Between Newcastle Upon Tyne And Northumberland National Park Is A Hamlet With Shops And Historic Charm

With sweeping views, ancient ruins, and history filled with legends, Northern England offers surprises around every curve of the road. One small community tucked between the bustling cityscape of Newcastle upon Tyne and the dramatic landscape of Northumberland National Park is a destination for travelers who stray from the well-trodden tourist trail in search of delight. In the tiny hamlet of Kirkharle, visitors can spend a day wandering the expansive grounds of a former estate and discover artisan shops and a landscape filled with history. 

Located in the border county of Northumberland, visitors to Kirkharle will find a mix of past and present. Stroll along the recently created lake based on centuries-old designs by one of Britain's most famous landscape architects, Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who was born on the Kirkharle estate in the 1700s. Follow the path up to the old St. Wilfrid church, and take a peek inside to see architecture that is largely unchanged since the building's construction in the 1300s. The former manor house in Kirkharle was mostly demolished in the 1800s — one wing remains and is now the private home of the current landowners. However, many of the 18th-century farm buildings have been restored and are now occupied by modern businesses.  

These days, visitors to Kirkharle are welcomed to Kirkharle Courtyard, a collection of shops and studios established in the historic buildings on the Kirkharle grounds. One of the most popular destinations in the courtyard is The Running Fox, a cafe and bakery that serves coffee, lunch, and tea; its charming meals have become so popular that advanced reservations are required. For visitors without a reservation, refreshments can be found next door at Brown's Lakeside Larder, which offers to-go coffees, gifts, and pressed juice made from apples grown at Kirkharle. 

Local shops at Kirkharle include Number One Kirkharle, featuring items handmade in the area, and Raspberry Leaf Interiors, which has home goods, candles, and upcycled furniture. Ceramics artist Rebecca Ridley and papier-mâché jewelry maker Dianne Fox both have studios and galleries at the Courtyard, as well as artists Peter Phillips and Rebecca Noelle. Visitors can also browse unique, handmade glass art pieces at The Glass Barn Studio. Before leaving for the day, be sure to check out the milk vending machine from a local dairy, which even offers several flavors of milkshakes.

Northumberland County is known for its scenic landscapes, and the grounds at Kirkharle Estate are no exception. The 2,000-acre property has several walking paths that wind around the lake and through the fields. The site is gaining popularity thanks to its weekly Parkrun, a community running event that is extolled by visitors for its playful starting rhymes and beautiful scenery — plus occasional visits by alpacas. Parents and children visiting the grounds will want to check out the family trail and scavenger hunt as well as the play area, which offers a swing, a slide, and a sand pit for plenty of messy fun. 

Kirkharle may feel isolated, but it's just 13 miles from Newcastle International Airport (NCL), making it easy to get to by car. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway from the walkable, eclectic city of Newcastle, or grabbing a bite to eat after visiting the Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens nearby, Kirkharle is both accessible and fun to explore. While it was once a large village, Kirkharle is now a small hamlet that offers little for visitors seeking an overnight stay. For outdoorsy travelers, KMF Camping offers tent sites and a camping hut right on the Kirkharle grounds. Those looking for more creature comforts can head down the road to a vacation rental at Shieldhall, or stay at an inn or bed and breakfast in the riverside market town of Morpeth, about 30 minutes away.