Out and 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…
A Local Favourite (With Dogs Welcome)
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.
Videos: A Northumberland Inspiration
Here’s are some amazing videos from Visit Northumberland showcasing our wonderful county:
A Video from Visit Northumberland
Coasts and Castle Highlights
Alnwick Castle & Gardens
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.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
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.
Paxton House
Paxton House sits on the River Tweed with lovely walks towards the Chain Bridge, plus an art gallery, courtyard tearoom, shop, and a brilliant play park.
Farne Islands Boat Trip
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.
Cycling from Thornton
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
- Heatherslaw Cycle Hire, Ford, Berwick-upon-Tweed — 01890 820338
Fishing on the River Tweed
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 help make your fishing trip easier with:
- A dry place for wet clothes
- Deep freezer space
- A cosy cottage to return to after a peaceful day on the river
Family-friendly ideas (simple and affordable)
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.
A few favourites:
- Strawberry picking at a nearby fruit farm
- Paddling in the ford at Etal, followed by Doddington’s ice-cream at the Lavender Tearooms
- The Honey Farm (free vintage tractor museum), then a cup of tea on the London Bus Café
- Ford & Etal: a full day of activities. 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).
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:
