Just an hour’s drive from Newcastle, you’ll find yourself in the enchanting village of Blanchland, built entirely from historic stone.
Nestled beneath a “woodland cloak in a fairytale setting,” as Visit Northumberland describes it, Blanchland is a picture-perfect village on the edge of County Durham, in Northumberland, considered one of the Northeast’s most stunning locations.
The village itself was constructed using stones from the 1165 Blanchland Abbey, and its rich historyresonates through the walls of its buildings. These structures line the cobbled streets, housing traditional cafes, bakeries, and shops, with no trace of modern intrusion.
Blanchland is encircled by fells, offering awe-inspiring views due to its close proximity to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, what attracts many visitors is its historic abbey, founded by Walter de Bolbec and once visited by the illustrious Edward III.
A TripAdvisor review reads: “It’s right in the centre of the medieval village of Blanchland; no entry costs, just go in and peruse at your leisure. It really is a lovely old abbey; nearby tea rooms and gift shops make it well worth a visit.”
Another visitor described the location as a “simply lovely” destination. They said: “Whenever we are in the area, we love to drive to Blanchland to stroll in the attractive stone village and look at this lovely church. The church was once part of a much bigger abbey, and it is perhaps worth considering the general history.”
Despite having just 135 inhabitants according to the 2011 census, the settlement attracts tourists from across the country, eager to soak up its distinctive character. Many head straight to the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, amongst the nation’s most historic inns, with origins stretching back to the 12th century.
The establishment boasts classic features including exposed timber beams, stonework and crackling fireplaces. One recent guest said: “After a few days touring round Northumberland we saved the best hotel till last, and it did not disappoint.”
A fellow visitor added: “We just loved everything about this hotel. The fabulous location, the glorious building, the gorgeous room, the lovely bar, the friendly and helpful staff – brilliant.”
Given its picturesque countryside position, Blanchland offers several well-loved rambling trails that provide an excellent opportunity to discover the surroundings and take in the sweeping moorland.
A more manageable option is the Blanchland and Shildon circuit, measuring approximately 5.6 km, whilst an 8 km route connects Blanchland to Edmundbyers, featuring diverse landscapes and spectacular North Pennines vistas.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
