Out & About

Ideal for walkers, photographers, cyclists or people who just like to explore, we are blessed with a wealth of wondrous days out. Here are a few ideas…

Often guests simply want to bring their dog, hit the trail and get away from it all. A Smales Family favourite is a walk and picnic on Cheswick beach. No crowds, amazing blue sea and miles and miles of sand… Bliss.

Here’s are some amazing videos from Visit Northumberland showcasing our wonderful county:

A Video from Visit Northumberland

A Video of Berwick-upon-Tweed from Visit Northumberland

Coast and Castles

The must-see Holy Island is steeped in history, wildlife and nature. Venture up to the Look Out and marvel at the views or have a bracing walk followed by a pub lunch. Lindisfarne is ideal for keen photographers and history lovers.

Our cottages feature on Paxton House’s preferred accommodation list and as such we can offer our guests free passes to the Grounds and discounts in the tearoom.  Paxton House is situated on the River Tweed and offers lovely walks along to the Chainbridge.  There’s also an art gallery, courtyard tearoom, shop and fantastic play park.

A boat trip to The Farne Islands is a memorable day out and comes highly recommended. Learn all about the Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins.

Fancy a day trip to Edinburgh for shopping or Fringe Festival mayhem? Berwick-upon-Tweed is only 45 minutes away by train which takes you right into the heart of Edinburgh.

Alnwick Castle and Gardens comes high on the priority list for 99% of our guests. Harry Potter might be the main draw but we love a picnic in front of the fountains followed by a wander around the ornamental garden and the bamboo maze.

We love cycling and highly recommend bringing your bike to Thornton. The Pennine Cycleway finishes its 150 mile stretch in Berwick-Upon-Tweed and Thornton is just off the cycle route by the A698/Norham section. The views out to Holy Island and Cheviot from the top of the farm are wonderful and for children, our quiet country roads are perfect for family outings with or without stabilisers!

Cycle hire is available from Tweed Cycles, Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed (01289 331476) or Heatherslaw Cycle Hire, Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed (01890 820338).

Thornton is only a short drive from the River Tweed, one of the most famous salmon rivers in the World which also boasts excellent brown trout and sea trout fishing. We can offer you a dry place for wet clothes, deep freezer space and a cosy cottage perfect after a long peaceful day on the river.

Visit Ford & Etal and be amazed by the never-ending activities on offer. Travel on the Heatherslaw Light Railway, go horse-riding, visit the 14th Century Etal Castle followed by a pub lunch or look around the Heatherslaw Corn Mill (a working 19th Century water mill).

Family activities needn’t cost the earth and Laura is always happy to recommend days out. Having little children herself means she appreciates the need for ice-cream, fun things to do and short travel times. Go strawberry picking at our nearby fruit farm, paddle in the ford at Etal followed by a Doddington’s ice-cream at the Lavendar tearooms or visit the Honey Farm for the free vintage tractor museum followed by a cup of tea on the London Bus Cafe.

We hope this gives you some inspiration for your holiday with us. All this to look forward to and a wonderful cottage for your return after a fun filled day.

Some usual links:

 

  • Thornton Farm
  • Cocklawburn
  • sheep (1)
  • Cheswick Sands
  • Ross Hill
  • Wooler

Where We Are