News Archives - Stay on the Hill https://stayonthehill.co.uk/category/news/ STUNNING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF NORTHUMBERLAND Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:13:43 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND FOR FAMILIES https://stayonthehill.co.uk/things-to-do-in-northumberland-for-families/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:05:03 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2620 FAMILY THINGS TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND A family holiday with Stay On The Hill means there are plenty of opportunities for adventure! From the doorstep of your cottage, you can explore the beautiful Northumberland countryside, including a lovely walk to the River Tyne. Hadrian’s Wall and the market towns of Hexham and Corbridge are only […]

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Children playing with shells among rock pools

FAMILY THINGS TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND

A family holiday with Stay On The Hill means there are plenty of opportunities for adventure! From the doorstep of your cottage, you can explore the beautiful Northumberland countryside, including a lovely walk to the River Tyne. Hadrian’s Wall and the market towns of Hexham and Corbridge are only a short drive away. You also have easy access to a whole host of exciting activities and days out.

Whether you want to visit one of the historic castles, take a picnic to one of the stunning beaches and explore the rock pools, discover your wild side in the many woods, waterfalls and hills or challenge yourself at coasteering, there is something to do for all of the family.

And don’t let rain stop play. There are plenty of indoor activities to discover, or just grab your wellies and a raincoat and embrace the north-east weather!

Here is a list of some family fun we think you might like:

  1. Have an animal encounter at Northumberland College Zoo (Kirkley Hall), and see meerkats, lemurs, snakes, tree frogs, armadillos and many more species. Become a zoo keeper and have an up-close experience, or walk around Kirkley Hall gardens and the surrounding woodland.
  2. Step back in time to see jousting, roman soldiers, falconry displays and medieval knights at the many English Heritage sites across the region, including Chesters Roman Fort, Belsay Hall, Warkworth Castle and Lindisfarne Priory. Visit historical houses, beautiful gardens and get close to nature at some of the National Trust sites, including Wallington, Hadrian’s Wall & Housesteads Fort, Cragside and Allan Banks & Steward Grange.
  3. For something a bit different and exhilarating, try coasteering. This is a mixture of swimming, rock pooling, cliff jumping and caving and is an ideal activity for adults, children, families and groups of friends.  For coasteering and other adventure water activities, check out KA Adventure Sports.
  4. For young astronomers, book a Space Kids Event at Kielder Observatory. “These events are great fun for all the family, lots of hands on activities and even the adults come away having learnt a thing or two about our universe.” In Northumberland, we’re fortunate to have very low levels of light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country to go stargazing.
  5. Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands or Coquet Island, where you will see many species of seabird including puffins, seal colonies and if you’re lucky, a dolphin or two along the way. There are a number of companies that operate tours out of the harbour at Seahouses.

For more inspiration, check out the following links for the latest activities and days out:

 

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WALKING ST OSWALD’S WAY https://stayonthehill.co.uk/walking-st-oswalds-way/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:03:47 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2512 WALKING ST OSWALD’S WAY St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance walking route, exploring some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history of Northumberland. The route links some of the places associated with St. Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people. From Holy Island […]

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Emma and friends walking St Oswalds Way Northumberland

WALKING ST OSWALD'S WAY

St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance walking route, exploring some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history of Northumberland. The route links some of the places associated with St. Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people.

From Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in the north, St. Oswald’s Way follows the stunning Northumberland coast, before heading inland across beautiful countryside to Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall in the south.

Emma, who is one half of Stay On The Hill, recently set out on this fabulous route…

“A couple of friends and I decided to walk St Oswald’s Way earlier this year. We wanted to explore parts of our own county that we often miss by driving straight past. We decided to tackle the 97-mile route by starting in Hexham and finishing on Holy Island. It is possible to walk it all in 5-7 days, but we chose to take one day per week off work and taxied ourselves to and from the start of each section.

We battled some adverse weather conditions and muddy swamps one week, and then the following week, we were basking in sunshine, enjoying a cheeky shandy pitstop looking out across the North Sea

The contrast of scenery has been incredible – rustic, rural farmland; quaint, sleepy villages; ambling river paths; vast forests; wild moorland; tourist hot spots; dunes and impressive coastal castles. I have thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore more of our amazing region. We are now in discussion about what to do next – maybe Kielder to the Lake district!”

For more information about walking St Oswald’s Way, click here

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FISHING ON THE TYNE https://stayonthehill.co.uk/fishing-on-the-tyne/ Thu, 04 May 2023 07:43:24 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2261 Fishing on the Tyne The Tyne River provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of fish and is now considered to be the best river system for Salmon and Trout in England and Wales, challenging some of the more famous Scottish rivers. The North Tyne runs from the Scottish borders and the South Tyne runs […]

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Fishing on the Tyne

The Tyne River provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of fish and is now considered to be the best river system for Salmon and Trout in England and Wales, challenging some of the more famous Scottish rivers.

The North Tyne runs from the Scottish borders and the South Tyne runs from the North Pennines, both meeting to form the River Tyne at Warden, just outside Hexham. This is known as Watersmeet. 

With springtime salmon numbers on the increase and more availability on the calendar, April and May are great months to get in some Spring fishing. Along with being more affordable, it is hugely rewarding and a stunning time of year to be down by the river. 

There are still some rods available in these early months, so head to Warden Fishing https://www.wardenfishing.co.uk/and book yourself a rod and even a meet-and-greet. Ghillies can show you the beats and explain the pools. Warden Fishing has helped several rods to catch their first salmon over the last 3 years.  

How about making a night of it and staying over at Stay on the hill. The Coach House is just under a mile from the river, while the Laverick and Bothy are around 2 miles. Please check out our availability on our booking calendar.

 

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DOG-FRIENDLY GETAWAYS NORTHUMBERLAND https://stayonthehill.co.uk/dog-friendly-cottages-northumberland/ Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:40:45 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2162 Dog-Friendly Getaways We are delighted to welcome and accommodate well-behaved dogs to our two self-catering cottages. Trying to find suitable accommodation that allows dogs can sometimes be problematic. However, as dog owners, we understand the importance of including your pets as part of the holiday/staycation experience and alleviating the stress of leaving them at home. […]

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Dog-Friendly Getaways

We are delighted to welcome and accommodate well-behaved dogs to our two self-catering cottages. Trying to find suitable accommodation that allows dogs can sometimes be problematic. However, as dog owners, we understand the importance of including your pets as part of the holiday/staycation experience and alleviating the stress of leaving them at home.

The Laverick & The Bothy are both perfectly situated for you to enjoy the wonderful Northumberland countryside. There are numerous public footpaths and walks right from the doorstep for you and your dogs to enjoy. 

There are several country parks in the area and nearby you will find the Roman Wall and Northumberland National Park, home to some of the cleanest air in the UK, where you can sniff out new adventures. In the nearby towns of Hexham and Corbridge, many of the shops, cafes and pubs are dog-friendly. Further afield, your four-legged friends will find sandy beaches to explore, historic castles to visit and an abundance of scenic walks to try along the way. 

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NORTHUMBERLAND – ONE OF THE UK’S MOST ROMANTIC GETAWAYS https://stayonthehill.co.uk/northumberland-one-of-the-uks-most-romantic-getaways/ Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:36:05 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2043 “This English County is so far north, it’s often overlooked. All the better for those who do make it here, who achieve the smugness of exploring heart-stoppingly beautiful landscapes without the crowds. Of course, everyone knows Hadrian’s Wall and Bamburgh, but Northumberland has still retained its raw beauty and old-school appeal.”  Condé Nast Traveller has named […]

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“This English County is so far north, it’s often overlooked. All the better for those who do make it here, who achieve the smugness of exploring heart-stoppingly beautiful landscapes without the crowds. Of course, everyone knows Hadrian’s Wall and Bamburgh, but Northumberland has still retained its raw beauty and old-school appeal.” 

Condé Nast Traveller has named #Northumberland as one of the UK’s most romantic getaways and we couldn’t agree more.  

Northumberland is a land of big adventures. Whether you are passing through on your travels or planning a LONGER visit. We have everything from romantic ruins to deserted beaches, cobbled towns to the finest restaurants.  

Here at Stay On The Hill, we offer a number of luxury accommodation options for your romantic getaway. Choose from The Bothy, a fabulous and cosy cottage nestled on a hill in the tranquil countryside with sweeping views of the valley, or one of our four, individually-styled guest rooms at The Coach House. 

Click here to read the full article on the UK’s most romantic getaways in Condé Nast Traveller. 

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JANUARY IS THE MONTH TO SET NEW GOALS! https://stayonthehill.co.uk/january-is-the-month-to-set-new-goals/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:23:50 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2027 January is the month to set new goals! Our goal for 2023 is to be more eco-friendly. So far, the Coach House has recently had an upgrade to a Biomass heating system, backed up by solar panels. We have also fitted bespoke double-glazed, wood sash windows in the bedrooms and bathrooms.  We are on a mission to use fewer single-use […]

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January is the month to set new goals!

Our goal for 2023 is to be more eco-friendly. So far, the Coach House has recently had an upgrade to a Biomass heating system, backed up by solar panels. We have also fitted bespoke double-glazed, wood sash windows in the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

We are on a mission to use fewer single-use plastics, so far we are focusing on using refillable products where possible, products such as tea, coffee, sugar, hand wash, shower gel and cleaning products. Recycling is high on our priority list.

Improved roof insulation and updated carpets with good quality thick underlay has all helped to improve the heat loss in this old Victorian property. It is not always straightforward when working in the confines of an old property, but we are adamant to do our bit for the environment.

As a company, we are also entirely paperless and will keep looking at ways to improve our carbon footprint. Sourcing locally is our next focus, so keep tuned in for updates and who we are teaming up with nearby.

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WINTER WALKS https://stayonthehill.co.uk/winter-walks/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:44:54 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=2012 WINTER WALKS January is a great time to reflect on the past year, making new plans and goals for the year ahead, so wrap up warm and head out into the fresh air. Walking with friends & family or a man’s best friend is a sure way to improve your mood and lift the winter […]

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WINTER WALKS

January is a great time to reflect on the past year, making new plans and goals for the year ahead, so wrap up warm and head out into the fresh air. Walking with friends & family or a man’s best friend is a sure way to improve your mood and lift the winter blues. Did you know that spending 20 minutes a day in nature can help relieve stress…?

Northumberland has some of the best walks in the UK. So, if you are looking for a serious hill hike, an amble across the scenic countryside or a breezy beach stroll, we have it all….

Along with stunning views and scenery, Northumberland is also steeped in history. There are several National Trust properties with extensive gardens (also worth a visit in the winter months) and excellent walks, all within in an easy drive from Stay on The Hill. Our closest is Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, at this time of year, it is a quiet serene place, ideal for getting lost in your own thoughts while being immersed in nature.

Here’s a photo of our friends Snap and Soda, enjoying playing in the snow after a long walk along Bamburgh beach and Budle Bay. Honestly, there is no place like Northumberland, no matter the weather.

 

 

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HIBERNATE IN NORTHUMBERLAND THIS WINTER https://stayonthehill.co.uk/hibernate-in-northumberland-this-winter/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:41:34 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=1997 HIBERNATE IN NORTHUMBERLAND THIS WINTER Christmas jumpers and woolly hats at the ready, imagine this for a perfect pre-Christmas evening in Northumberland: Fairy lights twinkle along the cobbled streets at the fabulous local Christmas Market of Corbridge or Hexham while sipping on a warm mulled spiced wine and watching the world, followed by heading back to your own rural retreat cottage […]

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HIBERNATE IN NORTHUMBERLAND THIS WINTER

Christmas jumpers and woolly hats at the ready, imagine this for a perfect pre-Christmas evening in Northumberland:

Fairy lights twinkle along the cobbled streets at the fabulous local Christmas Market of Corbridge or Hexham while sipping on a warm mulled spiced wine and watching the world, followed by heading back to your own rural retreat cottage to escape the cold, by warming your toes and roasting marshmallows on an open log fire.

Frosty walks, food festivals and festive events are just a few things you can enjoy this winter in Northumberland. As the darker nights set in, enjoy a night of stargazing at one of our discovery sites: Kielder Observatory, naming one which is the largest gold-tier dark sky park in Europe, thanks to minimal light pollution.

As there is SNOW place like Northumberland in wintertime.

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THE ‘LAST HIDDEN KINGDOM’ – NORTHUMBERLAND https://stayonthehill.co.uk/the-last-hidden-kingdom-northumberland/ Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:46:50 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=1981 THE ‘LAST HIDDEN KINGDOM’ – NORTHUMBERLAND Northumberland is England’s northernmost county on the England-Scotland border. The area is famous for its old castles, small villages, and peaceful rural living.   The landscape is ancient, including remains from the Stone Age, 7000 years ago at the Hadrian’s Roman Wall. As well as many medieval buildings that show the […]

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THE 'LAST HIDDEN KINGDOM' - NORTHUMBERLAND

Northumberland is England’s northernmost county on the England-Scotland border. The area is famous for its old castles, small villages, and peaceful rural living. 

 The landscape is ancient, including remains from the Stone Age, 7000 years ago at the Hadrian’s Roman Wall. As well as many medieval buildings that show the importance of this border country’s history. In fact, Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. 

 So, if you’re planning a #staycation in Scotland, maybe stop off and take a mini break in Northumberland for a night or two to break up the journey. Take in the stunning views, and historical landmarks and enjoyed unlimited experiences.  

 Here at Stay on the Hill, we are situated where the North and South Tyne Rivers meet, a stone’s throw away from the iconic Hadrian’s wall and only a short journey from Newcastle city if you want to explore the city of the North.  

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AUTUMN ADVENTURES https://stayonthehill.co.uk/autumn-adventures/ Mon, 19 Sep 2022 11:40:22 +0000 https://stayonthehill.co.uk/?p=1964 AUTUMN ADVENTURES It’s that time of year again when the beautiful colours of autumn are setting in, log fires are burning, the air is crisp, and the conkers are dropping.  Harvest, Guy Fawkes’ Bonfire Night, and Halloween are just around the corner, something to look forward to when the dark nights set in.    If you’re […]

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AUTUMN ADVENTURES

It’s that time of year again when the beautiful colours of autumn are setting in, log fires are burning, the air is crisp, and the conkers are dropping. 

Harvest, Guy Fawkes’ Bonfire Night, and Halloween are just around the corner, something to look forward to when the dark nights set in.   

If you’re staying with us, then why not pop down to @brockbushes – 15 minutes down the road you can go pumpkin picking – be quick as they sell out pretty quick.  

 https://www.brocksbushes.co.uk/2022/07/13/pick-your-own-pumpkins-2022/

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