Truly wild yet so peaceful – Northumberland National Park is a unique landscape that must be experienced to be truly understood.
The UK’s least populated national park, it stretches from the rugged Scottish borders to the green and gentle valley of our stable suites. The perfect base, simply step out of your door and off the beaten track to walk the rugged hills, rolling moors and quiet forests of our border region.
Home to an ancient past and alive with natural beauty, follow our guide to step back in time, spot endangered native wildlife and experience the sights, sounds and magic of Northumberland National Park during your stay.
North
- College Valley – Wholly unspoilt and home to 7,000 years of history, a trip to the College Valley is always worth the journey. The valley isn’t open to cars, so leave yours at Hethpool carpark and explore on foot or bicycle. Discover ancient stone circles and Iron Age hillforts. Walk to Hethpool Linn waterfall and follow the trail to Yeavering Bell ‘The Hill Of The Goats’ to breathe in the view and spot wild Cheviot goats.
- Harthope Valley – Craggy and dramatic yet quiet and so peaceful, the Harthope Valley is a haven for birdwatchers as well as source of inspiration for authors including Daniel Defoe and Sir Walter Scott. Its tumbling burns and dense woodland rise up and onto the Cheviot Hills, offering scenic walking trails and a chance to spot curlews, skylarks, and merlins.
- The Cheviot – Standing at 815 metres, The Cheviot is the highest peak in Northumberland National Park. Start early and park up at Langleeford before beginning your climb, which rewards you with views stretching as far as the Lake District in the west. Just north of the summit you’ll find the remains of a B-17 bomber, which crashed into The Cheviot during WW2.
South
- Hadrian’s Wall – Built in AD122 and stretching nearly 80 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was constructed as the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Still standing today, it marches across the southern border of Northumberland National Park and is open for all to walk and explore. Just minutes from your stable suite, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a real must-see during your stay. Take a walk from Steel Rigg to Crag Lough to breathe in some of the most dramatic panorama of the wall trail.
- The Sill – If the weather isn’t on your side, or you just want to learn a little more about our landscapes, The Sill is a fantastic option. Set at the gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, The Sill is home to exhibitions about the nature, history and culture of the Northumbrian landscape including Sycamore Gap: Coming Home – which features the largest section of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.
- Chesters Fort – Quite literally over the road from your stable suite, Chesters Roman Fort is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in the UK. Once home to 500 of Rome’s elite forces, explore the site to uncover its stories, visit its museum to discover Roman artefacts and let little ones step back in time with a fun family trail.
East
- Harbottle – Watched over by the ruins of a 12th century castle, the tiny village of Harbottle is small but perfectly formed. Its sweep of pale sandstone cottages is bordered by the gentle scenery of Coquetdale, with trails leading up to the historic Drake Stone. Originally called the ‘Dragon Stone’ this huge boulder is reputed to have been used by druids for its reputed healing powers.
- Lordenshaws – Well-known for its Roman history, Northumberland is also home to an even more ancient past. And that history comes alive at Lordenshaws, where Iron Age hillforts and burial mounds nestle alongside the country’s largest cluster of ‘cup and ring’ stone carvings, thought to have been made by Neolithic and Bronze Age communities.
- Simonside Hills – In summer the spectacular Simonside Hills are blanketed with fragrant heather, softening this craggy ridge that overlooks the town of Rothbury. A Special Area of Conservation, its moorland and forest trails are home to red grouse, curlew and red squirrels, the perfect choice for a wildlife walk.
West
- Stonehaugh – Ready for a spot of stargazing? Stonehaugh is a local favourite for exploring the night sky. A designated Dark Sky Discovery site, its Star Dome hosts stargazing events – a relaxed and peaceful way to discover the cosmos. By day, this forest village invites you to e explore at your leisure via a range of walking and cycling paths.
- Whitelee Moor – Home to a rare blanket bog as well as heather moorland and grassland, Whitelee Moor is one of the country’s most important upland nature reserves and a haven for native wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot merlins, peregrine falcons and hen harriers alongside golden plover, meadow pipits and sweet skylarks.
- Hareshaw Linn – A magical walk that takes you deep into ancient woodland, crossing six bridges to reach a spectacular 9-metre waterfall, Hareshaw Linn is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Step into the hush of the forest, sheltered by oak, hazel, elm and ash and keep an eye out for great spotted woodpeckers, restarts and red squirrels as you walk.
Whether you’re ready for an adventure atop The Cheviot or are simply looking forward to time in nature with your family, return each day to the luxuries of home at our 5 star stable suites. With pet-friendly options and suites for up to 8 people – everyone can explore and discover Northumberland National Park in comfort.
