Towns and villages
There a few towns and villages that hug
Hadrian's Wall and make the perfect base when you're planning on exploring the ancient stones that stretch across Northumberland's landscape and
Northumberland National Park. We have picked out a few to help guide you on where to stay on your next visit. There are a number of towns and villages in the vicinity that are worth exploring but just to name a few:
HEXHAM - This beautiful, bustling town is home to Hexham Abbey,
Hexham Old Gaol and stunning Sele Park. Not to mention a number of
restaurants,
pubs,
art galleries and
independent shops to enjoy in between
hiking and
cycling Hadrian's Wall, plus
hotels,
B&Bs and
cottages to choose from for overnight
stays in
Hexham.
CORBRIDGE - Just a riverside walk or short drive away from Hexham, Corbridge is a must-visit when in this region of Northumberland. Home to
Corbridge Roman Town, where you can walk through a Roman time capsule and discover ancient armour and trinkets uncovered, and lesser known
Aydon Castle, this is another vibrant and picturesque village with many restaurants, pubs,
cafes and accommodation to choose from.
HALTWHISTLE - Perfect for a pint after a long day of exploring Hadrian's Wall,
Haltwhistle is the closest town to the stunning central section of Hadrian's Wall and Northumberland National Park. Enjoy
pubs, tea rooms and the 'bastle trail' here, where visitors can follow plaques marking the surviving bastles of which Haltwhistle has the largest number in England.
BLANCHLAND - Around a 20 minute drive from Hexham, we had to mention the tiny, fairytale village of
Blanchland. Home only to a pub/ hotel, a tea room and a village shop, you will still manage to while away a whole morning here just taking pictures, relaxing in the amazing
Lord Crewe Arms or having a cuppa in The White Monk Tea Room.
SLEEP - Hotels and B&Bs
LORD CREWE ARMS, BLANCHLAND -
The Lord Crewe Arms is an atmospheric, candle-lit, medieval hotel, restaurant and bar in the honey-stone village of
Blanchland. Expect stylish decor, amazing food and breathtaking surroundings.
LANGLEY CASTLE - Feel like royalty at
Langley Castle, where you can literally sleep and eat like a King or Queen within the grounds of of a 14th century
castle. Roaring fireplaces, stone interiors and opulent decor make this an extremely unique stay.
MATFEN HALL - If you want luxury, look no further than
Matfen Hall, Northumberland's first and only (as of May 2024) five star hotel. Set within 300 acres of land, with its own
spa and
golf course, prepare to be wowed by the opulence and grandeur of this hotel.
BATTLESTEADS - If you want to do a spot of
stargazing during your stay,
Battlesteads is the perfect place. With its own
on-site observatory, you can spend the night under the stars, plus they have a fantastic restaurant with a menu filled
with locally-sourced produce, including vegetables from their own polytunnels.
WYDON FARM -
Wydon Farm B&B is a
National Trust working farm, nestled away near the beautiful town of Haltwhistle. Based on the banks of the river South Tyne, you can relax along the riverside, try your hand at
fishing and explore the beautiful
walking routes right on your doorstep.
DUKE OF WELLINGTON INN -
The Duke of Wellington Inn is
a cosy village pub award-winning seasonal food, cosy roaring fire and local ales to try during your stay. Gorgeous rooms and a beautiful
countryside setting make this a fantastic stay near Hadrian's Wall.
SLEEP - Self Catering
CHESTERS STABLES - Chesters Stables are luxury, renovated stable suites nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland, sleeping between 2 and 8 guests and offering beautiful furnishings and thoughtful touches throughout.
HOST AND STAY'S MAGGIE'S COTTAGE - Maggie's cottage is based
in Hexham and is a stunning accomodation made up of an open plan living, kitchen and dining area with a beautiful fireplace and woodburning stove. Enjoy al fresco morning coffees on the outdoor terrace and all of the amentiies in nearby Hexham.
CARRAW FARM - Carraw Farm's two luxury cottages sit quite literally on Hadrian’s Wall, as they are based within the former Hadrian’s Wall infrastructure. Vesta View sits on the road between the Wall and Vallum Ditch and Shepherds Retreat is tucked away on the Wall foundations.
HADRIAN'S HOLIDAYS -
Hadrian's Holidays offers a luxury
B&B and self catering lodges near Hadrian's Wall. Their idyllic setting at the Four Wynds offers a breathtaking trip, and they serve delicious breakfasts using organic, fairtrade and locally sourced ingredients.
KELLAH FARM - Choose between a modern farmhouse Bed & Breakfast or a traditional
self-catering cottage base at
Kellah Farm. This working hill farm offers a staggering setting, fantastic, locally sourced breakfasts and easy acess to Hadrian's Wall.
THE HYTTE - The Hytte (pronounced "hutta") is an award winning,
accessible, self-catering accommodation near Hadrian's Wall. Sleeping eight guests, it is perfect for
families or larger groups and is a Norwegian inspired, traditional timber mountain lodge with grass roof and a sauna and hot-tub spa.
HADRIAN'S WALL CAMPSITE - If you're looking to camp near Hadrian's Wall,
Hadrian's Wall Campsite is an excellent option. With excellent
walks,
stargazing and
history on the doorstep, you can pitch up here in tent, motorhome, campervan, or book one of their luxury
glamping pods.
EXPLORE
VINDOLANDA AND THE ROMAN ARMY MUSEUM - Vindolanda and
The Roman Army Museum hold thousands of objects which illuminate the daily life of the Roman community who lived on the site. You can even watch live excavations take place every summer and watch objects being uncovered for the first time in 2000 years.
HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT - Housesteads Roman Fort was an auxiliary
fort on Hadrian's Wall, overlooking Whin Sill and sparsely populated hills making it a beautiful visit as well as a fascinating one. Here you can wander the barrack blocks and the hospital, or simply enjoy the panoramic views.
CORBRIDGE ROMAN TOWN - Walk like a Roman through the streets of
Corbridge Roman Town, a time-capsule of Roman life. You can discover Roman armour and trinkets uncovered with the Corbridge Hoard at the
museum, which is also home to the largest of Hadrian's Wall's collections.
CHESTERS ROMAN FORT - Chester's Roman Fort is one of the Roman Empire's most northern outposts. The most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain, take a look around the amazingly well-preserved bath house and visit the museum which is home to the famous Clayton Collection.
NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK -
Explore Northumberland National Park and you will accidentally stumble upon long,
scenic sections of Hadrian's Wall, staggering viewpoints, and complete peace and tranquillity. Hadrian's Wall stretches across Northumberland National Park's landscape so you can explore on foot or by bike.
HIKE AND CYCLE - There are incredible walking and
cycling routes along Hadrian's Wall and it is the perfect way to explore the history and get close to nature. If you prefer a guided experience,
Saddle Skedaddle offers guided tours and overnight itineraries along the wall. Explore independently with
Pedal Power's bike hire or join one of their incredible guided experiences. And
Hadrian's Wall Baggage Transfer makes exploring the wall nice and easy by transferring your luggage to your next accommodation while you are out exploring.
SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT - If you're spending a few days or more in the area and fancy something a bit different, head out on some adventure activities.
GoApe is based at
Matfen Hall and makes for a fun and thrilling
family day out. Or try
All Out Adventures based at Slaley Hall, where you can try quad biking, clay pigeon shooting and paintballing.
EAT - Breakfast and Coffee
Start your day with a delicious brunch or wake up with a cup of coffee at some of our
cafe picks:
THE GARDEN HEXHAM -
The Garden is one of Hexham’s newest haunts, it opened in March 2024 and is a charming, cosy cafe serving brunch bowls, beef brisket bagels and other delicious brunch items, not to mention fantastic coffee.
WHITE MONK TEA ROOM, BLANCHLAND -
This beautiful tea room in picturesque Blanchland is a converted Victorian school serving mouth-watering home made bakes and snacks. Great for a pit stop after hiking or cycling at Hadrian’s Wall.
THE CORBRIDGE LARDER - The Corbridge Larder is renowned for its amazing hampers filled with local, Northumbrian produce, and they are also home to The Heron Cafe where you can sample these delicious goods on the menu.
NORTHUMBERLAND HQ, VALLUM -
Another 2024 addition to Northumberland, Northumberland HQ is a specialty coffee bar and micro roastery at Vallum Farm, with a shop attached serving local Northumbrian goods.
EAT - Pubs and evening meals
THE BEAUMONT, HEXHAM - The Beaumont is a Victorian hotel based in the heart of Hexham with a beautiful restaurant and outdoor terrace for sunny days. Their exquisite, ever-changing, seasonal menu keeps customers returning time and time again.
BOUCHON BISTROT, HEXHAM - Bouchon Bistrot is a fantastic, French restaurant with a chic and cosy interior and a menu that celebrates the culinary delights of the French countryside. A fantastic spot for evening meals and also offering excellent lunch and early dinner deals.
RESTAURANT HJEM (Michelin Star) -
Restaurant Hjem was the first restaurant in Northumberland to be awarded with Michelin Star status. Based in the small village of Wall, its name plays on the Scandinavian “Hjem” and the Northumbrian “Hyem” meaning home. This is perfect for special occasion dining.
RESTAURANT PINE (Michelin Star) -
Also a Michelin Star restaurant, Pine was Northumberland’s second Michelin addition and is set in an old cow barn, where you can enjoy the sloping Northumberland landscape alongside Hadrian’s Wall while you’re dining.
THE ANGEL OF CORBRIDGE - Based on the lovely, cobbled streets of Corbridge, this quintessentially British pub in Northumberland dates back to 1569 and serves local cask ale and fantastic pub grub to be enjoyed in their wood-panelled lounge with open fire.
There are so many more fantastic businesses along Hadrian's Wall than we are able to fit into one blog, so don't hesitate to do some more research and visit our things to do, food and drink and Hadrian' Wall pages for more inspiration.