Hallbarns B&B Near Hexham Wins a VisitEngland ROSE Award

A family-run bed and breakfast in the countryside north of Hexham has been named among the best places to stay in England. Hallbarns B&B at Simonburn has received a 2026 VisitEngland ROSE Award, one of only 100 handed out nationally.

What the ROSE Award recognises

The ROSE Award, which stands for Recognition of Service Excellence, is presented by VisitEngland to accommodation businesses that go above and beyond in welcoming their guests. Only 100 establishments across the whole country receive one each year, so it is a genuine mark of distinction for a small rural operation.

Hallbarns is a working farmhouse on the edge of Hadrian's Wall, around twenty minutes from Hexham, offering three en-suite letting rooms, a cosy guest sitting room and sweeping views of the Northumberland hills. It has long had a warm reputation with walkers and touring visitors alike.

Best for: The ROSE Award is judged on the quality of the welcome and the personal service guests receive, not just the rooms or the facilities.

A proud moment for the team

Staff at the B&B were delighted with the recognition. "This is a huge testament to our team at Hallbarns for their continued hard work and dedication," they said.

Good company across Tynedale

Hallbarns is not the only local name on this year's list. Two other Northumberland businesses were also honoured: Warksburn Old Church, a converted chapel offering distinctive accommodation, and Kielder Campsite, out in the forest and dark-sky country to the north.

Together the three underline the strength of the area's tourism offer, from farmhouse hospitality near the Roman Wall to camping under some of the darkest skies in England.

This story was reported by the Hexham Courant.