Haltwhistle
Haltwhistle is a traditional market town nestling in the beautiful South Tyne Valley, on the northern edge of the North Pennines. It is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lying in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country and recently shown to be the Centre of Britain.
Despite its Medieval name Haltwhistle has a history going back much earlier when Ancient Britons settled in the surrounding hills. In 2nd century AD the Roman Legions arrived to defend this northern frontier of their empire resulting in the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, 73 miles long from coast to coast and now designated a World Heritage Site.
There has been a recognised market here since King John licensed it in 1207, but it was the Border Reivers that gave the town its turbulent past. During this bloodthirsty, lawless time the buildings of the area were heavily fortified and remains of these can be seen today. Haltwhistle boasts more defensible houses than any other English town.
The coming of the railway in the 1840s opened up the town as a mining and quarrying centre until recent times when it has developed more as a service centre.
More information, please visit:
http://www.haltwhistle.org/tourism/tourism.htm
Walking & the Countryside
Hadrian’s Wall Country offers a wide range of outdoor experiences in a range of landscapes unrivalled anywhere else. From the high crags of the Northumberland National Park, to the forests of Kielder, and the birdsong of our hidden valleys, there is so much to enjoy that it is difficult to know where to start. Why not start by clicking on the map below to reveal a whole series of paths and trails to be enjoyed both on foot and by bike?
The ridge of the Great Whin Sill forms crags and cliffs, which acted as a natural defence in Roman times. Today they provide a vantage point over looking the rolling hills of the Northumberland National Park, and further afield across the Tyne valley to the moors of the North Pennines. Hadrian's Wall Country is steeped in history and will reveal a wealth of things to see, and numerous attractions to visit en route. Castles, gardens, visitor centres and museums all now nestle in the country the Romans left behind, just waiting for your visit.
Less than two miles to the north lie some of the most spectacular stretches of Hadrian's Wall. In the summer Hadrian's Wall Bus Services connect Haltwhistle with the major sites. Other Attractions include Bardon Mill Pottery and Allenheads Heritage Centre.
More information, please visit:
http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org/countryside.asp
Castles, museums and attractions
The Romans left Hadrian’s Wall Country over 1500 years ago, and history did not just stop then. Since that time it has been colourful to say the least, having been invaded by Welsh, Scots, Vikings and others on numerous occasions.
Castles are everywhere, many still family homes, but some open to illustrate this turbulent past. Likewise museums, such as the Border History Museum in Hexham, while others depict the area’s more peaceful and creative guise in more recent times, as the birthplace of railway pioneers such as George Stephenson and artists like Thomas Bewick.
More information, please visit:
List of local Castles: http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org/castles.asp
Bardon Mill Pottery: http://www.erringtonreay.co.uk/company_web/er/index.html
Birdoswald (Roman fort): http://www.birdoswaldromanfort.org.uk/
Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum: http://www.vindolanda.com/
Chesters Roman Fort: 1/2 mile west of Chollerford on B6318 (01434) 681 379.
Housesteads is recognised as the best preserved Roman fort in the country. 2 3/4 miles north east of Bardon Mill on B6318. Tel: (01434) 344363.
Roman Army Museum: Situated next to one the most outstanding sections of Hadrian's Wall. North of B6318 3/4 mile north east of Greenhead near Walltown. Tel: (016977) 47485.
Local towns & villages
The hills and moors which divide the area have helped protect and nurture the towns and villages nestling in their respective valleys, and given each its own character and charm.
Hexham, the centre and main market town for the district, has a beautiful and historic face which contrasts with its modern shopping, arts and leisure facilities. All around are villages: picturesque Corbridge on the banks of the Tyne, Bellingham and Allendale, quaint capitals of their respective valleys, Haltwhistle, gateway to Hadrian's Wall and Blanchland, a hidden gem in its secluded Pennine dale.
More information, please visit: http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org/towns.asp
Leisure & sport
The area is rightly renowned for its fishing, with a huge choice of beautiful venues for the keen angler. The River Tyne is acknowledged as England’s best salmon river, and the Northumberland landscape hides a variety of lakes of all sizes for the trout fisherman.
Some ten golf courses offer a challenge to players of all abilities, from the champions of the European Tour to the casual player who likes a quiet round in the most beautiful countryside.
The area also offers good bird watching and the countryside around Haltwhistle is very special and a haven for wildlife. In spring the plaintive cries of Blackcock can be heard. On the higher moors the evocative sound of golden plovers echo and a high number of breeding birds associated with these habitats are particularly important, being the last stronghold for many species in England.
Haltwhistle & District Angling Association have daily, weekly and season tickets available for visitors, for Trout, Salmon, and Sea trout fishing. There is approximately 10 miles of river set in the picturesque river South Tyne valley, and with visitor tickets starting at £20 for adults this is the perfect activity to relax an unwind.
If the great outdoors are not to your liking, a wealth of indoor facilities are guaranteed to leave you fit, healthy and relaxed. Just click on the side menu to your right to find out more about your chosen activity.
More information, please visit:
General info: http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org/leisure.asp
Haltwhistle Golf Club, 18 Hole, par 69 scenic course which crosses the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall. Licensed bar and catering available. Tel. 01697 747367.
Haltwhistle Leisure Centre Website: http://www.hslc.freeserve.co.uk
Shopping
Shopping in Haltwhistle can be a real pleasure. The town centre has an excellent variety of shops. Whether you’re staying or visiting you’ll find everything you need from food, fashions, furnishings, antiques, crafts, gifts, books, etc
The area also offers both indoor and outdoor markets and car boot sales. Find an event:
http://www.tynedale.gov.uk/residents/findevent.asp?menu=13
Places to eat
Centre of Britain Hotel - Haltwhistle
Coaching inn with 3 international standard restaurants.
Tel. 01434 322422
Website: www.centre-of-britain.org.uk
Truly Scrumptious - Haltwhistle
Family run business, coffee Shop with home-made cakes and pastries.
Tel: 01434 321780
Website: www.truly-scrumptious.co.uk
Milecastle Inn near Haltwhistle
Small cosy, traditional country pub and restaurant with walled beer garden and car park.
Tel:(01434) 321372
Haltwhistle Tandoori - Haltwhistle
Tandoori takeaway specialising in Asian and Indian food. Open every day 5pm - 10pm.
Tel: 01434 321388.
Fort Restaurant - Haltwhistle
Tea rooms with restaurant, food all day.
Tel. 01434 322037
Manor House Hotel - Haltwhistle, NE49 0BS.
Small, friendly hotel two miles from Hadrian's Wall.
Tel. 01434 322588
Milecastle Inn, Military Road, nr. Haltwhistle, NE49 9DE
Small cosy, traditional country pub and restaurant, 500 metres from Hadrian's Wall. Egon Ronay for 11 years. Excellent food and ales. Walled beer garden and car park.
Tel:(01434) 321372
Email: CLAREHIND@aol.com
Website: Milecastle-Inn.co.uk
Don’t forget both Newcastle and Carlisle offer great shopping and are only a short drive or train journey away!
