A remote Northumberland village, seemingly untouched by the modern world, has been officially declared one of the United Kingdom's most beautiful settlements. Travel experts Jonny and Hannah, the duo behind the influential blog Finding our Adventure, have bestowed the prestigious title of the UK's prettiest village upon the historic hamlet of Blanchland.
A Step Back in Time
Nestled within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and encircled by dramatic moorland, Blanchland offers an immediate and striking sense of escape. Visitors are greeted by a scene of remarkable preservation, where honey-coloured stone buildings line cobbled streets devoid of any contemporary chain stores. The village's unique aesthetic is deeply rooted in its foundation in 1165, constructed largely from stones sourced from the local Blanchland Abbey. With a resident population of just 135 people, as recorded in the 2011 census, this tiny community punches far above its weight in attracting tourists seeking authentic heritage and tranquillity.
The settlement's enchanting atmosphere is amplified by winding lanes, traditional hanging baskets, and exquisite stonework. Perched beside the River Derwent in a forested section of the valley, it creates a picture-perfect tableau that feels lifted from a storybook. Chronicles Live reports that the complete absence of modern retail outlets enhances the powerful sensation of having stepped centuries into the past.
History Etched in Stone
Blanchland's story is as captivating as its appearance. The village's name is believed to originate from the white-robed ('blanche') French monks of the Premonstratensian order who founded Blanchland Abbey. The abbey itself, established by Walter de Bolbec in 1165, was a significant local power. History records that King Edward III even used it as a base while preparing for conflict with the Scots in 1327. For centuries, this strategic corner of England was contested by Scots, Vikings, Romans, and border Reivers.
The abbey's dissolution under King Henry VIII in 1539 led to its partial demolition, but its legacy lived on. The abbey's lodge was converted into a manor house, while its gatehouse and other structures formed the nucleus of the village square. In 1704, the estate was purchased by Lord Crewe. Following his death, it was left to The Lord Crewe Charity Trust, which embarked on creating a 'model village' for the local mining families, restoring buildings and parts of the abbey church.
Literary Links and Famous Haunts
Central to Blanchland's enduring appeal is the legendary Lord Crewe Arms Hotel, reputed to be one of Britain's oldest inns with origins in the 12th century. This quintessential coaching inn, with its timber beams, stone walls, and roaring fires, is steeped in lore. Its grand fireplace is said to have concealed General Tom Forster during the Jacobite uprising of 1715.
The hotel has long been a magnet for literary figures. The esteemed poet W.H. Auden spent Easter of 1930 there and later professed it held his most cherished memories. It is thought that Blanchland inspired the village in his 1935 play, The Dog Beneath the Skin, co-written with Christopher Isherwood. Rumours also persist that poet Philip Larkin was a frequent diner. Furthermore, writer Emily Elizabeth Shaw Beavan penned her works within its walls while her husband worked at the Derwent Mines.
Blanchland's photogenic quality has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers. The village has served as a backdrop for the fictional town of Stoneybridge in the TV series Wolfblood and has made multiple appearances on ITV's popular detective drama Vera, cementing its status as a prime location for period dramas. For travellers seeking a genuine escape into history and unparalleled rustic beauty, Blanchland stands as a timeless and award-winning destination.
