Blanchland
BLANCHLAND, One of the loveliest villages in Northumberland, hidden away amid heather-covered moors which stretch for miles, it lies like an oasis in the secluded valley of the Derwent, beautifully backed by wooded hillsides.
The grey stone buildings of the village are arranged in a little square which was probably the outer court of Blanchland Abbey; a massive 15th-century gatehouse still guards the entrance. The village was entirely rebuilt 200 years ago for the lead-miners who worked on the surrounding moors. In those days, the population was 500. but it is now less than half that size.
The Lord Crewe Arms
On the Northumberland County- Durham border, in the center of the pretty estate village of Blanchland – all honeyed stone and hanging baskets – it has a picture-book position: opposite the square and store, next to the church and within stepping distance of both the river and village tea room.
A lord-of-the-manor building, in a pin-neat estate village, that oozes atmosphere at every stone-flagged turn. A reputation for honest, British cooking, plus the rural location, makes it popular with walkers and foodies as well as the country-sports fraternity.
First Impressions: 4.5/5
The original fabric of the building – Abbot’s lodging of a 12th-century priory – has been blended with a 21st-century country manor look: stone-flagged floors, deep mullioned windows, and vast fireplaces mix with pale-washed floorboards, tartan cushions on old church chairs, and modern ironwork candelabras. Old photographs, oil portraits, and contemporary animal paintings hang on the walls; fires, wood-burners, and candles glow in corners. It’s big yet cozy, with quirky corners and unexpected flights of stairs leading to assorted dining areas as well as an atmospheric barrel-vaulted bar.
Comfort & Service: 5/5
The guest rooms have a light, modern but relaxed country look: milky-colored walls, bold tartan rugs, whimsical-print headboards, thick wool curtains, neat armchairs plus a sprinkling of antiques mixed with modern-rustic furniture.
Decorations are spare – a painting, rustic-framed mirror – though most rooms have a quirky feature: window seat, beams, or wood-burning stove. Paperback books, hot-water bottles, and local fudge are a nice touch. Cottagey bathrooms have tongue-and-groove paneling and traditional basins; most with bath and shower.
Be aware that only four of the 21 rooms are in the main building; 10 are across the square in a former pub, with seven around the corner in converted miners’ cottages.
Food & Drinks: 5/5
Each night, I enjoyed phenomenal dinners in front of a warm roaring fire. This is robust British cooking, with punchy flavors and unpretentious presentation. Some ingredients come from the kitchen garden. The short, well-priced wine list offers around 15 by the glass while the bar has local ales, including a custom-made Crewe Brew.
Each morning, I walked a short distance to the lovely dining area where the sunshine poured into the space with views towards the moorland. Breakfast’s short choice includes fresh fruit salad and Bircher muesli plus cooked-to-order dishes including eggs how you want and a choose-your-own grill. There are fresh pastries and juices set out when you arrive.
Overall, it was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had - and that is saying A LOT coming from someone who has spent decades traveling, staying in countless hotel spaces across the globe. I appreciated how incredibly accommodating the staff was. They left a big impression on me.
In fact, I’d only planned to stay one night and ended up staying three! I didn’t want to leave. I will be making my way back here hopefully sooner than later.
Double rooms from £139, year-round. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Family-Friendly?
One twin-bedroom suite plus several rooms take extra beds for an additional £25, including breakfast, or cots for £10. A children’s menu is also available.
A car is essential for other sights (Corbridge, Hexham, and Hadrian’s Wall are around 30 minutes away) but the isolation means dark skies and peace.
The Square, Blanchland, Blanchland, DH8 9SP.
01434 675469
lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
