Stamfordham
Directions
Out of the urban sprawl and into the countryside This is a handsome and planned estate village with a large green (pictured), a pond and a couple of proper English country pubs, the Bay Horse and the Swinburne Arms. The church may be Victorian but most of the village is stone- built and 18th century.
The name Stamfordham is Old English for `homestead by the stony ford'. It was once part-owned by Balliol College, Oxford. Once you are past Shiremoor, you are out of the urban sprawl and can settle down to enjoy the countryside. Go left over the level crossing and through Backworth, Burradon
and Seaton Burn, taking you past the Big Waters Nature Reserve, Dinnington and up to prosperous Ponteland, where most of the Newcastle United stars live.
After crossing the golf course you arrive in the village at the Diamond Inn. There is a coffee shop to the left and you can lunch at the pub or the Smithy Bistro, also immediately on your left. But in reality, having covered only 16 miles or so, you are unlikely to require much or want to stop for long. If you do take a break, then there are lots of shops, plus pubs and restaurants to be found here.
Once past Ponteland, you are away from urban life for most of the trip. Go straight across the crossroads but look out for a sign to the right, where you double back on yourself before taking a left hairpin through the smart housing estate of Darras Hall. At the T-junction at the end of the estate go right, then left towards Donkins House Farm before taking a track up to the right.
This will take you via the back lanes to the lovely village of Stamfordham.
Accommodation
| The Bay Horse, Stamfordham, Northumberland, NE18 0PB | |
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Completely and sympathetically refurbished since Robin and Julia took over in 2008. The Bay Horse was once a fortified farm and dates from dates from 1590. All the rooms have been done up. Serves good, locally-sourced food and fine ales and offers 21st century comfort in the heart of the village, overlooking the historic green. There is a new secure lock-up which holds 14 bikes. Offering good lunch deals for cyclists. |
Run by: Robin & Julia Carnaffin 
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Tel: 01661 886 244. Fax: 01661 886 940 |
Rooms : 5S/T/D, 1F. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Church House, Stamfordham, Northumberland NE18 0PB | |
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Pretty village green, old village pubs. 17th century ivory painted stone house of great character on south side of green. Private residence, good breakfast, welcoming hosts. |
Run by: Mrs Viv Fitzpatrick 
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Tel: 01661 886 736 / Mob: 07889 312 623 |
Rooms : 3T.
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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