The First and Last Hotel in England – Redesdale Arms Review
The Redesdale Arms in Northumberland is a cute little hotel and pub that is the first and last hotel in England, depending which direction you’re coming from.
Parts of the building are over 600 years old, a former bastle house that provided defence when this part of the UK was known as the ‘Debatable Lands’. Things have changed somewhat since then and you won’t find any outlaws roaming the land, instead it is gorgeous views of Northumberland National Park to enjoy.
The new owners, Jill, Carl and Sarah have done a brilliant job of making the Redesdale Arms a cosy, friendly and welcoming place to stay. I was instantly welcomed with Cookie, and shown to our gorgeous room. Lots of little touches, like the unique cushions, funky light fittings and art work make it a snug place to stay. Which was exactly what I needed after a long and difficult day walking across the National Park.
It was only day 3 of my 10 week hike ‘A Walk in the Parks’ and I was absolutely shattered. I instantly fell onto the bed for a rest and Cookie was asleep within seconds. We had a short snooze and enjoyed our homey room before heading downstairs in my socks for dinner.
I was gifted a night’s stay at The Redesdale Arms, but as always all my words are true and honest.
The First and Last Inn – Redesdale Arms Review
The Rooms at the Redesdale Arms
There are 10 rooms at the Redesdale Arms, including family rooms. They are all furnished with a homely touch that includes plenty of cushions and blankets.
The rooms are dog friendly, as is the restaurant, which is perfect for when travelling with your furry friends.
All the rooms are en suite and include tea and coffee making facilities, tv, hairy dryer and all the essentials you might need. When hiking and packing light it’s always great when hotels supply shampoo and conditioner too. Our double room was spacious, with views across the road to Northumberland National Park.
It is one of very few hotels that are situated within the National Park. Meaning you only have to head down the road to have endless options of walks or cycle paths to enjoy. The hotel is on the A68 just outside the village of Rochester.
Cookie and I were very thankful for the comfy bed (ok just me Cookie was on the floor) and we had one of the best night’s sleep we’ve had in a while.
Book a stay at the Redesdale Arms.
The Redesdale Arms Restaurant – Northumberland
When I’ve done a big walk, there is nothing I love more than a hotel with a restaurant on site. It means I can shower, put my slightly cleaner clothes on and head downstairs for dinner in my socks. No-one wants to put their boots back on after miles spent on your feet.
The restaurant was cosy and welcoming with a great menu filled with some pub classics like bangers and mash and steak and ale pie, alongside some unique dishes. I enjoyed some incredible cauliflower fritters, followed by fish and chips. Cookie was even spoilt with her own chopped up sausage.
They have a good vegetarian menu and I wished I had tried the Balmoral Chicken, a Scottish classic – chicken stuffed with haggis and wrapped in bacon. Yum!
Breakfast is included with all rooms and there is plenty of choice to suit all needs. The freshly baked pastries greeted me as I came downstairs and Cookie was again given her own chopped up sausage again. What a lucky dog.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Redesdale Arms. It felt really cosy and relaxing, whilst still being professional and organised. It was just what we needed after a long day, largely in the rain, walking across Northumberland.
