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Higham Dykes, Belsay, NE20 0DN

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Local Attractions

Nestled between Ponteland & Belsay, The Highlander is ideally located for discovering the many local attractions in Northumberland.

Whether you fancy exploring nearby walks and cycling trails or you’re simply looking for a family day out, there’s something on our doorstep for everyone. Take a look at some of our favourite local attractions near Highlander Ponteland below.

Back at the pub, we welcome walkers and cyclists with drinks, bar snacks and light bites. There is plenty of seating indoors and out for a quick pit stop see gallery.

Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
3 Miles (6 Minute Drive)

Explore the architecture of Belsay Hall, inspired by Charles Monck’s honeymoon in Greece & Italy. Discover the story of Belsay’s ruined medieval castle with impressive views from the 14th-century ‘Pele tower’.

Lose yourself in 30-acre Grade I listed gardens, which include the formal Yew Garden, Magnolia Terrace and Crag Wood Walk. Follow the ravines to discover the distinctive micro-climate of the Quarry Garden boasting a range of exotic plants.

Children can enjoy the play area, featuring climbing frames, a winding slide, swings and lots more along with a dedicated area for toddlers.

Photo: English Heritage

Website: Belsay Hall

Ponteland Park
3.8 miles (5 Minute Drive)

Ponteland Park is a natural park with 18 acres of woodland, green space and paths that run alongside the River Pont that runs through it.

It is very popular with dog walkers, nature lovers and those who wish to walk or improve their fitness in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

The Park is a popular location for events such as the Ponteland Annual Duck Race.

Image: @blog_on_the_tyne

Website: Ponteland Park

Bolam Lake
4.6 miles (7 Minute Drive)

Enjoy a family day out at Bolam Lake Country Park, surrounded by historic landscapes and picturesque views of the Northumberland countryside.

It has woodland and open grassed areas for play, and the lakeside walk is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake or explore the woodland which is briming with wildlife including red squirrel, roe deer, great spotted woodpecker, and nuthatch.

Bring a picnic with the family or explore on your own. The Visitor Centre has a café, shop, public toilets, information area and there’s plenty of car parking space.

Image Robin Purser

Website: Bolam Lake

Wallington Hall
8.7 miles (13 Minute Drive)

Wallington Hall that we see today is largely the result of 18th-century designs by the Blackett family and 19th-century alterations by their successors, the Trevelyan’s. You can explore pre-Raphaelite paintings around the Central Hall, beautiful furniture, treasured collections and quirky curiosities in each room.

The Hall is set within a 13,500-acre estate, surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland, farmland and the newly created storytelling garden, just waiting to be explored.

Enjoy being active outdoors on the Dragon cycle trail. Take to one of the many scenic walks including the river walk. Enjoy wild play in the West Wood at the play area and visit the family-friendly wildlife hide to see what you can find.

Website: Wallington Hall

Northumberlandia
12.4 miles (22 Minute Drive)

Northumberlandia is home to the world’s largest human landform structure in rock and soil of a reclining lady designed by renowned artist, Charles Jencks.

Based near Cramlington, enjoy walks, wildlife and events with magnificent views and ample onsite parking. There’s a small visitor centre and café too.

Website – Northumberlandia

Photo – North East Family Fun

Plessey Woods Country Park
13.7 miles (24 Minute Drive)

Plessey Woods Country Park & Visitor Centre is set in 100 acres of enchanting woodland, wild-flower-clad meadows and romantic riverside as the River Blyth runs through the park. It’s intricate network of paths and trails make this a great spot for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and picnickers.

Wander along the river bank to spot otters and kingfishers skimming the surface of the water. Self-guided trails and children’s clue trails offer a fantastic family day out, and for the artists among you there is a sculpture trail created in partnership with a local artist.

Amenities onsite include a visitor centre, young children’s play area and a café.

Photo – @k8jcbs

Website: Plessey Woods

Cragside
21.5 miles (37 Minute Drive)

Step inside Britain’s original smart home – a Victorian mansion illuminated by hydroelectricity and powered by hydraulics. Man-made lakes, tumbling waterfalls and swathes of rhododendron form the surrounding fantasy mountain landscape imagined and engineered William Armstrong and his wife Margaret.

Wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths and cascades in the Rock Garden and experience the fabulous florals in the manicured Formal Gardens all brimming with wildlife. See the whole estate by car on the Carriage Drive.

Families can adventure through the labyrinth, build a grand design in the den building area and climb to dizzy heights at the play area too.

Photo – @photos_up_north

Website: Cragside