Belford Hall

2017 was the Tercentenary of the birth of James Paine, one of the most notable architects of the 18th century, who specialised in buildings in the Palladian style. Belford Hall (c. 1754) is believed to have been his most northern commission. In the North-east he also worked at Alnwick Castle, Bywell, Gibside, and Wallington. Pevsner in 'Buildings of England, Northumberland' describes Belford Hall as a typical Paine design, 'At once both restrained and animated ....one of his most satisfying designs' and Paine's biographer commends the South Front as a 'Wonderfully complete and subtle essay in movement'. John Dobson, based in Newcastle, was noted for many new public and private buildings and the restoration or extension of older ones. Two of the most notable of his works are Newcastle Central Station and the Collingwood Monument. In Belford, he extended the Hall (c. 1818), extended St Mary's Church, improved the frontage of several terraces of houses and designed the Court Building. After a period of dereliction, Belford Hall was restored in the 1980s and converted into private apartments. For the Open Days, there will be a display of historical and architectural material relating to Belford Hall and Belford including new research findings, guided tours of the communal areas and exterior of the Hall, and a virtual tour of some areas inaccessible to those with limited mobility. A walk around the interesting Market Town of Belford will complement the visit.

Timings & Tours

Friday 19 September:

Tours at 1100, 1300, 1445 | Fully booked

Saturday 20 September:

Tours at 1100, 1300, 1445

Sunday 21 September:

Tours at 1100, 1300, 1445

Location & directions

Belford Hall, Belford, Northumberland, NE70 7EY

Directions:

Turn off A1 midway between Alnwick and Berwick onto B6349 (Wooler). Pass the Fire Station, entrance to Belford Hall is on the right, after the golf course, but before the Well House Cafe and Salmon Inn, in Belford High Street. Note for Satnavs use NE70 7LX. Buses: Arriva: X15 and X18. Bus stop at end of drive.

Contact on day:

Mrs Christine Harris

Telephone number:

+447709253032

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Numbers of visitors, whether any have mobility issues, whether any children or assistance dogs, are required. E-mail or phone number needed for booking acknowledgement. Response will be made within short time, if not immediately.

Booking contact name:

John Harris

Booking telephone number:

+441668213576

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

18 Sep 2025 12:00 PM

Booking closes:

21 Sep 2025 12:00 PM

Accessibility details

Gravel paths difficult for wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs., alternative on-site routes available. Steps to Wine Cellar are worn and uneven. A virtual tour of areas with access difficulties is available. Wheelchair ramp available for entry to main building.

Additional information

A walk around the interesting Market Town of Belford, taking in the Church, will complement a visit to the Hall. This is also where the nearest public conveniences can be found. Excellent cafes and pubs in the village.

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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