A village of secrets
Situated on the border of the Northumberland National Park, Bellingham is home to hidden waterfalls and walking routes in abundance. You can also discover the secrets of St Cuthbert's Church by looking for 'The Lang Pack', allegedly the grave of a robber who tried to infiltrate a local house. Bellingham’s idyllic setting makes for a peaceful weekend escape. Sitting on the banks of the North Tyne, stone cottages adorned with ivy sit around every corner, oozing that stereotypical English village charm.
Find an open fire, kick off your shoes and warm your toes in one of Bellingham’s irresistibly cosy pubs. You will also find an abundance of dog-friendly pubs in Bellingham such as the Riverdale Hall Hotel or The Cheviot Hotel to accommodate a nearby walk in Northumberland. Snug cafés offering a warm welcome can be found on the quirky street corners, where you can fill your (walking) boots with a Full English or a cream-smothered scone.
Don’t miss St Cuthbert's Well, known by the locals as Cuddy’s Well, while you’re exploring the village. The ancient, holy well sits beside the eleventh-century St Cuthbert's Church that was associated with seventh century monk St Cuthbert. Local places relating to the saint are scattered across Northumberland and this is one of the most picturesque, sitting on a grassy bank that leads to the river.
Step into your hiking boots and follow the Hareshaw Linn Walk which ends at a magnificent, 30 feet waterfall. The route takes you through breath-taking countryside and past the remains of an old ironworks, until you finally reach the stunning Hareshaw Linn. This designated Site of Special Scientific Interest homes rare ferns and lichen as well as red squirrels, woodpeckers and wood warblers, perfect for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Bellingham also sits in the midst of long walking routes The Pennine Way and The Sandstone Way, making it the perfect stopping point for hikers and cyclists.
Visit Bellingham Heritage Centre and celebrate Bellingham's rich industrial and cultural past, or make the most of the village's proximity to the North Tyne River and try a spot of fishing. For those who prefer more active pursuits there is also an excellent 18-hole golf course and a fitness centre.
Time your visit with Bellingham’s annual show and country festival and enjoy live bands, children’s activities, food stalls, beer tents, traditional Northumbrian games and more.