Locations
Chillingham, Wooler & Chatton
Chillingham
Steeped in Northumberland history, the village of Chillingham provides a picturesque and peaceful base for a country break away from it all. Known as ‘Britain’s most haunted historic castle’, Chillingham Castle is a 13th century, Grade 1 Star-listed stronghold in Northumberland, famed for action and battles. With its fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms, the castle has an extraordinary ownership bloodline which runs back to 1246. You can spend an afternoon strolling around at your own leisure, and if you’re feeling brave, the castle offers pre-booked ghost tours after dark!
Close to the castle grounds, you can also visit the very rare Wild Cattle of Chillingham. Remarkable survivors of the ancient wild cattle that once roamed Britain’s forests, this herd of around 100 cattle are now situated in a beautiful, enclosed park. From the park, there are stunning views of the Cheviots, and the warden can take your around on a fun and informative tour, sharing the history of these fantastic beasts. Keep an eye out for deer, hares, foxes and an array of bird species too.
Chatton
A real ‘chocolate box’ village, Chatton is the perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle and relax in classic countryside style. Nestled between the dramatically beautiful Cheviot Hills and the beautiful Heritage coastline, you really do get the best of both worlds in this pretty village.
Chatton is small but perfectly formed, with a small village shop, art gallery and a very good pub, The Percy Arms. The hub of the village, the pub and restaurant are renowned for good food and great local beers and ales, as well as the odd Northumbrian Gin for the G&T lovers! Newly built in 2023, the village green has a fabulous playpark for the little ones. It’s an easy 5-mile drive to reach the village from the A1. Rolling valleys and views towards the Cheviot hills are the perfect beginning to a memorable stay here.
Chatton is just 2 minutes from the medieval Chillingham Castle and less than 10 minutes away from the country town of Wooler. Bamburgh is just 20 minutes away with its magnificent castle and golden sandy beach. Drive south and you’ll reach Alnwick in less than 25 minutes, which is the very centre of north Northumberland.
If you like action then we would highly recommend you visit Fowberry Moor Farm for clay pigeon shooting and wine tasting. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon in your cottage or a trip to a nearby spa, Beau Monde!
Wooler
Known as ‘the gateway to the Cheviots’, Wooler is the town in the very heart of the north-Northumberland region. Bordering the Northumberland National Park, Wooler is a very popular base for walkers and cyclists, being so close to the Cheviot Hills, as well as being very close to the Scottish borders.
Wooler may be a small town but it has its fair share of quaint cafes, lively pubs and lovely, country shops. A Farmer’s market is held on one Sunday of the month from April to October, with a special Christmas market held at the beginning of December. The Glendale Show is famous throughout the county and is held on the August Bank Holiday Monday each year, as well as the Glendale Music Festival on the 3rd weekend in July.
The surrounding area has you spoiled for choice, with Harthorpe Valley (commonly known as Langleeford), Ingram Valley, and Linhope Spout offering breathtaking walks towards the impressive Cheviot Hills, starting just a couple of miles from Wooler.
Dining out in the Area
Here you will find a selection of great places to eat in Chillingham, Chatton, Wooler and the nearby surrounding areas. As each of these towns/villages are so close to each other, they’re all within easy reach. Some of the pubs and restaurants are within close walking distance of our gorgeous properties.
The Percy Arms, Chatton
This country pub is well-known throughout the area for its gorgeous decor and great food, not to mention the great selection of local ales! Percy Cottage is just next door and The Hayloft is just around the corner.
Tel: 01668 215244
The Percy Arms website
Milan Restaurant, Wooler
Italian style and family-run, the Milan restaurant is set in the small town of Wooler and offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with very good food. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike, so on weekends and in school holidays, booking is essential.
Tel: 01668 283692
The Mulan Restaurant Facebook page
The Milk Bar at Wooler
The Milk Bar serves breakfast, light lunches, drinks, and treats and not to forget their famous Doddington Dairy ice cream, which is made just along the road from their cow’s milk! There is indoor & outside seating available and welcomes locals & visitors to the area. Plus, it’s situated next door to Honeypot House!
Tel: 01668 282357
The Milk Bar website
The Black Bull Inn, Lowick
The Black Bull is located in a pretty village called Lowick, which is just 7 miles North East from Wooler. Open daily, they serve a great selection of breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Tel: 01289 388375
The Black Bull website
The Red Lion at Millfield
Just 5 miles north of Wooler, The Red Lion comes highly recommended as a traditional but homely country pub serving great food. Whether it be an evening meal, a Sunday lunch or just a passing bite to eat, the Red Lion is a great place to stop.
Tel: 01668 216244
The Red Lion website
The Black Bull at Etal
A beautiful, traditional thatched pub serving quality, locally sourced food and drinks. There’s a bar area, restaurant, function room and large outdoor seating area. Don’t miss out on the little train you can ride over to the village of Ford!
Tel: 01890 820200
The Black Bull Facebook page
Grinder’s Coffee Shop
Situated on Wooler’s High Street, Grinders Coffee Shop is the perfect pit stop for a warm cup of coffee and a slice of cake or a hearty home-cooked meal.
Tel: 01668 283762
Grinder’s Coffee Shop Facebook page
No.1 Hotel
Dating back to the late 1600’s, No.1 Hotel offers a fantastic bar and restaurant. From Sunday carvery to tasty flatbreads and even afternoon tea, their menu offers something for all tastes.
Tel: 01668 283089
No. 1 Hotel Facebook page
The Bosk
Situated in the heart of the Breamish Valley, The Bosk is a gorgeous restaurant and wine bar – ideal for a special meal out. Using locally-sourced food, their menu offers a great choice of food, wines and local gins and ales. We recommend booking The Bosk in advance, as it’s very popular.
Tel: 01665 578 263
The Bosk website
The Anchor Inn
The Anchor Inn is situated in the heart of Wooler. Serving hearty meals and a good selection of drinks. Their Sunday dinner is not to be missed! A pub quiz takes place every Thursday and it is popular with both locals and visitors alike.
Tel: 01668 281280
The Anchor Inn website
Things to do/Places to visit
Chatton Trout Fishery
Successfully owned & run by the Brown family, Chatton Trout Fishery offers trout fly fishing across three lakes in a peaceful, relaxing setting taking in the Northumberland country views. Click the name above for their website and click here for the Chatton Trout Fishery Facebook page.
Chillingham Wild Cattle
The Wild Cattle of Chillingham are remarkable survivors of the ancient cattle which once roamed Britain’s forests. Today they live in the beautiful enclosed Park at Chillingham. The Chillingham Wild Cattle Association is a registered charity, founded in 1939 to maintain Chillingham Park and to keep these unique wild cattle safe for future generations. These wild beasts are completely untamed. They have never been touched by human hands; no vet has ever treated one. Our warden will take you close, but not too close, to the cattle and share with you the secrets of their amazing story. Visit the Chillingham Wild Cattle website and Facebook page.
Ford and Etal Estate
Ford and Etal are two villages connected by the estate land from many years ago. These 2 pretty villages have an old-fashioned miniature steam railway you can ride between the two. At Etal, you can take a tour of the Heatherslaw Corn Mill and take home some delicious treats! This is great for children.
At Ford, you must visit The Old Dairy tearoom which is an antique shop and an open kitchen. Our favourites are the cheese scones and artisan gin – an unlikely combination but a good one at that!
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre
If you or your party loves horses and visiting animals, we’d recommend visiting Hay Farm to see their gorgeous horses including the Clydesdale. They have several markets and festivals throughout the year including traditional carriage rides.
They’re a non-profit organisation, with people who love doing what they do! You can find the centre near Heatherslaw, near Ford.
Wooler Golf Club
Head for a round of golf with amazing views at Wooler Golf Club. Situated in Doddington, just outside of Wooler, with a 9-hole 18-tee par 72 course.
Clay Pigeon Shooting and Wine Tasting
Try something different on your break, with a day-out clay pigeon shooting and wine tasting at Fowberry Farm! With both experienced shooters and beginners welcome, you can try out clay pigeon shooting amongst 200 acres of woodland.
Fowberry Farm is also a wine merchant and offers wine tasting too. We recommend a full day of shooting with an expert guide, Lance Strother, the farm’s owner, which includes coffee and ‘elevensies’. You will enjoy elevensies at a beautiful viewpoint which includes a small sample of some local liqueurs. Your next 2 stands of shooting will follow then you will head back to the farm for a local light lunch, followed by wine tasting. If you’re the designated driver, you can take the bottles home to enjoy instead in your cottage.
Click here to read an article about Fowberry Farm, otherwise, contact Lance at 01668 281234 or 07968 349440
Riverside Club, Wooler
For rainy days, pop along to the Riverside Leisure Park in Wooler and enjoy a dip in the pool! Perfect for entertaining the little ones, you’ll also find a play park and amusement arcade on offer.
Ad Gefrin
Nestling at the foot of the Cheviot Hills at the gateway to Wooler, Ad Gefrin sets out to offer the timeless welcome of the 7th Century court of the Northumbrian Kings and Queens that drew people from across the world to share in its hospitality at nearby Yeavering.
Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the re-created Great Hall, follow the lives of the people that would have populated it centuries ago, and explore Anglo-Saxon Northumbria as a place of faith, language, power, creativity and one inspired by nature.
That same landscape that inspired our forebears, today is producing the world-class provenance of what will create Northumberland’s first English Single Malt Whisky – barley grown by local farmers, and pure Cheviot water pumped from a borehole on site. After spending time in the Great Hall and Museum, tours of the Distillery and tastings are firm favourites amongst visitors. The single malt will take a few more years to mature, but there is a blend, called Tácnbora – the standard bearer, already on offer.
For further ‘refreshment’ there is a light and airy Bistro with an outdoor patio celebrating seasonal local produce fresh to the table. The Gift Shop showcases designer makers from Northumbria and more unusual hand-crafted and inspiring items from wider afield, perfect for that special gift or to take a little bit of Northumberland home – and there is always a souvenir bottle!
For more information, tour times and tickets go to adgefrin.co.uk.
Shopping
Florin
Florin provides a beautiful selection of jewellery, quirky cards, art, gifts, accessories and lots more. You’re bound to come home with a beautifully wrapped gift to remember your holiday to Northumberland. You can find this pretty little shop with friendly faces located on the main street in Wooler.
Stephanie Louise Design
Located on the main street in Wooler, Stephanie Louise Design offers a wonderful selection of new & up-cycled furniture, statement wall features, fine bone china, homeware & gifts, alongside a beautiful selection of handmade cushions & lampshades inspired by Stephanie’s love of the countryside. Strathmore features a pretty selection of products from Stephanie Louise Design in The County Bedroom.
The Chocolate Box
The Chocolate Box is every sweet-lover’s heaven! This charming, little shop provides hundreds of traditional sweets, chocolate and gifts – there is so much choice! This sweet shop is a family-run business located on the main street in Wooler.
The Good Life Shop
Located on the main street of Wooler, this delicatessen shop provides a great selection of local produce including Doddington Dairy Farm and Chain Bridge Honey Farm. The Good Life Shop offers a good choice of herbs, spices, treats & more!
Glendale Garden Centre
Glendale Garden Centre is a family-run business which has been operating since 1997. Offering a wide range of gardening products, you can find everything from plants to garden furniture and a host of other gardening goods. Plus, you can even pick up a gift or something from your pet while you’re there!
Co-op
You will find a well-stocked Co-op, located in Wooler marketplace. The well-known supermarket chain offers everything from groceries to household goods.
Events
The Glendale Show
The Glendale Show is famous across the county and attracts thousands of visitors each year and isn’t to be missed! This huge country show takes place on August Bank Holiday Monday annually and grows bigger each year. Here you’ll find a range of attractions for all ages including fun fairs rides, daredevil stuntmen on either horses or motorbikes taking to the main ring, marquees filled with arts, crafts and local produce, a dog show where you can enter your own pooch in various different categories and so much more. A car park is available but if you’d prefer to enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the bars, there is a shuttle bus to the show from Wooler which runs frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance.
The Glendale Music Festival
The Glendale Music Festival takes place annually in July which is when the local community all come together to put on a music festival for locals and visitors to enjoy. This festival sees the main street and bus station in Wooler close for the day with live singers and bands performing on a stage throughout the day running into the evening. You’ll also find stalls scattered along the street where you can buy local produce including arts, crafts, food, drink etc. Activities for children are adults are also available throughout the day.
Wooler Farmer’s Market
Wooler Farmer’s Market is held once a month, usually on a Sunday. Pop along to discover locally produced goods and foods from within a fifty-mile radius – getting a true taste of Northumbria during your holiday. Afterwards, check out pubs, shops and cafes that are open offering you a warm welcome.