Really impressive place. Friendly staff, decent coffee and food and the shop sells stuff you actually want to buy, rather than the usual tat. Lots of resources for walking and Sycamore Gap installation is really special. Parking is chargeable, but there's plenty of it, esp for motorhomes. Cafe staff very helpful, although the cook may benefit from a charm course.

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 .

The Sill hosts a great visitor centre and youth hostel on the same site. It's is located on the B road between Greenhead and Chesters, not far from Hadrian's Wall. If you are interested in Roman history it is well worth a visit with very good displays detailing Roman occupation of the area.

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.

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.

Fantastic time at the Sill, very informative, moving sculture tribute to the felled Sycamore tree, local artwork and nice shop and walk to Sycamore Gap with a map they gave us. I am a bit of a tree hugger, very moving to see the site. Just totally gobsmacked that people think its ok to dump dog waste bag on Hadrians Wall nearby. Tiny minority of people with no respect.

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.

Allen Banks is a gorgeous walk through some stunning Northumberland scenery. The river Allen runs right through the entire walk and provides some gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Be ready for some muddy, slippery slopes if you go during or just after rain so make sure to wear a good pair of walking boots. There's a nice circular that'll bring you back to the car park that can be done within 2 hours. The walk itself its quite hilly, they aren't too steep or high so the walk is good for all ages and abilities. The car park itself is quite large and I've never seen it too full to struggle to park. Although the area gets busy at weekends it's never too much. The car park charges until 9PM but is free for National Trust members.

Great place for a walk, handy streams on hot days (you can swim), the walk is rather magical there are several options depending on time and distance you would like to walk. Free toilets in car park, free parking for National Trust members otherwise £3 for 4 hours or £5 all day. Visit Aug on one of the hottest days of the year and it was still a peaceful walk.. Not too busy. Note no shop, or cafe so come prepared. Would recommend sturdy footwear as paths have inclines, uneven ground etc. We settled on walking trainers while were fine but wetter, darker days it would be worth thinking about walking boots.

Great place to walk. We stopped off whilst driving back from the Lake District. Really good place to stretch your legs after a long drive. We play games with the kids to try spot faces in the trees. Toilets are good too.

Beautiful walks alongside the river but also in the woodland. Paths were tricky in some parts I.e. steep, rocky and tree roots! Can't wait to go back and walk to Cupola Bridge next time. Gorgeous Northumberland, cant beat it 😍

Very pretty walk next to a quiet river. Free car park for national trust members. Lots of routes to follow for all appetites.

This afternoon, me and Star went for a walk at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, unfortunately on the drive there, it poured down with rain 🌧. So by the time we arrived it was very wet and muddy. The only issue I had was that the walk is right next to a landslide hill so I had the worry that Star would go over. Only went for a short walk. Toilets and a pay and display car park. Car park code is: 803410

I've been visiting this area since i was a kid. A pleasant walk along the river. Carpark, toilets and trail were clean and free of any litter. Also the route was easy to follow. Twice i saw deers but unfortunately not quick enough with my camera