Visitor Attractions

Set in an enviable position within Northumberland, on the edge of both Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park, yet within an hour of Newcastle city, you will find an activity or pursuit whatever you tastes. However if your tastes are for the outdoors, heritage and a slightly more sedate pace you will be in Nirvana!

A short run from the Scotland/England border, Bellingham has on its doorstep a wealth of healthy facilities- from lake to river to stream, field to fell to crag (Not forgetting Hadrians Wall and the Pennine Way), moorland, woodland and forest.

Whether you want a small launch or Kayak, a pair of boots to walk the valley or a mountain bike to blast up the hillside; or whether your pursuits are more traditional.

All these sports integrate seamlessly with the natural and man made heritage of our valley- the engineering feat of Kielder Dam to the rustic charms of Black Middens Bastle House- a remnant from the areas bloody Reiver past, amongst many, many delightful and thought provoking structures that make Northumberland unique and breathtaking.

Sightseeing

Living in the valley, we know all about the sights to see and the places you'll want to visit: From Kielder Castle at the top of Kielder Water, Black Middens Bastle and of course Kielder Water itself with days worth of visitor centres around the shore line, to the wealth of National Trust and English Heritage properties on our Doorstep: Wallington Hall has some of the finest Pre-Raphelite frescos you will find anywhere in the UK, a little further is Cragside, the first place to be be powered by hydroelectricity.

Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey and it's little-seen crypt is open daily and plays host to it's own Festival in early autumn.

Bellingham Visitor Centre

Nearer home, Bellingham itself has a fabulous Visitor Centre with permanent exhibitions and enough ideas to keep even the most demanding visitor satisfied.

Hareshaw Linn Walk & Waterfall

The picturesque Victorian favourite, Hareshaw Linn walk was voted the 8th most beautiful walk throughout the UK in the Daily Telegraph

The Pennine Way

From Bellingham, public footpaths, bridleways and byways lead in all directions- take in a section of the Pennine Way, a stroll onto higher ground to enjoy the view or travel a little further to enjoy a days walking among the heather and unspoilt moorland.

Hairshaw Linn
Hairshaw Linn Waterfall ©Neil Denham

Outdoor Activities

Whether your sport is fishing, shooting, hiking, cycling, climbing, golf or any of mix of the huge range of outdoor pursuits pursued, in Bellingham you'll never be short of things to do. The North Tyne is one of the best salmon and trout fly fishing rivers this side of the border and keen shooters will find something at one of the regular shoots held throughout the area.

It should go without saying that the hiking in Northumberland's rolling landscape is hugely satisfying, and with all the hard work of Kielder Trail Reavers, we are also within a short drive of one of the top MTB courses, with regular events being held- including international trials.

Climbing

Climbers too will be spoilt for choice on the finest sandstone the UK has to offer- from Bowden in the north to Crag Lough in the south, we have crags at all grades. The Pennine Way passes through the town, making it an ideal base to explore north and south, or east and west for that matter.

Bellingham Golf Course

Other, less exuberant, activities for sightseeing are also available; for a more relaxed day, try Bellingham's own Par 70 golf course, Hexham's riverside course with it's listed Georgian club house, and not forgetting of course Slaley Hall!