Branton
| The Bosk Branton | Cafe/Restaurant/bar/take away. They do themed nights such as pizza nights on Fridays, Sunday Brunch, open Wednesday to Sunday. | Branton Tel: (01665)660129 |
Powburn
The nearest place for food and drink is Hedgeley Services on the A697, just before the turn-off to Branton, where there is a petrol station and several shops. Sadly the Plough Inn has closed but rumour has it that there may be a buyer and a refurbishment in the pipeline!
| Penny Petroleum LONDIS Store | General store for all essentials including groceries, fruit and veg, bakery, newspapers, beer, wine and barbecue fuel. Open until 10pm daily. | Hedgeley Services Tel: (01665) 578214 |
| Hedgeley Antique Centre | Antique shop where much of the cottage furniture was bought. | Hedgeley Services Tel: (01665) 578142 |
Alnwick
With lots of shops, historic sites and tourist attractions, the beautiful market town of Alnwick lies 10 miles east of Branton and is an ideal place for a day out.
| Alnwick Castle | Glorious medieval castle used in the filming of Blackadder and Harry Potter. | Tel: (01665) 510777 Info: (01665) 511100 |
| Alnwick Garden | Beautiful gardens with spectacular water displays and one of the largest tree houses in the world. | Denwick Lane Tel: (01665) 511350 |
| Alnwick Playhouse | Theatre and cinema. | Bondgate Without Tel: (01665) 510785 |
| Alnwick Tourist Information | All you need to know about visitor attractions, events, exhibitions, opening times, prices, transport, etc. | 2 The Shambles Tel: (01665) 622152 |
| Bailiffgate Museum | Local history and exhibitions. | Tel: (01665) 605847 |
| Barter Books | Large, world famous second-hand bookshop set in an old Victorian railway station. A place to sit, read, enjoy the open fire and watch the model trains. Children’s section, cafe and Internet access. Open most days and some evenings. | Alnwick Station Tel: (01665) 604888 |
| Hulne Park | Alnwick Castle’s extensive parkland containing the ruins of Hulne Priory, a 13th century Carmelite monastery. A pleasant place to walk, but dogs are not allowed in the park. | Tel: (01665) 510777 |
| Willowburn Leisure Centre | Swimming pool and sports facilities. | Tel: (01665) 620200 |
Wooler
Known as the Gateway to the Cheviots, Wooler is a small stone-built market town on the edge of the Northumberland National Park at the foot of the Cheviot Hills, 9 miles north of Branton on the A697. It is notable for its various way-marked walks, one of which is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
| Tourist Information Centre | Offers specialised information for walkers. | 12 Padgepool Place Tel: (01668) 282123 |
| Good Life Shop | Family-run grocery shop with the best selection of local cheeses in the area. Also stocks gluten-free foods and ingredients. | 52 High Street Tel: (01668) 281700 |
| Florin | Sells antiques, collectables, paintings, prints, cards, craftwork, jewellery and unusual gifts | 3 High Street Tel: (01668) 283700 |
| Milan Restaurant | Good value Italian food in converted stable block of coaching inn, sourced locally where possible. | 2 High Street 01668 281309 |
Eglingham
The route to Eglingham, 4½ miles away from Branton, makes a good cycle ride with just one steep hill on the way. The village has an outstanding pub, the Tankerville Arms, and the church makes an interesting detour. A local guide book is available at the cottage.
| The Tankerville Arms | Pub serving good real ale and excellent bar/restaurant meals. The food is good, but not cheap. Children and dogs are welcome, nice garden too. | 15 The Village Tel: (01665) 578444 |
Ingram
This tiny hamlet, situated in the National Park about 2 miles from the cottage, has a newly refurbished Visitor Centre and a pretty church. An annual show is held there in early September. You can walk to Ingram along a footpath from Branton.
| Ingram Cafe | Tourist information, gift shop, refreshments, baby changing facilities and toilets. Fully accessible to both wheelchairs and prams. | Tel: (01665) 578100 |
Glanton
Glanton is a small village about 2 miles from Branton – a pleasant but uphill cycle ride.
| The Queen’s Head | The Queen’s Head Pub has a lovely fire and allows children and dogs, It normally serves reasonable pub food at lunchtimes and evenings but best to call and check ahead. | 15 Front Street Tel: (01665) 578324 |
Medical services
All the services listed here are located in Alnwick.
| Alnwick Dental Surgery | Dentist | 3 Bondgate Without Tel: (01665) 602151 |
| J.N. Butterworth BDS | Dentist | Greenwell Rd Tel: (01665) 604580 |
| Williamson BDS & Associates | Dentist | 15 Market St Tel: (01665) 602178 |
| Alnwick Medical Group | Doctor | Infirmary Close Tel: (01665) 656000 |
| Aln Veterinary Group | Vet | Wagonway Rd Tel: (01665) 510999 |
| Cheviot Vets | Vet | Powburn Tel: (01665) 578728 |
