Located in west Northumberland, near the county boundary with Cumbria and close to Hadrian's Wall, you will find
the villages of Gilsland and Greenhead.
Gilsland
Gilsland village straddles the county border, half the village is in Northumberland and the other half
is in Cumbria.
Gilsland lies at the sunny confluence of the River Irthing and the Poltross Burn, an important
bridging point where routes from all points of the compass meet. Its sulphur waters brought tourists here
250 years ago and the railway confirmed its prosperity as a holiday destination. The Spa evolved into a
convalescent home for Cooperative Society workers, became briefly the maternity home for the North East
during the Second World War. The Spa continues to be a favourite place with visitors returning year after year,
if not to enjoy the waters (ugh!), to wander through the splendid woodland paths and take in the views of the valley.
Gilsland is well endowed with hostelries (though Mumps Ha’, apparently a hotel of ill repute in Walter
Scott’s day, is now a respectable private house) – and it is lucky
enough to retain its friendly Post Office and general store. Its reputation for hospitality is well
maintained in the 21st century!
There are splendid Roman sites to visit:
- The remains of the bridge at Willowford.
- Birdoswald Roman fort excavation and museum;
- Poltross Burn milecastle, the best remains of a milecastle on the length of Hadrian's Wall;
- The splendid stretch of Wall linking the village and the fort and the only stetch of wall with the remains of a complete section.
Farming is the main activity, the fruits of which are on display at the annual Gilsland Sheep Show in August.
Greenhead
You'll find relaxation, fun, food and a friendly welcome for all the family in Greenhead village.
Greenhead is a small village in the central section of Hadrian's Wall, just down the hill from the Roman Army
Museum at Carvoran and Walltown Quarry, and a couple of fields away from Thirlwall Castle.
Greenhead village has:
- The Roman Army Museum - Where you can learn more about life in Roman times.
- The Millennium Green - A riverside picnic area with tables, benches, trees, wild flowers, and safe access
to the river for cooling your feet and finding tiddlers.
- A children's play area - With swings, slide and climbing frame and comfy benches for parents and grandparents.
- Easy walks beside the river to Thirlwall Castle.
- Walltown Quarry - A wildlife area with easy walks and trails to follow.
- Walltown Crags - Where you can explore the highest remains of the Wall.
- Tearooms - Providing homemade light meals and snacks in a child-friendly atmosphere.
- Welcoming hostelries offering meals, snacks and drinks.