12-05-2025
One of UK's 'prettiest' villages has population smaller than most streets
It's easy to see why when you look at the pictures
A picturesque village, home to fewer than 130 residents, has been hailed as one of the UK's 'prettiest' by globe-trotting travel enthusiasts. The village didn't just make it onto a list of the best in the area, but was also declared one of the most beautiful in the country.
The village that caught the attention of Jonny and Hannah, the founders of the popular travel blog Finding our launching their website in 2017, Jonny and Hannah have travelled the world, recommending places of interest.
But they were particularly impressed with Blanchland, which made it onto their 'most beautiful in Northumberland' list.
They wrote: "Blanchland is arguably one of the prettiest villages in north England.
"The quaint village houses, Abbey, shops, tea room and pub are surrounded by scenic Northumbrian countryside."
Nestled by the River Derwent and within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blanchland straddles the border of Northumberland and County Durham, even boasting a DH postcode.
Interestingly, according to the 2021 census, the village only has 124 confirmed residents, reports Chronicle Live.
Often hailed as 'picture perfect', Blanchland's architecture and breathtaking landscape could easily grace a postcard.
The historic and eye-catching Lord Crewe Arms, known for its top-rated cuisine, is often considered the village's crowning glory and is popular among staycationers looking for a relaxing UK break.
However, the village also hosts the White Monk Refectory and Tea Room, which has garnered high praise for its unique location in an old school and its exceptional food.
The Visit Northumberland website describes the village as being located "beneath a woodland cloak in a fairytale setting amongst the fells".
It adds: "Built from the stones of Blanchland Abbey in 1165, it seemingly hasn't changed since, and murmurings of its fascinating history echo in the moors."
Visit Northumberland adds: "Step back in time in Blanchland, the postcard-perfect, honey-stone village with the rightful reputation as one of the prettiest villages in the north of England.
"Stones, cobbles, hanging baskets and winding lanes are everywhere in Blanchland, and there isn't a modern-day chainstore in sight.
"!The village owes its name to the French canons who lived and worked in Blanchland Abbey and were distinguished by their white habits. 'Blanche' is French for white, and so the name 'Blanchland' was born.
"A local shop with an unusual, white-washed postbox, The White Monk Tea Room, which used to be the village school, Blanchland Abbey and the magnificent Lord Crewe Arms Hotel which was originally built as the Abbot's Lodge are all that you'll find in this small village in Northumberland."
The atmospheric Lord Crewe Arms Hotel is recognised as one of the oldest hostelries in the country, dating back to the 12th century. It was here that the Jacobite Rebellion leader, General Tom Foster, hid behind the inn's great fireplace in 1715.
