Regional Attractions & Local Activities

Things for you to enjoy.

In Northumberland and the Scottish Borders golf is part of everyday life with almost every town or village seeming to support its own golf course. We have listed just a few of the 18 hole golf courses which we believe are examples of the outstanding links and parkland courses in our area.

And although some of the Border Country’s courses are as testing as any in the world, the main challenge is to keep your eye on the ball amid such splendid surroundings. To make the most of The Collingwood Arms and play your Rounds of Golf, telephone ahead with the courses you wish to play, dates, tee-off times and we will book the rest for you. 

Whether you fancy a gentle ride along the banks of the nearby River Till, a more thrilling gallop on the stunning Cheviot Hills, or a breath-taking canter along the clean white beaches of Holy Island, Kimmerston Riding Centre has over 30 quality horses and ponies for all levels of experience.

Please give us a call on 01890 882424 for further information

Or visit Kimmerston’s website: http://www.kimmerston.com/

Walking, hiking and exploring the areas footpaths and bridal ways is also recommended, from strenuous walks in the Cheviots or enjoying the rolling contours of the borders we have something for all.

Of course, cycling (read more), fishing, shooting and sailing are also on offer thanks in part to our location and the geographical attributes that surround us.

Also see…

You can get a true sense of the turbulent history of North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders as driving becomes a pleasure as you explore out of the way places steeped in history on roads that are almost traffic free.

You can explore the Elizabethan fortifications in Berwick upon Tweed, a major Scottish town which was captured by the English in 1296 and changed hands on several occasions.

A visit Flodden Field is a must while here. The site of the Battle in 1513 is where the Scots suffered a catastrophic bloody defeat with King James IV. www.flodden1513ecomuseum.org

A trip across the causeway to Holy Island of Lindisfarne by car or walking to discover the histories of St Aidan and St Cuthbert. www.lindisfarne.org.uk

You can take a drive around to see the many mansion houses and Castles in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland. Some do close earlier that others but you can still walk around the grounds and gardens of many others.

www.paxtonhouse.co.uk beautiful grounds and a quiet walk along the River Tweed to the wonder piece of bridge building of the Union Chain Bridge, where you can see it swing when a vehicle crosses it. www.unionbridgefriends.com

www.floorscastle.com one of the larges inhabited castles in Scotland

www.gunsgreenhouse.org where the tale of many a smuggler is told

www.manderston.co.uk stunning house and amazing grounds is the cause of this house being filmed for many period dramas.

www.turnernorthexposure.co.uk if a bit of culture is what you are after then you can follow Turner’s footsteps in the exhibition that retraces his steps across the North of England in 1797
Or
www.barterbooks.co.uk is where you will find over 350,000 books in the old Railway station in Alnwick. This was described in The Spectacular as a “national institution” by writer and former MP Chris Mullin.

www.jimclarktrust.com For the motor enthusiast you have the chance to have an interactive experience with one the world’s best racing drivers. See his trophies and cars and the whole experience.

https://www.kelso-races.co.uk/ – Kelso Racecourse is a National Hunt Racecourse staging jumps racing from September through until May in the beautiful Borders countryside and picturesque town of Kelso. Note their upcoming races on 26th October, 9th November, 8th December and 29th December!

At the end of a busy day, you can return and relax in front of a roaring fire while pondering what to choose from the evening menu and then retire to the library with a coffee of a wee night cap.

An area waiting to be explored

The Collingwood Arms Hotel offers the ideal base for enjoying a whole range of activities all within easy reach.

For the golfing enthusiast there are many superb golf courses nearby and we have some special deals for you when you stay with us.

Keen walkers have so much choice right on their doorstep, with numerous well-known walks exploring the beautiful borders landscape. And for the dog lovers amongst you – The Collingwood Arms Hotel has its very own Kennels so you don’t need to leave your pet at home.

Enjoy some sight-seeing with our recommended trails and discover the fascinating history of the people and places of north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders – we’ve given an example trail by car below.

The Tweed Border Trail

Round trip of approximately 50 miles

• From Cornhill, take the B6350 (sign-posted Kelso). There are lovely views of the Tweed along the route
• After about 2 miles you pass through the hamlet of Wark. The high ridge behind the houses to the right is topped by the scanty remains of the once-mighty Wark Castle.
• The next village is Carham, where in 1018 a battle was fought between the Scots and the Northumbrians which resulted in the Tweed being established as the border with Scotland. Just beyond Carham the road leaves England and enters Scotland over the tiny Redden Burn.
• 6 miles further on you cross the Tweed over John Rennie’s fine 1803 bridge that leads into Kelso. To visit the town, turn left past the ruins of Kelso Abbey.
• To continue the Tweed Border Trail, follow the A698 (sign-posted Coldstream).
• At Birgham, some 6 miles from Kelso, you pass a pub named “The Treaty”. This is famous for its associations with the regiment of Foot Guards. In 1660, General Monck led his regiment from Coldstream to secure London for the restoration of King Charles II. This was achieved without bloodshed and the regiment was awarded the title of the Coldstream Guards. The Coldstream Museum is housed in Market Square in the town. Admission is free.
• Continue through the town past the column topped by a statue of Sir Charles Marjoribanks, a 19th century local MP. Just before crossing Coldstream Bridge into England , you pass the old toll-house on the left of the road. At one time it was used for marriage ceremonies, like the blacksmith’s shop at Gretna Green .
• At the roundabout in Cornhill turn left (sign-posted A698 Berwick-upon-Tweed)
• After you pass the gates of Tillmouth Park, the road dips down to cross the River Till beside the 15th century Twizel Bridge. Part of the English army crossed this bridge in 1513 to outflank the Scots army at Flodden Field.
• Continue on the A698 until you come to the Salutation Inn, then turn left to Norham. The market cross on the village green is topped with a weather vane in the form of a salmon, showing the importance of the salmon-fishing to the local economy. Norham is well worth a stop. St. Cuthbert’s church is located close to the Tweed, and there is a lovely walk along the river-bank nearby.
• Leave the village along the main street and up the bank, past the impressive Norman keep of Norham Castle.
• Just before the junction with the A698, turn left to Horncliffe village. Follow the brown tourist signs to Chain Bridge Honey Farm Visitor Centre, where there is a wonderful display telling the story of bee-keeping and bee products. Admission is free throughout the year.
• At the bottom of the hill, you cross the Tweed back into Scotland over the Union Chain Bridge. Opened in 1821, this was the first suspension bridge to be built to carry wheeled traffic.
• Beyond the bridge, follow signs for Berwick-upon-Tweed. Along the way you will pass the entrance to Paxton House, built in the 18th century in Palladian style by John and Robert Adam. The house and gardens are open during the summer months
• When you reach the A1, you can choose to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed, or turn right over the Tweed and follow the Coldstream signs as far as the Collingwood Arms Hotel.