder
Kielder Water Forest & Observatory are only 30 miles away, offering watersports, visitor centre, sailing and some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the UK. Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places
to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you’ll find “infinite inspiration” and wonders you could never have imagined!
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrians Wall is a short drive away and you can discover The Sill visitor centre, Chesters Fort, Vindolanda, Brocolitia, the famous Sycamore gap, Roman Army Museum at Housesteads, Corbridge Roman Fort with the beautiful Lanercost Priory; Birdoswald only a little further on. The 2000-year-old, 73-mile wall stretches from coast to coast. Bike, hike or wander alongside it while you take in its amazing history.
Derwent Reservoir
Wildlife, countryside, fun and inspiration – find all this and more in one welcoming package at local reservoirs such as Derwent. A haven for nature enthusiasts and anglers, walkers, cyclists, families, groups and individuals, there really is something for everyone. With activities for groups, families, couples and individuals to enjoy, this is the perfect day out destination. If water sports such as paddle boarding or surfing are your thing, we would be happy to direct you to local hot spots or training centres.
Corbridge
The pretty village of Corbridge is only 3 miles away with a lovely blend of independent shops and a great place to enjoy a late lunch or evening meal in some of the best pubs, cafes and coffee shops in the region. Other treats include larders and farm shops supplying locally sourced produce, independent local stores such as jewellery, footwear, homeware and clothing.
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
If it’s culture, shopping and nightlife you want, Newcastle and Gateshead are twenty miles east. Their many attractions include the Baltic Art Gallery and the Sage, restaurants, cafes and night clubs, plus fantastic shopping both in Newcastle and Gateshead Metro Centre.
Castles, Gardens & Visitor Attractions
Cultural treats in the area include the award winning £32 million Alnwick Garden, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, umpteen historic castles to be explored along Northumberland’s Heritage Coast, Hadrian’s Wall, and Newcastle’s Quayside with its Baltic Arts Centre and Sage Music Centre.
Cragside House (a favourite of mine!) A National Trust Victorian House, gardens and woodland, make sure you leave enough time to see it all.
Wallington Hall The largest estate owned by the National Trust a historic country house and gardens.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, an English Heritage treasure, so much to see at one attraction with regular special events.
Hadrians Wall is a short drive away and you can discover The Sill, Chesters, Vindolanda, Brocolitia, , the famous sycamore gap, The Roman Army Museum at Housesteads, Corbridge Roman Fort with the beautiful Lanercost Priory & Birdoswald only a little further on.
The villages of Allendale, Blanchland are all within a half hour’s drive and each with its own unique charming character, offering independent shops, galleries, cafes, restaurant and with their own walking routes to discover.
Kirkharle Courtyard, Capability Brown Garden and Country Shopping with Cafe
Bolam Lake, lake and country park, accessible country park with path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Kielder Water Forest & Observatory are only 30 miles away, offering watersports, visitor centre, sailing and some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the UK. Kielder Observatory is one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of the UK. A public astronomical observatory which is second to none, under some of the darkest skies in the world where you’ll find “infinite inspiration” and wonders you could never have imagined!
For sports fans, Hexham Race Course is two miles away; Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons are twenty miles away; Championship golf can be played at Close House, Slaley Hall, Matfen Hall and Hexham; and sailing is available at Derwent Reservoir & Kielder.
Beamish Museum – slightly further afield but well worth the visit, one of the best attractions for all the family – about 45 minute drive.
Places To Eat
The Travellers Rest at Slaley – 3 miles by road or public byway 20 mins walk – good pub food and dog friendly.
The Boatside Inn in Warden and The Golden Lion Corbridge have all been named in the top 10 dog-friendly pubs in the North-East. The County in Hexham is also very good and dog friendly
The Beaumont Hotel Hexham, very nice food, not dog friendly, during the week has very reasonable specials menu but on weekend can be expensive.
The Dipton Mill, 2 miles away and a lovely walk, very quaint and all homemade food. Not dog friendly, although if the weather is good dogs are allowed in the garden which has lots of tables and very pleasant.
Further Afield
Northumberland Coast - a journey up the North East coast offers Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Bamburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. With beautiful sandy beaches, coastal villages, boat trips to the Farne Islands and the spectacular sea and birdlife.
Heading West just over an hour by car, the World famous Lake District National Park offers and amazing full day of various beautiful attractions to visit.
Beamish Museum is also well worth the visit, one of the best attractions for all the family – about 45 minute drive.