The Tankerville Arms Hotel, Wooler

17th Century Coaching Inn
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History of the Tankerville Arms

The Tankerville Arms, built by “Lord of the Manor” the Earl of Tankerville in the 1700’s. The first Earl of Tankerville, Charles Bennet, built The Tankerville Arms to accommodate ‘spare’ guests when their then home, Chillingham castle was full, it is thought that the building was originally used for hunting parties. In 1827, the Tankerville incorporated the local excise office, and in 1841 it became a posting house on the chartered run between London & Edinburgh, a journey which took (including stops) 44 hours! This ended in 1847, 4 days after the opening of the rail line. The Tankerville was known to locals through the 19th Century as “The Wooler cottage” and infact changed its name to “The Cottage” for a time, however, the deeds and official paperwork have always been The Tankerville Arms.

Wooler has throughout history been thought of as “The healthiest Spot in Britain” and this is how “The Cottage Hotel” was described in 1936, as well as advertising “Maximum Sunshine, and Good stabling”. The telephone number was Wooler 8. (Please note, we can no longer be reached on the number 8). Virginia Woolf knew of Wooler’s health benefits, staying at the Tankerville in 1914 for a month, her husband, Leonard wrote:

“I am inclined to think that the Cheviots are the loveliest country in England….there is an extraordinary stillness and peace in their forms; and nowhere in the world is the light and colour of sky and earth more lovely than in this bit of England”

The Tankerville has survived the many great fires of Wooler, including the blaze of 1863, where 13 properties were lost, hardly surprising as the fire engine took 13 hours to arrive.

If you like staying in accommodation that has a lot of history this is it. Food was good and the presentation in the separate dining room and breakfast hall added to the experience. We were encouraged to treat the hotel as our home and our very large room was well equipped. I have never had the pleasure of being looked after by such friendly staff, Nothing was too much trouble and they all appeared to be enjoying our company as much as we enjoyed theirs..

Alan B

A gem of an old coaching inn, and we loved it!

bryonywhite, Edinburgh

We stayed here for 2 nights and had our yorkie with us. Lovely staff, so friendly, room spotless and bed very comfortable. Lovely bar area with roaring fire (dog friendly) and the menu varied, food really delicious. Would definitely return. Thank you.

Julie G, Liverpool

We booked as a last minute reservation and they arranged a camp bed to be included in our room, so we could have two adults and two kids (aged 12 & 8) together. The team are working hard to make your stay an enjoyment. There is an old fashioned local feel to the hotel, and everyone was very friendly. Most importantly we slept soundly and in comfort, thank you. The garden space is lovely. Many thanks, the Slaters from Eye in Suffolk.

Matt

Stayed her last night and had a lovely time. Fantastic staff and great customer service. We booked for an evening meal and when the receptionist found out I was vegan she spoke to the chef who offered to veganise some of the starters and main dishes even though there were already vegan options on offer. Not often I get a choice when eating out so that was great! The food was lovely especially breakfast. We will be back!!

Rosie Stubbington

Fab real ale, good atmosphere, great garden.

Bill Kimage

Lovely food, family friendly pub, staff made us feel very welcome even in the uncertain times but all policies adhered too around covid19. Masks and gloves worn and the track and trace service used. We will be back.

Jade Steenvoorden

Food and staff were excellent could not fault either this hotel dates back to the 16th century and the rooms are a mix of old and new but they are clean and tidy I would return and apparently they have a lot of guests who do return as a lot of weeks they are fully booked.

Michael

Everything the staff were brill the breakfast fab the receptionist was outstanding

Patrick

Lovely fire, barman and lovely landlord lady who was in wellies, my kind of woman and a dog person.

Sonia