The 'enchanting' northumberland village named a 'dream' destination for families

HOME TO A CHILDREN'S PLAY PARK AND TRADITIONAL TEAROOM, FALSTONE IS PERFECTLY SITUATED TO EXPLORE KIELDER WATER AND FOREST PARK AS WELL AS THE SPRAWLING BEAUTY OF NORTHUMBERLAND

NATIONAL PARK 14:36, 29 May 2025 This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more A small Northumberland village a

stone's throw away from one of England's most spectacular scenic attractions has been dubbed an "enchanting" place to explore this summer. Those who have been lucky

enough to visit Northumberland National Park will likely know the breathtaking Kielder Water, with the village of Kielder not far away - but another lesser-known village sits at the other

end. Falstone is described by Visit Northumberland as one of the county's "hidden gems", perfectly situated to explore the beauty of Kielder Water and Forest Park. This

beautiful place is home to not only the largest forest in England but the biggest man-made lake in Europe too, providing miles of picturesque walking routes for nature lovers to enjoy. Less

than a mile away, the village of Falstone itself is home to a 1.5-acre play park with swings and slides, zip wires, tennis courts and willow igloos that has been dubbed a "child's

dream" and a "must-visit attraction" by Visit Gilsland. This makes it the ideal destination for families seeking entertainment over the summer holidays, who can fuel up for

their adventure at the famous Falstone Tearooms. This traditional tearoom serves up breakfast and lunch dishes as well as mouth-watering cakes and traybakes with hot and cold drinks. Housed

in a former Victorian school in the village, the building is also a craft gallery and community shop, as well as a place where visitors can find out more about Northumberland National Park.

Another highlight near the village is The Stell, an art installation that looks like a sheepfold but upon closer inspection is a place to sit with two sofas and cushions carved into its

walls. The Stell is named by Go Stargazing as a great place to sit and admire the night sky - and there's no better place to do so than in the Kielder Water and Forest Park area, which

as an official International Dark Sky Park is recognised along with the wider Northumberland National Park as being home to some of the darkest skies in England. WE HAVE A DEDICATED

NEWSLETTER FOR WHAT’S ON NEWS AND REVIEWS. IT’S FREE AND YOU CAN SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT HERE. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events

in and around the North East. There's plenty more for families to do in Falstone, which is also home to community gardens and a picnic area as well as a pub, accommodation and an

intriguing riverside trail. Visit Northumberland advises: "Take a family stroll around the Riverside Path, and look out for the mysterious 18th-century gravestone of a girl holding

hands with a skeleton in the churchyard. "The history of this rare find is unknown, but it is thought to be one-of-a-kind." The tourism board also recommends that families coincide

their visit with the Falstone Shepherd's Show, which dates back to 1885 and shows off the livestock, working animals, skills and sports associated with the local agriculture and

community. These attractions have led travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk to name the Kielder Water and Forest Park area as the best destination in Northumberland for families. One of

the most popular places available to book for a stay in Kielder through holidaycottages.co.uk is Kielder Castle Cottage, which is priced from £775 for a seven-night stay with room for up to

four guests, while for bigger groups there's Kielder Kip House which sleeps six and is priced from £859 for seven nights. Article continues below A cheaper but no less charming choice

is Allan's Cottage from £593 per week, which has room for four people. Fellow booking website Sykes Holiday Cottages also has a couple of options over at the other end of Kielder Water

for an even more remote holiday, including Fox View Cottage in Falstone itself, which sleeps eight as well as Gowanlea in Bellingham which sleeps four. Elsewhere in Falstone, places to stay

include The Pheasant Inn, a family-run bed and breakfast, and The Blackcock Inn, a traditional country pub that was once a coaching inn and dates back to the 16th century and today has five

rooms as well as a self-catering cottage in its grounds. There's also Falstone Barns, four unique converted stone barns set in a courtyard overlooking 32 acres of the Falstone Farm

Estate.