Idyllic Northumbrian Villages
Some of the oldest villages in the country are dotted across this region's sparsely populated landscapes. We explore a selection of Northumberland's most picturesque villages, revealing their distinctive charm and unique histories.
Bamburgh
A beguilingly beautiful village in the shadow of undoubtedly one of England’s finest coastal fortresses, the quaint village of Bamburgh is characterised by its historic castle, vast stretches of golden sand beach and rows of beautiful stone-fronted cottages. For over 1400 years, a castle at Bamburgh has stood guard over the Northumberland coastline and now covers nine acres atop a high rocky plateau. The stronghold's earliest recorded history dates from AD547 when Northumbria was the largest and most powerful of the seven kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. Drawn by its mighty escarpment towering 150ft above the North Sea, the sixth century kings of Northumbria selected Bamburgh to be their royal capital.
Today the magnificent castle provides an impressive backdrop to the charming village below. Most of Bamburgh’s amenities can be found on Front Street, a picturesque run of 18th‑century stone cottages, housing an array of gift shops, eateries, cafes, and holiday accommodation. The beauty of Bamburgh makes it justifiably popular with visitors and in the summer months the village can feel like a bustling town. If you are wanting to escape the throb of sightseers in the centre, I recommend taking a walk down The Wynding ‑ a quiet lane heading north out of the village. This peaceful route offers some of the most dramatic views of the Castle and 3‑mile stretch of golden sands to the South.
Ford
Away in Northumberland’s borderlands, far removed from other famous Northumberland landmarks, it is no surprise the model village of Ford often evades even the most inquisitive traveller’s radar.
On inheriting Ford Estate after the death of her husband in 1859, Louisa Anne, The Marchioness of Waterford set about transforming Ford from a group of hovels into a well-ordered estate village. She commissioned newly built cottages for all her tenants and a village school that served its intended purpose until 1956. At its peak, Ford School had as many as 134 children in attendance. Today the old schoolhouse acts as the village hall and displays Lady Waterford’s remarkable watercolour murals that took 21 years to complete. On the outskirts of the village are Ford’s two oldest buildings, Ford Castle and the Church of St Michael and all Angels. Parts of each date back as far as the 12th century. A visit to Ford is incomplete without a visit to Horseshoe Forge, an attractive stone cottage with a striking horseshoe shaped door. Once the building served as a blacksmiths forge, now it houses an intriguing assortment of curios, antiques, and quirky objects. With a welcoming owner, an outdoor plant stall and endless photo opportunities, it is truly a wonderful place to pass an hour or two.
Walking down Ford’s immaculate main street, past the village shop, looking towards the impressive Waterford Fountain, it is evident that Louisa Anne has accomplished much in her endeavour to turn Ford into a quintessential picture of rural peace.
Blanchland
Seemingly unchanged for hundreds of years, the enchanting village of Blanchland is perhaps more historically picturesque than any other in the region. Surrounded by rugged fells and sweeping moorland, the village straddles the Northumberland and Durham border in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A visit to this medieval settlement is like stepping back into a time that once was. Fascinatingly, the village owes its name to the white-robed French monks who established an abbey here in 1165. ‘Blanche’ being French for white suggests the origins of the name.
Lying at the heart of Blanchland is one of the oldest hostelries in the country, The Lord Crewe Arms. It is within these walls that Jacobite Rebellion leader, General Thomas Foster, hid behind the inn’s great fireplace in 1715 to evade capture. To this day, the hotel is allegedly haunted by the ghost of his sister, Dorothy Foster. Picture stone wall interiors, rustic wooden beams, flickering candles and a roaring open fire. Take time to discover Blanchland’s absorbing history, wander the sleepy streets, explore the wooded banks of the River Derwent and enjoy a warm brew and cake at The White Monk Tearoom.
