The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre - Hexham

S S.

Great place to stop at... lots of walking routes out on display for you to look through and plot your own or give you ideas!
Museum area.
Gift shop.
Accessible toilets!
Lovely cafe with friendly staff and plenty of options for all!
The rooftop is fully accessible and it was a wonderful peaceful spot to sit at on the evening we went up. It was just us and the birds with a warm breeze. We sat for a while, just enjoying the scenery!
Blue badge parking!
Parking is pay for all. If you go on the site and you know you are going to other places that day, then you can get a full day parking ticket rather than pay for each car park, it does name which ones this includes!
It is well worth visiting, but if you want food and not just a snack, then get there at a good time of day... you can only get cake and a drink near the end of the day!

hlcwilson

Attractive building, thoughtfully designed.

Interesting displays about modern and ancient life on The Sill were in the small museum. The Sycamore sculpture is quite beautiful and comfortable. Sadly, there were already signs of damage.

The living roof was interesting and had information about the plants and how they were chosen.

The cafe only had drinks and snacks such as cold sandwiches and scones. There was a reasonable selection of selection of teas, not just coffees. We had been hoping for (expecting, really) that there would also be hot sandwiches, such as bacon butties, but this was not to be. The scones were good though.

Items in the shop remain focused on Sycamore Gap, though the assistant said that they plan expand the range. They had a very good selection of local history books and, more unusually, local geology!

Toilet facilities were clean with no queuing.

The main reason for visiting, of course, is to access the wall which runs along the geological sill. There was a good sized map to look at in the atrium as well as a wide range of maps available for sale in the gift shop. Paths to the Wall (and the pub next door!) were well signposted. There is a steep and craggy route of two or three climbs to The Gap. It requires sensible footwear and, for anyone even vaguely unsteady or clumsy, a good stick. Random sweets found in the depths of your pocket are essential (we had toffees). Unfortunately, our pockets proved not to hide the cuppas we were then ready for! A grassy path offers an alternate route, or they can be combined for a circle walk of approx 2 miles.

Parking at The Sill includes an overflow area so there is plenty of space. On entry, your licence plate is read then, when leaving, you start typing your registration number into the machine and it shows a short list. Once you recognise and click on your own number, it tells you the fee and you can pay with cash, card, or mobile phone.

B M.

Nice discovery centre with interactive exhibits on the climate and green energy and the landscape.
Free to enter (parking is chargeable)
There is a cafe upstairs (lift if needed)
Nice rooftop walk giving great views over the countryside .

Miss V.

Very educational. Worth a visit whilst in the area. Nice shop and caffè, clean toilets. Good parking and starting point for a walk up to Hadrians Wall and the Sycamore gap tree memorial.

Katrina I.

Such a welcoming place that was light and airy with ample car parking. The food was delicious, the toilets were clean and the discovery centre part was really educational. The rooftop section was a lovely surprise.

Ian P.

If you love landscapes this is a great place for you, especially the features about the Sycamore Gap tree and the Northumberland National Park.

An easy walk from the centre takes you along Hadrian’s Wall to Sycamore Gap and back.

Karen T.

Lovely little place! Particulartly liked the fact it has aimed to make itself as accessible as possible so everyone can appreciate it and the wonderful national park it is set in. Went to see the "Shaun the Sheep" art trail before it finished. Great little hub, set in the beautiful national park. Fantastic views. Busy place. Loved the roof top terrace with plants and great views. Building is unobtrusive to the surroundings. The car park was pretty full, but always people coming and going so, got a space quickly. Good base for walkers. Enjoyed a treat in the cafe which is airy and bright and offers full table service and a good selection and at very reasonable prices. Found the staff to be pleasant and welcoming. Added bonus that there was also a little craft market stall on the day we visited so picked up some little gifts for myself, too.

Rachel O.

Really enjoyed the exhibition and the installation for the Sycamore Gap. The cafe, packed lunch and tea after our walk all terrific.