Ponteland Travel Guide: What to See and Do
Ponteland sits in the south of Northumberland on the banks of the river Pont. Its name literally means ‘Island in the Pont'. The river Pont passes through the town, and there is a stone bridge of two arches over it. Ponteland takes its name from the river flooding so often and extensively that it often left the village as an island.
Nestled on Ponteland’s bustling High Street is Sip’n’Loaf, the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy some delicious food. Enjoy the aroma of freshly ground coffee filling the air as visitors tuck into posh toasties, open sourdough sandwiches, and fluffy American-style pancakes. Whether you’re after a leisurely brunch, a light lunch, or a place for a catch up coffee with friends, Sip’n’Loaf is a great cafe to choose.
Ponteland is also home to restaurants like Fratellis, bustling bars including YOLO, with roadside terraces perfect for sipping on a cocktail in the sunshine, that line the High Street, and there are local Northumberland pubs-aplenty for a more traditional evening.
Alongside its shops and restaurants are clues to a historic past; the skeletal remains of a 14th century Pele Tower still stand, while the town’s Blackbird Inn houses the basement of a 14th century tower known as Ponteland Castle which was ransacked by the Scots in 1388. Visit the Inn’s Tunnel Room where a secret tunnel is supposedly bricked up behind the fireplace. It is said to connect the basement with St. Mary's Church.
Ponteland village hosts a number of annual Northumberland events, one being the New Year’s Day wheelbarrow race which has been a tradition for longer than most residents can recall but is thought to go back as far as the 14th century.
Whether you choose to explore the centre of Ponteland, including its family friendly leisure centre with soft play and clip’n’climb, or head to nearby hidden gems in Northumberland like Bolam Lake, Kirkharle, the magical Belsay Hall and quarry gardens, or slightly further afield Wallington House and Gardens, there are so many things to do. From family days out in Northumberland to romantic stays and weekend escapes, Ponteland and the local area has so much to offer its visitors.
Ponteland’s proximity to Newcastle Airport makes getting to Northumberland and finding the right accommodation plane-sailing. You can fly into your trip and make the most of the conveniently placed hotels, or pick a picturesque lodge or cottage in the town or surrounding area.