Legendary ‘northern hospitality’ is alive and well in Prudhoe. You can always be certain of a warm Geordie welcome. Aranda Garrard finds out more. WITH a wide mix of homes available throughout the town, Prudhoe has retained its popularity with a range of buyers.
Its name is thought to derive from “Proud Heights” and the town has many historic places of interest making it a great area to explore. The town’s official history begins with the Norman Conquest and the building of Prudhoe’s most famous landmark – its castle – in the 12th Century. This ancient stronghold is the only castle in the north never to have been taken by the Scots, and is now open to visitors. Nearby Prudhoe Grange is a private residence originally a 13th Century chapel dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr, and is said to be haunted. A Town Trail has been created for visitors who wish to discover more about the history of the town. Until recent decades, Prudhoe was the site of coal mining and other associated industries. Today, the heavy industry has all but gone, and regeneration work is ongoing. With its rural surroundings and famous golf club, the town is a great choice for homebuyers. For shopping, Prudhoe’s Front Street has more than 70 stores, and the bustling town is rapidly gaining an enviable reputation as a centre for eating-out due to the diversity of pubs and cafes offering traditional fare alongside Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants. Free parking is available just off Front Street. There is also a leisure centre with sports hall, two gyms and a swimming pool. Near to Prudhoe railway station is the Tyne Riverside Country Park, which is the venue for the annual Town Fair, and the start of the Town Trail. Canoeing and fishing are popular pastimes, as are walks along the riverside or up on to the Spetchells – the only chalk hills in Northumberland. For walkers and ramblers there’s Prudhoe Hall, Priestclose and Eltringham woods. There are also footpaths and bridleways, leading to the hills and fells, south of Prudhoe. Barbara Calver, branch manager of Pattinson in Prudhoe, said: “Last month we achieved excellent results for our vendors, particularly through auction, and we have some fantastic properties on our books again, not only for first-time buyers, but also for those looking to climb the property ladder into larger homes. The town is 15 minutes from Hexham, or Newcastle. In comparison to neighbouring towns such as Stocksfield, property prices can be about 20% less. “It is well served by public transport, with regular train and bus services, and the bypass makes commuting to Newcastle easy. Add to that a full range of amenities, excellent schools and the MetroCentre being only 10 minutes away, Prudhoe has a lot to offer.” Prudhoe is also celebrating a major makeover. Glade, a striking new public sculpture is in the square off the town's Front Street. It has been transformed as part of a £600,000 improvement scheme. The sculpture and the new square offer the opportunity for outdoor entertainment and events, such as community bands and jugglers. The scheme is the result of a partnership between the Prudhoe community, Tynedale and Northumberland County councils and other agencies. Cllr Mrs Lorna Garrett, chairman of the Prudhoe Town Centre Redevelopment Working Group, said: “Glade and its new-look square make an attractive extension to the shopping environment in Front Street, which has transformed the area formerly known as the Cobbles. “The improvements to Front Street have given the town a modern, cleaner look. “The inspiration for the scheme was identified in the investment plan for Prudhoe, developed by the Prudhoe Community Partnership as a means to boost retail trade in the town and improve the experience for shoppers.” | 
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