Changing landscapes

From the wild hills of the Cheviots and the Eildons to the bays, beaches and cliffs of the heritage coastline, the landscapes of North Northumberland and Berwickshire are among the most varied and least spoiled in Britain .

The clear air and ever-changing light conditions make this a popular destination for bird-watchers, photographers and artists.

By the end of the 18th century the district had become one of the country’s most prosperous agricultural areas. Improving landowners rebuilt farms and villages, introduced new crops and breeds of livestock, and created the attractive patchwork of fields we see today.

Vast expanses of countryside and coastline are now looked after by Northumberland National Park , the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the National Trust. Each of these organisations provides info rmation and interpretation of the region’s countryside and wildlife.

Explore the natural beauty of our area on your own or take advantage of the wide-ranging programme of outdoor activities, guided walks, boats trips and wildlife expeditions on offer.

Water Power

Heatherslaw Mill – approximately 7 miles from the hotel

A fully-operating Victorian corn-mill can be visited at Heatherslaw on the Ford and Etal Estates. Using the power from the waters of the River Till, the mill grinds barley, oats and wheat to be used by local bakers and sold in shops throughout the area. Heatherslaw Mill is open from Easter to October.

Fishing for salmon and trout has been an important part of the local economy since the early Middle Ages. The River Tweed and its tributaries still provide some of the best sport fishing in Britain . Along its banks you will see solid stone buildings called “shiels”, which were once used during the season by the salmon fishing crews on the river. Some of these buildings are ruined now, but many have been transformed into holiday cottages. At one time, hundreds of men were employed in commercial salmon-netting n the Tweed . Most of the fisheries have been closed down in recent years, but in the summer months you may still see a crew at work at Paxton House or near the old bridge a Tweedmouth.

The Silver Darlings

On the coast, colourful fishing boats called “cobles” operate out of picturesque little harbours to catch crabs and lobsters.

In the 19th century, families in the fishing communities of Northumberland and Berwickshire depended on herring - the “silver darlings”. The industry collapsed after the First World War, but the upturned hulls of some of the old herring boats can be seen on the beach beside Holy Island Harbour .

Herring is still used to produce kippers in traditional smokehouses at Eyemouth, Seahouss and Craster.

At Seahouses, many of the fishing boats now take visitors on trips to the Farne Islands during the summer months, or carry diving parties to explore the waters along the heritage coast.

The area’s main fishing harbour is Eyemouth, which still has a fleet of working trawlers and a commercial fish-market. Among the town’s attractions are the “World of Boats” exhibition of hundreds of vessels and boat-models of all kinds from all over the world, and the Heritage Centre, which displays the history of Eyemouth’s fishing industry. Here you will also discover the story of the Great Disaster of October 1881, when 129 Eyemouth men and boys were drowned in a terrible storm.