Everything! Ian and Kate were fantastic, attentive hosts without being overbearing. The food was superb and had lots of home made touches. Attention to detail had been put into absolutely everything from a slice of cake and fresh milk in the room along with different options for teas and coffees to extra cosy bedding. Bed was very comfy and we slept great. It's very quiet. The shower was lovely. Everything was spotlessly clean. Location is fab, easy walking distance to a supermarket, pubs and shops in the village and they offer a service to take walkers up to Hadrians wall. Genuinely couldn't have asked for anything more, we will definitely be back.

Nothing.

This is by a long stretch the nicest B&B I've ever stayed at in a beautiful part of the world! We received such a friendly welcome from Ian yesterday when we arrived: he told us everything we needed to know. The room was comfortable, clean, well decorated, quiet, with lots of teas/coffees – a big bonus! The communal spaces were extremely comfortable with everything you could need. We met Kate, who is equally friendly/lovely, the following morning when she served us an absolutely scrummy breakfast (cooked by Ian): fruits, homemade granola, orange & apple juice, toast, and a few cooked options. I had a delicious rosti, porcini mushroom with goat's cheese, spinach and perfect scrambled eggs. This was the perfect start to a long day walking. If I boiled it down I suppose I think the Old School House has all the benefits of a traditional B&B (the warmth, homeliness, friendliness) with none of the downsides (rooms feel very private, the standards are extremely professional). If I could always stay somewhere like this when I go away, I would! There are so many details throughout which speak to the care and thoughtfulness with which Kate and Ian run this place, and their flexibility and generosity (i.e. Ian offered us a lift to the point in Hadrian's Wall where we'd stopped off) is outstanding. We can only thank Kate and Ian for such amazing hospitality! Can't wait to return in the future - hopefully before too long!

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Lovely welcome with home-made cake. Also a little fridge with fresh milk and a plentiful supply of various tea, coffee and hot chocolate options as well as a chocolate treat! Breakfast was delicious with fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals and a good choice of mains!! Would highly recommend!

We chose the cheapest room option for our one night stay which was a twin built into the eves of the house. The room and facilities were lovely, but we did find the room very warm for sleeping. There were 2 skylights, but we had to keep them closed to avoid being woken too early from dawn breaking. It had been a warm day though, so the duvets were not needed that night!

Everything about this stay was perfect. The rooms were spotless and had everything you could need. The hosts were incredibly warm and helpful—so much so that they even gave me a lift to the train station after just a one-night stay! The breakfast was generous and beautifully prepared, with fresh fruit laid out across the dining area. The hosts encouraged guests to take extra food for their travels, which was a thoughtful gesture. A homemade cake in the room was a lovely surprise—moist and delicious. Without a doubt, we’ll be staying here again on our next visit.

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Ian and Kate are amazing hosts. Once you stay here, you wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. My Son and I had a 2 night stay, we stayed in the twin room, single beds 4foot wide, so comfortable, and lovely warm bedding. The tea and coffee facilities were great, a table top fridge with fresh milk, a large bottle of chilled water, and home made cookies on arrival. Ensuite was great, plenty of towels and face cloths to use, and a stand for your towels, lots of cupboard space too. Absolutely immaculate. The guest lounge was fantastic, comfy settees with blankets available, lots of books to read, games for kids, and sky TV. Breakfast, again fantastic, fresh fruit, home made granola, Greek yogurt, other yogurts, boxed cereals all available before your cooked breakfast. Nothing is too much trouble. I would highly recommend staying in this B&B to anyone, 5* I couldn't fault anything.

This place is so lovely! Very comfortable & clean - Ian & Kate have thought of everything you might need. There’s a drying room (which I needed after a soggy walk at Hadrian’s Wall!) Breakfast was spectacular- so many fresh & homemade options. Breakfast is a communal affair, which I liked - Kate took the trouble to introduce us all by name to each other. Ian offered me a lift to the station too. Lovely couple & a real gem of a place to stay. The buses and trains around the area were excellent.

I would’ve loved a soak in a bath after my chilly walk, but there’s only rooms with showers on offer. Better for the environment though!! Haltwhistle is a strange town - the people aren’t unfriendly to tourists - but they also make no effort to be friendly or helpful! The Black Bull was a great place for food in the evening - but trying to persuade them to serve you was a bit trying!! I completely understand that I was on their regular’s turf - but it could put some people off.

Great hosts, location and comfort. The breakfast was top notch and we really felt at home here. Our hosts Ian and Kate were wonderful and even gave us a ride to our starting point. Welcome brownies were lush too!

Only downside was we needed to make our packed lunches (but felt at home making these in the kitchen, were given access to things like butter, and honestly saved money by going to the local shop for ingredients). Also, because we are a family of 4 we needed to book 2 rooms whereas 1 larger room would have been our preference. Still good value for money.

Right in the center of Haltwhistle, a short walk from grocery store, pubs, and restaurants. For hikers accessing the Hadrian’s Wall path, it’s an easy 45-minute walk via Haltwhistle Burn, a beautiful gorge with historic significance. Edinburgh transplants Ian and Kate would make staying here nice even if the place had less character than it does. They go out of their way to meet their guests’ needs, including offering to shuttle hikers to and from the wall. They recommended a couple of great, local walks. The room was lovely and comfortable and they put out cookies or cakes on a daily basis. Breakfast was full English and wonderful, with lots of choices! Very highly recommend!

Everything about my stay was incredible. Ian and Kate the hosts were amazing, and very welcoming with the offer of a beer or soft drink upon my arrival. The standard, cleanliness and quality of the rooms were impeccable but be assured also very comfortable and relaxing, welcoming whether you are just passing by, walking the area or like me on my motorbike. Breakfast was simply amazing, probably the best I have ever had (honestly). A wide range of options, very generous portions, top ingredients and cooked to perfection. In an evening the dining area is available should you wish to treat yourself to a local takeaway, with cutlery and crockery available for your use also and a nice snug area should you wish to relax and read a book. Parking is secure and there is a large garage should like me you be exploring the area on a motorbike. No wording will truly portray how great this place is!

Nothing, simply perfect!

My friend and I participated in a three-day walking challenge and were delighted to arrive at a welcoming bed and breakfast. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a delicious cake baked by Ian. We enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep and had a fantastic breakfast. After breakfast, Kate kindly drove us back to our walking trail, and we were very grateful for her help. Additionally, as a walker, I want to highlight an important feature: they have a room where you can dry your clothes and boots! 😁 Thank you once again!