Holiday Cottages & Northumberland Blog

2010-01-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

The much loved snowdrop walks at Howick Hall Gardens near Longhoughton will begin early in February. Rated by BBC Gardener’s World magazine as one of the top five coastal gardens in the country, Howick boasts one of the best collections of woodland snowdrops in the North of England. Head gardener Robert Jamieson is anticipating a good show for visitors this month, despite the very wet winter months. He said “We have several varieties of Galanthus, the largest drifts of which are the Galanthus nivalis – the common single snowdrop, but there are also doubles and the Northumberland Yellow, Galanthus nivalis “Sandersii Group”.
Later in the month Sweet Box, Sarcococca confusa will be fragrant in the Acer glade as will Viburnum x bodnantense Pink Dawn with its small tubular pink flowers.

The snowdrops will be followed from late March by hosts of pre-war planted daffodils for which this garden is famous.

The gardens and the Earl Grey Tearoom are open from February 7 from 12 – 4pm, and will be open Saturday, Sundays and Wednesdays until April 1, after which they will be open every day from 12 – 6 pm. For more information visit: Howick Hall
Howick Spring Festival Flyer pdf

Why not book a break in The Old School in Howick Village and get a free pass to Howick Hall Gardens.

2010-01-19T04:07:00.000-08:00

We have been looking for ways to try and illustrate the beautiful photographs taken by Danny Brannigan along Hadrians Wall. One of the options is to embed the images as a slide show and this is one for his photographs of Steel rigg.

We hope that you like the pictures.

Military road, Hadrian's Wall

2010-01-19T03:46:00.000-08:00

Built by General George Wade in 1745 at the time of Jacobite rebellion, the military road offers a more civilised route between Newcastle and Carlisle. Whilst the heavy traffic ploughs along the A69 below you can drive sedately through this beautiful countryside.

During the summer there is the AD 122 bus service along the military road with drivers who are well aware of the history and will talk about it.The bus connects to railway stations at Carlisle and Newcastle and you can take bikes on both bus and train.

Bamburgh, the church of St Aidan

2010-01-15T02:07:00.000-08:00

This scan is from the front of a pamphlet from 1948 which talks about St Aidan's church in Bamburgh.

To quote:

" The Church of St Aidan is one of the largest ...and finest...in the county"

The pamphlet then talks about

The Tower...is ascended by a stone staircase around a square newel ( only other example of this being the Pele Tower at Welton).It rises 2 stages higher than the church...the 1st stage being used as a belfy and the 2nd for the peal of bells.

Then it covers the Nave and north aisle.

Then the transepts

It then discusses possible traces of the original Norman church and ends up with a description of the 13th century chancel.

More to come in future blogs

Cottages in Belford, Northumberland

2010-01-14T01:54:00.000-08:00

Belford is a village in North Northumberland, half way between Alnwick and Berwick upon Tweed.

Belford Hall is the main property in the area and is a Grade 1 listed building, although it has now been converted into residential apartments. The village is ideally situated to either reach the Northumberland Coast or to head west towards Wooler and the Cheviot hills.

Northumbria byways are able to offer beautiful holiday cottages either in or close to Belford.

Ludlow cottage in the centre of Belford.

Cuthbert cottage

and the Hayloft above the coffee shop!

So if you would like to make Belford a base for exploring Northumberland then please give us a call.

Northern Heritage

2010-01-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

Every year we look forward to receiving the new mail order catalogue from Northern Heritage.

It's usually the books but sometimes the DVDs which we find so appealing. This is a great way to investigate the out of the facts about Northumberland which you normally wouldn't come across.

Some we hope to buy over the months ahead, for example this book of old photographs or Redesdale and surrounding areas

http://www.northern-heritage.co.uk/product.php?id=100818&cid=2

Others such as this classic on Castles and Pele towers we already have

http://www.northern-heritage.co.uk/product.php?id=100808&cid=2

So why not pop over to their website and have a look around?

Cottage in Amble, Northumberland

2010-01-13T01:46:00.000-08:00

Amble has been referred to as "The Friendliest Port". The town has Roman origins but was developed as a coal port at the mouth of the River Coquet in the 18th century. The harbour is now shared by traditional fishing boats and a modern Marina, full of colourful yachts and other sailing craft. There are several flourishing boating clubs including yachting, sailing and canoeing. During the summer boats sail regularly from the harbour to the RSPB bird sanctuary at Coquet Island.

Here at Northumbria byways we are able to offer the following holiday cottages either in or close to Amble

Lobster Pot at Low Hauxley

Chantilly, also near Low Hauxley

Southmede in nearby Warkworth

and Watermill cottage at North Charlton

So if you would like to explore the Northumberland coast why not give us a call and book one of these beautiful cottages.

"Cottage for 2 with a bath and fire"

2010-01-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Cottage for two with a bath and fire....what a simple requirement. But sometimes it can be hard to actually find the right place. Our visitors seem to think that Coldburn cottage in the College Valley is the best answer.Remote, isolated and with panoramic views this is a simple but quality cottage with a lot to offer.

Self catering northumberland, "no neighbours"

2010-01-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

One of the things which always amazes us is the wide variety of ways which people use search engines to find our cottages
For instance we've been looking at some of the entrance keywords for the College Valley and have come across many instances of searches for
"Self catering northumberland, no neighbours"
Well the College Valley isn't short of isolated houses or indeed remote cottages.

Cottages in Rothbury

2010-01-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

Rothbury, known as the 'Gateway to the Northumberland National Park' and is a perfect base to explore the heather topped expanses of the Simonside and Cheviot Hills.

The picturesque village of Rothbury can trace its origins back to 1100, whilst an early Saxon cross can be found in All Saints Church dating back to 800AD.

The evidence of Bronze Age settlements, hill forts and cup and ring marks have been discovered throughout surrounding hills. On the outskirts of this ancient market town is Cragside Estate.

Recently the town has been in the news with some unusually high floods.

Northumbria byways are fortunate to be able to offer many cottages both in the town and nearby. These include

The Masters Lodge

Riverside Lodge

Wellstrand house

Westfield cottage and Wreighburn cottage both at Thropton

A little further afield in the historic village of Elsdon there is also

Townfoot cottage

So if you would like to explore this beautiful area of Northumberland then please just give us a call.

Cottages near to Kirknewton,Wooler

2010-01-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

Kirknewton is a small village north of Wooler and halfway to the Scottish Border. It lies at the heart of Glendale , a valley formed by the confluence of the River Glen and Bowmont Water.

The area is rich in history, from the prehistoric displays at Maelmin , through the battlefield at Flodden , border reiver times and into the 19th century with the Collingwood oaks...there is plenty to see here.

There are some lovely holiday cottages to chose from, for instance

Those in the College Valley

and then

The Lodge

Croft Cottage

and

Mindrum Mill

So if you would like to explore this wonderful area of Northumberland then please give us a call.

Cottages in Wooler,Northumberland

2010-01-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

Wooler is an important market town situated just to the east of the Cheviot hills and south of the border with Scotland.It looks eastward across the valley of the Till and is a thriving centre with shops and accommodation. Popular with walkers and the many tourists who come to stay in North Northumberland it provides an ideal centre for exploring this beautiful area of Northumberland.

Northumbria byways have many cottages both in and close to Wooler including

The Bothy

Akeld hill view

Croft cottage

The College Valley

and

the Garden flat

So if you would like to explore this beautiful area of Northumberland why not give us a call?

Belsay in Northumberland

2010-01-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

Belsay village in Northumberland is situated on the A696 to the north west of Ponteland.
Belsay castle is a 14th century medieval castle which is both a scheduled ancient monument and a grade 1 listed building.When Belsay Hall was built the Castle was no longer used for accommodation and it is now administered by English Heritage.
Belsay Hall is a 19th century country mansion and also a grade 1 listed building.It was built by Sir Charles Monck.

Belsay Hall

and Belsay Castle

Useful links

Wikipedia for Belsay
and same for the Hall and the Castle

Northumbria byways have

Lake cottage...part of the Belsay estate
as well as South Hall cottage

Thropton in Northumberland

2010-01-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Thropton is a small village about two miles to the west of Rothbury.It sits alongside the River Coquet. where it is joined by the Wreigh burn. It has a post office which sells fresh fruit, vegetables and basic provisions. Then there are two pubs, the Cross Keys and the Three Wheat Heads which is a 300 year old coaching inn.
Thropton is the terminus for the 516 bus route which covers Newcastle to Morpeth and on to Rothbury.

Northumbria byways can offer these properties either in or close to Thropton

Westfield Cottage

Keepers Cottage

Wreighburn cottage

and Grandma's cottage

Cornhill on Tweed

2010-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Cornhill on tweed is a village in Northumberland. It is just 1 mile to the east of Coldstream. Its original name was Cornell. The River Tweed is about one mile from the village and here there is an eighteenth century bridge with five arches spanning the river.

Strangely Cornhill used to be part of County Durham but in 1844 an Act of Parliament transferred it to Northumberland.

The Anglican Church is dedicated to Saint Helen , the mother of Constantine the Great.

Northumbria byways has Keeper cottage close to the Village.

Northumberland ice cream

2010-01-06T02:26:00.000-08:00

Sitting warm and cosy by a warm fire as the snow falls heavily across Northumberland our thoughts turned to the summer and ice cream by the sea. We knew that there are many small ice cream companies scattered across the north of england and just how hard it can be for them to make the next step up into a medium to large sized company....but exactly how many ice cream companies are there in Northumberland?

Well here are just a few

First there is the Doddington dairy situated close to the market town of Wooler. This is a true ice cream farm with its own herd and traditions.

Then down to Stocksfield where you have Wheelbirks farm and their herd of Jersey cows.

Morwick dairy at Warkworth sells their ices under the mouthwatering title of "Royal double"

Three quality producers of ice cream...and thats before we start to look at all the ice cream parlours and restaurants helping to keep the tourists and locals happy.

Cottages in Hexham

2010-01-06T00:42:00.000-08:00

Hexham is a market town in Tynedale sitting on the A69 road between Newcastle and Carlisle. The area is steeped in history, these being just some examples

1. Hexham Abbey. Predominantly from the 11th century but originally dates back to the 7th century.

2. Hadrians Wall. Easy access to all the main sites.

3.Allendale town with its history of lead mining.

4. The oldest purpose built prison in England, the "old gaol"

5.Battle of Hexham levels.

6. Hexham riots.

7.Kielder water reservoir.

8.Border reiver country and history.

Northumbria byways have a number of holiday cottages both in Hexham town and nearby. For example

and many more...so if you are interested in coming to this beautiful part of Northumberland then just give us a call.

Cottages in Stanhope, Durham

2010-01-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

Stanhope is a small market town in County Durham.It is built alongside the River Wear.The area was originally well known as a coal mining centre.

Stanhope originally had a Norman Castle but that was abandoned and it wasn't until 1798 that the present castle was built by Cuthbert Rippon, a London solicitor. In later years it became a site for an approved school but then was sold and sub divided into apartments.

This image from Google earth shows the town and the river alongside it

References include

Wikipedia

and the Durham and Dales centre.

Also

The rather rare heated open air swimming pool.

and this suggested walk around Stanhope.

Allendale town, Northumberland

2010-01-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

Allendale is a large village in Northumberland just south of Hexham.It is situated within the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.It is named after the River Allen which gave the name to the Valley. The main employment is now in agriculture and tourism. Historically however lead mining was a key activity from Roman times until the 19th century when investment funds were diverted into the growing local coal industry.

Allendale Town has a thriving community with shops, many pubs and a scenic golf course.

Useful links include

Previous blog posts on Allendale and Allenheads.

Wikipedia

Northumbria byways have a number of quality cottages here including

Allen Mill

Dale View

and

Station house

Otterburn, Northumberland

2009-12-31T06:49:00.000-08:00

Otterburn is a small village in Northumberland on the banks of the River Rede close to the confluence with the Otter Burn.
It is well known for a number of reasons.

Historically it is associated with the Battle of Otterburn and of course it is in the centre of Border Reiver lands

It is the site of Otterburn Mill. This Mill was built to work with the local wool which was and still is an important industry for the area. There is some evidence that the mill dates back to the 15th century. however little is known prior to the 1820's. The Mill grew and prospered until the late 1960's when a lack of funds to invest started a decline until manufacturing ceased in 1976. The Mill was eventually sold to the Pringle family.

Then there is Otterburn tower a fortified Northumbrian country house which was founded by a cousin of
William the Conqueror in 1086.It is now a quality hotel, restaurant and wedding venue.

Near to Otterburn are the large ministry of defence lands and of course the historic medieval village of Elsdon.

Useful links include

Our blog entries for Elsdon.

Wikipedia for Otterburn

Otterburn tower

and of course the Mill

Northumbria byways are happy to offer the Drovers rest as the ideal cottage to explore the area.

Cottages in Elsdon

2009-12-30T04:59:00.000-08:00

Elsdon is a small market town between Rothbury and Otterburn.It was once the main settlement in Redesdale.
Historically the area is rich with stories. Nearby was the battle of Otterburn which has been suggested as the reason for the mass grave discovered in the church grounds.
This is of course a prime area for border reiver history and the strife seen in the region can be evidenced by the old motte and bailey castle as well as the Peill tower.

The National Park website reinforces the above points when it calls Elsdon the most complete example of a medieval settlement in the Park.

Relevant links are here

The National Park page on Elsdon

and

Wikipedia

This is the local Pele Tower

Here is the church

This is a screen capture from Google earth showing the motte and bailey, the pele tower and the church.

Bamburgh Castle on Google Earth

2009-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Google earth is an amazing resource. Just one of the many benefits and visuals is demonstrated below.Its Bamburgh Castle!

View Larger Map

Microclimates in Northumberland

2009-12-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Its funny how words come into fashion and recently we have been hearing more and more about

micro climates. As this story board tells us the area around Millfield is a micro climate.

With annual rainfall at 650 mm compared to 950 in the Cheviots

and slightly more sunshine and warmer temperatures this is truly a lovely part of Northumberland.

Sand dunes - along the Northumberland Coast

2009-12-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

We had promised to talk about how the dunes are created and how they come to be associated with different colours.

Strandline and embryo dunes

Imagine seaweed left stranded at the highest point of the beach. See it drying out and the sparse nutrients leaching into the sandy soil. Eventually some hardy plants will take advantage of this source of nutrients and sea rocket or maybe sea sandwort will start to grow. As these plants expand they will trap and stabilise the sand.

Yellow or white dunes.

Higher up than the strongest tides will reach you have an environment where the sand is still mobile but there is enough nutrient to support marram grass. This gras sbrings improved stability and this allows ragwort, sand sedge, fescues and hawkweed to grow between the clumps of marram grass.

Grey or fixed dunes.

Further back and over time mosses and lichens start to appear and they give this area a grey colour on the sand. And at last we get the Bloody Cranesbill.....the county flower of Northumberland.

Grey Seals

2009-12-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

We are keen to keep up to date with news and reviews from around our region and find the Northumberland Gazette a great way to do this. It is a local newspaper packed with information for both Northumbrian residents and holidaymakers alike. We were recently browsing the Northumberland Gazette website and came across some videos featuring very interesting activities people had been getting up to. Our favourite was from a sub aqua club who had been diving off the Farne Islands and it shows a seal interacting with the diver, it's brill! take a look. If you want to see more of the videos just go to the top of their page and click "your videos".