Falstone

Border Warfare

The conservation village of Falstone is situated on the banks of the North Tyne river at the boundary of the Northumberland National Park. Falstone is a mile downstream of the dam of the Kielder Reservoir, the largest man made lake in Europe amidst the largest man made forest. The village survived the flooding of the vast acres now lying below the reservoir itself although some 80% of the parish were lost to Kielder Water.

Border warfare was a part of life on these moors. Falstone suffered severely from the raids and counter raids of the Border Reivers. The principal family were the Robsons who were great reivers and the name is still common in the region. Falstone is believed to be the original location of the Robson family. Nearby Falstone Farm incorporates a tower and a lintel gives the date as 1604 although the tower was earlier. At nearby Hawkhope are two well preserved bastles still being used as houses.

Peace and Tranquility
These days, the village offers a peaceful stopping point for the weary cyclist with a general stores and Post Office as well as a tea room. A tributary of the Tyne meanders through the village and in a farmhouse adjacent to the church you will find the remains of a fortified house from the Reiver period.Travellers may also be tempted by the olde world charms of the Blackcock Inn with its good food and fine ales. The excellent Pheasant Inn located in nearby Stannersburn is also a fine venue for food and drink.

Places of interest

Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
Located at nearby Kielder Water, Tower Knowe offers an Information Centre with extensive gift shop and audio visual exhibition. Situated on south bank very near the dam wall.
Tel: 0870 2403549
Website: www.kielder.org

Leaplish Waterside Park
Similarly located on the southern banks of Kielder water, Leaplish provides a wealth of facilities including a heated swimming pool and sauna, campsite, accommodation together with a licensed restaurant, sculpture trail and bird of prey centre.
Tel: 0870 2403549
Website: www.kielder.org

Serviced Accommodation

Blackcock Inn
Falstone, Northumberland
Tel: 01434 240 200

Braefoot
Falstone, Northumberland
Tel: 01434 240 238

Falstone Village Hall (basic facilities only)
Falstone, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 1AT
Telephone 01434 260 224

The Pheasant Inn
Stannersburn, Falstone, Kielder Water, Northumberland NE48 1DD
Tel: 01434 240 382
Website: www.thepheasantinn.com

Spring Cottage
Stannersburn, nr Falstone
Tel: 01434 240 388

Camping

Kielder Caravan Club Site
Leaplish, Kielder Water
Tel: 01434 250 278

Leaplish Waterside Campsite
Kielder Water
Tel: 01434 250 312