A picturesque village that appears to be frozen in time has been hailed as one of the UK’s “prettiest villages” by renowned travel bloggers. World travellers Jonny and Hannah, founders of the popular travel website Finding our Adventure, have crowned this hidden gem in Northumberland as the UK’s prettiest village, adding this charming hamlet to their extensive list.

Upon arrival, visitors are immediately struck by the strong French influences permeating this magnificent village nestled within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Encircled by stunning moorland fells, the diminutive village of Blanchland seems as though it’s leapt straight from the pages of a fairytale. Constructed in 1165, this enchanting village was built using stones from the Blanchland Abbey, and it appears as though little has changed since then. The village’s captivating history keeps tourists enthralled, while its picture-perfect, honey-coloured buildings are simply beautiful.

With its cobblestone streets, hanging flower baskets, winding lanes and beautiful stonework, Blanchland is notable for its absence of modern-day chain stores within its borders, offering visitors a genuine sense of stepping back in time, reports Chronicle Live.

Tucked cosily alongside the River Derwent, this diminutive village sits within the forested stretch of the Derwent valley and is arguably the most charming settlement across the entire North Pennines.

Despite housing just 135 residents, according to the latest 2011 parish census, Blanchland astonishingly attracts tourists from far and wide.

The settlement boasts only a select few key attractions, including Blanchland Abbey, the White Monk Tea Room – formerly the village schoolhouse – a quirky local store complete with a distinctive white postbox, and what could well be England’s most renowned pub-hotel combination, the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel.

Blanchland’s history

The village’s moniker stems from the French canons who resided and laboured at Blanchland Abbey, identifiable by their distinctive white robes. “Blanche” translates directly to white in French, hence how Blanchland acquired its name – or so the tale goes.

Founded by Walter de Bolbec in 1165, Blanchland Abbey reportedly welcomed Edward III during his preparations for combat against the Scots in 1327.

The Scots, Vikings, Romans, and border Reivers are all believed to have battled for dominance over this magnificent corner of the countryside. Blanchland Abbey faced dissolution under King Henry VIII in 1539, with significant portions of the complex being demolished, dismantled, or stripped away.

The remaining structures and abbey grounds are believed to have been either bestowed upon the King’s allies or sold to private buyers. The abbey’s lodge subsequently underwent conversion into a manor house, whilst its gatehouse and additional structures eventually formed the heart of the village square.

In 1704, Lord Crewe acquired the Blanchland estate, and following his death in 1721, he bequeathed the property to The Lord Crewe Charity Trust. The trust subsequently embarked upon enhancing the village buildings and assisted in restoring sections of the abbey church.

These efforts aimed to establish a “model village” for Blanchland’s residents, who were predominantly mining families during that era.

Famous connections

The celebrated Lord Crewe Arms Hotel stands as one of Britain’s most ancient inns, tracing its origins back to the 12th century. Boasting traditional timber beams, stone-walled interiors, and a crackling open hearth, it serves as an ideal stopping point for visitors seeking refreshment and sustenance, or those desiring overnight accommodation within its historic walls.

The grand fireplace of the hotel is said to have been the hiding place of General Tom Forster during the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Esteemed poet WH Auden also lodged within its historic confines during Easter of 1930, later expressing that no other location held more cherished memories for him than the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel. Writer Emily Elizabeth Shaw Beavan also resided and penned her works within the hotel while her husband was employed at the Derwent Mines.

Blanchland is thought to have served as the inspiration for the village portrayed in the opening and closing scenes of Auden and Christopher Isherwood’s 1935 play The Dog Beneath the Skin. Another celebrated poet, Philip Larkin, is rumoured to have been a frequent diner at the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel. A number of other notable figures are also believed to have visited the hotel.

In the popular series Wolfblood, the scenes set in the fictional town of Stoneybridge are reportedly filmed in the village of Blanchland, which has also made numerous appearances on ITV’s Vera. Over the years, Blanchland has consistently been a preferred location for shooting period dramas.