Ashcroft Guest House is located in the geographic centre of Britain, in the market town of Haltwhistle, nestling beside the South Tyne river and very close to the central section of Hadrian’s Wall.
I was born here in 1947 and moved to the south coast when a teenager. You never forget your birthplace and it was so good to return and relive memories and places. I have a cousin in the town and following research for places to stay, spotted Ashcroft which turned out to be ‘perfect.’
Ashcroft is a couple of minutes walk from the 13th century Holy Trinity Church which I remember well and close to the centre of the town with it’s 5 Bastle Houses. The reason the church is so close is because Ashcroft was once the Victorian vicarage before later, becoming the doctor’s house.
Now it is owned and run by owners Geoff and Christine, a wonderful, hard-working, homely and welcoming couple who really make you feel welcome.
The house itself is tastefully furnished and very spacious with plenty of room for parking, which is free.
After settling in we enjoyed an exciting exploration of the fabulous award winning terraced garden, cascading down towards the bypass and the rolling fells beyond the river.
Guest rooms are spacious with high ceilings and ours had double doors leading out onto a roof terrace with table and chairs, where you can sit and relax with a drink. The bed was a Super King size with still plenty of space available in the room. Bathrobes hang in the wardrobe for guests’ use and toiletries, hair-dryer, TV, Wi-Fi and a Tea and a Coffee Maker are also available. Peaceful surroundings and wonderful to listen to the birds singing in the nearby trees.
Breakfast is served in the large dining room from 7. 30 to 9 am weekdays and 8 – 9.15 at the weekends and Bank Holidays. The breakfast menu is amazing as is the wonderful view from the huge bay windows as you sit at your table.
There is a good choice of cereals, fresh fruit, freshly made porridge, fruit juices and scrumptious home-made yoghurt.
Next comes a choice ranging from eggs, bacon, Billy Bell’s local pork sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, black pudding, baked beans and even a ‘tattie’ scone!
Kippers, salmon, toast, croissants and selection of jams are also available along with a variation of teas and coffee.
We really enjoyed our 2 night stay and wished we had been able to have longer. Our hosts, Geoff and Christine were wonderful, as were their staff.
From our various journey hotel/guest house choices en route, Ashcroft was certainly top of our list, ticking all the essential boxes. It was certainly worth it’s 5 star status.
Must return!
