WELCOME to FIRWOOD BED & BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION in NORTHUMBERLAND Set in an enviable, elevated position in tranquil Northumberland, this former hunting lodge is now bed and breakfast accommodation owned and operated by Mike and Beth Mills. The B&B overlooks the picturesque area of Glendale, Northumberland and nestles close to the Cheviot Hills. Firwood provides peaceful and relaxing bed and breakfast accommodation with a touch of style and luxury. We offer from our B&B a magnificent location, central for exploring all of Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and even Edinburgh or Newcastle, which are only 60-70 miles away. We are roughly 18 miles from the coast as the crow flies, just far enough to miss any sea frets! The treasures of Bamburgh Castle, the unspoilt beaches at Bamburgh, Seahouses, the Elizabethan town walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnwick Garden and Alnwick Castle, the Farne Islands, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Warkworth Castle, Alnmouth and Northumberland National Park are all within easy reach. If you want to cross to the Farne Isles to see the Puffins, the boats leave from Seahouses, again a lovely drive of just under 20 miles. Look at the attractions menu to see the breadth of things to see and do. If you are coming to walk the Northumberland hills, then again, we are well situated. Leave the car at our bed and breakfast, walk up the hill and down into the Harthope Valley - and there are the Cheviots! To have a quick overview of where we are in relation to everywhere else, go to the Introduction Page and click on Larger Map on the left hand side. For a very useful downloadable relief map of this area of Northumberland, use this link Wooler and Glendale Learn more about our 5 Star Gold award winning bed and breakfast in Northumberland by clicking the links above.   Firwood Country Bed & Breakfast, Middleton Hall, Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6RD T: 01668 283699 E: Quite a few people seem to be having problems with e-mail's going astray at the moment, possible because of all the different Spam and Virus filters. If you do not get a reply from us, certainly within 5-6 hours PLEASE ring us! We are not ignoring you! To make an enquiry please use this link ENQUIRY Or, to check availability and book BOOK ONLINE

In the North Northumberland Area

What's happening this month at Alnwick Gardens? In The Alnwick Garden, beautifully decorated and twinkling with lights and lanterns, woodland magic inspires a programme for families throughout December. The trees are preparing for the return of the Holly King, decorating themselves in ancient forest finery. Carry your lantern in a parade led by the King, and set out on a journey through the woodland to find his lost brothers and sisters. Enjoy classic Christmas fun with a family pantomime, and join lovely creative workshops. Hear seasonal tales, sing festive songs, meet Father Christmas, and whisper your Christmas wishes to the Wishing Tree. www.alnwickgarden.com

The Castle of Bamburgh sitting on a crag of basalt, can be classed as amongst the most impressive in England. Looking down on the village of Bamburgh the castle dominates the Northumberland coast, a breathtaking area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. . http://www.bamburghcastle.com

Howick Hall Gardens The season starts with the snowdrops in February and March. They are now open the garden on wednesdays and weekend afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. There is a large collection planted mainly between the Wars by Lady Grey, who was a great bulb enthusiast; over time a number of natural hybrids have evolved and multiplied, and every now and then boffins descend on us and give them cultivar names on what to a layman might appear to be tiny differences. They are planted in large drifts throughout the garden and make a fine display, telling us all that spring is not far away. Howick has been owned by the Grey family (of Earl Grey tea fame)since 1319 and is still a very good place to visit for said tea and cake! The gardens are situated between Alnwick and Craster www.howickhallgardens.org.uk

Chillingham Castle Ghost Tours! The castle is reputed to be amongst the most haunted in the UK - it is certainly very atmospheric at the best of times. If you fancy a scary few hours, why not book a tour and see what puts the wind up? It's a quirky place to visit during daylight hours with a wonderful Italianate garden where the famous herbaceous border is the longest in Northern England and woodland walks to the lake. See more here Chillingham Castle

Have a break from castles while you are in Northumberland! The Chain Bridge Honey Farm at Horncliffe - where the old chain bridge is located, is a wonderful diversion. Not only do they produce honey (honestly!) but they have an excellent visitor centre which was established in the early 1990's. This tells the story of bees and honey and there is a live observation hive where you can embark on a search for the queen bee and watch the workers arriving with the pollen on their hind legs. There is a fantastic mural, a 10 year labour of love by local artist Tony Johnson and then you can take refreshments in the double decker bus! Admission is free to the visitor centre, find Chain Bridge on http://chainbridgehoney.co.uk

I really think that Northumberland is starting to become THE place to be for arts and crafts. Taking a little drive from Wooler to Bamburgh, I found quite a few galleries - these are just a sample. In Wooler itself, you might like to visit Florin, a lovely shop selling all sorts of delights, is now incorporated with the Glendale Gallery, a tranquil little space, ideal for just sitting and viewing the works of art. If you are into textiles and embroidery, you might like to try one of Helen Cowans workshops. These are held in her studio throughout the year at Haugh Head, Wooler and according to some of our guests, who made a very creditable attempt at a 'Tower of Flowers', very enjoyable and worthwhile. Beautiful work from what I saw! Helen's details can be found at www.helencowans.co.uk . The newest addition to the growing range of shops in Wooler is Breeze. A contemporary gallery with a good range of gifts and a very nice coffee shop - not bad for one shop! They recently held their first exhibition featuring internationally acclaimed artists, with a meet the artist day. Very informative, Helen, see above, was there and I met a chap called Les McLean a photographer of some note who lives in a little village just north of us. He was full of stories about this area of Northumberland and a lot of his work reflects his love of Northumberland - one that I love is of Roughting Linn, a wonderful waterfall not far from cup and ring marks. If you are interested in photography, you can do worse than visit Les's site at www.lesmcleanphotography.com Traveling across county to the coast, you must call in at the Chatton Gallery at Chatton. A wonderful space and pictures. They don't seem to have a web site but don't let that put you off! Still heading towards Bamburgh, make your next port of call Belford and the Belford Craft Gallery. A long established shop, now run by the original owner's daughter, she is extending it into the Courtyard Gallery. You can view the exhibition programme on their web site. Then you come to Bamburgh itself and the Bamburgh Gallery. It majors on coastal and marine landscape and wildlife art and can be found at 9 Lucker Road, Bamburgh. All this on just one drive across Northumberland, I've only just touched the surface!!

Some Guests Comments

Fantastic hospitality and wonderful welcome. We will be back! David and Marie-Claire, Rutland

Lovely room, best ever breakfast, Margaret and Jim, Middle Hill, Broadway

Once again a very enjoyable stay. We feel really spoilt. See you again. Chris and Bob, West Yorks

Perfect and such a welcome. Just like the last time. We will be back. Gordon and Jenn, Surrey

We've enjoyed our fifth time here more than ever! Look forward to seeing you both again. Sandy and Debi, Scotland.

'Reet Champion!' Ian and Gill, Norwich

Peaceful and excellent hospitality. We'll come again! Lisa and Matt, Chester