The Boatside Inn

This Northumberland country inn is three miles south of Hadrian’s Wall, two miles north of Hexham and a few steps from the River Tyne. In short, The Boatside Inn is an excellent place to base yourself in the heart of Northumberland, whether you’re sightseeing, walking, fishing or simply passing by. The pub's offered hospitality here in the hamlet of Warden for more than 200 years, and its staples of hearty food and a comfy bed for the night are as warm and welcoming as they ever were. These days, though, there's more – a modern British menu, local craft ales and fresh decor are all thrown into the mix.

The bar and restaurant are in one building, the accommodation in another. Both are stone-walled and typical of this pretty Northumberland village on the Tyne. Inside, the pub is surprisingly light and airy, with painted, panelled walls in cream and blue. It’s faintly nautical, with stripes, oars mounted on the walls and the work of local artists, all of which lends the place a fresh, clean and thoroughly contemporary feel, while carpets, upholstery and a log burner make sure it’s cosy too. This is where you’ll eat your breakfast – and if you choose it, your dinner too.

A few steps away is where you’ll sleep. Choose from three en-suite guest rooms and two cottages with self-catering facilities. One cottage is just for a couple, the other big enough for four. These are especially handy for families and people with dogs – all are welcome here – and the bright and fresh guest rooms are suitable for both couples or friends, with one double and two twins. The decor throughout matches the style of the pub: contemporary, clean and calm. It’s a lovely place to stay and it’s no surprise that standards are high. The place is owned by local hospitality experts, James and Emma Middleton, who have a trio of other Cool Places not far away: The Laverick Cottage, The Coach House and The Bothy. They champion this part of Northumberland as a fantastic place to stay.

There’s no denying that’s true. The river is well-known for trout and salmon fishing, with the popular Warden beat nearby. It’s where the north and the south Tyne converge, and the River Tyne Trail on its banks offers three directions for walks. Perhaps the most tempting is towards Hadrian’s Wall and the Roman fort at Chesters. But then to the south, there’s the attractive and busy market town of Hexham with plenty of its own history. Or jump in the car and there’s more: Corbridge, Vindolanda and the Northumberland National Park. Even the Northumberland Coast isn't too far away. You'll be glad you came!