A village in the North East near the River Derwent and home to the set of ITV’s Vera has been revealed among the prettiest for a mini break in the UK.
Blanchland, on the border of County Durham and Northumberland, which is “tucked into the North Pennines,” was featured in one of The Times’ recent travel guides.
Local hotel Lord Crewe Arms was also praised for adding to the “buzz” of the village.
The publisher shared that in the summer months of the year, villages have a “special appeal”.
@intrepidgeordie The most gorgeous, unspoilt village in the North East #blanchland #northeastengland #fypシ ♬ isnt it lovely - favsoundds
It explained: “This is when, in the best villages, you can spill out from the pub, pint in hand, to watch a leisurely game of cricket on the green. People organise fêtes and set out honesty stalls with their surplus eggs, fruit and vegetables.”
The Times added: “Even if we live in cities, we can still buy into the joy of a village. Forget a cricket pavilion on the green, the best accessory a village can have these days is a good hotel. They are perfect portals for locals and visitors to mingle, just as they might in a village hall but accessorised with great food and a top-notch bar.”
You can find more about 25 of the prettiest village mini breaks in the UK via The Times’ website.
Why is Blanchland one of UK’s prettiest village mini breaks?
The publisher shared: “A featured location in the 1995 film Jude and the ITV drama Vera, this village near the River Derwent was built from the stones of a 12th-century abbey.
“The austere grey stone buildings, tucked into the middle of the North Pennines here, are softened by the 124 residents who sustain a village shop and other businesses.
“Housing pilgrims before turning to hotel guests, the Lord Crewe Arms has 26 rooms divided into Cosy, Canny and Champion categories and furnished with flair, while the hotel adds to Blanchland’s buzz with regular concerts, wine tastings and cookery demos.”
The Lord Crewe Arms’ Tripadvisor profile reads: “Wallow in the warmth of our bedrooms, lovingly soothed with Pennine hues and all the creature comforts.
“Relish in the spoils of The Bishop's Dining Room and the notorious Hilyard, where food that harks of heritage and skill is just made for feasting and passing around.
“In the kitchen, we chase the seasons and in our vaulted bar, we celebrate them...”
Those who have visited the hotel have left 622 “excellent” reviews out of a possible 947 – it also currently has a 4.4/5 rating.
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A regular guest wrote: “Me and my husband love visiting the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland when we are heading North to Scotland.
"Our favorite place to sit is near the large fireplace. The staff are always very friendly and accommodating and the food is truly wonderful.”
Another complimented: “Excellent hotel, friendly staff, great menu choice in the restaurant, plenty of parking plus a hearty cooked breakfast. Ideal base for walkers, cyclists etc but we used this hotel as a base for National Trust and English Heritage visits. Our room was in the Angel across the square, clean, tidy nothing extra needed (enjoyed the Fudge though!)”
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