The perfect Northumberland escape

Check availability

Exploring Northumberland from East Salmons Well

The Barn sits near Acomb village in the Tyne valley, perfectly placed to enjoy country, town or city. Here is what is on the doorstep and within easy reach, with our own recommendations woven in.

Hadrian's Wall, a mile from the door

We are a mile from Hadrian's Wall, and you can enjoy a plethora of walks and cycle routes directly from the property without taking the car off the driveway. Coffee houses and pubs dot the line of the Wall, and The Sill is an excellent place to learn the story of Emperor Hadrian's 84 mile frontier. The famous forts of the central Wall, Vindolanda and Housesteads, are a short drive west and make a superb day of Roman history.

Hexham and Acomb

The beautiful market town of Hexham is a walk away, only a mile and a half from the barn. Visit the historic abbey, browse the farmers market, and enjoy the many eateries and independent shops. For rainy days there is a cinema, indoor swimming, a bowling alley and the Queen's Hall theatre, and Hexham Racecourse sits high on the hill, a lovely spot for a picnic while enjoying the horses. Acomb village itself is a fifteen minute walk, with three traditional pubs, and if you carry on through the village a pleasant walk takes you to Waters Meet, the confluence of the North and South Tyne.

Eating out

This valley is quietly spoilt for food. Within ten minutes of The Barn you'll find wonderful restaurants, cosy country inns and welcoming coffee houses scattered across the surrounding villages. Some are close enough to reach on foot with a pleasant walk, and the nearby village pubs are perfect for an easy evening. Whether you're after a special celebration meal or a relaxed supper by the fire, there's something for every mood within easy reach.

Dark skies and Kielder

Northumberland holds the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing from the barn's own garden is remarkable on a clear night. For the full experience, Kielder is reachable within an hour: the award winning Kielder Observatory is the perfect place to learn how to stargaze, and the reservoir offers excellent walkways, cycle ways and water sports.

Day trips in every direction

The medieval villages of Blanchland and Corbridge are steeped in history and great places to enjoy local food, with Corbridge an excellent spot for artisan groceries and souvenirs. National Trust favourites Cragside and Wallington are nearby. The stunning Northumberland coastline can be reached within an hour, including Alnwick Castle of Harry Potter fame and Craster with its traditional smokehouses. Golfers can reach some of the country's best courses, including Close House, Slaley Hall, Matfen Hall, Tyne Green and Hexham. And Newcastle city centre is half an hour by car, or by bus and train from Hexham.

Getting here and getting around

There is ample private off road parking at the barn and lockable storage if you bring bikes. A local bus service runs from the village, and Hexham station connects you to the line running east to west between Newcastle and Carlisle. Local taxi services are available.

what3words ///lurching.revival.flips

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hadrian's Wall is around one mile from The Barn, with a plethora of walks and cycle routes available directly from the property without having to take the car off the driveway.

  • Acomb village, a fifteen minute walk away, has three traditional pubs. Hexham offers its historic abbey, farmers market, independent shops, cinema, indoor pool and the Queen's Hall theatre, while Corbridge, Blanchland and the Roman sites of Hadrian's Wall are all close by.

  • Yes, the Northumberland coastline, including Alnwick Castle and Craster with its traditional smokehouses, can be reached within about an hour by car, making it an easy day trip before returning to the peace of the countryside.

  • ///lurching.revival.flips