Blanchland tourist information

Described as one of England's prettiest villages, Blanchland sits on the Northumberland/Durham border at the upper end of the Derwent Valley.

The village is surrounded by picturesque walking routes and nearby is the Derwent Reservoir, a great spot if you like sailing and fishing.

For such a relatively isolated spot, Blanchland has attracted its fair share of history.

The village began when its abbey was founded in the 12th century and it gets its name from the French canons who lived and worked in the building and who wore white habits.

Its pub, The Lord Crewe Arms, also dates from the 12th century, and is one of the oldest hostelries in the country.

The Lord Crewe briefly found itself at the centre of the Jacobite Rebellions in 1715 when General Tom Foster used its huge fireplace as a hiding spot.

In the 19th century, Blanchland transformed itself briefly into a centre of busy industry when leadmines peppered the surrounding district.

Nowadays there is still plenty to enjoy about this stunning stone-built village. Look out for its honey-coloured old-fashioned shops and an Italian-influenced arch through which you can wander into an L shaped piazza.

Every August bank holiday the local community comes together for the Blanchland and Hunstanworth Show - a traditional country event that features all the usual industrial classes as well as attractions like falconry and alpacas.

Blanchland attracted the attentions of two of England's most celebrated poets. Both Philip Larkin and W.H. Auden were impressed with its pretty buildings and surrounding landscape.

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Allendale

Blanchland website