Attractions and places to see around Broomhaugh And Riding include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty. This civil parish in Northumberland, England, is situated between Hexham and Newcastle upon Tyne, offering access to local village charm and the wider Northumberland landscape. The area features the River Tyne as its northern boundary and the March Burn, which bisects the parish, contributing to its diverse natural features like woodlands and grasslands.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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George Stephenson's birthplace is a simple stone worker's cottage on the north bank of the River Tyne in Wylam, built circa 1760 to house mining families, and where the future railway pioneer was born in 1781. A Grade II* listed building owned by the National Trust, it is now a historic house museum with original furnishings and displays about Stephenson's childhood and early locomotives, and is opened to visitors by costume guides who wish to experience the living conditions of a Georgian mining family.
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Located close to Hadrian's Wall, the lovely village of Matfen is well worth spending some time in. This eighteenth-century planned estate village was originally established by the Blackett family. With a gently flowing stream, village green and attractive stone dwellings, Matfen is as unspoilt as it has ever been. Built some 200 years ago, the attractive, creeper-covered Black Bull Inn fronts the village green and has low beams and open fires.
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The stone cross is a war memorial and an impressive monument in the form of a Celtic cross, erected in memory of local soldiers who died in the First (22) and Second World Wars (3). The 4.8-meter sandstone cross is richly decorated with symbolic patterns and inscriptions that convey deep respect and historical significance. It is a peaceful, reflective spot in the heart of the village, near Holy Trinity Church.
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To understand why this rather modest-looking house remains an attractive destination for visitors to Wylam to this day, we must go back several centuries in history. To be precise, to June 9, 1781. On that day, a baby named George Stephenson was born here – of course, no one at the time could have imagined that this man would later become an engineer and a famous railway pioneer beyond the borders of the British Isles. A picture of his famous locomotive, the "Rocket," can be found at the following link on Wikipedia =>> https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson#/media/Datei:Stephenson's_Rocket.jpg
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The Hagg Bank Bridge, also known as the Points Bridge or Half-Moon Bridge, is a Grade II* listed pedestrian bridge spanning the River Tyne at Wylam. It was originally built in 1876 as a railway bridge for the Scotswood, Newburn & Wylam Railway. W.G. Laws's design incorporated a 73-metre single rib arch with no piers in the river, an innovation at the time and likely inspiration for later bridges such as the Tyne Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Following the closure of the railway line in 1968, the bridge was reopened in 1975 as a walkway and cycle path linking Wylam with the Tyne Riverside Country Park.
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Hexham Abbey is one of England's oldest and most impressive churches. The abbey was originally founded in 674 AD by St. Wilfrid, using stones from nearby Roman ruins. The oldest part—the Saxon crypt—is still intact and represents a rare remnant of early Christian architecture. Inside, you'll find stained glass, the Roman tombstone of Flavinus, a 1st-century standard-bearer, an impressive Phelps organ from 1974, and a frith stool (Saxon bishop's chair). Admission to the abbey is free, with a small charge for the crypt.
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Hexham Abbey is one of England's oldest and most impressive churches. The abbey was originally founded in 674 AD by St. Wilfrid, using stones from nearby Roman ruins. The oldest part—the Saxon crypt—is still intact and represents a rare remnant of early Christian architecture. Inside, you'll find stained glass, the Roman tombstone of Flavinus, a 1st-century standard-bearer, an impressive Phelps organ from 1974, and a frith stool (Saxon bishop's chair). Admission to the abbey is free, with a small charge for the crypt.
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Broomhaugh And Riding is rich in history. You can explore St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield, a significant site on the Hadrian's Wall Path where King Oswald raised a cross in AD 635. Another notable historical site is George Stephenson's Birthplace, a historic house museum offering insight into the railway pioneer's early life. The area also features the historic Hagg Bank Bridge, medieval-origin mills, and 17th-century bastle farmhouses.
Yes, the area offers several natural highlights. The Hagg Bank Bridge provides excellent views of the River Tyne. The River Tyne itself forms the northern boundary of the parish and is a vital wildlife corridor. The March Burn, a tributary of the Tyne, bisects the parish and features areas with exposed bedrock and species-rich grasslands, including a Northumberland Wildlife Trust nature reserve known for its wildflowers.
The region around Broomhaugh And Riding is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including challenging routes like the 'Tyne Riverside Path – Hagg Bank Bridge loop'. For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Old Carelgate Cart Track – Corbridge Bridge loop'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore longer routes like the 'Wylam Bridge – Derwent Walk loop'. For more details on routes, visit the Running Trails, Easy Hikes, and Gravel Biking guides for the area.
Many attractions in Broomhaugh And Riding are suitable for families. Hagg Bank Bridge is a scenic walkway and cycle path perfect for a family stroll or bike ride. George Stephenson's Birthplace offers an engaging historical experience for all ages. Additionally, the nearby Stone Cross and Church in Matfen is located in a charming village setting, and Hexham Abbey provides a fascinating historical visit for older children and adults.
Visitors frequently praise the historical significance and natural beauty of the area. The Hagg Bank Bridge is often highlighted as a beautiful and scenic spot, great for photography and part of the National Cycle Route 72. St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield is appreciated for its profound historical and spiritual atmosphere, especially for those completing St Oswald's Way. The charm of the historic buildings and the peaceful countryside are also highly valued.
Broomhaugh And Riding is accessible by public transport. Riding Mill Station, dating back to 1835, is one of the country's oldest operational passenger stations, providing rail links to the area. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by train.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails around Broomhaugh And Riding. For example, the 'Old Carelgate Cart Track – Corbridge Bridge loop' and the 'Hugh Percy Fountain – River Tyne loop' are both rated as easy. These trails offer pleasant walks along the River Tyne and through the local countryside. You can find more options in the Easy Hikes around Broomhaugh And Riding guide.
The best time to visit Broomhaugh And Riding largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the wildflowers along the March Burn and for walking or cycling the various trails. The historical sites are accessible year-round, but the pleasant weather of warmer months enhances outdoor exploration. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter can provide opportunities for crisp, quiet walks, though some paths might be muddy.
Yes, reflecting the area's turbulent past, Broomhaugh and Riding is home to surviving 17th-century bastle farmhouses. These fortified farmhouses, such as Broomhaugh Farmhouse and Stable End, offer a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the period. The oldest part of the Dower House in Riding may also have been a bastle. Additionally, The Mill in Riding Mill, with its medieval origins, retains its historic appearance, including the iron frame of its water wheel.
The area around Broomhaugh And Riding offers cycling opportunities for various skill levels. The Hagg Bank Bridge is part of a scenic cycle path. For more adventurous cyclists, there are gravel biking routes, including challenging ones like the 'Wylam Bridge – Derwent Walk loop'. You can explore detailed routes in the Gravel Biking around Broomhaugh And Riding guide.
St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield is a site of immense historical and religious importance in early northern Christianity. Located on the Hadrian's Wall Path, it marks the place where King (later Saint) Oswald of Northumbria raised a cross before a pivotal battle in AD 635. The site is considered one of the most important in early northern Christianity, and the cult of St Oswald spread throughout Europe.
Yes, the area is home to several historic bridges. The most prominent is Hagg Bank Bridge, also known as the Points Bridge or Half-Moon Bridge. This Grade II* listed pedestrian bridge, originally a railway bridge built in 1876, now serves as a scenic walkway and cycle path over the River Tyne. Another historic structure is the Pack Horse Bridge, constructed around 1603, which allowed tenants to transport corn to the mill.


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