A green and pleasant land

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A green and pleasant land

Overview

Journey Times:

  • Belsay Hall and Gardens to Kirkharle 15 mins
  • Kirkharle Courtyard to Wallington House 10 mins
  • Wallington House to Herterton House Gardens 15 mins
  • Herterton House Gardens to Belsay village 45 mins

Arrive: Belsay Hall and Gardens (Belsay village)

Here’s why: Belsay is the perfect place to discover how architecture and garden design developed across several centuries. The Hall has all the elegance and symmetry of a Greek temple and was designed in 1807 by Sir Charles Monck on return from his two year long European honeymoon. The Hall’s unusual Quarry Garden was also carefully planned by him to produce a feeling of drama and excitement and it still does.

Depart: Belsay Hall and Gardens

Here’s how: A696 (n) – B6342 (direction Hexham) – Kirkharle Courtyard

Arrive: Kirkharle Courtyard

Here’s why: Lancelot “Capability” Brown (1716- 1783) was born at Kirkharle and educated at nearby Cambo village school. Responsible for transforming the landscapes and gardens of 18th century England, he earned his unusual nickname after discussions with his clients on whether or not their landscape had “capabilities” of being transformed. Enjoy lunch at the café or treat yourself to a local craft whilst discovering more about Mr Brown and his achievements.

Depart: Kirkharle Courtyard

Here’s how: B6342 (direction Rothbury) –at A696 junction continue on B6342 - Wallington House and Gardens

Arrive: Wallington House and Gardens

Here’s why: Fabulous house with all the trimmings and elegance of the 18th century including fine furniture, paintings and china, and a truly lovely English walled garden to simply fall in love with. Miss it and regret it.

Depart: Wallington House and Gardens

Here’s how: B6342 (n) – Cambo – continue on B6342 (n) – in approx. 1 mile look for signs leading right to Herterton House Gardens.

Arrive: Herterton House Gardens

Here’s why: Because at Herterton you get five gardens in one acre. The creation of two people over the last two decades, Herterton is the result of a labour of love.
Depart: Herterton House Gardens

Here’s how: Return to B6342(direction Wallington) – take right turn to Knowesgate (narrow road) – join A696(s) - Belsay

Arrive: Belsay village

Useful Websites

www.visitnorthumberland.com
www.northumberland.gov.uk
www.disabledgo.com
www.traveline.info
www.arrivabus.co.uk/coastandcastles
www.newbigginmaritimecentre.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Places and distances

(click attraction name for more details)
NE20 0DX

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens

Prepare to be enchanted by Belsay's Grecian architecture, medieval castle, and thirty acres of outstanding gardens.

Belsay Quarry Garden Arch
NE19 2PE

Kirkharle Lake & Courtyard

Come to Kirkharle Lake & Courtyard and enjoy a truly unique shopping experience of art & craft workshops, gifts, vintage & antiques. All set at the birthplace of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, arguably Britain’s most famous landscape architect, who was responsible for many of our beautiful parklands.

Approx 5.67 mile(s) between Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens and Kirkharle Lake & Courtyard
Coffee House
NE61 4AR

Wallington House, Gardens & Estate

Discover woodlands, walled garden, wildlife, house full of history and collections, cycle trails and play areas at Wallington.

Approx 1.69 mile(s) between Kirkharle Lake & Courtyard and Wallington House, Gardens & Estate
Outside Wallington House Gardens and Estate