Activities and nearby attractions
Bellingham, just 1 ½ miles away, is a traditional and busy village, popular with walkers and cyclists. There is a Co-op, butcher, baker, greengrocer as well as the Post Office and hardware store. There is an excellent second hand book shop, which also sells good jams and pickles. St. Cuthbert’s Church is Grade 1 listed and has an unusual stone barrel vaulted roof. Hareshaw Linn, a spectacular waterfall with great views, is only 3 miles from the centre of the village from the car park.
The Carriages Tea Room is open every day and serves excellent homemade lunches and teas in 1957 Mark 1 train carriages. It is situated next door to the Heritage Centre which has good displays on the history of the village and surroundings.
The Cheviot Pub in the centre of the village stocks locally brewed ales and has good pub food. The Rocky Road Café and Fountain Cottage Café are both good for coffee, cakes and lunch.
Kielder Water
Kielder Water is a 30 minute drive away and has excellent sailing available. You can also hire any type of bike in Kielder village to explore the varied cycle routes. The Ospreys are an annual attraction.
Golf
There is an 18 hole golf course in Bellingham and renowned championship courses at Matfen, Slaley and Close House.
Pubs/Restaurants
The Pheasant Inn, Stannersburn
The Blackcock Inn, Falstone
Barrasford Arms, Barrasford
Hollybush Inn, Greenhaugh
The Battlesteads, Wark
Roman Sites
Hadrian’s Wall is a spectacular World Heritage Site, stretching 73 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne to the Solway Firth. Explore ruined forts, museums and a Roman town along the wall to find out more about life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Housesteads Fort is only a 30 minute drive from the cottage.
Dark Skies National Park
Northumberland National Park is designated an International Dark Sky Park. Unveiled in December 2013 and at 572 square miles, it is Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. There are many events run from the new observatory but it is advisable to book.
Beaches and Castles
Bamburgh beach and Castle are both outstanding places to visit but there are many other interesting castles, villages and sites. Dunstanburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle, Seahouses, Craster, Newton, Druridge Bay Country Park.
Houses and Gardens
Locally there are many special gardens to visit: Capheaton Hall, Belsay Hall, Wallington, Whalton, Herterton House, Howick Hall, Cragside and the internationally renowned Alnwick Gardens. Many of these houses are open to the public.