Bellingham: Nature, Trails and History

Bellingham lies on the banks of the North Tyne and on the edge of Northumberland National Park. The town’s varied highlights include the Pennine Way, the natural surroundings of Hareshaw Linn and several historic sites. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether hiking and nature or local history will shape your stay.

Hiking and nature around Bellingham

Bellingham is part of the 268-mile Pennine Way. Hareshaw Linn offers another walking destination: this nature-rich family trail leads to a waterfall and ends at a 30-foot drop. A long-distance route and a trail to a specific natural attraction therefore sit side by side—two different points of reference when planning your time in Bellingham.

Hareshaw Linn is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Rare plants found there include ferns and lichens; red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers and wood warblers are also mentioned. Nature enthusiasts can therefore connect the waterfall trail with these distinctive habitats and species.

History and culture

The Bellingham Heritage Centre is dedicated to the town’s industrial and cultural past. Its collection includes more than 1,600 entries of objects and archival documents; the number may change as the database develops. A self-guided tour takes visitors through the Centre’s themes and exhibitions.

St Cuthbert's Church also brings together several points of historical interest. Parts of the church date from the 13th century. Next to it is St Cuthbert's Well, an ancient holy well also known locally as Cuddy's Well. The churchyard is also home to the Lang-Pack Grave, which is associated with the folklore of North Tynedale. The St Cuthbert's Three Church Trail runs from Elsdon via Corsenside to Bellingham, placing the church within a wider route.

Hareshaw Ironworks offers a different perspective on industrial history: remains of part of the ironworks, dating from the mid-19th century, have survived. These include standing remains as well as traces formed as earthworks and preserved underground. Bellingham Bridge adds a clear construction date to these historic sites: the bridge was built by John Green in 1834.

Markets, events and other activities

An indoor pannier-style market is held at Bellingham Town Hall on the third Saturday of every month. The annual Bellingham Show and Country Festival features live bands, children's activities, food stalls, beer tents and traditional Northumberland games. If you want to plan your trip around a market visit or the festival, check the date or programme for the relevant year in advance.

First & Last Brewery offers monthly brewery tours with tastings and beer samples. Check dates and booking options before travelling. The First & Last Tap Room is located at the start and finish of the waterfall trail to Hareshaw Linn; as opening arrangements can change, it is worth checking current opening hours before your visit. Bellingham Golf Club also welcomes visitors to play golf. Check the visitor requirements before booking.

Plan your journey

The 680 bus from Hexham stops at Bellingham Heritage Centre. As timetables can change, check the schedule before travelling. Together with the range of walking, cultural and event options, this information can help you plan your visits to Bellingham around your own interests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wark, Corbridge, Kirkwhelpington, Ellington, Mindrum, Newton-on-the-Moor, Fourstones, Greenhead

For the wider travel overview: Northumberland.