Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall Country, Haltwhistle is a natural choice for those who want to explore Northumberland's own World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall.
Haltwhistle is just 3 miles away from Hadrian’s Wall, and with a range of local amenities, traditional pubs, and top-class bed and breakfasts, Haltwhistle is an ideal base for walkers. This is reflected by the towns participation in the ‘Walkers are Welcome’ scheme.
The section of the wall closest to Haltwhistle is among the most spectacular and complete. Substantial Roman sites including Housesteads and Vindolanda are within a few minutes drive from the town.
Haltwhistle is also close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, notable for its rare flowers and plants - including wild alpine plants not found elsewhere in Britain.
This proximity to both Hadrian's Wall and the North Pennines make Haltwhistle a natural hub for exploring Northumberland on foot and by cycle, with the Pennine Way running through the centre of town.
But Haltwhistle has a rich heritage of its own. Its name goes back to Saxon times and its market, which still takes place today, was first licensed in the 13th century.
The town saw violent conflict during the Medieval period because of its close proximity to the turbulent English-Scottish border. At one time it boasted its own castle and Pele Tower.
Haltwhistle also has a rich industrial heritage. The Newcastle to Carlisle railway came to the town in the 1830s, boosting its economy and population and is still a great way to explore Hadrian's Wall and the Tyne Valley. The town's station is still one of the busiest on the Tyne Valley line.
Haltwhistle has the feel of an old-fashioned market town with a close and vibrant community. It holds its own walking festival and also offers great pubs and tea shops.
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