Greystead Old Church, BELLINGHAM

Rated 5/50 by ManF155 on 4th October 2019

"The church has been very carefully converted so the original ecclesiastical architecture can be appreciated whilst still giving a cosy homely feel. It is also finished to a very high standard and extremely well equipped. As you would expect, it is very spacious, but it is also warm. We packed lots of jumpers thinking such a large space would be a challenge to heat but, despite unseasonably cold weather, these were not needed indoors. The underfloor heating did its job superbly and my dad left disappointed that he didn't get to use the log burner. The graveyard is not privately owned, but there is a garden with table and chairs alongside it, with fabulous views. We were lucky enough to have a clear night too, so we could marvel at the vast array of stars. Loads of amazing countryside close by that we only had to share with the sheep and hares - wonderful!"

Rated 5/50 by GreenstOat24 on 21st May 2019

Rated 5/50 by Colfrankland on 19th January 2019

"If you are looking for somewhere stunningly different for a family break then Greystead Old Church is definitely for you. From the outside, the church looks just like it did over the last 200 years of its existence. Once inside, you are in a beautifully and tastefully converted property having oodles of space - enough for a small group of friends or family. How many lounges have you sat in that have a full-size stained glass window overlooking you? We visited in the 2nd week in January and we were warm enough inside with just the central heating, although there is a nice log burning stove if you want to light it and get really cosy. Upstairs in the mezzanine you'll find a couple of additional places to sit, plus a very well equipped kitchen and a large dining table. The owners, Anne and Bill Monroe are a charming and friendly couple who are on hand should you need anything. If you are into stargazing then you don't really need to bother with the Kielder Observatory if you can't book it - the skies over Greystead Old Church are just a dark. So, dear reader, don't hesitate any longer - get Greystead Old Church booked, you'll be so pleased you did."

Rated 5/50 by Mrba2015 on 6th October 2017

"This place is absolutely stunning. Before you get inside the church is an amazing building but once inside it is just so impressive. Accommodation for eight people and still plenty of room so you are not falling over each other. It can be cold up here but the heating system is first class, we even had to turn down the thermostat. Ideally situated for various local attractions and great country walks. I am more than happy to give Greystead Church my highest recommendation and I would love to go back. "

Rated 5/50 by Sprockertails on 14th May 2017

"Had a wonderful stay here. Beautifully converted church and very well equipped. The bedrooms aren't the largest, but are adequate, with lovely bathrooms. The vestry bedroom is quite cold, but a fan heater is provided and the heating can be set to stay on all night, in that room, if needed. The rest of the bedrooms were lovely and warm. The living space is excellent. Plenty of space to relax and lovely big, well equipped kitchen. Loads of parking, providing your companions know how to park!! The parking is open to the road so could be a risk for dogs/kids. Didn't cause me any problems as both my Spaniel and my child are very well trained! Only downside is, due to the style of the beautiful conversion, that it's quite "loud". Everyone can hear everything, especially with a family as loud as mine! Handy when try to round up the kids for meals/bedtimes etc. as they couldn't claim they hadn't heard! Due to the graveyard, fascinating to look around, the garden area is away from the church. This is a pleasant area, but we didn't use it due to the weather not being good enough. We also didn't use the tennis courts as I forgot the rackets! The owners are just next door and are lovely and very helpful. Nothing is too much trouble and they are happy for you to use their garden (and hosepipe when dealing with a dirty Spaniel). 10 minutes up the road (left out of the gate) and you are at Kielder water. Had lovely walks there, with the dog, each morning and evening. Overall I can't recommend this place highly enough. Hoping for a return visit in the future."

Rated 5/50 by 287lisa on 10th March 2017

"A beautiful church conversion with everything you need and could ask for. Every aspect of this accommodation has been well thought out and it is also in a lovely location. The owners are lovely and very accommodating and we were made to feel very welcome. Can't wait to go back!I would highly recommend staying here whether it be for rest and relaxation or for a base while exploring Northumberland."

Rated 5/50 by Chris W on 24th January 2017

"You may think holidaying in an old church is odd. Within a few minutes of walking in you are so impressed with the conversion you forget it is an old church and just enjoy the space. Well equiped and very good heating system"

Rated 5/50 by Ginger1517 on 29th November 2016

"Fantastic weekend away to celebrate my husbands 50th birthday!!! Greystead church is beautifully converted wish we had been able to stay longer ! Loved it loved it loved it !!!! Hope to book again in the future x "

Rated 5/50 by Anne M on 8th September 2016

"Nothing really to say except, stunning and faultless accomodation . The conversion is great and very tasteful, felt very comfortable . The house is equiped with everything one needs for a holiday . Thank you to the owners"

Rated 5/50 by Ejtams on 24th October 2015

"We stayed at Greysteads Church for October half term. It is extremely well equipped with high class fittings, the beds are super comfy with top notch bed sheets that a luxury hotel would be proud of. It is very cosy and warm, and all the different sitting areas make it perfect for many people to be busying with different persuits. The surrounding area is beautiful with plenty to do for a week with active children. Walks from the property are brilliant with a magnificent bridge crossing the North Tyne not to be missed. The night sky is not to be missed and we would love to return again. Accomadation not to be missed. Thank you."

Rated 5/50 by Sandie62 on 9th September 2015

"I can't recommend this accommodation high enough, it truly is an an amazing place to stay. We as a family of 8 spent a week here in July,the weather was good and we took advantage of the tennis courts, and the BBQ, our two dogs loved running around in the gardens. After spending our days visiting surrounding areas we returned to the church for an evening of come dine with me. The kitchen area is perfect for entertaining and extremely well equipped, and the living area on the ground floor is perfect for relaxing or to watch a movie on the large TV. The owners live close by and are very welcoming not at all obtrusive. I would highly recommend to a group of friends or a family who are looking for great accommodation away from it all but within easy reach of local attractions, and beautiful countryside. Looking forward to staying here again sometime in the future. Thank you for sharing your lovely converted church. "

Rated 5/50 by Natalie H on 16th June 2015

"What a lovely converted church. Miles from anywhere and such a peaceful place to stay. Owners are very friendly and welcoming."

Rated 5/50 by Jill W on 5th June 2015

"I had the pleasure of staying at Greystead at the end of May 2015, with three generations of my family, ages ranging from 2 and half to 74 years and all of our needs were more than catered for. The accommodation is spotlessly clean, warm and welcoming with many thoughtful touches that made our stay both memorable and enjoyable. The facilities are first rate, no expense has been spared, the beds and bed linen were top quality and extremely comfortable. All the appliances were of a high specification and user friendly. The tennis court and gardens were easily accessed, just on the other side of the gate, adjoining the church yard. There is a pleasant lawned area to kick a football or exercise the dog, while being surrounded by breathtaking views and grazing sheep. The conversion itself is both well considered and sympathetic, retaining many original features, yet providing a very practical and comfortable living space. The layout is such that the whole family could be together, although often occupied with different activities. The owners live nearby and could not have been more welcoming or helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Greystead and truly did not want to leave. The owners deserve every success with this venture, the thought, care and attention to detail is apparent in every room. I would give Greystead my highest recommendation and look forward to returning very soon."

Rated 5/50 by David T on 29th March 2015

"We liked everything about this wonderful church conversion. The upside-down design works very well and the property is very highly specified with wi-fi, well appointed kitchen with top quality appliances, open plan kitchen/dining area, 2 flat screen TVs etc. etc. The property is also pet-friendly, so our dog enjoyed herself too! The main purpose of our visit was to spend time at the Kielder Observatory and we were very lucky with clear skies every night of our stay. We also enjoyed excellent walks by Kielder Water and nearby Bellingham. Had the weather been bad we would have still had a good time as the property was so warm and well kitted out. Thanks also to the owners, who were very welcoming and helpful."

Rated 5/50 by Charnwoodtwo on 26th January 2015

"Just returned home after wonderful week in the Old Church, Large family get together all of whom enjoyed everything about this accommodation and the surrounding areas. Can't add anything more than has already been said by previous holidaymakers."

Rated 5/50 by DarrenHartlepool on 19th January 2015

Rated 5/50 by Sharpmike2010 on 6th October 2014

"This is one of the best properties we have stayed in. Excellent for a family get together, so well furnished and a great location. The space is fantastic and well designed. On entering the property you get the wow factor, very much a "Grand Designs" moment. The heating was superb, with loads of hot water - we never felt cold. The bedding is of a very high quality and beds / mattresses all superb. 3 of the bedrooms have ensuite - the twin shares with one of these but is probably fine if there are two children. Wifi really useful as there is no mobile signal - but there is a landline so you are contactable in emergencies. Some reviewers have mention the noisy upstairs floor - you can hear it in the bedrooms on the ground floor - but something you get used too quickly and we are not the sort to lie in. Good idea to get Grocery delivery (Tesco) on the Friday night as makes it so easy. Unfortunately, Waitrose don't deliver but nearest Branch is in Hexham for click and collect All credit should go to the owners as this is a great example of how you can make such a cosy and comfortable retreat from a listed building. Make sure you visit Keilder - fantastic walks and scenery. Also good local walks at Falstone and surrounding villages. All in all a great holiday home in a great location. PS Just been looking for somewhere similar to stay with family next year in North of England - finding it very difficult to find somewhere as good as Greystead, so will probably end up going back!"

Rated 4/50 by Ukx0101 on 12th September 2014

"We stayed here for a week as a family including two babies. There is plenty of space for everyone and the bedrooms themselves aren't directing beside one another, there is a bathroom or corridor seperating them so noise between rooms is minimal. On they subject of noise I'm afraid there's no beating around the bush - the mezzanine area is loud and creaky and when you are tryin to settle babies down its a right pain if anyone goes up the stairs or walks around, you can hear everything going on. I think this property is more suited to couples with older children or none at all! Having said that, the highchair provided was very clean and the travel cot although not used by us was in good condition. The wooden floor of the mezzanine is more forgiving for toddling babies than the tiled floor in the living area. There is also no direct walks outside of the church suitable for prams but you can walk down to the tennis courts if you need to get them to sleep! There are some more pram friendly walks in Bellingham which is ten mins in the car. The quality of the fixtures and fittings at the church are outstanding and there is everything you could possibly want in the kitchen! Basic supplies of dishwasher tablets (will come to that in a sec!), washing up liquid, washing powder, tea/coffee, cleaning clothes, tea towels etc are all provided. The towels are thick and luxurious and there was also one dressing gown in each room. There are plenty of books and a reasonable selection of DVDs and CDs as well as some family favourite board games. Unfortunately the dishwasher was not working throughout our stay which was a pain especially when there are a lot of you staying. Thankfully there is more than one setting per person so you aren't waiting for plates to be washed before you can use them! The owner has assured us that the issue will be dealt with so hopefully this won't be of concern to future guests. The grounds of greystead rectory and coach house are very well maintained and te tennis courts were fun. Unfortunately the owners are not responsible for the churchyard and this has become rather overgrown which we found disrespectful to those buried within the church yard and their families who may come to visit their graves. I plan on writing to the CofE about this. The churchyard is open to the public and I might warn you to keep the church doors locked as we had passers by walk in thinking it was a church in use. We did see the owners occasionally and they were very approachable but did not interfere on encroach on your holiday. It was nice knowing they were only next door as the church is very rural. Kielder is really close by and we had some good days out there as well as Bellingham and corbridge too. There is really so much to do nearby but you do have to drive to get there. To summarise, this is a beautiful place and it has been well restored, it's very peaceful and large enough to accommodate big groups. On reflection, I booked the holiday with my party head on and not my new mums hat on! "

Rated 5/50 by Claretta on 22nd July 2014

"Most self-catering properties are a bit of a disappointment compared to the photographs on the website (at least in my experience), but you certainly couldn't say that about Greystead Old Church. This is an exceptionally good conversion of a wonderful Gothic church, and although the property still has a churchy feel, it has been brought bang up to date with hotel-quality bathrooms, antique furniture, and a fabulously well equipped kitchen. All the furnishings are first class, with lovely white linen and fluffy towels. Decent wifi, which you need as there is NO mobile phone reception for miles around! As others have commented, the upstairs floor is a bit creaky so if you are an early riser, your friends/family will hear you crashing about. But we were there with three other couples and found there was plenty of space for all of us. We made good use of the tennis court although the net could do with some TLC (but the audience of sheep and the lovely surroudning countryside more than made up for this). There are plenty of walks from Bellingham, and dozens more just a short drive away. We also did the 26 mile cycle ride round Kielder Water, which was quite exhausting but well worth the effort. All in all, I cannot recomment this property too highly. And as an example of what nice people the Monroes are - when our dishwasher broked down on our last day, they offered to come in and do the washing up for us while we were out walking!"

Rated 5/50 by Lizzy G on 16th July 2014

"Greystead Church is Fantastic! A beautiful building with an equally beautiful and very homely interior. The location is a few miles from the South of Kielder Water where there are lovely walks and cycling trails and is approximately an hours drive from scenic coastal areas such as bamburgh; it is also close to Bellingham town if you need a local store or petrol station. The bedrooms were fab, and the beds very comfy. We couldn't find any negatives about the house or stay.. a very fab house indeed, we didn't want to leave! Finally, the owners were kind and very helpful, even lent us rackets to play on the tennis court that you also have access too. I would highly recommended it and we will definitely be back!"

Rated 5/50 by Jan G on 29th May 2014

"This was a really quality experience. From the outside, this looks exactly like the country church it ever was (built in 1817) but once inside it is impossible not to be totally in awe of the magnificent conversion that has been undertaken. Bedrooms, (3 of the 4 are en suite) are now situated where once there were pews. At the altar there are steps up to the mezzanine floor where the main (huge) living space has been constructed, over the top of the aisle and the bedrooms. Everything is top quality here, and the view of the stained glass window from above is just magnificent. The extremely helpful owners live in the rectory next door and because there is no garden at the church itself, guests are invited to avail themselves of the owner's garden, which is accessed by walking though the graveyard. A word of warning, it has not been possible for the owners to construct a gate at the end of the church drive, so it is not secure for either dogs or children. I would also personally worry about very young children and the flight of stairs up to the mezzanine floor."

Rated 5/50 by Tooza on 22nd May 2014

"We booked this cottage as a "surprise" get- together.. and what a surprise we got. This immaculate church conversion was in an idyllic setting and very near the lovely town of Bellingham and the Kielder National Park and facilities. We had an excellent time. The equipment was excellent and VERY modern, so much so that we old folk couldn't quite understand why the rings didn't heat up on the hob... we'd never come across the high spec induction hobs before!. We went as a group of 8 and there was more than enough room. There are different places within the living area for some people to watch TV, some to listen to the radio and others to watch a DVD. As a "Brucey-bonus" we could also take the dogs. Well worth booking - highly recommended."

Rated 5/50 by Michnield on 12th May 2014

"Greystead Church is definitely worth a visit - the huge stained glass windows dominate every room. The rooms are of good size, plenty of bathrooms, luxury towels, beds and bedding, top notch kitchen with all mod cons! Only downside worth a mention is the creaky floorboards upstairs (which is where the kitchen is) as you can't make a sneaky midnight cup of tea without everyone knowing and hearing!! Lovely people who own it and live in the rectory next door - shared access to a tennis court and option to BBQ. Location somewhat remote - need to drive everywhere but Bellingham 4 miles away for necessities and some good walks, Kielder 7 miles away."

Rated 5/50 by Williams Family on 28th April 2014

"This is the most beautiful rental-everything is top rate from the towels to the crockery (all John Lewis!). The bathrooms are all beautiful decorated and the owners have thought of everything - sewing kits, spare bulbs, etc. the starter kit for the woodburner kept us going all week in February!! There are many lovely walks from the doorstep and many more if you drive a little distance first. The Observatory at Kielder gets booked up so book before you arrive. We loved the food and atmosphere at The Pheasant Inn & if you contact the owner they'll give you a local taxi firm number. If you're looking for a special place to stay...this is your place! There is enough space for families to stay together without living in each other's pockets! Bike hire available at Kielder Village -great service & good value. Thoroughly recommend staying here. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did."

Rated 5/50 by Jan T on 1st February 2014

"We really enjoyed all the space, the different little sitting areas, the lovely downstairs lounge to be together for films and the excellent dining and kitchen area. The owner was delightful to communicate with and guests' comfort was clearly a priority. The setting is fantastic and we went on local walks as well as visiting Kielder Water. If you are looking for a large place that sleeps 8 this is a wonderful place to stay."

Rated 5/50 by Jan T on 31st January 2014

"We really enjoyed all the space, the different little sitting areas, the lovely downstairs lounge to be together for films and the excellent dining and kitchen area. The owner was delightful to communicate with and guests' comfort was clearly a priority. The setting is fantastic and we went on local walks as well as visiting Kielder Water. If you are looking for a large place that sleeps 8 this is a wonderful place to stay."