Discover Matfen: Estate History, Golf and Hadrian’s Wall

Matfen combines a history as an estate village with buildings, archaeological remains, golf and a woodland garden shaped by the seasons. If you are looking for a hotel in Matfen, consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay: architectural history, walking along Hadrian’s Wall, golf or nature. The different highlights range from specific architectural details to seasonal changes in the garden.

Matfen Hall and Holy Trinity Church

Matfen was established as an estate village about 200 years ago, alongside Matfen Hall. Matfen Hall was completed in 1836 as a Jacobean-style manor house. Matfen’s origins as a settlement and the completion of the manor house are two distinct milestones in the area’s history. Holy Trinity Church in Matfen was built entirely at Sir Edward Blackett’s expense in 1842. It features Early English architecture with individual lancet windows and a tower with three bells. For a culture-focused stay, the settlement’s history, the manor house and the church’s architecture offer distinct points of interest. Built in 1842, Holy Trinity Church, with its Early English style, individual lancet windows and tower with three bells, has a different architectural character from Matfen Hall in the Jacobean style.

Hadrian’s Wall and archaeological remains

About three miles of Hadrian’s Wall run through the estate. The coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall Path also passes through the estate. Hadrian’s Wall runs through the estate for about three miles, while the coast-to-coast path also passes through it. The approximate length of the section of wall and the route of the named walking trail can be considered as distinct points to help plan your visit.

The deserted medieval village of East Matfen is well preserved and retains significant archaeological evidence. At The Warrior Stone, a standing stone, there are at least four cup-shaped depressions, or shallow circular prehistoric motifs, on its eastern side. East Matfen and the motifs on the stone open up two further periods in history: the Middle Ages and prehistory. Matfen’s history therefore extends beyond its 19th-century buildings.

Golf at the Matfen Hall estate

The Douglas, on the Matfen Hall estate, is an 18-hole championship golf course. Its features include dry stone walls and natural water hazards. The number of holes, its championship designation and the course features each offer different points to consider if you are thinking of making golf a focus of your trip. Tee times for The Douglas, Dewlaw Nine and the par-3 course can be booked by members, hotel guests and visitors. If you are including golf in your travel plans, check your preferred tee times in advance.

The Woodland Garden through the seasons

The Primary Woodland Garden is a peaceful woodland with established native beech trees. Younger hazels, dogwoods (Cornus) and various maple species add to the mix. In spring, there is a variety of bulb flowers followed by wildflowers; in autumn, the mix of trees displays rich autumn colours. The garden’s character changes over the course of the year: in spring, the succession of blooms takes centre stage, while in autumn, the colours of the trees stand out. If you are planning your trip around your interests in nature and gardens, you can compare these two seasonal highlights.

Discover more destinations: Stocksfield, Eglingham, Slaley, Guyzance, Haydon Bridge, Belford, Kirknewton, Coanwood.

For the broader travel overview: Northumberland.