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THE LOCAL AREA

Things to do and places to eat

High Broadwood Hall is 1¼ miles from the bustling village of Allendale, with shops, pubs, restaurants and tea rooms – a pleasant walk or a 5-minute drive, and there are so many things to do and see nearby.



  • Explore the amazing, stunning landscapes and beauty spots by on and off-road walking
  • Go bird-watching? Discover the wildlife – you can even report your findings to "Wildwatch": www.northpennines.org.uk
  • Explore our dark skies from outside your cottage. Watch the stars and check out what constellations are visible at the time of your visit.
  • Go star gazing at the Kielder Observatory kielderobservatory.org
  • Take part in the Allen Valleys Folk Festival weekend at the end September/beginning October with additional events throughout the year. www.AVFF.co.uk
fishing in river West Allen
  • Learn about our mining and industrial history
  • Join a craft workshop / learn a craft
  • Go pony trekking
  • Fish from a boat or from land
  • Visit a brewery
  • Experience Alpacas
  • Play golf
  • Learn archery
  • Go horse racing
  • Keep the body moving at a Leisure Centre – Hexham and/or Haltwhistle
  • Find a shooting experience
  • Buy some local produce at a market
  • Travel back in history by visiting an English Heritage or National Trust property
  • Experience Kielder Water with its many activities and stunning scenery
kielder
  • The stunning views and scenery around the cottages and all around the area. From hill tops or on river banks, in open countryside or in woodland. Whilst on foot, cycling or touring, keep your eyes and ears open – give your senses the time to take it all in – and allow yourself to be amazed
horse drwan plow
  • Birds, Wildlife and Wild Flowers. In 2008 the charity Birdlife International put the curlew on its global "birds at risk" list for the first time. The area around swallows rest is a haven for this threatened bird. We have also heard woodpeckers in our woodland and seen owls, lapwings, hares and hedgehogs as well as a whole host of other birds and wildlife. Wild flowers can be found in our fields as well as in the wildflower meadow outside Swallows Rest
  • Watch out for the beautiful gardens, farms and farm animals grazing in the fields. Especially look out for the Open Gardens in Northumberland scheme where private and public gardens open their doors to visitor for the benefit of charity. Also the Garden Station, a restored Victorian railway station with a Leaning Shed. There is a delightful woodland garden along the former railway track.
  • Catch a show, some comedy, a play or a concert at the Queens Hall, Hexham:www.queenshall.co.uk
  • Visit the Killhope Mines and find out about the beautiful crystal Spar Boxes and how the lead mining families lived and worked. Look out for red squirrels and other wildlife
  • Explore the nearby Roman forts of Chesters, Vindolanda and Housteads and learn how the Romans here lived
  • Visit some of the many houses, castles and gardens run by English Heritage and The National Trust
Northumberland Castle
  • Discover what’s special about our northern cities of Newcastle, Durham and Carlisle. They are all within approximately one hour's drive from here or you can reach them all by train.
    See their websites for full information: www.newcastlegateshead.com www.discovercarlisle.co.uk www.thisisdurham.com/
  • With a scenic drive there’s even more to do and see. For example: Alnwick Castle (and Gardens) offer some broom-flying lessons like Harry Potter; Kielder Water; The Lake District National Park; The Northumberland Coast; The Cumbrian Coast; and Beamish, the living museum of the North
  • You'll find even more information about this area and things to do and see by visiting the
    Allen Valleys website: www.allenvalleys.com

carts bog innThe Carts Bog Inn at Langley, where both the food and drink is sourced, where possible, from local suppliers.
www.cartsbog.co.uk
Tel. 01434 684338

allendale tea roomsAllendale Tea Rooms home cooking, delicious cakes, teas and coffees. Sunday lunches can be pre-booked and Ramblers and Cyclists book ahead to have a meal waiting.

whitfield pantryWhitfield Pantry a village shop which has a delightful café serving/selling fresh, seasonal local produce.

Country Concierge CookingWant to 'eat in' or take a 'prepared picnic' with you for the day without having to put it together. Want a hearty breakfast ready and waiting? Country Concierge Cooking provides meals, using good local food – cooked and delivered, or can cook for you in the cottage whilst you relax and enjoy the surroundings.

the forgeThe Forge – Art Gallery and café in Allendale also houses many small interesting businesses upstairs – check them out!
www.allendaleforgestudios.co.uk
Tel. 01434 618220

pubs Pubs/restaurants in Allendale:
The Allendale
The Kings Head
The Golden Lion


The Mill Tandoori (Now open)
www.allenmill.co.uk
Tel. 01434 683355


The Crown at Catton
A village pub that does pub food well.
www.crownincatton.co.uk
Tel. 01434 683355

See the amazing, stunning landscapes and beauty spots. Explore our on and off road walking and cycling routes.


walkers

Walkers: This countryside was made for you!

Peacefully situated, the cottage is surrounded by farmland with walking and cycling from the door.

WEBSITES FOR WALKERS


Walking the wall

Cyclists: There are miles of country roads and tracks to cruise!

Hadrian's Wall Cycleway, the 160 mile cycling route, stretches the length of the Hadrian's Wall linking Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast to Tynemouth near Newcastle.

Electric bikes:  Electric bikes can be hired from various places including the Post Office in Allendale. This will enable those who are at present somewhat daunted by our hills to enjoy cycling on and off road without being intimidated by the undulating nature of our beautiful countryside.


cycling in Northumberland

WEBSITES FOR CYCLISTS

  • The Allen Mills Regeneration complex holds the Allendale Brewery producing local ales.
  • The Gift Shop in Allendale is a ' must visit'. So much to see in this Aladdin's cave!
  • Whitfield is home to a very prestigious shooting estate, a church, a pub and The Village Pantry – a village shop, delightful café and craft workshop.
  • Spend some interesting and pleasant hours in the historic market towns of Hexham and Alston. From Alston one can take a trip on a steam train and Hexham offers a leisure centre, theatre, an old Abbey dating back to 675AD and a 14th century Gaol.
vindolanda
  • Hexham Abbey – recently restored bringing out the history of the building (going back 1300 years) and ensuring its available to all for the next 300 years. The restoration has included a cafe, two function rooms, a classroom and Exhibition space for the Abbey Treasure. www.hexhamabbey.co.uk
vindolanda
  • Explore the Roman Empire and Roman forts, at Chesters, Vindolanda and Housteads where the museums will help you uncover the story of Roman Britain. You can even walk or cycle a routes that go along the wall.
  • The cities of Newcastle, Durham and Carlisle are within easy reach either by train or car.
newcastle