Raven at Hesleyside Huts

A Luxury Watchtower Retreat in Northumberland

An adults-only hideaway inspired by Northumberland’s historic watchtowers, where dramatic architecture, dark interiors and luxury touches create an unforgettable escape for two.

Tucked away within the 4,000-acre Hesleyside Estate, Raven offers a stay unlike any other. Inspired by the watchtowers and castles that have watched over Northumberland for centuries, this striking retreat combines bold architecture with contemporary comfort, creating a unique setting for romantic escapes, special occasions and peaceful weekends away.

Inside, rich colours, natural textures and carefully chosen furnishings create an intimate atmosphere, while large windows invite the surrounding woodland inside. Wake to birdsong, listen for the distant hoot of owls after dark and enjoy the ever-changing soundtrack of the forest throughout your stay. Evenings are best spent beside the log burner or mixing cocktails from the dedicated cocktail cabinet before settling in for the night.

Perhaps Raven’s most memorable feature lies within the bathroom, where a handcrafted wooden bathtub sits beneath a retractable roof. Open it after dark to soak beneath a sky full of stars, creating an experience that’s every bit as magical as the setting itself.

Why Choose Raven?

• Adults-only luxury retreat for two
• Unique watchtower-inspired design
• Retractable stargazing roof above a handcrafted wooden bath
• Secluded woodland setting alive with birdsong and wildlife
• Dark, atmospheric interiors with luxury finishes
• Log burner and cocktail cabinet
• Private firepit within a traditional stone stell
• Dog-friendly accommodation

Inside Raven

Inspired by Northumberland’s historic watchtowers, Raven unfolds across multiple levels, combining striking architecture with luxurious comfort in a way that’s unlike anywhere else.

The king-size bedroom features Egyptian cotton bedding and a luxurious 6,000-pocket sprung mattress, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day exploring Northumberland.

The bathroom is one of Raven’s true highlights, with a handcrafted wooden bathtub positioned beneath the retractable roof, alongside a walk-in shower, basin, WC, soft towels and luxury toiletries.

You’ll also find:

• King-size bedroom with Egyptian cotton bedding
• Handcrafted wooden bathtub with retractable stargazing roof
• Walk-in shower
• Kitchen island with seating for two
• Gas hob, oven, grill, dishwasher and fridge
• Comfortable sitting area with gallery-style window
• Log burner
• Cocktail cabinet
• Record player and vinyl collection

Outdoor Living

Step outside onto your private veranda and immerse yourself in the peaceful woodland surroundings. Spend slow mornings with coffee amongst the trees or gather around the traditional stone stell as daylight fades and the woodland takes on an entirely different character.

A telescope and stargazing kit are provided, allowing guests to make the most of Northumberland’s famously dark skies. As night falls, listen for the gentle hoot of owls echoing through the trees, toast marshmallows over the fire and enjoy an evening that feels wonderfully removed from everyday life.

Romantic Retreats

Raven has been created for couples seeking something a little different. Secluded amongst the trees and inspired by Northumberland’s historic watchtowers, it offers a setting where time slows and the outside world feels wonderfully distant.

Spend your days exploring the estate – or simply never leave Raven at all. Mix cocktails as the log burner crackles, lose yourselves in conversation beside the fire, or sink into the handcrafted wooden bath beneath the retractable roof as the stars begin to appear overhead. As daylight fades, gather around the firepit with toasted marshmallows, listen for the gentle hoot of owls and enjoy the quiet stillness that only a woodland setting can provide.

From birdsong at first light to stargazing beneath Northumberland’s dark skies, Raven offers a romantic escape that feels wonderfully removed from the everyday.

Dog-Friendly Stays

Dogs are every bit as welcome at Raven, making it easy to enjoy a memorable woodland escape with your four-legged companion by your side.

The 4,000-acre Hesleyside Estate offers plenty of opportunities to explore together, with walks through woodland, across wildflower meadows and around the beautiful grounds. To help protect the estate’s livestock and wildlife, dogs are kindly asked to remain on a lead whilst exploring.

Beyond the estate, Northumberland is renowned for its dog-friendly walking routes, scenic trails and welcoming country pubs, cafés and restaurants, meaning your canine companion can join you on many of your adventures throughout your stay.

Back at Raven, dogs are welcomed with their own cosy bed tucked beneath the stairs, along with bowls, treats and a secure garden where they can unwind after a day of exploring.

Celebrate in Style

Looking to make your stay even more memorable? Hesleyside Huts offers a range of carefully curated extras, allowing you to celebrate a special occasion or simply add a little extra indulgence to your escape.

Whatever the occasion, the team at Hesleyside Huts will be delighted to help make your stay even more memorable. Choose from fresh flowers, champagne on ice, luxury chocolates, celebration cakes and other thoughtful touches waiting for you when you arrive.

Available extras include:

• Fresh flowers
• Champagne on ice
• Luxury chocolates
• Celebration cakes
• Tailored celebration packages

Explore Northumberland

Nestled amongst the trees within the 4,000-acre Hesleyside Estate, Raven offers a wonderfully secluded base for exploring Northumberland National Park. Surrounded by woodland and the peaceful waters of the North Tyne River, it’s where nature and history come together, creating a landscape that feels both timeless and inspiring.

Spend your days wandering through the estate’s woodland paths, discovering the beautiful Capability Brown-designed gardens surrounding Hesleyside Hall or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of your woodland retreat. As darkness falls, Northumberland‘s internationally recognised dark skies provide the perfect backdrop for evenings spent stargazing from your private veranda or soaking beneath the stars.

Just five minutes away, Bellingham offers welcoming pubs, cafés, restaurants and a supermarket, while Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders and the county’s dramatic landscapes are all within easy reach. From scenic walks and fascinating history to peaceful countryside and spectacular scenery, Raven is perfectly placed to experience the very best of Northumberland.

Local Attractions

• Hadrian’s Wall & Vindolanda – Explore one of Britain’s most remarkable Roman landscapes and uncover centuries of fascinating history.
• Kielder Observatory – Experience unforgettable stargazing beneath some of the darkest skies in Europe.
• Kielder Water & Forest Park – Discover peaceful woodland walks, scenic viewpoints and England’s largest forest.
• Cragside – Visit the National Trust’s remarkable Victorian house and gardens, surrounded by beautiful woodland.
• Alnwick Castle – Explore one of Britain’s most iconic castles, rich in history and famous for its striking architecture.
• Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum – Wander through spectacular gardens and enjoy one of Northumberland’s most beautiful historic estates.

Getting Here

By Road: Hesleyside Huts is just five minutes from the market town of Bellingham and around one hour from Newcastle upon Tyne. The estate is easily accessible from across the North East and is well placed for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland National Park.

By Train: Hexham is the nearest railway station, with regular services connecting to Newcastle and the wider rail network. From there, Hesleyside Huts is approximately a 30-minute drive.

By Air: Newcastle International Airport is around one hour away by car, offering domestic and international flights.

An Escape Like No Other

Some places stay with you long after you’ve left. Raven is one of them. Inspired by Northumberland’s historic watchtowers and surrounded by peaceful woodland, it’s a retreat where architecture, nature and thoughtful design come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Spend your days exploring the estate and the beauty of Northumberland before returning to your woodland hideaway. As evening falls, mix a favourite cocktail, light the fire, soak beneath the retractable stargazing roof and listen as birdsong gives way to the gentle hoot of owls in the surrounding trees.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply taking time away together, Raven invites you to slow down, reconnect and enjoy the rare luxury of complete seclusion.

Looking for a different style of stay? Discover Skylark, a magical woodland treehouse designed for memorable family escapes, or explore the individually crafted hideaways at Hesleyside Huts, where fairytale cabins, shepherd’s huts and handcrafted retreats each offer their own unique character.