EXPLORE
If you can tear yourself away from the views from Hepple Hill’s windows, there is plenty to explore in the village and further afield.
A short walk into Edmundbyers will bring you to St Edmund’s Church. St Edmund’s is a Norman Church set on the western edge of the village where the road leads up to the moors.
The churchyard is unusual in that it boasts a ha-ha, while the church itself has a stone altar slab which lay hidden for 300 years after the Reformation until it was restored to its present site in 1855.
The village pub, The Derwent Arms does good food (check opening times in the winter months). The characterful ‘The Baa’ in the village Youth Hostel building is open in the evening and does pizzas.
Staying on foot there are many walks close to the house. The Way of Light is behind Hepple Hill and the Pow Hill Country Park is a short walk away and will take you down to Derwent Reservoir.
The closest ‘must see’ destination is the beautiful village of Blanchland with its distinctive cottages and historic pub. We’ve timed it at 8 minutes in the car – turn left out of the cottage.
For a full day out Hepple Hill Cottage is perfectly placed to discover the numerous attractions of the North Pennines AONB and Northumberland’s Tyne Valley. Whether that is a trip to the Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Durham’s best kept secret – Weardale – or taking photos of the most spectacular waterfall in England – High Force in Teesdale.
The historic market towns of Corbridge and Hexham, in the Tyne Valley, are a short drive away and the wonders of Hadrian’s Wall are in easy reach.
Read our suggestions below for day trip or local excursion ideas.
blanchland
Blanchland has to be the prettiest village in the North of England. Home to one of the oldest hostelries in the country – The Lord Crewe Arms – it is full of history and charm. Turn left from the cottage and you will be there in under 10 minutes.
derwent arms
The Derwent Arms is only a couple of minutes walk from the cottage. It serves great food – I can personally recommend the Sunday lunch – has a roaring log fire and a warm welcome.
the baa
The Baa in Edmundbyres has a large beer garden for alfresco drinks in the summer months and a cosy bar complete with cobbled stone floor for the colder months. Serving real ales, the Baa is very much the local village hub. On Friday evenings, bar snacks are served for free. Run by a farming family from the village, The Baa is popular with both locals and visitors. It is a short walk from the cottage.
DERWENT RESERVOIR
STANHOPE
Stanhope is at the heart of Weardale and is the gateway to the Upper Dale. This small market town is only a ten minute drive from Hepple Hill Cottage. Stanhope has plenty of amenities and is an ideal place for picking up groceries as well as having a look around. There is a Coop, butchers, bakers, greengrocers, Post Office, gift shops, a couple of cafes and three pubs. Tourist information is available at the Dales Centre – a pleasant development with independent shops and a café – on the edge of this small market town. Stanhope’s church St Thomas the Apostle dates back to the 1200s and is remarkable for having a large fossilised tree trunk in its graveyard which was discovered in Edmundbyres in 1915.
Corbridge
Corbridge is very attractive town on the River Tyne and only 20 minutes away from the cottage. Originally a Roman town, Corbridge is known for its large number of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Corbridge Roman Town and Museum (English Heritage) is on the outskirts of the town.
HADRIANS WALL
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most important monuments built by the Romans in Britain. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, it was built to defend the wild outreaches of the Roman Empire. Many stretches of the wall are easily accessible from Hepple Hill Cottage. Placing your hand on the stones put in place by a Roman solider nearly two thousand years ago is a memorable experience.
HEXHAM
Hexham is an attractive historic market town and only a 25 minute drive from the cottage. There are plenty of supermarkets, independent shops and a weekly market (Tuesday). A popular Farmers’ Market is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday in the month. Hexham Abbey dates back to AD 674 and celebrates its 1350 birthday this year. Hexham Old Gaol housed prisoners in the 1300s. It has a museum where you can learn about the history of the border reivers – open to the public at the end of March.
Housesteads
Housesteads Roman Fort is situated on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. The remains of the fort give you a real insight into what life was like for the Roman soldiers who lived there – even the communal toilets survive! There is an interactive museum on site open all year round and during holidays there are guided tours from the volunteer guides.
ALNWICK CASTLE
Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover and is home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family. The castle has been used as a set for numerous films including the Harry Potter series and is famous for its fabulous garden and treehouse restaurant. The gardens open in February.
HOLY ISLAND
Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a stunning tidal island off Northumberland’s coast. It was one of the most important centres of early Christianity. Visitors need to check the tidal crossing times to visit the priory and castle.
BAMBURGH CASTLE
There have been fortifications at the site of Bamburgh Castle for thousands of years. The castle we see today has stood guard above the Northumberland coast since the 11th century. Privately owned by the Armstrong family, there is a lot to do and see in the castle as well as enjoying the amazing beach it sits above.
DURHAM CITY
‘If you have never been to Durham before, go there at once. Take my car, it’s wonderful,’ wrote American writer Bill Bryson. From Hepple Hill the car journey to Durham is about 35 minutes. Durham is a truly beautiful city, where the famous Castle and Cathedral – together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – dominate the skyline. The cathedral is breathtaking and its setting high above the River Wear is just perfect.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE
Barnard Castle
The journey to Barnard Castle from Hepple Hill takes you over two fells. The landscape is remarkable. I can remember the first time I travelled over Stanhope Fell and thinking I was on a different planet! After a scenic 40 minute drive, you will arrive at the capital of Teesdale – Barnard Castle. Here you will find the ruins of a 12th century castle, river and woodland walks, the world famous Bowes Museum and several opticians should you need one.
get in touch
If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.