An Hour From Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Historic Village With National Park Access, Tasty Eats, And River Views

The North East of England is often associated with buzzing, metropolitan Newcastle upon Tyne, or with the dozens of castles scattered across Northumberland. However, there is much more to the  "Land of Castles"  than its nickname suggests. Within the region, visitors can find hillside villages, storied monuments, and a sprawling national park that is among the quietest and least visited in the country. Containing a mix of all the elements above, the characterful village of Bellingham is located on the southern edge of Northumberland National Park. It is both a popular point of access to the surrounding natural areas and worth a visit in its own right thanks to its enchanting, walkable riverside, local restaurants, and heaps of history.

Rumored to have been built on the former site of a Roman post, Bellingham has a rich history dotted with peculiar tales. Take the story attached to the "Lang Pack," a stone monument erected in the village cemetery, memorializing an 18th-century burglary gone comically wrong when the thief betrayed his presence to the owners by coughing. The Lang Pack (also spelled "Long Pack") is joined by several historical sites in and around Bellingham, which include the quaint 13th-century St Cuthbert's parish church, and the town's old Iron Foundry, dating back to the height of its industry in the 1800s.

Bellingham is under an hour's drive (34 miles) from Newcastle, making for an ideal day trip destination for those who want to explore rural Northumberland while being based in "the Toon". While Newcastle is the closest urban hub, also serviced by Newcastle International Airport (NCL), travelers can also reach the vibrant and culture-filled "Great Border City" of Carlisle by driving about an hour (44 miles) from Bellingham.

Bellingham is quite remote and uncrowded when compared to the heavily populated North East coast, which gives it unparalleled access to some of the region's best, untouched natural spots. While that's partly due to its location right by the Northumberland National Park, the active options don't end there. Bellingham is also an easy route into the Pennines (and the long-distance hike of the Pennine Way), and is within easy reach of acclaimed spots like the Hareshaw Linn Walk and waterfall. This easy-to-moderate 3-mile trek encompasses a wide variety of scenic points. It crosses woodlands and mossy paths, as well as areas used for iron works and coal mining in the past, where signs of human impact are still visible. After passing a couple of smaller falls, the hike eventually leads up to the dramatic 30-foot-tall waterfall, often considered one of the park's most recognizable natural highlights. Northumberland National Park has an impeccable record when it comes to waterways, and is the national park with the cleanest rivers in the United Kingdom.

For experienced hikers who are keen to explore the hilly side of the National Park, Bellingham is also ideally situated to access the Cheviot Hills, Northumberland's natural border with Scotland. Southeast of Bellingham, hiking enthusiasts can find the Simonside Hills. Celebrated for the spectacular views over woodlands, rivers, and coastline, this range is hugged by a 4.3-mile circular walk characterized by steep ascents, wildflower meadows, moorland, and craggy sandstone paths along the way. You can easily reach the Simonside Hills by driving about 40 minutes (20 miles) from Bellingham to the Simonside car park, where the trailhead is located.

Another of Northumberland's distinctive traits is its unique regional cuisine based on fresh ingredients (like local seafood) and hearty, seasonal classics.  Bellingham's position in the North Tyne's hinterland is reflected in its traditional fare and in the typical countryside pubs likely to form the backdrop to your meal. Head to The Cheviot Hotel to sample local spirits alongside rustic dishes like steak and ale pie, venison pie, and Sunday roast. 

Another spot to try English and Scottish classics is the Black Bull Hotel, whose food offering spans from regional dishes and high tea to family-friendly options. While the Rose & Crown doesn't normally serve food, this traditional countryside pub hosts special "street food" nights on Wednesdays, when it cooks up pizzas, shawarmas, and other international dishes to pair with its ales (no cask), and beers. For more tastiness, head to Alnwick, the charming town known for its storied castle and delectable local eateries just east of Northumberland National Park.

Once you've had a taste of what Bellingham's eateries have to offer, there is plenty to explore within the village itself. You can walk to the holy site of Cuddy's Well (as St Cuthbert's Well is nicknamed), which is renowned for its putative miraculous waters and located in an unassuming, grassy spot just behind St Cuthbert's Church. Not too far, you will find a walking path running parallel to the North Tyne's riverbank, where you can enjoy some of Bellingham's picturesque river views. The path starts from Jubilee Park and heads towards the North Tyne Bridge. These stops are part of the Three Waters Walk, a themed walk uniting the village's heritage with the beauty of its waterways.