Haltwhistle: A small town in England with character and a long history

  

Market at Haltwhistle

This evening, I am posting information on a  delightful country town of Haltwhistle (pop 3800) which is positioned in the geographical centre of Britain. The name may be derived from Old English for junction of two streams 'twisla'.

The town is thirty-six miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne (N.E. England) and fifty-three miles south of Jedburgh (in southern Scotland).

Haltwhistle demonstrates a long history and heritage with links to the (Scottish) Wars of Independence and then the Border Reivers. Much of the older architecture demonstrates a defensive style in reaction to the lawlessness of bygone days, particularly the days of the Reivers

Location provides easy access to Hadrian's Wall and local industrial history dating from the Industrial Revolution. There are also hiking and cycling opportunities. Close by is Haltwhistle Burn which runs through an interesting local valley featuring geology, natural history and former industrial activities.

Haltwhistle hosts a market once a week in addition to which there is a wide range of local shops

 

Colourful Shop Front at Haltwhistle

The (traditional) Black Bull pub serves a wide range of beers plus food.

 

Black Bull Pub, Haltwhsitle

 

View of Market at Haltwhistle,

 

Holy Cross Church, Haltwhistle,

 

North Tyne River, Haltwhistle

Pele Tower dating from around 1417.

] 

Fortified Tower House, Haltwhistle

 

Bastle House, Haltwhistle. Built for defense in turbulent times.

e 

Burn (stream) at Haltwhistle

Overall, Haltwhistle is a good base for touring northern England and there is a reasonable range of accommodation. The town can be accessed by road, rail and bus.