A Northumberland village that has been branded one of the "prettiest" in the country could provide the perfect base for a scenic staycation this summer.
One of the county's smallest hidden gems with a population of fewer than 130 people, Blanchland has been named as one of the most attractive places in the north of England thanks to its stone buildings surrounded by idyllic countryside views that have earned it the nickname "the fairytale in the fells" by Visit Northumberland. Sitting on the County Durham border a 45-minute drive away from Newcastle city centre and Durham, Blanchland is described as a "postcard-perfect" place by the tourism board that will have visitors thinking they have travelled back in time.
Given the small size of Blanchland, there are only a select few places to stay for tourists in the village - but one of the holiday cottages nearby could be an ideal spot for a peaceful few days away from the noise of everyday life. The Deeps is a three-bedroom stone cottage that has now been transformed into a base for holidaymakers looking to explore Northumberland.

Priced from £702 for a seven-night stay, The Deeps is located a five-minute drive away from the heart of the village, with its listing on holidaycottages.co.uk describing it as a "beautifully secluded" spot. With enough space inside for up to six guests and two dogs, this cottage dates back to the 19th century and has sprawling views of the countryside on all sides.
Described as "beautiful" and the "perfect place to unwind" by guests, The Deeps is just a stone's throw away from one of Northumberland's most spectacular beauty spots. The Derwent Reservoir and Waterside Park on the other side of Blanchland is described as "a haven for nature enthusiasts" with scenic walking and cycling routes galore, as well as a play space for families.

For visitors seeking a hotel stay in Blanchland, there's also the famous Lord Crewe Arms, a "storybook bolthole" 26-bedroom luxury hotel, restaurant and bar. Available to book through Booking.com or directly on the hotel's website, the Lord Crewe Arms has been singled out by the Good Hotel Guide as one of the best places to stay in Northumberland.
Or for those after a different type of stay, the closest option to Blanchland on Airbnb is Honeysuckle Hut, a "luxury" shepherd's hut located on a working farm that has been branded a top spot for stargazing. With more than 120 reviews from guests, this quirky accommodation has earned a stellar five-star rating, placing it in the top 5% of places to stay on Airbnb.
Other holiday cottages available to book in Blanchland via holidaycottages.co.uk include Hornbeam Cottage, which sleeps up to five guests, and Pennine Holly Cottage, which can house up to seven, with both being dog-friendly. Meanwhile, over on fellow booking site Sykes Holiday Cottages, the only available property in the village is Newbiggin Cottage, described as an "enchanting" stay in the heart of the countryside.
If you're after more to do during your stay in Blanchland, the village is also located just a 20-minute drive away from Corbridge, which was named as one of the top destinations in the UK to enjoy a staycation by Sykes Holiday Cottages last month. Corbridge is a village that is also home to a town - the English Heritage Roman Town, to be precise, where visitors will come across some of the oldest finds in Britain and get a fascinating glimpse into the history of how people lived and worked along the famous Hadrian's Wall.
Corbridge itself is also known for its independent businesses, from the award-winning Forum Books to fashion and art shops alongside a selection of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants. Visit Northumberland says of the charming village: "There is something Dickensian about the secret streets and courtyards of Corbridge, where you never know what is around the next corner."
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