Meadow Hill Guest House

In fact no other region of England has so many Castles and fortified homes, where Kings and powerful families once lived. Within a few miles of Meadow Hill you can visit at least six castles to discover, yourself, the often bloody and violent history of the area. The English and Scots fought fiercely for control of Berwick upon Tweed over the centuries, with ownership changing hands thirteen times until it fell to the English in 1482.

Today, Berwick belies its stormy past with a friendly, bustling atmosphere, interesting small shops, cafés and restaurants. A fascinating way of exploring the history of Berwick is with the town's qualified and knowledgeable guide, who will explain and show you the ruins of Berwick Castle, once part of the town's medieval defences that included 19 towers and 2½ miles of still intact, battlemented Elizabethan walls up to 35 feet high which encircle the town. At 8p.m. the curfew bell still rings out from the Town Hall, as it has since the gates of the town were locked every night.

Many visitors simply enjoy following pretty paths along the grand River Tweed looking for Kingfishers, Buzzards, Badgers or Otters among the varied wildlife which still inhabit this unspoilt area. Visiting local agricultural shows to view sheep-dog-trialing or watching the world go by while you have lunch outside a thatched pub are popular pastimes. For the more adventurous visitor there are various activities nearby, offering everything from a beach ride - galloping along the white deserted sands of Holy Island, to bird watching on and around the Farne islands, learning to rock climb, abseil or sea kayak. Alnwick Gardens is a must see, and its castle is famous recently because it appeared in the "Harry Potter" movies.

Families with children are catered for (cots available) and made very welcome at Meadow Hill and while there is a well-maintained garden for them to play in, there are also other interests in the immediate locality, including supervised activities at Berwick's sport and swimming centre, an adventure playground, activities and events at splendid, Adam-built Paxton House, Chain Bridge Honey Farm where children can observe a working, glass-sided bee hive or follow and enjoy the animals on the Conundrum Farm Trail. A few miles further is Heatherslaw Light Railway - children love the excitement of this miniature steam train which travels from Heatherslaw Mill to Etal Castle. At Chillingham Castle, an alarming dungeon with inhabitant and torture chamber are designed to scare older children!

At Meadow Hill you will find an antidote to the bustle and pace of life, where you will be genuinely welcomed by Christine & Tony and from where you will leave refreshed and rested at the end of your stay.

Find out for yourself why visitors are drawn back year after year to sample the delights of this unique part of Northumberland - the Secret Kingdom.