Short Walks in Northumberland: A Perfect Day Out in Bellingham

If you’re searching for some of the best walks in Northumberland, especially ones that finish with a cosy pub or café, look no further. This route offers both, and then some! Bellingham is a hidden gem, full of charm, character, and welcoming places to refuel after your walk. It’s one of those nice walks in Northumberland that perfectly combines scenery, history, and local flavour.

The Hareshaw Linn Walk

Start with the well-known Hareshaw Linn walk, one of the best short walks in Northumberland and a real favourite for locals and visitors alike. This 3-mile return trail begins in Bellingham, with a small car park at the start and additional on-road parking nearby. The Hareshaw Linn walk leads you through ancient woodland of oak, hazel, elm, and ash, crossing half a dozen small bridges along the way. You’ll pass small treasures along the way: where a Victorian bandstand once stood, the old Cupid’s Bower bench, and fallen tree stumps with coins old and new pressed into the bark. The walk finishes at an impressive waterfall, a hidden treasure in one of the most peaceful corners of Northumberland, and easily one of the most rewarding short walks in Northumberland.

Tea on the Train

After your walk, treat yourself at Tea on the Train, a converted Mark 3 HST carriage beside the Bellingham Heritage Centre. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, the tearoom serves homemade cakes, soups, and light lunches made with local ingredients. With plush seats and a spacious interior, it’s a brilliantly cosy stop for anyone looking to unwind after their walk. There’s also outdoor seating, perfect if you're bringing your dog or are enjoying milder weather. It's a favourite rest stop after exploring. It’s ideal for a post-walk treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re visiting as part of a larger group, it’s best to call ahead.

Heritage Centre

Next door, the Bellingham Heritage Centre offers a thoughtful and engaging glimpse into the rich history of the North Tyne and Redesdale valleys. Housed in the former railway station, the centre brings local stories to life through exhibits on farming, mining, blacksmithing, and the once-thriving Border Counties Railway. You’ll find personal archives, photographs, and artefacts that reveal how people lived and worked in this rural landscape—including the tales of the Border Reivers. There’s even a restored blacksmith’s forge and interactive displays for a hands-on experience. Open daily from April to November, entry is free (donations welcome), and the centre is fully accessible and dog-friendly, making it a great add-on to your walk in Northumberland..

The First & Last Brewery and Taproom

Finally, wrap up your day with a visit to the First & Last Brewery Taproom, just a short walk from the village centre and right next to the start of the Hareshaw Linn walk. Open Fridays and Saturdays, the taproom is a relaxed space to try local ales brewed right on site. Dogs are welcome, and locals and visitors alike gather for a chat over a pint of Reiver or Equinox. Also, on the first Sunday of every month, the First & Last Brewery hosts Crafty Sunday, which is a free, fun, family-friendly event where you can try your hand at a craft led by a local artisan.

Make the Most of Your Day Out in Northumberland

If you’re up for a few more scenic stops, turn this into a full day of discovery.

Just outside Bellingham is the Black Middens Bastle House—a 16th-century fortified farmhouse once built to guard against Border Reivers. It’s a striking and atmospheric ruin, tucked away in peaceful countryside. The car park is nearby, and it’s a short walk to the site.

From there, it’s a beautiful drive to Kielder, where you’ll find the vast reservoir, forest trails, and, if time allows, the Kielder Observatory. Even a short stroll by the water or a visit to the café makes a lovely way to wind down your day.

Other short walks in Northumberland

If you’re spending a few days walking in Northumberland, why not head to the Northumberland Coast or Hadrian’s Wall. You'll find more great walks, filled with history, scenery, and more hidden gems. And if you’d like to hear the local stories behind these landscapes, join one of our Curius Compass tours. Explore more hidden gems, hear about local legends, and discover our favourite spots that make every walk an unforgettable experience.

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The Bit at the Bottom Where We Answer Stuff...

How far is Bellingham from Hexham? It’s around 16 miles or a 30-minute drive.

Is Bellingham dog-friendly? Yes! You’ll find plenty of places that welcome dogs, from the Hareshaw Linn trail itself to Tea on the Train (although dogs are not permitted in the train carriage, you can eat on the covered patio), the First & Last Brewery Taproom and even the Heritage Centre.

Can you visit Bellingham without a car? You can. Bellingham is reachable by bus from Hexham. The 680 runs Monday - Saturday, starting from Hexham bus station.

When’s the best time to visit? Spring and autumn are ideal for quieter trails and gorgeous colours, though Hareshaw Linn is beautiful year-round, especially after rain when the waterfall is in full flow.

I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees. — Henry David Thoreau