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Welcome
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Situated on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, just below the Scottish Borders, and tucked away in a hidden valley on the river North Tyne, lies Bellingham - an ancient market town, full of history, myth and legend. |
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Bellingham has a rich and varied history, including many stories of the warlike Border Reivers who regularly battled with the Scots, and each other, over rights to land and livestock.
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In the past it has been a major industrial town known for coal mining, ironworks and quarries. Today it is known for tourism, agriculture and forestry.
Throughout the year Bellingham attracts visitors from all over the world. They come to enjoy the peace and quiet and the good walking country. The Pennine Way passes through the town as do a number of cycle routes. |
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Some stay in one of the many comfortable hotels or guest houses, some bring their caravans, others their tents. |
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Friendly service and well stocked shops, superb restaurants, pubs and cafes are found in the area. Free parking is available in the Market Square and in the Main Street.
Bellingham has an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, horse riding, an all weather bowling green, swimming pool and sauna. Game and coarse fishing is available on the North Tyne. |
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It boasts a Post Office, library, two banks – one with a cash point facility, nursery, first and middle schools, chemist, doctors’ surgery, tea rooms, tourist information centre, petrol station, police station, museum, gym and hairdressers. |
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One of its main natural attractions is Hareshaw Linn waterfall which is Bellingham's own secret place. Follow the path through the kissing gates to the wooded glen.
There you might be lucky enough to see red squirrel, deer, kingfisher or even a dipper wading in the stream. This beautiful nature trail culminates at the spectacular waterfall.
Visit the Heritage Centre in the old Station Yard where there are lots of nostalgic memorabilia. Displays include Border Counties Railway, W.P. Collier’s photographic pictures of the past, the notorious Border Reivers, and Pits and Quarries which reflect the industry of days gone by.
And Kielder Water is only eight miles away where you can take part in many leisure activities including windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, fishing, cycling and walking – or you can take a cruise around the lake. There are miles of self-guided walks and mountain bike trails throughout the forest.
Hexham is the nearest large town to Bellingham some 17 miles away, the A68 is five miles away, Newcastle 38 miles to the East and Carlisle 42 miles to the West. |
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