Around & About

Elsdon is the largest settlement within the National Park, with most of its houses clustered round the large village green. Many of the historic buildings are listed, and for a small village there’s a lot to explore. There’s the remains of a motte and bailey castle, an ancient Pele Tower and the church of St Cuthbert, the earliest parts of which are 12th century. Another well-known feature is the Elsdon gibbet, which stands up above the village, as a sad reminder of the murder of Margaret Crozier in the 18th century. There’s more about Elsdon here .

The nearest shop is in the small village of Otterburn, a 10 minute drive away; there’s some nice walks and the site of the Battle of Otterburn to visit as well as the Otterburn Mill. We are very handy for Wallington Hall, with its stunning walled garden; Herterton House with its garden rooms laid out on a medieval plan and the birthplace of Capability Brown at Kirkharle.

A little further afield is Kielder reservoir, with mountain biking trails, water sports, lots of lovely walks, a sculpture trail and the Kielder observatory where you can book an evening’s stargazing. We are well situated too for visiting Hadrian’s Wall and the string of Roman settlements that lay along it. Or you may want to head for Rothbury, with its pleasant shops, cafes and pubs, and the impressive Cragside, with it’s early hydroelectric technology and a massive estate to explore.

Alnwick boasts the largest second-hand bookshop in the North-East, at Barter Books, based in the old railway station. The perfect place to spend a few hours and its dog-friendly too.