Meadowside Cottage

04/09/2026

Free entry to The Bowes Museum on Sat 12th Sept and Sun 13th Sept as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days 💚

Enjoy a fantastic free day out with family and friends at The Bowes Museum and celebrate England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days. There are exhibitions to discover, 22 galleries and a large parkland to explore.

30/08/2026

A breath of fresh air…
The pink heather around Allenheads is still pretty as a picture 🩷

19/08/2026

A little North Pennines weather didn’t stop us!

We set off from Rookhope at 10am and, almost perfectly on cue, the forecasted shower arrived at 11. But once it had passed, we were rewarded with a lovely day for exploring.

The route took us past Heights Quarry and on to the new interpretation boards at Middlehope Shield, with sections of both the Weardale Way and Roof of England Walk along the way.

Another great day out from the cottage — and a reminder that a shower or two can’t always be trusted to spoil a good walk!

02/08/2026

One of those lovely unexpected moments that make a day out in the North Pennines so special. 🚜

We were enjoying our cycle ride to Whitfield and back through nearby Carrshield and Ninebanks when we came across today’s tractor run. Sunshine, quiet lanes, stunning views and a wonderful display of vintage tractors – a real taste of rural life.

The tractors are due back at Jill’s Catering in Catton at around 3pm today if you’re nearby.

29/07/2026

Dramatic skies were the backdrop for much of today’s walk, but appearances were deceiving. It was warm, with just enough of a breeze to make it perfect for being outdoors.

Today’s Wednesday walk took us on a circular route from Haydon Bridge towards Hadrian’s Wall, but it was the countryside that stole the show. The wheat fields were simply beautiful – the higher fields already a rich golden colour, while those below still shimmered with hints of green. Such a lovely reminder of how quickly the landscape changes through the summer.

Even if a 12-mile walk isn’t for you, these are the views that make a drive through Northumberland, or a gentle stroll from one of the many nearby villages, so rewarding. Every visit offers something different..

22/07/2026

A glorious day to explore the Tyne Valley. ☀️🌳

Our Wednesday walk was the Three Woods Walk from Corbridge – around 12 miles for us, but you certainly don’t need to walk that far to enjoy this beautiful corner of Northumberland.

There’s free all-day parking beside the river, and it’s just a short stroll over the bridge into the charming village of Corbridge, with its independent shops, cafés and riverside setting. If you prefer something gentler, the riverside path is perfect for a peaceful wander, watching the river drift by and saying hello to the many friendly dog walkers out enjoying the sunshine.

The woodland offered welcome shade on another warm summer’s day, while the surrounding fields have taken on that beautiful golden hue of a hot summer. Dark clouds gathered as we returned to Corbridge, bringing just a few teasing spots of rain before the sunshine won through once again.

Corbridge makes a wonderful day out whether you’re walking a few miles or simply soaking up the scenery.

21/07/2026

The South Tynedale Railway is offering a special pensioners’ rate, making it an even better excuse to enjoy one of England’s most scenic heritage railway journeys.

Our recent guests loved it so much they stayed on the train for all three return journeys! They said it was such a relaxing way to take in the beautiful scenery, with time to enjoy refreshments at both Alston and Slaggyford along the way.

If you’re staying with us, this makes for a wonderfully easy day out with no walking required—just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride through the South Tyne Valley.

Trains running Today 🚂🚂

16/07/2026

The kind of dinner you’ll still be talking about after your holiday 💚

The kind of dinner you'll still be talking about tomorrow..

French Inspired, locally-loved… Bouchon Bistrot 🇫🇷

Located on Gilesgate, Hexham
Open Tuesday to Saturday
www.bouchonbistrot.co.uk

16/07/2026

🏏 County Cricket in Allendale 🏏

This one immediately made us think of a previous guest who travelled all the way to Chester-le-Street to watch Durham play. We know they would have loved this!

On Friday, Durham take on Northumberland in a showcase match at Allendale Cricket Club . A fantastic opportunity to enjoy county cricket right here in the Allen Valleys.

15/07/2026

A day of two halves… 💚

Our Wednesday walk started from the South Tyne Trail car park with an unexpectedly chilly start and low cloud hanging over the valley.

The first section follows the South Tyne Trail, a gentle level route that makes for an easy and enjoyable walk. After around two miles we reached Lambley Viaduct, an impressive Victorian railway bridge stretching 264 metres across the valley and standing 32 metres above the River South Tyne.

As the cloud began to lift, the views opened up across the surrounding woodland and countryside. The cooler morning temperatures were perfect for the more exposed moorland sections of our route before the sunshine returned in time for lunch.

We found a beautiful spot overlooking the River South Tyne at Eals and enjoyed a leisurely break while watching the river flow below. The return journey took us through peaceful woodland, passing reminders of the area’s industrial past, including the remains of an old colliery.

One of the things we love most about walking in this part of Northumberland is the variety. Rivers, woodland, open moorland and remarkable pieces of local history, all in a single day and often with very few people around.