Lord Crewe Arms

Hotel review

Driving across the Moors in a stunning part of the Northumberland Pennines, you arrive at the small village of Blanchland, tucked in the valley in a fold of the hills, named after the white monks who settled here in the Middle Ages. Part of the abbey still survives as the parish church, and as the Lord Crewe Arms in the former abbots residence and guesthouse. For over 800 years travellers have been staying in the building, and for 300 years it has existed as an inn.

So it has pedigree, and you can see why as soon as you enter, with its roaring log fires, 18th century portraits and stone flagged floors. Today, the inn has been transformed into a luxurious overnight stay, both for travellers en route north or south, and for people looking for an outdoors weekend in some of the most unspoilt landscape in the country. The nights are very quiet and the stars as bright as you will find in the UK - so much so that star gazers come here from far and wide.

Rooms are split between the main building (just four rooms), the former lead miners' cottages next door, and a further 10 rooms in the former Angel Inn across the cobbled village square. All are beautifully designed with well chosen fabrics and super comfortable beds by the same designer who worked with their sister Calcot Hotel, with olive and taupe country colourways amd tartan rugs. Nice touches include mini-telescopes in some rooms and kit for hikers, with binoculars, a compass, and maps. Even the cosy rooms, which are quite compact, feel like cocoons of luxury. Many of the rooms lead straight out onto the village square and are dog friendly (who are provided with their own beds), as this is perfect dog walking country. There is a convenient bootroom and drying room for changing, and drying said dogs, with a range of gumboots and umbrellas to choose from.

Inside the main building there are three main dining areas. Upstairs is dog free, and has fine views over the fields at the back of the hotel, while downstairs feels more like it would have done centuries ago, with huge stone fireplaces, bare stone walls, and dogs lounging by the fire. The food is classic gastro fare with plentiful local produce, and their Northumberland breakfasts are legendary. There's also a lively bar in what used to be the vaulted cellars. What a find!

James Dunford Wood Review published: 20/09/2024