This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.
Gorge of the River Allen with ornamental and ancient woodland
Take a walk on the wild side at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland.
This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods.
Largely created by Susan Davidson, Allen Banks has become a fantastic home for nature such as flora, fauna and fungi. It is also well known for its carpet of bluebells and ramsons, commonly known as wild garlic, which covers the woodland floor in spring and early summer
There are plenty of things to see and do, look out for the remains of a medieval pele tower and a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse and with over 70 species of birds that have been spotted at Allen Banks and a number of mammals such as roe deer, dormice, otters and bats you are never alone.
The team are dedicated to maintaining and improving the site to preserve its natural history and for the public to enjoy.
NB: All woodland area sits within the North Pennines, AONB
Don't miss
- Home to red squirrels, dormice and woodland birds and plants
- Explore miles of tranquil and beautiful walks
- See spectacular views from the medieval pele-tower
What's here

Whether you are looking for a tranquil walk or an adventure it can be found at Allen Banks. Our events page has information of what's on or you can follow the trail around the property. The day is yours...
Join us

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, get involved in fantastic projects and help to conserve the environment. Visit our volunteering page to find out more.
