Northumberland storybook village like stepping back in time

Blanchland in Northumberland, on the County Durham boundary, is known for its “fascinating” history and “winding” lanes.

The “postcard-perfect, honey-stone village” has also been hailed as one of the “prettiest” villages in northern England over the years.

When exploring, it’s said to be like “stepping back in time” as there are no modern-day high street shops “in sight”.

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'Storybook' North East village like 'stepping back in time'

Visit Northumberland shared: “Beneath a woodland cloak in a fairytale setting amongst the fells, sits the storybook, small village of Blanchland.

“Built from the stones of Blanchland Abbey in 1165, it seemingly hasn’t changed since, and murmurings of its fascinating history echo in the moors.

“Step back in time in Blanchland, the postcard-perfect, honey-stone village with the rightful reputation as one of the prettiest villages in the north of England.

“Stones, cobbles, hanging baskets and winding lanes are everywhere in Blanchland, and there isn’t a modern-day chainstore in sight.”

@whyitstands 🕯️Built on medieval bones. Blanchland is more than a pretty village – it’s a window into monastic life, border tensions, and the resilience of the North. #whyitstands #blanchland #northeasthistory #medievalbritain #hiddengemsuk ♬ I Wanted to Leave - SYML

It continued: “Surrounded by magnificent fells and idyllic views, Blanchland straddles the Northumberland and Durham border in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

Within the area, there is a local shop with an “unusual”, white-washed postbox, The White Monk Tea Room, which used to be the village school, Blanchland Abbey and the “magnificent” Lord Crewe Arms Hotel.

Visit Northumberland reveals that this was originally built as the Abbot's Lodge.

It added: “The oh-so-atmospheric Lord Crewe Arms Hotel is one of the oldest hostelries in the country, dating back to the 12th century.

“Here, the Jacobite Rebellion leader, General Tom Foster, hid behind the inn’s great fireplace in 1715.

“Expect to find stone wall interiors, rustic wooden beams, flickering candles and a roaring open fire when you visit for a drink, sample their afternoon tea menu, or grab some scran before an overnight stay.”

The Lord Crewe Arms currently has a rating of 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor, based on nearly 1,000 reviews. 627 of those are rated as “excellent”.

Customers have praised the pub and hotel for its “truly wonderful” food, including “excellent” dinner and breakfast dishes.

A recent guest posted: “From our arrival on bikes into the delightful, tiny village of Blanchland to stepping inside the beautiful Lord Crewe Arms we were enthralled.

Do you know where Blanchland got its name from? (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) “An excellent experience overall. The dinner and breakfast were both excellent. Friendly, professional service. Our room was small but well equipped and very comfortable. Highly recommended.”

Another wrote: “Me and my husband love visiting the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland when we are heading North to Scotland.

“Our favourite place to sit is near the large fireplace. The staff are always very friendly and accommodating and the food is truly wonderful.”

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What does the name Blanchland mean?

"The village owes its name to the French canons who lived and worked in Blanchland Abbey and were distinguished by their white habits (robes)", according to Visit Northumberland.

It explained: “‘Blanche’ is French for white, and so the name ‘Blanchland’ was born.”