Hadrian's Wall - Villages and Where to Stay
If we start in the west and work our way towards Newcastle and the east coast
Lanercost. Well known for it's 12th century priory, Lanercost lies in the valley of the River Irthing. The wall is within easy walking distance and there are plenty of good walking trails. This is where a geological fault separates the red sandstone of the Carlisle border area and the mountain limestones to the east.
Easby farm is just outside the market town of Brampton and offers great views over the Irthing Valley. The cottage sleeps 3 and has a Friday to Friday change over.
Haytongate cottage is exactly opposite on the other side of the valley and the cottage is on the Wall!
Down in the valley and alongside the Abbey there is a complex of six cottages built around a courtyard. The sizes vary from small to large enough to accommodate 8 people comfortably. The largest of the six is Howard House.
The Byre at Milton Mains is on the A689 as it starts to head up into the high country and Alston. The Wall is just a short drive away but the distance is a little too far for walking.Pets are allowed the cottage sleeps 4.
The nearest main tourist point is Birdoswald. See also this page for cottages in Lanercost.
* * * * * * *
Gilsland. Famous as a troubled border town dating back to Border Reiver days. Also well known as having been visited by Sir Walter Scott. In fact this was where he was said to have proposed to his future wife, whilst she sat on the "poppin stone". During the 19th century Gilsland became well known as a spa town. To the north is the military range at Spadeadam which is forever linked to the Bluestreak project and Britains largest ever domestic rocket program. There is good walking through and around the steep Irthing gorge. Just outside Gilsland you come to Greenhead and it is here that the Wall really starts to climb along the Whin Sill and the high country which runs east beyond Chollerford.
Alpha Rise is in Gilsland and sleeps six. Holmhead farm is actually on the Wall and close to Thirlwall castle.
The Roman army museum at Carvoran, Greenhead is the closest main attraction.
* * * * * * *
Haltwhistle. The main town between Hexham and Carlisle. A good place for provisions and with a long history of mining and industry. The Newcastle to Carlisle railway stops here and this is a favourite starting point for many visits to the Wall.
Haltwhistle is also known as the geographical centre of Britain.
Melrose house is close by at Rowfoot and close to
Featherstone castle. It sleeps 5 and has a pretty cottage garden.
Vindolanda and Housesteads are both very close by. Other local attractions include the South Tyne trail which follows the bed of the old railway line running up to Alston. In fact this branch was the last true rural line in Northumberland. It is also worth visiting Lambley viaduct along the trail.
* * * * * * *
Bardon Mill. A pretty little village now bypassed by the busy A69. The National Trust site at Allan banks and Staward gorge is well worth a visit. Fern cottage at Thorngrafton has a lovely south facing aspect across the Tyne valley. It is also close to the Wall.
* * * * * * *
Chollerford and the valley of the North Tyne. This is where the north Tyne flows into the river Tyne. A prosperous and pretty area.
Kirkend house at Chollerton lies a short distance to the north.
It sleeps 5 and offers along with The Stables and Lonnenend good quality luxury accommodation. The cavalry fort at Chesters is the closest attraction. A little further away is Kielder Water. The valley of the north Tyne runs towards the Scotland at Carter bar. On the way it passes through some of the most beautiful Northumberland countryside. This area is also known as Redesdale and historically it was once a Royal hunting forest. Here you will find Hall Hills. This house, next to a working farm sleeps 6 and offers you easy access to this beautiful countryside. Dogs are welcome.
* * * * * * *
Hexham. A large market town with Abbey, good shops and restaurants and plenty to see and do. Historically very significant as it controlled the cross roads of the North Tyne valley running into Scotland and the South Tyne and Allendale valleys as they come down from the Pennines.
Sammys place is a well converted ground floor apartment which sleeps four. Also see the Broadway and Beacon apartments as an alternative.
See also this page for other cottages in Hexham.
* * * * * * *
Corbridge. One of the most afluent towns in Northumberland Corbridge is where you come to spend your money and admire the old buildings and the beautiful bridge across the Tyne. There is an old Roman camp at this strategically important location. By now the steeper hill country to the west is dropping away and you are now in rich agricultural land. To the south you have the A68 heading towards Consett and on the way it passes by Derwent reservoir which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Hilltop barn is just six miles outside Corbridge and a little further away towards Blanchland is the Deeps.
Dene Cottage at Ovington is a great example of how a small terraced cottage can be lovingly converted to offer 5 star accommodation. Close by in an old brewery courtyard is Westgarth.
* * * * * * *
Other cottages which we should also mention:
Eland Green cottages at Ponteland. You are really approaching the end of the eastern section of the wall here. Ponteland is just to the north of Newcastle upon Tyne and a little way past the airport. You have quick access along the A1 north towards Alnwick and the coast.
Close lea at Heddon on the Wall, is literally along the Wall.This is a large house which can accommodate up to 9 guests. Great views and easy access to the A69 or indeed the A1 north towards Scotland.
Lake cottage at Belsay.A little away from the Wall but with easy access north and west this is a convenient location.Located within the country estate of Belsay hall.
South Hall cottage near Matfen and just north of Heddon on the Wall.It took four farmworkers cottages being merged together to make this exceptional ground floor only cottage. This is lovely quiet countryside but still close to Newcastle and with easy access both west towards Hexham and north towards the Northumberland coast.
