Follow Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes in Northumberland

Series 3, Episode 5 - The Cheviots and Ford and Etal with Overland Adventures

Robson meets his siblings at The Beresford Arms in the village of Whalton to meet owners of Overland Adventures, Darren and Tracey. They offer  4x4 Defender camping experiences for an off the grid weekend, and the siblings stay in touch via walkie talkies as they head out into the Northumberland countryside. 

They venture north on a route selected by Darren and Tracey, with their first stop being the remote Harthope Valley. The Cheviot Hills tower over them as they stop off for a cuppa and some lunch in the great outdoors where they can hear birdsong and most notably a cuckoo while they eat. They then head to the Till Valley to the Ford and Etal Estates and the village of Etal. They enjoy views of the River Till before joining Ollie, paddle sports coach from Active 4 Seasons, to explore the river by canoe. He coaches them through their technique before they head out on the water for a peaceful sail along the river.

They then travel east towards the Northumberland coast, to camp at Elwick Farm which Robson found through Wild with Consent - a programme that guides visitors who are looking for legal wild camping in Northumberland (most of the land is privately owned and therefore wild camping is illegal). The spot would normally offer fantastic views of Holy Island, Bamburgh and more, but the sea fret means a misty night for the group! They set up their tent ontop of the Defender, with a mattress and duvet readily provided inside the tent.
They then set up a fire, turn the pizza oven on and enjoy hot drinks and dinner in the open landscape

After a fantastic sleep snuggled up in their luxury tent, they reminisce on being young while they enjoy the seaviews as the sea fret cleared up overnight. Then, Mike G The Caricaturist meets them to do a caricature of each of them before they try it for themselves.

They then wander to the beautiful grounds of Budle Hall to meet John from Riverside Falconry for an amazing falconry experience, and he coaches them in how to handle stunning hawk.

Series 3, Episode 8 - Sweethope Lough and Bolam Lake

Robson sets out with Joe McElderry to Sweethope Lough, where they meet with Fenwick Ridley who runs H2O Trails, a company that offers cold swimming sessions at Sweethope. They are there to try Dragon Boarding, which is very similar to Paddleboarding, and Fenwick coaches them on a smaller Paddleboard on the calm waters before all three of them take to the Dragon board. Surrounded by spectacular views, they topple into the water as they get used to the technique!

They then drive to the peaceful village of Belsay and enjoy tea and cake at The Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop before travelling east to Tranwell Farm in Morpeth for their accommodation for the night. Joe stays in their bell tent accommodation offering a luxurious king sized bed and log burning stove.

They wake up in the staggering countryside and then they are introduced to some adorable sheep, before they help owners comb and trim the sheep’s wool. They then head to Bolam Lake for the afternoon, where they meet Shannon Berry from Shannon Berry Nature, a greenwood worker based in Northumberland. Robson and Joe try woodworking for themselves amongst in the beautiful woodland surroundings, and they create their own bows.

Series 3, Episode 9 - Hexham and Hesleyside Huts

Robson meets Kieran Reilly in his home town of Hexham, where they head to the banks of the River Tyne for a spot of fishing or, more specifically, Spinning. After almost making a catch, they travel north for some relaxation and meet with Wendy Chan, Tai Chi instructor and owner of Tai Chi the Way of Life in the North East, who coaches them through a qigong class.

They then head to the 4000 acre Hesleyside Estate to stay at the amazing Hesleyside Huts, where Kieran settles into the Raven Watchtower and they admire the stunning decor and woodland views from the windows. Robson makes his way to the Holly Hut, where they again admire the cosiness and beauty of the interiors before the two of them settle down for the night.

In the morning, they meet up with Frank Styles, spray paint mural artist, who guides them through creating their own artwork in the forest.

They hit the road and head to their final experience before the weekend comes to an end to make the most of Kieran’s talent on a cycling experience with Dan from Saddle Skedaddle. He loans them a couple of e-bikes so they can explore the Northumberland countryside with ease and draw their weekend to a close.

Series 3, Episode 13 - Hexham, Kielder and Slaley

Robson meets Chris Baber at his house in Hexham before they drive to meet Bob from Hexhamshire Organics, who specialise in providing customers with organic, home-grown fruit and vegetables on their beautiful farm on the outskirts of Hexham.

Robson and Chris taste some of the produce grown organically on the farm, before driving into the staggering scenery of Kielder to try some sailing on Kielder reservoir with Kielder Water Sailing Club.

They then drive to Rushey Law Farm to stay in their Sycamore Glamping Pods, which are surrounded by incredible panoramic views of Northumberland’s landscapes, while Chris gets to work on what he does best and cooks a delicious-looking dinner using ingredients they bought at the farm earlier that day. They enjoy it al-fresco at their accommodation before settling down for the night.

Anyone who stays at Rushey Law can book a 30 minute safari around the land, so Robson and Chris take full advantage the next morning and set off in a carriage pulled by a quad bike where they see cows, sheep, lambs and learn more about life on the farm.

They check out and make their way to Slaley Hall to meet Matty from All Out Adventures to explore Northumberland’s landscape by quad bike! They enjoy an exhilarating10 mile ride around the varied landscape in Slaley before ending their weekend.
 

Series 3, Episode 14 - The Farne Islands and Northumberland National Park

Robson and Steve Cram drive up to Seahouses ready for a boat trip to The Farne Islands with Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips. They enjoy the spectacular views as they head out to see grey seals basking on the rocks and the famous Longstone Lighthouse.

They then head to Bamburgh Beach to meet Jacqueline Kurio who offers mindfulness through beach Labyrinth drawing on the sand. As the sun is lowering, they enjoy the grounds of Bamburgh Castle and the incredible views of the Northumberland coastline from the castle.

They then head to Laverock Law to stay in their amazing accommodation - Steve in an eco-friendly treehouse and Robson in a cosy shepherd’s hut, both set in the most peaceful spot in the heart of Northumberland. Owner Harvest talks to Robsin about the inspiration behind the accommodation and the importance of slowing down and taking in nature, something they do incredibly well here.

In the morning, they catch up with a coffee on the treehouse’s terrace with birds chirping in the background, before checking out and venturing to the edge of Northumberland National Park to meet the team from Northern Woodcraft. They end their weekend by creating their own wood crafts by a campfire.

Series 3, Episode 15 - Morpeth and Coldingham

Robson and Matheson Green set out to go hedge laying just a few miles west of the market town Morpeth, where they meet award-winning hedge-layer David Boyson. 

They then do the staggering drive to the Scottish borders and cross the border to Coldingham, to stay at Lochside Cottage of Coldingham Loch Cottages. Completely off the grid with no Wi-Fi and no live television, the setting is beautiful, peaceful and the duo make the most of the loch and head out on the water to do some fishing.

In the morning, they head to an equine therapy and riding centre for a spot of beach horseriding before returning to Coldingham Loch and doing some landscape painting.
 

Robson Green's Weekend Escapes: Series 2 Recap

Series 2, Episode 1 - Alnmouth

Robson Green and Kevin Whateley go to YOLO bar in Ponteland before exoloring Alnmouth. There, they meet Claire from Soul 2 Sand, who offers group sand art experiences in Northumberland. They then join Alnmouth Community Rowing Club for some rowing at Alnmouth Bay before making their way to Chathill, where they meet teacher and piper Ian Gelston, before visiting their accommodation for the night, Trees at Tughall. 

Series 2, Episode 2 - South Northumberland

Robson is joined by Angela Lonsdale for a cold water experience at Sweethope Lough with expert Fenwick Ridley from H20 trails. They then head to Northumberland National Park for their accommodation at Wannies Retreat. Here, Michele Riveroll, qualified perfumer and founder of Scentica Studio, meets them to guide them through a perfumery workshop. The following day, they visit Bellingham village to meet Northumbrian musician Ian Brown, for a musical walk along the banks of North Tyne, before enjoying a laughter yoga experience with teacher Katie Williams from Laughter Love.

Series 2, Episode 4 - The North Pennines

Robson returns to Northumberland in episode 4 alongside Denise Welch, and they visit Broadgate Farm to meet up with Sam from Art by Sam Folcarelli for an animal painting workshop in Allendale. They then go on a staggering guided horse ride with Sinderhope Pony Trekking Centre, followed by a sand bathing experience guided by Cumbria-based Gabriel from Healing Sounds, before settling down for the night at beautiful Panoramic Pods. The next morning, Robson is joined by Jackie for yarn spinning.

Series 2, Episode 8 - Kielder

Robson pops in to see his accommodation for the night, Skylark at Hesleyside Huts, an incredible luxury Treehouse just on the outskirts of Bellingham and a short drive from Kielder. He then visits good friend and astronomer Dan Pye at Kielder Observatory for some summer stargazing. The next day, Robson meets with Tanni-Grey Thompson, one of Britain's greatest Paralympic athletes, in Kielder Forest. Ready to explore all things accessible and wheelchair friendly in Kielder, Tanni and Robson first try out Bike 4 Health's two-person bike and explore Kielder Lakeside Way, then they meet up with the Calvert Kielder team to try out the thrill-seeking Kielder Zip-Coaster. They end their day with a canoeing experience on Kielder Water, also guided by the Calvert Kielder team.
 

 

 

 

 

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Series 2, Episode 9

In episode 9, Robson Green and Shola Ameobi head to Beadnell to meet up with KA Adventures for a guided Foiling Experience at Beadnell Bay with Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance. Then they meet Melissa from Melissa Black Method for an outdoor ballet lesson before they get some well-deserved rest at their amazing accommodation Hillside Huts, the luxury, eco-friendly huts with hot tubs.

Series 2, Episode 10

Robson and his sisters meet up with Scuba Steve for a fascinating snorkelling experience at Beadnell Bay, before heading to the Northumberland countryside for a unique tour of the landscape with the Sidecar Guys. They head to their accommodation for some much-needed rest, the restored narrowboat Miss Ellie on Middlemoor Farm. Then it was on to meet head gardener Robert at the stunning gardens of Howick Hall. They also head out on a wildlife boat experience from Amble as they sail out to Coquet Island, where they spot puffins, roseate terns, seals and more.

Series 2, Episode 11 - Hexham and The Breamish Valley

Robson Green is joined by Faye Tozer for an active day out in the Breamish Valley. They experience a thrilling rock climbing session with expert Tom Hopper from Climb GB. They then head to the village of Ingram to meet Anthea Wood from Amwood Art for a relaxing water colour sketching workshop before enjoying a laughter-filled, outdoor line-dancing class with instructor Mary Allison, before Robson heads to his accommodation, Breamish Valley Cottages' amazing Roundhouses. The next day he meets up with Dave from Wild Experiences Northumberland. They explore the Breamish Valley and Wether Hill, where they tuck into an al-fresco picnic with staggering views.

Series 2, Episode 14

Finally, Robson ends his adventures in Northumberland with Sarah Hunter. They pop into Morwick Dairy for some delicious homemade ice cream,  then head to the southern end of Warkworth beach, renowned for its beautiful sandy bay. They try their hand at surfing with Northside Surf School, before heading to their stunning Treehouse accommodation at Woodland Chase Glamping. The next day, Robson heads to Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre.

Robson Green's Weekend Escapes: Series 1 Recap

Episode 1 - The Northumberland Coast

Robson Green admires Bamburgh Castle before hiring an electric bike from Go Electric Bike Hire. He cycles the stunning Coast and Castles cycle route from Seahouses to Bamburgh. He then settles down for the night at spectacular Bamburgh Under Canvas. The following he pops into Swallow Fish of Seahouses to try some smoked kippers before trying his hand at stand up paddle boarding with KA Adventures at beautiful Beadnell Bay.

Episode 5 - Rothbury and Gliding over The Cheviots

Robson picks up some sausages from family-run Rothbury Butchers, then takes a birdwatching tour on the serene banks of the River Coquet. After a day of exploring he heads to Abbeyfield, a luxury horsebox glamping site, for the night before a big adventure the following day with Millfield Borders Gliding Club. 

Episode 8 - Foraging, kite buggying and the Ingram Valley Safari

Robson Green starts his day at Craster’s stunning harbour, before travelling to sweeping Druridge Bay for a kite buggying experience with KA  Adventure. Then, it’s time for some coastal foraging with Linus from Northern Wilds before ending the day at Huts in the Hills. He then visits Northumberland National Park and enjoys the fascinating Ingram Valley Safari.

Episode 11 - Art, adventure and fishing in Allendale and beyond

Robson enjoys an outdoor painting session with The Allendale Forge Studios then takes things up a notch by trying Go Ape at Matfen Hall. He spends the night at Langley Dam Glamping Pods, nestled away in the Tyne Valley and enjoys a spot of fishing the following morning.

Episode 12 - Ford and Etal, survival skills and adventures at Slaley Hall

Robson heads straight to the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre for a peaceful horse and carriage ride, before travelling to nearby Belford for an overnight cottage stay. The following morning he visits Twizel Estate for a survival skills workshop with Northern Outdoor, before moving onto Slaley Hall for an exhilarating afternoon driving Allout Adventures’ Power Turns. 

Episode 14 - Holy Island and Budle Bay

Robson admires Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle and the fantastic sea views that Holy Island has to offer, before heading to Budle Bay before joining a Nordic Walking session with Strolls with Poles. He stays at Middlemoor Farm and visits Longframlington the next morning for Athey’s Moor Flying School, where Robson takes flight over Northumberland once again.

Episode 15 - Chillingham and wild swimming at Sugar Sands

Robson meets with Hairy Biker Si King and heading to Chillingham. Famed for haunted Chillingham Castle, the pair pay a visit to Chillingham Wild Cattle then move onto Beadnell Beach for an outdoor drumming lesson. Robson Green heads to Sugar Sands Beach for the ultimate, Scandi-inspired wellbeing activity of an ice dip guided by Ice Dip Socials.

So whether you are a fan of Robson Green, love to explore new places, looking for what to do in Northumberland on a weekend or get inspired to visit Northumberland by watching the first or second series of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes, make sure to tag us in your adventures, family days out or weekend breaks @visitnorthumberland.

Author: Jenni Meikle