Places of Historical Interest within easy reach of Matfen Hall
Hexham Abbey
There has been a church on this site over for 1300 years since Queen Etheldreda made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York c.674. Of Wilfrid's Benedictine abbey, the Saxon crypt and apse still remain. In Norman times Wilfrid's abbey was replaced by an Augustinian priory: the church you see today is mainly that building of about 1170-1250, in the Early English style of architecture. The choir, north and south transepts and the cloisters, where canons studied and meditated, date from this period.The east end was rebuilt in 1860 and the nave, whose walls incorporate some of the earlier church, was built in 1908. In 1996 an additional chapel was created at the east end of the north choir aisle. Named 'St Wilfrid's Chapel', it offers a place for prayer or quiet reflection.
Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537 the Abbey has been the parish church of Hexham and today is still a centre for worship and witness to the Christian faith.
Approximatley 10.3 Miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To visit Hexham Abbey's Website please click the link below.
Hexham Gaol
Hexham Gaol held prisoners captured in Hexhamshire, the area ruled over by the Archbishop of York. His Bailiff and other officials ran the Shire on his behalf from the nearby Moothall.By the 16th Century, the gaol was being used to house prisoners accused of committing crimes within the Border Marches. It was often used to hold hostages, known as pledges, who were held until fines were paid or accused people turned up to take their place.
Approximetley 10.4 Miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To read more visit the TyneDale Heritage website by clicking the link below.
Aydon Castle, Corbridge
Aydon Castle is a late 13th century stone fortified manor house, one of the finest of its era. Originally undefended when first built, it was sited with three sides standing against the steep banks of the Cor Burn. Early in the 14th century, an outer bailey curtain wall was added to guard the open side, with a plain arched gateway, a D-shaped and a rectangular flanking tower. The two storey hall block and kitchen wing with an embattled curtain wall make an inner courtyard, with the remnants of a middle courtyard to the west. Approximatley 5 Miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To read more on Aydon Castle visit the Castle Uk Website by clicking the link below.
Saxon Church of St Andrew's
The walls are filled with stones from the nearby Roman camp Corstopitum, and in the churchyard stands the Vicar's Pele, built of Roman stones. It was constructed in the 14th century as protection against the Scottish raiders. The church has a Saxon tower, dating from the 8th century and the main body is a mixture of Gothic and Saxon. The entrance is Norman, while the large tower arch was apparently taken in its entirement from the Roman camp. Guided tours are often available in the summer months. Approximatley 6.3 Miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To Visit the This is Corbridge website please click the link below.
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall was constructed over a period of six years by order of the Emperor Hadrian, who came to Britain in AD 122. According to one of Hadrian's Roman biographers it was built to 'separate the Romans from the Barbarians' a feat it achieved for over 250 years. Today, the area between South Shields and Raven glass is studded with forts, milecastles, temples and turrets. These 2000 year-old remains are brought brilliantly to life by museums, reconstructions and fascinating visitor centre's, all with something different and all waiting to be discovered. 
Go to our Special Interest Breaks page to look at our very own Hadrian's Wall Package.
To plan your walk please click the link below.
Bamburgh Castle
One of the most imposing castles in England, Bamburgh castle sits on a basalt crag dominating this part of the beautiful Northumberland coast.
Approximatley 63.9 Miles from Matfen Hall.
To see more details on the castle please click the link below.
Beamish Museum
Beamish, Britain's favourite open air museum, set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside, vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800s and 1900s. Winner of both the British Museum of the Year and European Museum of the Year Awards, it demonstrates the recent history of the region in a "living" way and provides entertainment and education for visitors of all ages and interests. Step on board our trams and we'll transport you into the past.
Approximatley 27.8 Miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
For more information on the Beamsih Museum please click the link below.
Chillingham Castle
This remarkable castle with its alarming dungeons and torture chamber has, since the twelve-hundreds, been continuously owned by the family of the Earls Grey and their relations.
You will see active restoration of complex masonry, metalwork and ornamental plaster as the great halls thrive with day to day life. A wide diversity of rooms and style give a refreshing difference to the Castle.
Approximatley 65.1 miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To read more on Chillingham Castle click the link below.
Cragside
Norman Shaw designed this splendid Victorian mansion, which stands in 1,000 acres of grounds. It was created by the first Lord Armstrong. The house, now owned by the National Trust, was the first in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity - the system being installed by Lord Armstrong himself by means of many manmade lakes and intricate underground piping. He also planted over seven million trees and shrubs, including many rhododendrons and unusual conifers, in the surrounding hillsides. The estate's 1,700 acres are traversed by some 40 miles of drives and walks, including a beautiful bridge spanning the Debdon gorge with its free-flowing waterfalls.
Approximatley 25.7 miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To read more on Cragside click the link below
Dunstanburgh Castle
Massive ruined castle in an impressive coastal setting. You can only reach Dunstanburgh Castle by walking there from Craster village. The castle dates from the 14th century and is set on top of a l00ft basalt crag. The surviving ruins include a large gatehouse, and the curtain walls. The property is owned by the National Trust but is in the care of English Heritage.Approximatley 53.8 miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To get more information on Dunstanburgh Castle please click the link belowNational Trust.
Wallington Hall
Wallington Hall, home of the Trevelyan family since 1777, now belongs to the National Trust. Its rooms range from mid-Georgian to a Victorian nursery. In the middle of the 19th century Ruskin made many visits here. In 1857 he paid a visit when, together with some other pre-Raphaelite guests, he helped decorate the pillars of the hall with flower paintings. Algernon Swinburn often used to visit Wallington, which he regarded as a second home. There is an outstanding collection of pottery and porcelain, and an important set of needlework panels dated around 1725. You can also see Lord Macaulay's library.
Approximatley 10.9 miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.
To read more on Wallington Hall please click the link below.National Trust
Belsay Hall
There's something for everyone at Belsay. Explore a spectacular medieval castle, a Greek Revival Villa and thirty acres of stunning Grade I gardens linking the two. Children are welcome to play outside, while adults will love the Jacobean mansion ruins, the castle and wonderfully presented Belsay Hall. In the gardens, unaltered for 200 years, you'll discover thousands of exotic species, famous rhododendrons and the magical Quarry Garden, with ravines, pinnacles and sheer rock faces inspired by the quarries of Sicily.Approximatley 9.4 miles from Matfen Hall Hotel.For more information on Belsay Hall click the link below.English Heritage.
To discover what else there is to see and do in Northumberland, please go to the official visitor information site www.visitnorthumberland.com
A classic English country hall hotel
