About Allen Banks and Staward Gorge:
With its deep gorge, created by the river Allen, and the largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland, this 250-hectare (617-acre) site provides the perfect setting for an adventure.
This extensive woodland area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods.
Largely created by Susan Davidson, Allen Banks has become a fantastic home for nature including flora, fauna and fungi. It is also well known for its carpet of ramsons, commonly known as wild garlic, which covers the woodland floor in spring and early summer.
Discover the remains of a medieval pele tower as well as a reconstructed Victorian summerhouse (with breath-taking views) and ornamental pond during one of several wonderful woodland walks.
Allen Banks is a haven for wildlife, from birds and insects to mammals both large and small. There are more than 70 species of birds that have been spotted at Allen Banks and a variety of mammals including red squirrels, roe deer, dormice, otters, and bats.
NB: All the woodland area sits within the North Pennines AONB
Additional information; Free parking for National Trust members - please scan your card for a ticket at the car park machine. Payment can also be made using PayByPhone.
Car park has a 3.3-metre height restriction and is open daily from dawn to dusk.