In a nutshell: A quaint, rural Northumberland bolthole complete with old-world charm, cosy rooms and hearty food and drink, set amongst rolling countryside.
Location
The Lord Crewe Arms is the jewel in the crown of Blanchland village in Northumberland. Situated around 10 miles from popular market towns Corbridge and Hexham, it’s well-positioned for dining, shopping and country pursuits while also being surrounded by rolling greenery. You can get to Durham or Newcastle in under 45 minutes, and while guests can only reach the hotel by road, rail links are available at these nearby northeast England cities.
Aside from the hotel, there is little more than a church, tearoom, post office and gift shop to explore, with Blanchland’s overall ambience akin to stepping back in time to a simpler era.
The village is surrounded by fells, moors and the North Pennines, with charming features including cobbles and timeless pale brick buildings found throughout. This picturesque place feels straight out of a storybook, with a gentle, country atmosphere and bold views which offer an escape from fast-paced modern life.
The Lord Crewe Arms is located in Blanchland, 20 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne
(Lord Crewe Arms)
The vibe
The main hotel building dates back to the 12th century, with nods to this medieval history throughout. Expect rustic, exposed brick walls, dark wood and stone floors and steps, combined with original fireplaces and windows. It overflows with character and drama, while also serving up a quiet homeliness.
This is the perfect go-to for a romantic break, while also being somewhere off the beaten track to visit with family (including four-legged friends). With phone signal non-existent in the village itself, there is wifi, but a stay offers an ideal excuse to switch off from digital distractions for a while.
The service
The entire team have an attentive, yet non-invasive approach which helps guests feel right at home. From the warm welcome provided at reception, to the knowledgeable dining staff, you’ll experience genuine Northumbrian warmth and friendliness. There’s an appealing laid-back edge too, with team members on hand to help in any way, without hovering around unneccesarily.
Bed and bath
There are 26 bedrooms in total. I stayed in one of the ‘canny rooms’ in the building across the road, which has a Nespresso machine, maps…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…