This is by a long stretch the nicest B&B I've ever stayed at in a beautiful part of the world! We received such a friendly welcome from Ian yesterday when we arrived: he told us everything we needed to know. The room was comfortable, clean, well decorated, quiet, with lots of teas/coffees – a big bonus! The communal spaces were extremely comfortable with everything you could need. We met Kate, who is equally friendly/lovely, the following morning when she served us an absolutely scrummy breakfast (cooked by Ian): fruits, homemade granola, orange & apple juice, toast, and a few cooked options. I had a delicious rosti, porcini mushroom with goat's cheese, spinach and perfect scrambled eggs. This was the perfect start to a long day walking. If I boiled it down I suppose I think the Old School House has all the benefits of a traditional B&B (the warmth, homeliness, friendliness) with none of the downsides (rooms feel very private, the standards are extremely professional). If I could always stay somewhere like this when I go away, I would! There are so many details throughout which speak to the care and thoughtfulness with which Kate and Ian run this place, and their flexibility and generosity (i.e. Ian offered us a lift to the point in Hadrian's Wall where we'd stopped off) is outstanding. We can only thank Kate and Ian for such amazing hospitality! Can't wait to return in the future - hopefully before too long!

nothing

This place is so lovely! Very comfortable & clean - Ian & Kate have thought of everything you might need. There’s a drying room (which I needed after a soggy walk at Hadrian’s Wall!) Breakfast was spectacular- so many fresh & homemade options. Breakfast is a communal affair, which I liked - Kate took the trouble to introduce us all by name to each other. Ian offered me a lift to the station too. Lovely couple & a real gem of a place to stay. The buses and trains around the area were excellent.

I would’ve loved a soak in a bath after my chilly walk, but there’s only rooms with showers on offer. Better for the environment though!! Haltwhistle is a strange town - the people aren’t unfriendly to tourists - but they also make no effort to be friendly or helpful! The Black Bull was a great place for food in the evening - but trying to persuade them to serve you was a bit trying!! I completely understand that I was on their regular’s turf - but it could put some people off.

Ian and Kate are amazing hosts. Once you stay here, you wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. My Son and I had a 2 night stay, we stayed in the twin room, single beds 4foot wide, so comfortable, and lovely warm bedding. The tea and coffee facilities were great, a table top fridge with fresh milk, a large bottle of chilled water, and home made cookies on arrival. Ensuite was great, plenty of towels and face cloths to use, and a stand for your towels, lots of cupboard space too. Absolutely immaculate. The guest lounge was fantastic, comfy settees with blankets available, lots of books to read, games for kids, and sky TV. Breakfast, again fantastic, fresh fruit, home made granola, Greek yogurt, other yogurts, boxed cereals all available before your cooked breakfast. Nothing is too much trouble. I would highly recommend staying in this B&B to anyone, 5* I couldn't fault anything.

Great hosts, location and comfort. The breakfast was top notch and we really felt at home here. Our hosts Ian and Kate were wonderful and even gave us a ride to our starting point. Welcome brownies were lush too!

Only downside was we needed to make our packed lunches (but felt at home making these in the kitchen, were given access to things like butter, and honestly saved money by going to the local shop for ingredients). Also, because we are a family of 4 we needed to book 2 rooms whereas 1 larger room would have been our preference. Still good value for money.

Everything about my stay was incredible. Ian and Kate the hosts were amazing, and very welcoming with the offer of a beer or soft drink upon my arrival. The standard, cleanliness and quality of the rooms were impeccable but be assured also very comfortable and relaxing, welcoming whether you are just passing by, walking the area or like me on my motorbike. Breakfast was simply amazing, probably the best I have ever had (honestly). A wide range of options, very generous portions, top ingredients and cooked to perfection. In an evening the dining area is available should you wish to treat yourself to a local takeaway, with cutlery and crockery available for your use also and a nice snug area should you wish to relax and read a book. Parking is secure and there is a large garage should like me you be exploring the area on a motorbike. No wording will truly portray how great this place is!

Nothing, simply perfect!

Right in the center of Haltwhistle, a short walk from grocery store, pubs, and restaurants. For hikers accessing the Hadrian’s Wall path, it’s an easy 45-minute walk via Haltwhistle Burn, a beautiful gorge with historic significance. Edinburgh transplants Ian and Kate would make staying here nice even if the place had less character than it does. They go out of their way to meet their guests’ needs, including offering to shuttle hikers to and from the wall. They recommended a couple of great, local walks. The room was lovely and comfortable and they put out cookies or cakes on a daily basis. Breakfast was full English and wonderful, with lots of choices! Very highly recommend!

Wow, what a wonderful stay! This is probably the nicest B&B we have stayed in around Northumberland, and there’s been some competition! We were welcomed by Kate and Ian who are so lovely. Our room was fantastic, the bed was extremely comfortable. They have a little sitting room and dining table for guests to use. Breakfast is around a the big table, a chance to talk to the other guests, which we thought was a brilliant touch. The breakfasts were amazing, the cooked breakfast, homemade bread and granola in particular and the daily homemade cake slices that were left in our room for us were extremely welcomed and absolutely delicious! Nothing was any trouble at all, we can’t wait to return.

Nothing at all

My friend and I participated in a three-day walking challenge and were delighted to arrive at a welcoming bed and breakfast. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a delicious cake baked by Ian. We enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep and had a fantastic breakfast. After breakfast, Kate kindly drove us back to our walking trail, and we were very grateful for her help. Additionally, as a walker, I want to highlight an important feature: they have a room where you can dry your clothes and boots! 😁 Thank you once again!

This bed and breakfast was wonderful! The hosts go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The house was very clean and welcoming from the bedroom with tea and coffee and a little treat to the fully equipped en-suite bathroom. The shared lounge has so many books and a very welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast was amazing and we enjoyed our stay so much we wished we would have booked a longer stay. They are fully equipped to welcome hikers with a drying room for boots and gear. You could not ask for more. Thank you so much for going out of your way to drive us to the local sights and provide us with such wonderful hospitality, we greatly appreciate it. We loved our stay.

I stayed in the single room as I was travelling alone walking Hadrians wall. The room was immaculately clean, extremely comfortable and appointed to an exceptional standard. The private bathroom was exactly the same. The breakfast was delicious, great selection of fare and brilliant service. I will most definitely stay here again when coming back and may have to come back sooner just to stay again. Ian and Kate were lovely hosts and made the already excellent experience even more delightful. Can’t speak highly enough of this place, the best guest house I’ve ever stayed in. Thank you for the lovely stay!

Not only nothing to complain about but nothing more that I could even think of asking for.