Welcome to Wooler and North Northumberland, whose remote countryside landscapes are seemingly lesser known, less crowded and perfect for those wanting to get away from the crowds.
We will focus on North Northumberland’s staggering coastline in a separate guide, but for now let us introduce you to the Northumberland countryside, including the incredible Breamish Valley, Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park and more.
Towns and villages
There are a number of beautiful, quaint towns and villages in North Northumberland’s inland landscapes, but here are just a few to help you kickstart your research on where to base yourself in Northumberland:
WOOLER - Wooler is a walkers’ paradise that sits on the edge of Northumberland’s spectacular National Park. This tiny, stone-built market town is home to a bustling High Street with a smattering of traditional shops, pubs and cafes, as well as one of Northumberland’s newest attractions Ad Gefrin.
CHILLINGHAM - This small, remote village is mostly known for homing haunted Chillingham Castle and the intriguing Chillingham Wild Cattle. With some beautiful accommodation options, a beautiful setting with local walks nearby and pubs within a short drive away, it is a must visit.
FORD AND ETAL - Ford and Etal Estates lie in the valley of the River Till, where you can ride on a steam train, enjoy a carriage ride, go canoeing, try your hand at fishing and more. Home to cosy self-catering cottages, cafes and pubs, it is a charming must-visit spot while you’re here in Northumberland.
POWBURN - Also in a beautiful, remote setting perfect for walking and exploring, Powburn sits at the foot of the Cheviot Hills. While you’re here, you can explore the Devil’s Causeway, an ancient Roman road thought to pre-date Hadrian’s Wall, or enjoy paradise that is Branton Lakes Nature Reserve.
INGRAM AND BREAMISH VALLEY - Ingram village sits in Breamish Valley in Northumberland National Park, where tumbling waterfalls, picturesque river banks and rolling hills make a fantastic spot for hiking, cycling, and discovering history with Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements in the landscape that are believed to be over 2500 years old.
SLEEP
Here are some accommodation highlights in North Northumberland, so you can have a relaxing stay on your next trip:
LAVEROCK LAW - This amazing self-catering and glamping accommodation keeps nature and sustainability at its heart in all aspects. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, owners Dave and Harvest will encourage you to spot wildlife, stargaze, explore the great outdoors and, most importantly, relax in your beautiful cottage or treehouse accommodation.
BREAMISH VALLEY COTTAGES - Breamish Valley Cottages are tucked away in Northumberland’s staggering countryside, with beautifully decorated cottages, a restaurant with incredible panoramic views of the Breamish Valley, and on-site spa facilities so you can truly kick back and relax during your Northumberland getaway.
CHILLINGHAM CASTLE - If you’re looking for something a little different on your next retreat, how about a haunted stay in one of the UK’s spookiest castles? Renowned for having the highest recorded levels of paranormal activity in England, Chillingham Castle will give you chills. And if you’re not into all that spooky stuff, the experience of staying in a historic castle with stunning gardens should be enough to lure you in.
BORDER HOLIDAY HOMES - Border Holiday Homes host four cottages which are spread across North Northumberland, two of which are based inland near the Scottish border. Rosybank sleeps four and offers a dog-friendly getaway with staggering surroundings as it teeters on the banks of the River Tweed. Turner Cottage is a traditional cottage based in Norham, just a short walk from Norham Castle and the River Tweed.
THE GLEBE RETREAT - If you’re into adventure with a touch of luxury, Glebe Retreat is the place for you, and is a luxurious, one bedroom glamping eco lodge inspired by nature. Located in the midst of a four and a half acre field in the countryside, the spectacular surroundings can be enjoyed from the comfort of a freestanding, outdoor bath tub, or from the outdoor deck which offers a spectacular spot for stargazing.
INGRAM HOUSE B&B - Ingram House is in the Northumberland National Park and is an ideal stopping point for those cycling on the Sandstone Way or walking from Alwinton to Wooler. Also positioned in an amazing spot for stargazing, The Cheviot Hills, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, Bamburgh Castle and beach, Holy Island and lovely golf courses are all within easy reach here.
EXPLORE
Now you know where to stay, here are our suggestions on how to fill your days when you’re in Wooler and the surrounding North Northumberland landscape.
AD GEFRIN - Ad Gefrin is one of Northumberland’s newest attractions and is an impressive Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery in Wooler. From exploring the museum to enjoy whisky tasting and distillery tours, it makes for a fascinating and varied day out. You can even stop here for a spot of Afternoon Tea.
CHILLINGHAM CASTLE - If you aren’t staying here overnight, it is well worth heading to Chillingham Castle for an explore. From its decadent castle interiors, spooky dungeon and stunning gardens, it is an amazing site for a ghost tour or some independent exploring. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to see the Chillingham Wild Cattle, the only wild cattle in the world.
FORD AND ETAL - Step back in time in Ford and Etal, a fantastic family day out and a beautifully quintessentially British spot. Take a ride on a steam train at Heatherslaw Steam Light Railway, visit Lady Waterford Hall, explore the 19th century Heatherslaw Cornmill on the banks of the River Till and experience a carriage ride at Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre.
DUDDO FIVE STONES - A somewhat lesser known spot in Northumberland, the mysterious Duddo Five Stones is a stone circle made up of five, 4000-year old stones. Their remoteness adds to their appeal, as they are surrounded by views of the Cheviot Hills and toward the Scottish border. They can only be accessed on foot, but the route is flat and straightforward.
DARK SKIES - Much of this area falls under Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park, where the low light pollution and quality of dark skies has been awarded gold-tier status. Scope out the area’s Dark Sky Discovery Sites where you can pull up the car, turn of the headlights and enjoy the stars independently.
EAT - Cafes and brunch spots
There are many excellent cafes in this area of the county, but here are some of our top picks of cafes in and around Wooler and North Northumberland to get you started:
THE RUNNING FOX AT THE PLOUGH - Famed for its huge Afternoon Teas and warm and friendly atmosphere, The Running Fox at the Plough will be the newest addition to The Running Fox family and will be a cosy cafe by day and bustling pub by night.
ETAL VILLAGE SHOP AND TEA ROOM - Etal Village Shop stocks a range of Northumbrian gifts and produce, as well as homing an excellent tea room with indoor and outdoor seating, open all year round.
AD GEFRIN - If you’re looking for some lunch, a hot drink, Afternoon Tea and more, don’t overlook Ad Gefrin’s fantastic on-site bistro.
GRINDERS COFFEE SHOP - A firm favourite with locals, Grinders Coffee Shop is based on Wooler High Street serving excellent coffee, delicious baked goods, freshly made cloudy lemonade and more.
DODDINGTON CHEESE - Don’t leave the area without picking up some Northumbrian Cheese from Doddington! Sourced from their family farm based in the Glendale Valley, their delicious artisan cheese is a must-try.
EAT - Pubs and evening meals
The list of excellent eateries in Northumberland is endless, so here are a few pubs and restaurants to start you off with:
THE BOSK RESTAURANT - Owned by the owners of Breamish Valley Cottages, this beautiful restaurant is in a dream location and offers locally sourced food, tantalising wines and local gins and ales.
THE BLACK BULL, FORD AND ETAL - Kick back and relax by an open fire at The Black Bull, the only thatched pub in Northumberland. Enjoy fantastic beer, delicious food and a view of Etal Castle from the beer garden.
THE TANKERVILLE ARMS - Nestled in the tranquil village of Eglingham, the Tankerville Arms is a nineteenth century dog-friendly coaching inn. Offering traditional British cuisine, their menu concentrates on local produce sourced from the surrounding landscape.
THE RED LION INN AT MILFIELD - Situated in thE picturesque village of Milfield, The Red Lion Inn is a classic stone building dating back to the mid 1700s. Located on the edge of Northumberland National Park, with the Cheviot Hills in walking distance, they’re in the perfect spot for exploring.
There are so many more amazing things to do, places to eat and places to stay around inland North Northumberland but we can’t possibly fit them all into one blog. Take a look at our other pages for more accommodation options and attraction ideas.