In Northumberland.
We are celebrating the milestone of the 100th issue of The Tyne Valley Express, so we thought we would let you in on some insider information! From recently opened spas, brand new accommodation, and a not-yet-opened Michelin star restaurant, here are all of our insider tips so that you can be one of the first to enjoy Northumberland’s exciting new experiences.
Tiptoe Retreat
Earlier this year, Till Fishing, based just outside Berwick, rebranded as Tiptoe Retreat and added some beautiful new tree cabin accommodation to their roster. Think log burners, outdoor bath tubs, beautiful cosy interiors and staggering forest surroundings. Their key focus is on wellness, so you can also expect to use their on-site sauna, enjoy a bread making workshop and join a pilates class as well as a number of other activities during your stay.
Bamburgh Walled Garden
Bamburgh Walled Garden opened this spring and is a truly lovely addition to Bamburgh’s already established offering. This beautifully decorated cafe almost feels like a secret, as its small entry way on the corner of the street opens out into a stunning walled garden and peaceful cafe set away from the village centre. Offering coffees, cakes and a menu of hot food, we can highly recommend this new spot.
Breamish Valley Cottages Spa
A new spa opened in Northumberland this summer and if you haven’t managed to get there yet, it is a must-visit. Based in Branton, Powburn, nestled at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, Breamish Valley Cottages have taken relaxation to a whole new level. Their luxury spa includes a “float room”, indoor heated pool, hot tub, massage treatments and more, with various packages on offer including a £95 package which includes spa use, one treatment and dinner.
Luxury Yurts and Lake Cabins at The Tempus
Based just outside Alnwick, The Tempus is a beautiful, luxury hotel with fantastic restaurant and tipi restaurant for both overnight guests and non-hotel guests. This summer, they have added to their offering and opened luxury, dog friendly, lakeside yurts and cabins. Eight luxurious cabins sit on their private estate’s lake, and each have a terrace and outdoor spa bath, while the four fully furnished bell tents are complete with double bed, seating area and small lakeside terrace.
Bailiffgate Hotel
Bailiffgate Hotel is an exciting new hotel based in the heart of Alnwick, with uninterrupted views of Alnwick Castle ready to admire from your bedroom window. It offers a luxurious yet welcoming retreat and is perfectly located for exploring Alnwick’s cobbled streets, The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei, Barter Books and everything else that this historic market town has to offer. Plus, it sits within easy reach of Northumberland’s picturesque countryside and dramatic coastline.
Kielder Observatory stargazing events at The Twice Brewed Inn
The Twice Brewed Inn is a country pub, B&B and brewery located in Northumberland National Park, just moments away from Hadrian’s Wall. Thanks to its stellar location beneath Northumberland’s gold-tier rated Dark Sky Park, it has also offered a programme of stargazing experiences for a number of years. As of this September, Kielder Observatory has taken over this events programme, bringing its dedicated astronomy experts and fun events to Twice Brewed’s 30-seater planetarium and two dozen powerful telescopes. Visitors can expect to step out from their cosy pub or luxury accommodation straight into a stargazing adventure, with great food, excellent beer, and dazzling dark skies waiting overhead.
Blyth Film Festival
First ever Blyth film festival 2026
Dark Skies Festival
Kielder Dark Skies festival
The Roof of England Walk
This brand new walking route launched in September, and is a 301km (188-mile) multi-day walking trail that explores the staggering North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. The route makes its way through County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland, the three counties of the North Pennines National Landscape, as well as a section in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. In Northumberland specifically, you can expect to see the dramatic river gorge at Allen Banks, the lead mining site at Dukesfield Arches, beautiful Blanchland Abbey and more.
The Reiver Trails
The Reiver Trails are nine brand new, way-marked recreational routes connecting the iconic Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site with Kielder Forest and surrounding communities. Ranging from 6 to 57 miles and spanning over 200 miles of breathtaking Northumberland landscapes, the trails can be explored on foot, by bike and on horseback, offering a range of terrains and distances to cater to every type of explorer. They officially launched this October so they are brand new to Northumberland’s outdoor offering.
Michelin Star Freyja at Close House Estate
The previous owners of Northumberland’s first ever Michelin star restaurant, Restaurant Hjem, are opening Restaurant Freyja at Close House Estate in Wylam. Not due to open until autumn 2026, this is one to keep on your 2026 bucket list, as it is sure to be a delight for the senses.
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at Northumberland’s new openings, add them to your Northumberland bucket list and plan your trip into 2026 and beyond.