Nestled in Northumberland, this charming village provides the perfect setting for a weekend getaway immersed in nature, with all essential amenities conveniently close by.

Belford sits perfectly positioned between the Northumberland coastline and the Northumberland National Park, offering an ideal location for those seeking to combine tranquil countryside with stunning coastal landscapes.

Packed with independent retailers, traditional pubs, eateries and cafés, it presents a relaxed retreat that doesn’t require extensive travel.

The village features two traditional and welcoming pubs,  which are loved by locals and visitors alike for their character and excellent food and drink selection.

The Black Swan, which doubles as a bed and breakfast, stands as a Belford favourite and has accumulated nearly 200 outstanding TripAdvisor reviews.

One delighted guest said: “We received a warm welcome and were led to our room, which, whilst small (not too small) was well laid out, spotless and very comfortable. The food was well prepared, tasty and reasonably priced, and the management and staff, friendly and efficient – a definite ‘YES’ for anyone wanting to visit Lindisfarne or Bamburgh Castle.”

During your visit to the village, the Salmon Inn is another worthwhile destination. A customer described their visit, noting: “Decent village pub that offers a decent beer and some standard pub grub Check the opening times for the food, as certainly during the week they only serve a few hours – portions were good, and it was hot when delivered.”

Many visitors are drawn to the region to tackle the well-loved trek to St Cuthbert’s Cave, situated a few miles beyond the village. This fascinating trail is believed to have connections to monks who transported the remains of St Cuthbert to this location as early as AD 875 following a reported Viking attack.

Today, walkers make the pilgrimage hoping to experience some of the mystical atmosphere the saint was said to possess. He was believed to hold powers of spiritual healing, making the site a hallowed place where his remains once rested.

The natural cavern, along with its surrounding woodland, has been under National Trust stewardship since 1981. The sheltering overhang of rock creates an ideal refuge during inclement weather whilst exploring the area.

Fellow ramblers who’ve documented their journeys on TripAdvisor have described this outing as “well worth a visit”. One visitor commented: “The first part of the walk (to the cave) was fairly straightforward.

“We then decided to carry on and do the circular route back to the car park. Initially this did give some amazing views of the coast, including Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and the Farne Islands, and is well worth going up the hill from the cave for.”

Another noteworthy attraction on the outskirts of the village is Belford Castle, a charming architectural gem steeped in history. It’s thought to have originated in 1414 as a simple earthen mound constructed by the Normans, which later evolved to include a courtyard and defensive structures.

Today, it stands as a 19th-century Gothic farmhouse, erected upon the remnants of the original castle and mounds. While it’s currently under private ownership and not accessible to visitors, this historic landmark can be easily admired from across the road during a leisurely stroll around the vicinity.