Springhouse Country Park is a beautiful countryside retreat nestling in a peaceful and picturesque forest boasting a magnificent depth of wildlife and a variety of breathtaking scenic walks. Springhouse is the perfect place for you to relax and to experience holiday home ownership.

You could spend every visit simply relaxing on the Park. But there’s so much to see and do on you doorstep too! Picturesque Hexham is your nearest town (approximately 2 miles), voted Britain’s favourite market town by Country Life magazine, and winner of two categories in the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. Its magnificent abbey was founded in 674AD and it is an interesting mix of historic buildings, enticing streets, lively independent shops and High Street retailers. The world famous Hadrian’s Wall is just 5 miles away, steeped in history and perfect for exploring and hiking.

You’ll enjoy meandering around Hexham, browsing bookshops and boutiques, and you might pick up a bargain at the antiques fair. There are also plenty of places to pick up your day to day necessities or perhaps something special.

An ancient Abbey, a Moothall and Old Gaol are just a few of the buildings which reveal Hexham’s history. Lying in the long shadow of Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border, the town has been witness over the centuries to a variety of extraordinary and sometimes bloody events.

Hexham Abbey (a former Priory) dominates the Market Place. Hexham’s Christian Heritage is closely linked to that of Lindisfarne, St. Cuthbert and St. Wilfrid.

A close look at some of the stones in the Saxon crypt will reveal that they have been recycled from Roman times, and there are many other historical treasures to explore both in the Abbey and its interactive exhibition, The Big Story, which brings to life the people and events that shaped the Abbey’s fascinating 1300 year history.

The Moothall , built in the 15th Century, stands tall across the Market Place. It once formed the gateway to the Archbishop of York’s buildings and provided the Court Rooms in which prisoners from the nearby Old Gaol were tried. Built in 1330 this is the first purpose built jail in England.

Nowadays, the Old Gaol provides an insight into the turbulent times of the Border skirmishes and the Border Reivers, a time when cattle rustling, guerilla fighting and clan feuds were rife.

In 1761 the Market Place was the scene of the Hexham Riot. A plaque in the pavement close to the Moothall is a reminder of this time of revolt.

By 1766 the town had settled into trading and the Shambles was constructed to provide a covered market. A verse by Wilfrid Gibson, Hexham’s 19th Century poet, decorates the old pant (water pump) and is a reminder that the Market Place has always been a place to meet.

A more modern building is the community-owned Forum Cinema, dating from 1937 and built on the site of the original Gem Palace which was built in 1910.

Many of Hexham’s street names match the industries which once flourished in this busy market town: Tanners Yard and Glovers Place were hives of activity, playing their part in the production of Hexham Tans (the softest of leather gloves). More details on Hexham’s leather heritage can be found here.

We think Northumberland is England’s best-kept secret; a magical place filled with ancient castles, hidden gardens, pristine coastline, rolling hills, rugged moorland, sweeping views, friendly little market towns and villages and a cultural heritage all of its own. Starting from the River Tweed in the north, to the coastal plains of the East, England’s most tranquil National Park to the west, Hadrian’s Wall and the River Tyne in the south, a week just isn’t long enough to make the most of all our beautiful county has to offer!

Northumberland is a county of contrasts, where unrivalled scenery is often marked by turbulent, bloody warfare and this land has been violently fought over for more than 2,000 years. The evidence is still visible across much of the physical landscape and in the characters of the people you’ll meet here. But don’t worry, these days we’re only too happy to welcome newcomers!

Visit Northumberland today and you’ll find beauty, peace and tranquillity in almost every little corner you visit. The most sparsely populated County in England, the only traffic you are likely to encounter on our rural roads is of the woolly, four-legged variety, or at worst, a tractor making the short journey from farm to field. Whether you’re planning a vigorous, outdoor adventure, gentle walk on a golden, sandy beach or a cosy meal in a country pub, Northumberland offers you the time, place and space to do it. All you need to do now is pick where you want to start!

If you’ve a yen for city life, there’s beautiful Durham with its cathedral, and Newcastle with its reputation as one of the north’s friendliest places. This vibrant city is just a half hour’s drive away from your peaceful holiday home. Enjoy top restaurants, convivial pubs, and high class entertainment. Art galleries, theatres and cinemas are plentiful.

Nearby you have a huge choice of how and where to spend your time. There’s walking, fishing, golfing, and an abundance of wildlife to see. Why not also discover the splendours of Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Water, Derwent Reservoir and Tyne Green Country Park. Walking and cycling are a pleasure with through the meandering country lanes and there are many delightful villages to explore. An even greater pleasure is knowing that you have your own holiday home to come back to, welcoming and superbly comfortable.

Many of Hexham’s street names match the industries which once flourished in this busy market town: Tanners Yard and Glovers Place were hives of activity, playing their part in the production of Hexham Tans (the softest of leather gloves). More details on Hexham’s leather heritage can be found here.