Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Visitors having a picnic by the summerhouse

Important notice -

Tuesday 18 June: toilets closed due to unplanned maintenance work. Please note that the bridge at Plankey Mill will be closed for maintenance week commencing 24 June. Access to Plankey Mill will be on the East side of the river only.

Gorge of the River Allen with ornamental and ancient woodland

More about this place

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Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Things to see and do 

A path through the woodland

Allen Banks Morralee Tarn walk 

Venture outdoors and explore the woods at Allen Banks. See what wildlife you can spot on this woodland walk, venture past the Tarn, and hear about the history of this Victorian wilderness garden. Click here to download the walk...

Fly the dog lying in the leaves at Allen Banks

Make your dog's day 

We like to think of this as a pretty cool place anyway. But. If you also have a dog then it may just become thee best place ever! Please do keep them on a lead through the farmers fields and tidy up after them. Once you're into the woods, they can run wild and roam free. There's plenty of sticks and scents to choose from.

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Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

What's on

Upcoming events

See all events

Summer holiday bushcraft

Wed 24 Jul 2019
10:00-14:00
Join the ranger team for bushcraft activities in Allen Banks woodland.
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Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Our work

A newly laid path photographed in the sunlight

Conservation updates at Allen Banks, summer - autumn 2018 

Find out what the team have been up to lately, including the restoration of the public right of way

Allen Banks

Allen Banks wouldn't be the same without you 

Flooding, strong winds and storm damage... Allen Banks has seen it all the last four years. With your help, we're restoring the woodland and pathways back to their former glory. We've still got a long way to go, but wouldn't be where we are today without your support. Thank you.

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Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

History

Trees at Allen Banks in summer

A wilderness garden was created... 

Once upon a time, during the 1800s, Susan Davidson was the owner of Allen Banks. She created all the paths here, making it a wilderness garden. With its exotic plants (for the time) and stunning views across the valley, we like to call her Wonder Woman. Susan's idea was always to have others enjoy this special place and we're continuing that tradition. Thank you Susan.

Find out more
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Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Places to stay

Stay for longer in Northumberland

A bedroom in the holiday cottage

Housesteads Farm 

Found just 50 yards from the historical Housesteads Fort, this cottage was originally built in the 19th Century. Housesteads Farm (as it was then) was home to the Thompsons who farmed the area and also played a role as custodians of the Wall. Later, the sitting room was used by antiquarian John Clayton when he was working on the excavation of Housesteads Fort.

Springwell Cottage

Springwell Cottage 

Springwell Cottage was converted from a pair of 18th Century farm workers' cottages making it extremely spacious and comfortable. Plus, it's set in wide open countryside with Hadrian’s Wall only half a mile away it's the perfect back drop! (Sleeps 6)

The single storey Peel Bothy sits in miles of rolling countryside

Peel Cottage (formerly Peel Bothy) 

Just 200 metres walking distance to Hadrian’s Wall, Peel Cottage was built in the 1850’s and a plaque above the door records its opening as a bothy by the late Queen Mother. A charming single-storey cottage perfect for a romantic getaway. (Sleeps 2)

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