The Northumberland Dickensian Villages That You’re Going to Fall in Love With

Looking for storybook villages in Northumberland? These hidden gems are packed with old-world charm, cobbled lanes and history that feels like it stepped out of a Charles Dickens novel. Northumberland is full of surprises. For every castle and coastline, there are villages so steeped in character and history they feel like you’ve wandered into the pages of a classic novel. Crumbling stone cottages, ancient coaching inns, smoke curling from chimneys in winter, and the echo of horses on cobbled streets, these places still hold the magic of the past.

The Black Bull, Northumberland's only thatched roof pub

In this blog, I’ll take you on a little journey through my favourite Dickensian-style villages in Northumberland. Each one has stolen my heart in its own way, and I think they might steal yours too. I’ll share with you personal insights, bits of local folklore, and what to see and do in each village to really soak up the atmosphere. These are the perfect places to slow down, sip a tea by a roaring fire, and breathe in the romance of old Northumberland.

The Autumn sun setting over Etal Castle

Blanchland: The Village That Time Forgot

Blanchland is one of the most atmospheric places in all of Northumberland. Built entirely from the stones of a 12th-century abbey, the entire village feels frozen in time. It’s quiet, peaceful and hauntingly beautiful.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice how uniform the stonework is. That’s because nearly all of it was constructed in the 1700s using stones from the ruined Blanchland Abbey. The Abbey itself still stands partially intact, adding a gothic edge to the village's gentle beauty.

The perfectly preserved stonework in the village of Blanchland

It’s easy to imagine a Dickens character trudging up the lane in a long coat, collar turned against the wind. This place has a melancholic magic, especially in winter.

The Lord Crewe Arms, the village pub, is one of the oldest inns in the country and was once a hiding place for Jacobite rebels. I’ve spent many afternoons here in front of the fire, nursing a pot of tea and listening to the rain beat softly on the leaded windows. Try out a real ale or a cocktail in the magnificent Crypt Bar at the Lord Crewe Arms. If its a beautiful day take a stroll around the fantastic beer garden which backs onto Blanchland Abby. You could also combine a day out to Blanchland with a hike around the many walking trails that run past the village. Or why not head over to Derwent Reservoir where you can fish for trout, walk, mountain bike or just relax at their waterside cafe watching the world go by.

The historic Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Village car park or on the main street

• Dog Friendly: Yes, especially in the pub

• Opening Times: Village open year-round

• Admission Charges: Free to visit

• Child Friendly: Yes

• Facilities: Toilets at the Lord Crewe Arms and the village community centre

• Café: The White Monk Tearooms

Discover riverside walking trails at Blanchland

Ford & Etal: A Perfect Pair of Villages from a Bygone Age

Ford and Etal are two separate villages joined by a shared sense of history and community spirit. Together, they form one of the most picturesque spots in Northumberland. Think thatched cottages, working watermills, steam railways and a castle with a story to tell.

Ford Castle stands at the heart of one village, while Etal Castle, a ruin with a bloody past, stands at the heart of the other. The entire area feels like stepping into a gentler world. There are horses in fields, heritage railways puffing through the countryside, and tiny artisan shops selling everything from handmade soaps to fresh bread.

The medieval style gate entrance to Ford Castle

If you happen to be in Northumberland towards the end of October, then a visit to see the Ford & Etal Halloween Trail is a must. The residents of the Ford & Etal Estate take their Halloween decorations very seriously. There is a Scary-crow trail to follow which takes you around the two villages and the tiny hamlet of Heatherslaw, ticking off the clues, quiz questions and decorations as you go.

Enjoy a Scary-crow adventure at Ford & Etal in late October

I especially love how hands-on this place is. You can ride the Heatherslaw Light Railway, explore the watermill in action, or wander through woodland walks between the villages. It’s the kind of place that slows your heart rate down and makes you feel at peace with the world.  Just up the road from Ford & Etal is Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre. The farm is a "Rare Breed Approved Conservation Centre" dedicated to Heavy Horses. Visitors can get up close to Clydesdale Heavy Horses and other animals, which would have been commonplace in the era of the working horse.

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Ample parking in both Ford and Etal

• Dog Friendly: Very

• Opening Times: Most attractions open Easter to October

• Admission Charges: Some individual charges (e.g. mill, castle), village free to enter

• Child Friendly: Yes, loads to do

• Facilities: Public toilets and picnic areas

• Café: Lavender Tearooms and The Old Dairy, plus the Black Bull pub and the Old Post Office

Meet the majestic Clydesdale Horses at Hay Farm

Alnmouth: A Seaside Village with Georgian Grace

Alnmouth is a coastal gem with a rich smuggling history and elegant Georgian charm. Its colourful cottages and grand terraces overlook the River Aln estuary, where time seems to move a little slower.

In the 18th century, Alnmouth was a thriving port, and a haven for smugglers and privateers. Today, it’s a peaceful spot where you can wander along the riverbank, explore the quiet beach, and dip in and out of art galleries and independent shops.

Alnmouth estuary, peaceful and secluded with stunning views

I always feel like I’ve walked into a Jane Austen or Dickensian seaside chapter here. It’s genteel, romantic and just quirky enough to stay interesting.

The village also has a fantastic food scene, with pubs and tearooms serving up hearty Northumbrian fare. It’s the perfect base for a weekend getaway, with the coast on one side and Alnwick just 10 minutes away.

Alnmouth is also home to Northumberland's smallest museum known as The Ferryman's Hut Museum displaying village photos, trinkets and memorabilia from years gone by. If golfing is your thing then no trip to Alnmouth is complete without a round of golf on the coastal golf course. Established in 1869, steeped in history it is the 4th oldest golf club in England.

Northumberland's smallest museum

Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Free village car park, but fills quickly, alternatively there is paid parking on the beach

• Dog Friendly: Yes, especially on the beach

• Opening Times: Year-round

• Admission Charges: Free

• Child Friendly: Yes

• Facilities: Toilets, playground, picnic benches

• Café: The Village Tearoom and Scotts of Alnmouth

Corbridge: Historic, Beautiful, and Steeped in History

The market town of Corbridge was once a thriving garrison and settlement acting as the supply centre and civilian town that served Hadrian’s Wall. Today visitors to Corbridge can walk through the remains of the former bustling Roman town at the historic English Heritage site just on the edge of the current town centre. Corbridge is the perfect place to spend an afternoon walking along the riverbanks before heading into the town for a bit of artisan shopping and a bite to eat.

The ancient market town of Corbridge, steeped in history

The town is filled with tempting boutique shops and independent traders, including an award winning bookshop the fabulous Forum Books, and the “not to be missed” Grants Bakery. Grants Bakery is a cake shop unlike any other cake shop in Northumberland, it has to be seen to be believed and yes they taste as good as they look. Seriously be prepared to spend a small fortune on cakes, they are a work of art, every time I go I just can’t help myself.

Don't miss out on a visit to the famous Grants Bakery in the market square

Another “not to be missed” is The Pele which is a super cool micro bar set over three floors inside a medieval tower. It really is as impressive as it sounds, such a beautiful venue lovingly decorated oozing with character and very quirky, I guarantee you’ll love it. The Pele serves a variety of spirits, wines and real ales too, it even has its own Pele Ale. You'll find the Pele just next to the Old Market Cross, opposite Grants Bakery. Useful Information Points:

• Parking: Paid parking around the market square and on the main street, alternatively park for free across the river bridge and walk over into the town

• Dog Friendly: Yes, especially down by the river

• Opening Times: Year-round

• Admission Charges: Free

• Child Friendly: Yes

• Facilities: Toilets, playground, picnic benches

• Café: The Corbridge Larder, Grants Bakery, plus lots of independent pubs serving food, the majority are dog friendly too

Corbridge's old market cross next to the Pele Tower Bar

Final Thoughts and What’s Your Next Northumberland Adventure?

I hope this blog has inspired you to seek out some of Northumberland’s most charming and historic villages. If you’ve fallen in love with places like these, you’re not alone, they have a way of lingering in your memory long after you’ve left.

If you enjoyed this blog, you might also like my “5 Top Tips for Planning the Ultimate Northumberland 250 Road Trip” or “Discover Northumberland’s Most Breathtaking Walks” posts.

Come and join our Northumberland 250 Adventures Group for more insider tips, daily updates and hidden gems across the county. Whether you're planning a road trip or just a cosy weekend escape, we’ve got you covered. Join here: Northumberland 250 Adventures | Facebook

Grab your copy of our comprehensive Northumberland 250 guidebook

Ready to hit the road? Don’t forget to grab your copy of our 377-page full-colour Northumberland travel guide. Packed with maps, walking routes, must-see sights and local secrets: it’s the perfect companion for your next adventure. Get your copy here

See you in the village,

Debby