Allen Banks and Staward Gorge (NT)
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Overview
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge combine to become one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland. This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods. Largely created by Susan Davidson, Allen Banks has become a fantastic home for flora, fauna and fungi. It is also well known for its carpet of bluebells and ramsons, commonly known as wild garlic, which covers the woodland floor in spring and early summer. There are also the remains of a medieval pele tower and a reconstructed Victorian summer-house. Birders will hopefully be motivated to spot some 70 species of birds that have been previously recorded at Allen Banks.
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
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Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Langley Castle Hotel and Restaurant
Langley is a magnificent 14th-century fortified castle, with its own chapel, set in 10 acres of parkland. There is an award-winning restaurant, a comfortable drawing room and a cosy bar...
Langley Dam Glamping
Langley Dam Glamping offers waterside luxury right on the banks of a fourteen-acre fly-fishing lake. All cabins have their own private decking, firepit areas and outstanding views over ...
Poplars Riverside Caravan Park
Poplars Riverside is on the banks of the River Tyne, with salmon and trout fishing. Spend your day lazing by the river with the ducks or take a short walk into the village. Gateshead Me...
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Old High Shield
Old High Shield Cottage is a spacious bungalow with lovely views of Northumberland’s striking scenery. Part of that scenery is one of the UK’s most important historical features, Hadria...
Sycamore Cottage
Sycamore Cottage is a gorgeous former farm cottage which has been tastefully and beautifully restored by the current owners. With spectacular views and lots of history, there is a real ...
Sycamore Cottage
Sycamore Cottage is a gorgeous former farm cottage which has been tastefully and beautifully restored by the current owners. With spectacular views and lots of history, there is a real ...
Old Brewery Cottage and Old Brewery Coach House
Two stone-built Grade 2 listed cottages nestled behind the owners' residence but with independent access. Set in a gravelled courtyard and with off-road parking, the cottages are ideal ...
