Belford - A Visitors Guide

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Belford is an ancient village standing on the edge of the Kyloe Hills and has been in existence for some 3000 years.

The centre of the village is the market square with its cross dating to medieval times.

Once important, due to its location on the Great North Road, today Belford is a much quieter place, bypassed by the A1 trunk road several decades ago.

Belford is ideally located as a holiday base, giving easy access to the Northumberland Coast to the east, the Cheviot Hills to the west and the Scottish Borders to the north.

Market Place and High Street © Pam Fray - CCL

Village Square © Philip Barker - CCL

Blue Bell Hotel © W F Millar - CCL

Belford has various interesting shops including, The Wooden Toy Shop, Craft Shop, Border Stoves and Cookers, plus the usual shops and facilities available in a large village.

During the month of August a continental market takes place in the centre of the village.

Overlooked by the magnificent 18th century Belford Hall and only a few minutes walk from the centre of the village is Belford Golf Club, a nine hole golf course which features a driving range, motorised cart hire and excellent bar facilities.

Swinhoe Farm Riding Centre has a fully qualified instructor and caters for all levels of ability.

All hacks are all off-road, including hacks to the famous St Cuthbert’s Cave.

Belford Community First Responders (BCFR) provides emergency cover 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, when anyone in the community is in need urgent medical treatment.

This service is carried-out by a small group of between 10 and 20 volunteer members.

They are trained in emergency life saving first-aid and are called to life threatening incidents where an emergency ambulance would be unable, or unlikely to reach an incident within the eight-minute target response time.

Part of the equipment is provided by, or loaned by the North East Ambulance Service and the British Red Cross.

Funding for the remainder is by voluntary contributions and donations.

The role of the Belford Community First Responders is not to replace the ambulance service, but to simply attempt to preserve life and promote recovery until the ambulance service arrive.

The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 5 - Belford to Fenwick...

This short six mile long penultimate stage offers a change of scenery as the route heads inland through woodland and farmland, replacing the many dramatic seascapes with rugged moorland scenes.

On leaving Belford, heading north-west and following the footpath that leads to high ground, then passes Swinhoe Farm and Lakes.

Panoramic views from the Kyloe ridge look towards Bamburgh in one direction and to Berwick upon Tweed in the other.

From here on the route is shared with the St Cuthbert's Way, another popular long distance path.

When on the moors, it is well worth making the short detour to visit nearby St Cuthbert's Cave.

It is thought that the saint's body may have rested in the cave during its journey across Northumbria.

The route now enters Shiellow Wood and onto Buckton Moor, then follows woodland and fields, with the path meeting the road at Blawearie, and a short stretch down into Fenwick village.

Ordnance Survey Maps...

Sheet 75 (Landranger) - Berwick upon Tweed
Sheet 340 (Explorer) - Holy Island and Bamburgh

Google Maps...

The Northumberland Coast Path (North Sea Trail)

Belford has a variety of holiday accommodation available, including...

Two Caravan and Camping Sites, Hotel, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering.

Useful Links...