Herding Hill Farm is a Northumberland glamping dream come true

Searching for Northumberland lodges with hot tubs for your next couple’s break? Herding Hill Farm’s new Castle Pods offer stylish staycation vibes in romantic, adult-only surroundings.

It feels like we’ve all come out of hibernation and, as the nights are getting lighter again, the sun is starting to shine a little more and the daffodils are in full bloom, it’s time to start thinking about our next staycation.

Think refreshing walks through rolling countryside, discovering hidden gems and quirky new lunch spots, and spending cosy nights snuggled up in front of the log burner with a bottle of wine.

More than anything else, think about that headspace you’ve been longing for all winter: the chance to temporarily forget about those pressing jobs on your to-do list and remember all that you love about your life, with the people that matter most.

We’re blessed here in the North East with a wealth of staycation spots to choose from, but we feel it’s our duty to inform you about one of the newest and most exciting kids on the staycation block – Herding Hill Farm.

We visited the stylish Northumberland glamping spot for ourselves…

HERDING HILL FARM

Glamping, camping, touring and luxury Northumberland lodges with hot tubs

… Everything we’d heard about Herding Hill Farm, we already loved.

Less than an hour’s drive from our home in Newcastle, this award-winning, dog-friendly campsite sits just outside of Haltwhistle: with the town’s wealth of quirky pubs, restaurants, tearooms and boutiques in walking distance, and the unerring majesty of Hadrian’s Wall just a stone’s throw away.

As we pulled into the car park, the first thing we noticed (as well as the goats and chickens, who’d popped their heads up to greet us), was the tranquillity of the site.

We felt our shoulders relax as we breathed in the fresh, Northumberland air, looked around us at countryside that seemed to stretch for miles and listened to nothing but the wind whistling through the trees, birds singing and our Castle Pod accommodation calling us.

We took our time exploring the entrance to the farm and meeting some of its inhabitants: alpacas, pigs, a donkey and a Shetland pony, who all make their home in Herding Hill’s petting farm, alongside the goats and chickens we’d been welcomed by.

While there were ample pitches for tents and tourers alike, a large outdoor play area for the kids and rows of luxury lodges stretching out in front of us, we also found over a small hill to our left a huge expanse of green space, which we were later told was a popular haunt for dog-owners to let their pups stretch their legs.

And, as we made our way to our Castle Pod, we passed Herding Hill Farm’s 5-star amenity block, which includes a luxury sauna that, we discovered, couples can book in its entirety for exclusive use. Talk about VIP treatment…

DISCOVER HERDING HILL FARM

LODGES WITH HOT TUBS, NORTHUMBERLAND

If you’re anything like us, camping’s great and all but you tend to miss your home comforts.

Glamping. That’s more what we’re about.

And it’s what we found at Herding Hill Farm, with their brand new, luxury Castle Pods – complete with their own hot tub – that are exclusively for adults.

Designed with relaxation in mind, these romantic hot tub lodges Northumberland suits so well have everything we could’ve dreamed of for a comfortable and stylish stay in the countryside.

Aesthetic

Our Scandi-style glamping pod was tucked away from the heart of the campsite, meaning we were treated to privacy and peace.

Inside, we were greeted by rustic elegance: natural, wooden features across an open-plan design softened by pockets of colourful comforts, such as the squishy L-shaped sofa, the bright prints on the wall or the cushions and throws on the generous double bed.

The full-length glass doors allowed us to look out at the sun setting over the rolling Northumberland hills as we enjoyed a glass of prosecco (courtesy of the Herding Hill team). And even when the rain came down, we still felt as cosy as could be listening to the raindrops fall from the domed roof overhead.

Amenities

What we were probably most surprised by was the bathroom in our Castle Pod.

The Herding Hill Farm team had clearly spared no expense ensuring their guests enjoyed ultimate comfort and the ensuite shower and WC – complete with towel rail, fluffy towels and luxury toiletries – were stylish and pristine.

The fully-equipped kitchenette meant that, if we chose to, we could’ve snuggled down for the night in our cosy Castle Pod, equipped with a hob, toaster, microwave, fridge, kettle, Nespresso coffee maker and everything else we could need for cooking up a storm.

The spacious living area was made up of a dining table, a corner sofa, a smart TV (with Netflix raring to go) and a cosy, wood-burning stove with logs and kindling provided.

Under-floor heating kept the trademark “camping chill” at bay, free Wi-Fi kept us in the loop with our loved ones, and the spacious double bed kept us in the land of nod all night.

Additional perks

Two words: hot tub.

There’s nothing better than reconnecting with your partner as you both soak in your own, private hot tub with a glass of fizz on a romantic breakaway.

You can feel the tension leave your body as the warmth of the water recharges your muscles and the cool country air reinvigorates your senses.

We found it hard to picture anywhere more romantic for a few nights away, as we soaked all our stress away and gazed up at the stars brightly splashed across Northumberland’s famous Dark Skies.

Better still, at Herding Hill Farm we weren’t overlooked at all – meaning even the most reticent will feel comfortable enough to get into their bathing suits and relax.

And, on our private terrace, we benefitted from our own outdoor fire pit and decking area with comfy outdoor seating – which meant that, after our soaking session, we could toast marshmallows and snuggle up under the stars. 

HLN Hint: No dogs are allowed in the Castle Pods at Herding Hill Farm, except in the Langley Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle Pods, so make sure you select either of those at the point of booking to bring your four-legged friend along for your stay.

Castle Pods at Herding Hill Farm may be booked for a minimum of two nights from £385.00.

BOOK YOUR STAY

PLACES TO EAT NEAR HALTWHISTLE

MILECASTLE INN

Distance: 1-minute drive

This quaint country pub, within sight of Hadrian’s Wall, Milecastle Inn is the perfect pitstop for homely comfort food and is only a 10-minute walk from Herding Hill Farm.

TWICE BREWED INN

Distance: 4-minute drive

A stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall, Twice Brewed Inn is a brewery-restaurant-hotel-planetarium is a sure-fire hit with the curious. Wash one of their classic, home-cooked meals down with a beer brewed onsite for an authentic Northumberland experience.

BREW BAR, HALTWHISTLE

Distance: 4-minute drive

A popular bistro-café by day, on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings the Brew Bar café transforms into a vibrant bar with visiting food trucks from all around the North East.

HJEM, WALL

Distance: 21-minute drive 

Made for special occasions, Michelin-starred Restaurant Hjem brings together the best Northumberland produce and the most innovative Scandinavian cooking techniques in its sumptuous tasting menu.

BOUCHON BISTROT

Distance: 25-minute drive

Crowned winner of the Best European Restaurant at the North East Restaurant Awards, Bouchon Bistrot serves country-style French cuisine.

THE BEAUMONT HOTEL

Distance: 26-minute drive

Enjoy seasonal produce from the open kitchen at The Beaumont Hotel, or pop by for a drink and soak up the sensational views of Hexham Abbey from this Victorian townhouse hotel.

THINGS TO DO NEAR HALTWHISTLE

STARGAZING

Distance: 4-minute drive

Price: from £30.00

Discover the constellations, planets and galaxies visible to the eye from the protected Dark Skies Park above Northumberland with astronomers at the Twice Brewed Inn.

HADRIAN CYCLING

Distance: 6-minute drive

Price: from £30.00

For those looking to get that adrenaline pumping, hire an e-bike from Hadrian Cycling and explore Northumberland’s most famous historical sites on two wheels – whether on your own or as part of a guided tour.

HOUSESTEADS

Distance: 8-minute drive

Price: £9.00

Housesteads Roman Fort is situated on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, with a visitor centre onsite and tours from volunteer guides.

ALLEN BANKS AND STAWARD GORGE

Distance: 11-minute drive

Price: from £9.00

A National Trust site in Northumberland, Allen Banks and Staward Gorge has a wealth of woodland walks to explore and plenty of wildlife to spot, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs.

LANERCOST PRIORY

Distance: 18-minute drive

Price: from £7.80

The beautiful setting of the Augustinian Lanercost Priory belies an often-troubled history and is well-preserved – making for an intriguing day out.

CHILLINGHAM CASTLE

Distance: 1 hour, 28-minute drive

Price: from £7.00

Britain’s most haunted castle was the name of our Castle Pod at Herding Hill Farm, so we thought we’d throw Chillingham Castle in for good measure! The 13-century stronghold is famed for its battle-scarred history, fine rooms, gardens and ghost tours.

EXPLORE HALTWHISTLE

Distance: 4-minute drive

Located directly in the heart of Great Britain, the Northumberland market town of Haltwhistle is home to quirky boutiques, pubs, tearooms and restaurants, as well as the county’s only open-air swimming pool.

To find out more about Herding Hill Farm or to book your stay, visit their website

For what to expect on your stay, follow Herding Hill Farm on Facebook and Instagram

Herding Hill Farm, Shield Hill, Haltwhistle, Northumberland NE49 9NW

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