The Joiner’s Shop is a soulful resting place: whether you have been out walking, cycling, climbing, diving or whether you want a relaxed space to have a get together with friends for a birthday, hen do, stag do, student holiday or a reunion. We have church groups stay with us, nature groups, school groups, activity groups friends, families and workers. The space has been tried and tested for a variety of needs and occasions and has everything you need to have a good time.
A journey through the gateway to bed at The Joiner’s Shop Bunkhouse
Whatever mode of transport you are arriving in (foot, car, bicycle, motorcycle or anything else) you will pull through the gateway at the front of the house past the beautiful conservatory on the front. There is ample parking in front of the bunkhouse and more around the back of the large shed. Bicycles can be stored, email Kirsten for more info.
Notice the outdoor space with picnic tables and lush green grass.
Through the large wooden door, you enter the kitchen area. Gas/Electric oven, extra gas rings on the counter, hot water urn, kettle, microwave, sink, drying rack, large kitchen table with benches and chairs, cutlery, plates, mugs, glasses, utensils… You name it!
To the left is the comfortable snug area complete with an open fire, sofas, coffee table and games. Logs and coal can be bought from Kirsten, it’s definitely worth getting the fire stoked as it adds enormously to the ambiance in the room.
Up the stairs to the bathroom (3 loos, 2 hot electric showers, 3 sinks) and the bunk area, here you find 18 single beds in bunk formation. The sections are separated by plywood boarding and curtains so you have an element of privacy for your group if you have opted not to book sole occupancy. The beds are solid Pine and comfortable split into sections of 2s, 3s & a 5. Whilst a sheet and pillow are provided you will need your own bedding, unless you’d like to hire it.
From our location map, you can see we are nestled in the hamlet of Preston near the village of Ellingham. The closest attractions are Preston Tower and the Pack Horse Inn, both walkable and enjoyable!
For those who are new to Northumberland, the county is stunning and there is tonnes to do! We are the gold winner of the British Travel Awards in 2018 for a reason. For those who are familiar with our fair county, we’re sure there are still places on the list you would like to visit even if you’ve been to Northumberland a hundred times. Below are some favorites and if you have any suggestions to add we’re all ears.
There are ample walking routes across the county, some very close to the Joiner’s Shop and some a drive or a cycle away. If you visit the village of Ellingham we recommend picking up a local walking book from The Pack Horse Inn, it is made to raise money for St Maurice’s church in the village (stunning church). Some of our favourite walks are below, just ask us for more recommendations!
Although a fair distance to drive this is one of Kirsten’s favourite walks in the Northumbrian hills. It is worth the drive and there is a fair climb, but once at the top of Windy Gyle you have panoramic views, north into Scotland and south down the Penine Way. Truly beautiful!
A little less of a drive from The Joiner’s Shop, and worth the journey. Cheviot is the highest hill in the Northumbrian range and it’s a canny hike to the top! Take a wee packed lunch for the day trip out and a flask of coffee.
Start on St Aiden’s Beach and walk all the way past the iconic Bamburgh Castle to Budle Bay. Easier when the tide is out and there is plenty of beach to choose from. Easy walk along the coast and Budle Bay is a lovely, usually quiet spot to stop for some lunch and some rays (weather permitting).
The National Trust has marked out a slightly longer route here, but you can shorten it to only walk along the beach if you wish. Passing Dunstanburgh Castle, another iconic Northumbrian Castle but a ruin this time. Grab some Kippers from Crasters famous smoke house (https://www.kipper.co.uk) and a pint in Low Newton’s rightly famous pub, The Ship Inn (https://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk).
The Joiner’s Shop is very conveniently situated on the national cycle route 1 making it the perfect place to get some rest on your journey that could stretch from Newcastle to Berwick. We have plenty of space to store bicycles and can provide breakfast and/or a packed lunch if you would like. Please arrange directly with Kirsten.
Northumberland is also becoming increasingly popular for mountain bikers, especially in the hills and Kielder National Park. Why not book a trip with friends? Get away from the hustle and bustle, chill at the bunkhouse by night and release your inner bikeoholic by day.
Surrounded by tranquil woodland and rolling countryside, the bunkhouse can feel a world away. But it’s actually very easily accessible by road and rail.
The bunkhouse is just off the A1, around seven miles north of Alnwick. Follow the brown historic property signs for Preston Tower.
If you’re travelling from the south, you’ll be turning right. From the north, you’ll be turning left. Obviously.
It’s about 1.5 miles down the road, and to your left. We’ve a sign out front, and you’ll be glad to know there’s ample parking in front of the building.
There’s a local station at Chathill which with two daily runs to Newcastle. More frequent trains can be caught to Almouth, which is about 12 miles away.
The area’s main bus station is situated in Alnwick. A local service is provided, including ‘The Coastal Clipper’ for surrounding villages.
Cyclists love it here. We’re situated on the National Cycle Network, on National Route One.
