Near Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7BP
National Trust - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
8.1
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.1Ancient woodland crowds the steep sides of the River Allen gorge, where the remains of medieval Staward Peel stand above the valley and a Victorian summerhouse recalls the landscape’s designed past.
This is more than a woodland walk: a deep river gorge, extensive ancient woodland, spring bluebells and wild garlic, and a medieval peel tower give the landscape several distinct layers to explore. Expect steep, uneven paths rather than an easy surfaced circuit.
Atmospheric · Wild · Secluded
Find your way
Open mapNear Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7BP
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The experience
Allow around 1–2 hours for a woodland walk beside the River Allen, with time to pause at the gorge and seek out the peel tower remains and Victorian summerhouse. Paths can be steep and uneven, so choose a walk to suit conditions and ability.
Things to do
Walk through the gorge woodland
Explore the waymarked woodland walks beside the River Allen. The setting combines steep gorge scenery with ornamental and ancient woodland; paths can be steep and uneven.
Look for the remains of Staward Peel
Find the remains of the medieval peel tower on its promontory above the gorge.
Visit the Victorian summerhouse
Seek out the reconstructed summerhouse, described as a viewing point in the supplied visitor account.
Notice the spring woodland flowers
Look for bluebells and wild garlic, also known as ramsons; a visitor account also records wood anemones and toothwort.
Watch and listen for woodland wildlife
The supplied sources describe more than 70 bird species recorded at Allen Banks and a broad range of wildlife. Observe quietly and do not assume any particular species will be present.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; allow time for steep, uneven paths.
Quick gorge-and-woodland wander
- 01
Start from the National Trust car park.
- 02
Choose a walk through the woodland towards the River Allen and gorge, adapting the distance to the conditions and your comfort on steep, uneven ground.
- 03
Pause to look for the Staward Peel remains above the gorge and the Victorian summerhouse.
Half day · Half day; exact walking time depends on the route chosen.
Make a half day of the gorge
- 01
Allow time to explore more than one section of the woodland paths rather than treating the visit as a quick viewpoint stop.
- 02
Follow the River Allen through the gorge and take in the woodland and river scenery.
- 03
Look for the medieval peel tower remains and reconstructed Victorian summerhouse.
- 04
In spring, watch for bluebells and wild garlic; in autumn, enjoy the woodland colour.
Verified history
Allen Banks was developed as a Victorian woodland garden, largely by Susan Davidson, and the supplied visitor account says the woodland originally belonged to nearby Ridley Hall. The property also contains the remains of Staward Peel, a medieval peel tower, and a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse. The supplied sources do not provide dates for the tower or a fuller account of its history.
Hidden details
The summerhouse’s Victorian connection — The reconstructed summerhouse is more than a pause point: a supplied visitor account says it contains information about Susan Davidson, who developed woodland walks and planted trees and shrubs during the Victorian period.
Look up to the peel tower site — The medieval tower remains stand on a promontory above the gorge, so the landscape’s historic feature is seen in relation to the river valley rather than as a separate building visit.
When to go
April · May · June · October · No time of day is established by the supplied sources; check opening and access information before visiting.
The supplied sources highlight bluebells and wild garlic in spring and autumn woodland colour. Flowering and colour timing varies, so treat these as seasonal cues rather than guaranteed peak dates.
Paths are described as steep and uneven, and visitor reports mention muddy paths. Check conditions before setting out and take care in wet weather.
What to look for
Look for the remains of Staward Peel on its promontory above the gorge, the reconstructed Victorian summerhouse, and spring carpets of bluebells and wild garlic. The National Trust also describes ancient woodland and a rich range of wildlife.
The story
Victorian woodland garden and summerhouse; medieval peel tower
Best time to go
Spring for bluebells and wild garlic; autumn for woodland colour. Exact flowering and colour peak varies.
Visit in spring for bluebells and wild garlic, or in autumn for colour. A clear, dry period should make the steep, uneven paths easier to manage; check conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
National Trust countryside open dawn to dusk according to the supplied National Trust page. The site has numerous public and permitted rights of way; paths are uneven and steep in places. Check current access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park. Supplied National Trust information lists parking at £3 for four hours or £5 all day; members are not charged. A 3.3-metre height restriction is listed. Check current terms before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are listed by the National Trust. Check current availability.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting; no food outlet is confirmed in the supplied sources.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on a lead according to the supplied National Trust page.
Accessibility
The car park has tarmac, loose stone and grass overflow parking. The National Trust describes some level ground, but paths are primarily uneven and steep in places; steps and uneven terrain are noted. Wheelchair access to the car park and entrance is reported in the source row, but this does not establish that woodland paths are wheelchair accessible.
Cost
Paid
Water
River Allen
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around National Trust - Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
