Including a few short stays during the summer holidays. Why not visit in Spring, we’re days away from welcoming our first hill lambs of the year at Ilderton Dod Barns – Scottish Blackfaces in their natural environment, surrounding our accommodation.

You couldn’t visit The Dod and fail to see our sheep – 650 ewes over 1800 acres. But it’s even more likely that you’ll see them close up as soon there will be 1000 lambs with them too, some in the fields surrounding The Barn. Twice daily we drive the quad or Landrover around the hill checking for problems, but hopefully the sun shall continue to shine on them.

This week saw the arrival of the first calf of the year, born in the shed. NOW TAKING BOOKINGS from 12th April onwards for 1 bubble, and from 17th May for groups. At Ilderton Dod Barns we have 35 beef cows and along with their calves, they graze our hills from May to December.

Our working hill farm in North Northumberland and The Barn sleeps up to 9 plus 3 dogs and Cuckoo Cottage sleeps up to 3 plus 2 dogs.  Both have plenty of availability.  Dogs allowed downstairs. 1800 acres of access land surrounding the property and not too far from the coast. During your stay, you cannot fail to see our 650 ewes spread across the farm but the cattle tend to keep their distance a bit more. You’re likely to see lambing, shearing, pregnancy scanning, hay making, bracken harvesting and working sheepdogs depending on when you choose to come. We have plenty of availability as soon as we’re allowed to open (currently looking like 12th April), for 1 social bubble.

Read on to find your handcrafted holiday ideas in the wild Northumberland countryside.

Handcrafted Holiday ideas for a mini-break in wild Northumberland.

Cosy accommodation and open air activities make for a perfect mini-break. It’s up to you what kind of mini-break it’s going to be.

Perhaps you’re of the opinion that the few days away from it all should be spent watching out for the gorgeous birds. Northumberland is known as a birdwatchers paradise after all, the variety of landscape make it possible to spot all manner of birds. The rocky cliffs and sandy beaches aren’t just loved by the birds either… There’s plenty here for ramblers, cyclists, fell runners and photographers alike. Perhaps seeing the seals of the Farne Islands takes your fancy, or maybe you’d like to actually get in the water yourself! Plenty of adventure watersports take place in Northumberland. Kayaking and surfing are favourites of those who can’t sit still. Maybe you’d like to stay dry and delve into the history of the area instead. Or just try the local food and drink. It’s up to you, there is so much to choose from.  Plan your activities for each day,  safe in the knowledge that you’ve got a cosy bed to curl up in afterwards. Surrounded by acres and acres of farmland, without neighbours or light pollution you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

Mini-break activities at Ilderton