The village of Alwinton lies at the mid-point of the Coquet Valley.
Head further north and you enter 'The Land of the Far Horizon' - isolated hill farms, high hills and wandering trails. Head south through the villages of Harbottle and Rothbury you'll find more people, bustling shops and some fascinating places to visit.
The village was once a significant meeting point between the people of the Scottish Borders and the English Marches - hence the Rose & Thistle. In times past, this was a turbulent place where bands of marauding raiders known as the Border Reivers made numerous, and often bloody, attacks on residents both sides of the border. Evidence of these troubled times can still be seen in the historic remains of castles and fortified houses, known as Bastle Houses, dotted throughout the landscape. Indeed, Northumberland boasts more castles and defensive structures than any other English county.
These troubled times formed the backdrop of the novel Rob Roy which was written by Sir Walter Scott in 1818. Some of the novel was actually written whilst Scott stayed at the Rose & Thistle while he was researching the area for the novel.
Thankfully, today it's a lot more peaceful! However, nearby sites such as Woodhouses Bastle, Harbottle Castle and the ruined Tosson Tower can make a fascinating day out for those interested in history.
Somewhat further afield, but on most people's list of must see attractions, are the castles of Alnwick, made famous recently as the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Bamburgh, complete with it's own dragon legend and Authurian connections and the romantic cliff-top ruins of Dunstanburgh overlooking the dramatic Northumbrian coast.
For those seeking wilderness and solitude, it could be argued that there is nowhere in England better suited to escape than Alwinton. Within just a few miles you can be walking or cycling some of the most unoccupied landscapes in the country. Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers may be lucky enough to catch glimpses of Peregrine Falcons or Black Grouse and Ospreys have been known to hunt the river. The Cheviot range of hills that surround Alwinton are part of the Northumberland National Park and trails are mostly well signed, although of course, we'd always suggest packing a map! Being part of a designated Dark Sky area, Northumberland National Park can officially boast having officially the 'Most pristine dark skies in England' - so a great place for stargazing and you may even be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights!
As well as significant hikes, the surrounding area has some fascinating shorter walks suitable for the less energetic and family groups. A wander through nearby Holystone Woods includes sections of ancient woodland, a holy well and a fairy glenn, no to mention a good chance of spotting a red squirrel. A short walk above the village of Harbottle brings you to a home stone known as the Drakestone which has many tales and legends of druidry attached to it. And the nearby lake is believed to be the location of a sunken treasure that has never been discovered. Yet!
The keen sportsman can find a challenge in the nearby River Coquet with it's population of wily native Brown Trout and the seasonal rush of migratory Atlantic Salmon. There are seasonal tickets available for a selection of stretches. Stillwater's are plentiful throughout the county and provide well-stocked and exciting sport. Those at Thrunton Longcrag and Chatton are both within an hour's drive.
