Market Cross Guest House | Locality

Locality

This is just a brief summary of some of the wide variety of attractions in this beautiful, historic county.

It is a joy to explore and discover the miles of wonderful beaches, spectacular rocky shores or follow the rivers up into Cheviot Hills where you might not see anyone all day.

For more specific places to visit see below, and for details of Belford and local amenities, click here.

Places to visit

Bamburgh

Only 4 miles from Belford are the spectacular castle and beaches of Bamburgh.  Visit the famous Copper Kettle coffee shop.

There is also the Grace Darling Museum where there is an exhibition of artefacts associated with her life and her heroic part in the rescue of survivors from the stricken SS Forfarshire.

Just to the north of Bamburgh is Budle Bay, which is a must for those with even a passing interest in bird watching.

Seahouses and the Farne Islands

Seahouses is a bustling seaside resort and fishing harbour where a succession of boats take visitors out to the Farne Islands to see the colonies of grey seals, puffins and other sea birds.

Lindisfarne (Holy Island)

Lindisfarne Priory - visit the ruins of the medieval priory built by Benedictine monks from Durham.  There are also breathtaking walks around the island - can be enjoyed by all.

Warning - it is important to make a careful note of safe crossing times of the causeway that links the island to the mainland. You can see the safe crossing times here.

Alnwick

Alnwick Castle is the home of the Duke of Northumberland whose family (the Percys) have owned it since 1309.  Take a walk around the town or visit the Alnwick Garden a new project commissioned by the Duchess of Northumberland. The castle is open to the public - you may recognise various views as the castle has often been featured in films and television productions.

For Harry Potter fans a visit to the castle is a must as it was the location of "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" in the film "The Philosopher's Stone".

Berwick upon Tweed

Walk the Elizabethan walls of this ancient border fortress town that is still officially at war with Russia. Visit Berwick Town Gaol and covered Butter Market.

Chillingham Castle

Surviving as a battle scarred fortress from medieval days of Knights, horses and armour, Chilllingham castle retains its ancient defensive format unspoilt. Famous for its ghosts and torture chamber - possibly the most haunted castle in England.

Chillingham wild cattle - this is a unique herd of wild white cattle has lived in the park for at least 700 years.

The Cheviots

The Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland National Park offer fantastic opportunities for walking and enjoying the solitude of the area.

Belford and local amenities

Now by-passed by the A1 (the Great North Road), Belford is a peaceful place place to stay.

Golfers can choose from a dozen courses and horse-riding and trout-fishing are all available locally.

Belford village provides the visitor with a Post Office, convenience store (where you can get cash-back), craft gallery, tea-rooms and a variety of interesting shops.

The Bluebell Hotel and The Black Swan Hotel are both a short walk from Market Cross Guesthouse.  A comprehensive bar meals menu or á-la-carte menu is available (including a children's menu) at the Bluebell.

There are many excellent restaurants and country pubs within a short drive or taxi ride of the village.  Our particular favourite is the White Swan Restaurant at Warenford (4 miles away). We can make recommendations and book on your behalf.

A Doctor, Dentist and Chemist are available in the village.