The second stop on my UK road trip challenge was Northumberland National Park. After a couple of busy days hiking along Hadrian’s Wall and exploring Kielder Water & Forest Park. I was certainly looking forward to relaxing at Black Burn Lodge.
A short drive from Kielder Water & Forest Park it was the perfect place for my on-going journey up north to the Cairngorms National Park.
Black Burn Lodge B&B Review
Black Burn Lodge Address
North Hermitage Street, Newcastleton, Scottish Borders, TD9 0RZ
Location of the B&B
Black Burn Lodge is in an idyllic location in the Scottish Borders. A 10-minute walk to the town of Newcastleton. Where you’ll find a few local shops, pubs and restaurants.
The B&B is a great place to base yourself for visiting Northumberland National Park. Of course, the National Park is huge. However, Black Burn Lodge is only a 25-minute drive from Kielder Water & Forest Park.
And another 10 minutes to the famous Kielder Observatory. Many guests visit during their time here because of the famous ‘Dark Skies’. Be sure to book in advance as it’s very popular!
Hadrian’s Wall, another iconic place to visit is about 40 minutes drive. Although, the Wall does stretch for some miles. Carlisle, the nearest city is about 50-minute drive and Newcastle is about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Accommodation Facilities
- 3 en-suite bedrooms
- Guest studio lounge with wood burner
- Comfy outdoor seated area overlooking Liddel Water
- Maps & hiking books for guest use
- 200mm telescope for star-spotting (this was amazing!)
- Delicious home-cooked breakfast
Rooms at Black Burn Lodge
Black Burn Lodge has 3 boutique style bedrooms – all en-suite. And named after famous Scottish families – The Armstrongs, The Elliots and The Scotts.
Deluxe – large double plus fold-down bed
Family – one double and two single beds
Luxury – large double (also known as the Elliot room and where I stayed!)
- Tea/coffee making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Fluffy dressing gowns
- Molton Brown and gorgeous smelling toiletries
- TV
Prices
- Deluxe and Family room from £100-£110 + £30 for additional people (based on 2 people)*
- Luxury room from £105-£115*
* Reduced rate available for non-refundable bookings only. Prices correct at time of writing. For latest rates click here: Room rates
About Black Burn Lodge Newcastleton
Black Burn Lodge is a modern boutique Bed and Breakfast. Ran for the last 4 years by married couple Michael and Jayne who welcome you into their home and immediately make you feel relaxed.
The accommodation overlooks Liddel Water and the open countryside beyond. It’s simply breathtaking walking around the property to see such gorgeous views.
The accommodation is split over 3 levels within their home. With one bedroom off the hall opposite the kitchen, then downstairs, past Michael and Jayne’s lounge. And finally down a few more steps to two more bedrooms and the guest lounge area.
Check-in at Black Burn Lodge
After my car’s sat nav drove past the property. A common theme on this trip. I’m beginning to sense that it doesn’t like me! I arrived at Black Burn Lodge. It’s on the main road into Newcastleton so easy to find. I’m welcomed by Michael who greets me as I am getting out of my car. He offers to carry my bags but my car is such a mess I politely decline!
We have a mini-tour of the property, showing me the guest lounge, breakfast room (aka the kitchen!) and the stunning garden and outside area. It’s such a beautiful setting, I feel overwhelmed by the nature around me.
I’m given a breakfast choice sheet to fill in. It has 4 times I can select from 8.00 am to 9.30 am. And a choice of a traditional Scottish breakfast or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. It’s at times like this I wish I was staying 2 nights to try both options!
The bedroom
I’m staying in the Elliot room. A luxury large double at the corner of the accommodation overlooking the garden and Liddel Water beyond. The room is spacious and beautifully decorated, with specific attention to detail from the cushions on the bed to the cute little teddy bear sat on the chair.
There are tea and coffee-making facilities next to the bed. Although, I would personally like it if I had the bedside table empty for the all-important phone charging haha!
The en-suite bathroom comes complete with your own remote control to set your favourite mood lighting. And is filled with amazing toiletries to truly get that luxury experience. Pecksniff’s Sandalwood and vanilla shower gel, Renpure Coconut shampoo and conditioner that smells delicious! And of course some Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod body lotion and hand cream. I’m feeling truly pampered.
After at least 15 minutes being blasted with the gorgeous hot shower. I decided I really ought to get dinner!
Breakfast at Black Burn Lodge
I opted for the 8.30 am breakfast. It was a Sunday after all so nice to enjoy a little lie in. Jayne is busy cooking and I help myself to a wonderful fruit choice of strawberries, blueberries, and melon with delicious thick yoghurt. There’s also fresh orange and cranberry juice.
There’s also fresh orange and cranberry juice.
The smoked salmon and scrambled egg didn’t disappoint. You know you have an image in your head and when it arrives you are like wow this looks amazing. There are so many times I’ve had a bad scrambled egg but this wasn’t one of them!
Also on offer is homemade orange and cranberry bread, with homemade jams. A great way to start the day.
A great way to start the day.
Overall thoughts on Black Burn Lodge
Black Burn Lodge is a wonderful place to stay. As a guest for one night, I felt extremely welcomed into their home. After dinner at the local pub, I returned and was welcomed into Michael and Jayne’s lounge.
Along with two of the other guests who were also staying. Jayne is passionate about history and Michael is an avid star-gazer so it was an interesting evening learning more about the area and night skies.
Although don’t feel obliged, this is totally optional. Another couple who were staying didn’t join us. But as a solo traveller, it was a lovely touch and wonderful to get to know Jayne and Michael a bit more.
The highlight was stargazing. The skies here are famous for being the least light-polluted in the UK. With local Kielder Observatory a short drive away. Michael kindly offered to get out his telescope so we could look at the moon. I have never looked through such a powerful telescope and it really blew my mind. The detail you could see was amazing. And I couldn’t believe how bright it was!
I sense he does this for most guests as the telescope purchase was specifically bought in mind for the B&B. Although I’m pretty sure Michael enjoys it too!
For further information or to book contact info@blackburnlodge.co.uk or 01387 375 918 or simply visit: www.blackburnlodge.co.uk
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*I was a guest at Black Burn Lodge. However, all views and opinions are my own.
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