Oxford to Northumberland - recommended diversions?

[RapidRob]

I've got a holiday booked in a couple of weeks, not far from Bamburgh Castle, will be leaving early on the monday AM. Google is currently saying A34, M40, A43, M1, A1. Which is fine, but are there any worthwhile detours for interesting roads or places? Don't mind adding a bit onto the journey time but may as well stay on the main roads for the majority of the route. I just didn't want to miss anything worth driving! Cheers

[Riley Blue]

Between Oxford and Northumberland are the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the North Pennines - take your pick.

[magpies]

Do you still need it to be a one (long) day drive?

If no, then there are numerous options.

If yes, then how much time would you have for your detour - 1hr/2hr or more?

[RapidRob]

Yes still in 1 day, a couple of hours extra would be good, especially if it means there is somewhere nice for a coffee/lunch stop. Currently thinking a jaunt through either yorkshire dales or north pennines?

[Torquey]

From harrogate area I'd probably consider the A19 then A189. It would mean paying to go through the tyne tunnel.
They're by no means divers roads but more coastal and slightly more enjoyable than the 50mph zones on the A1 at Newcastle.

[Regbuser]

I'd stop at Richmond for an hour

[brisel]

Factor in the Buttertubs Pass,
Tan Hill pub,
Brough to Middleton-in-Teesdale B6276,
B6277 to Alston,
A686 to Haydon Biridge

[Riley Blue]

brisel said:

Factor in the Buttertubs Pass,
Tan Hill pub,
Brough to Middleton-in-Teesdale B6276,
B6277 to Alston,
A686 to Haydon Biridge

If you follow this route, forget about The Tan Hill Inn if it's a good lunch you're after and stop at The Inn at Brough: https://www.theinnatbrough.co.uk/food-drink

[Kenty in Weardale]

Even better if the weather allows, home made Lamb and Mint pie from the chippy in Middleton (served on a plate with gravy at their picnic tables)

[bungalow]

I'd take the a68 and avoid the A1 around Newcastle altogether.

[dcb]

Riley Blue said:

If you follow this route, forget about The Tan Hill Inn if it's a good lunch you're after

Tan Hill Inn, although a exceptional pub thirty years ago, gets very
busy at the weekends and whenever there is a Bank holiday Monday
in the week.

The Sunday Times / Observer / Guardian reading, Iphone
wielding vegan / artisan / ethnic yoghurt weaving mob appear
to populate the place these days.

45 minute wait for merely sandwiches and a pint last time. Never again. Suggest avoid.
There are some decent pubs in Kirkby Stephen nearby.

[Riley Blue]

dcb said:

Riley Blue said:

If you follow this route, forget about The Tan Hill Inn if it's a good lunch you're after

Tan Hill Inn, although a exceptional pub thirty years ago, gets very
busy at the weekends and whenever there is a Bank holiday Monday
in the week.

The Sunday Times / Observer / Guardian reading, Iphone
wielding vegan / artisan / ethnic yoghurt weaving mob appear
to populate the place these days.

45 minute wait for merely sandwiches and a pint last time. Never again. Suggest avoid.
There are some decent pubs in Kirkby Stephen nearby.

One time when I was there at lunchtime the chef threw a strop and walked out, pushing me aside as he headed for the door. Before that, after driving over 130 miles to meet friends there for Sunday lunch, which we'd booked in advance, the service was poor and the food unexceptional; we'll never pester them again.

[magpies]

Torquey said:

From harrogate area I'd probably consider the A19 then A189. It would mean paying to go through the tyne tunnel.
They're by no means divers roads but more coastal and slightly more enjoyable than the 50mph zones on the A1 at Newcastle.

THIS /\

Come off the A1M at J56 (one after Scotch Corner) and go north through Piercebridge and join the A68.

If you like all things Roman, then at Corbridge is the remains of the town, cross the Tyne and you can detour on the B6318 (Military Rd) where the road is on Hadrians Wall - lots of Archeological sites. Then either back to the A68 or go north through Wark on the B6320 to join the A68 near Otterburn. Take the B6341 through Esdon to Rothbury (Go for a visit to Cragside Hall on another day) all the way to Alnwick (Castle and gardens are worth a visit sometime) Then over to the Coastal ruote through Beadnal and Seahouses to Bamburgh.

[brisel]

I have never set foot in the Tan Hill pub and from what I have heard and read, won’t be in hurry to do so. It’s a hub on some fairly quiet roads at off peak times.

[Lotobear]

The CB Inn is worth a visit if you wish to avoid the Tan Hill.

Then follow the path of the famous: go straight on to Barnard Castle (Big Bad Dom), Middleton (take in High Force), Alston (full of hippies), Haydon Bridge (best chippie in Northumberland), up the A68 then bob over to Rothbury (Raul Moat's last stand and home of first house to be lit by hydro leccy) then over to Bamburgh (remember the Cortina Crusader advert?)

[RapidRob]

Thanks all, some good suggestions

[APontus]

An alternative could be the North York Moors. Turn off the A1 at the A61 and head through Thirsk onto the A170 to Helmsley. Stop for lunch and maybe take in the castle or Rievaulx Abbey. Then either north on the B1257 towards Stokesley and meet up with the A19 or go forther west to Pickering and go over the top of the Moors on the A169, the across back West past Guisborough

[brisel]

APontus said:

An alternative could be the North York Moors. Turn off the A1 at the A61 and head through Thirsk onto the A170 to Helmsley. Stop for lunch and maybe take in the castle or Rievaulx Abbey. Then either north on the B1257 towards Stokesley and meet up with the A19 or go forther west to Pickering and go over the top of the Moors on the A169, the across back West past Guisborough

The Blakey Ridge north of Hutton Le Hole is a fabulous road. The A169 Pickering to Whitby road is fun but busy unless you get there very early.

[coppice]

OP- if you PM me I can let you have a route guide along the old Gt North Rd through West and South Yorkshire . It runs parallel to the 'new A1 but is now mainly a near deserted old style A road

[Boringvolvodriver]

magpies said:

Torquey said:

From harrogate area I'd probably consider the A19 then A189. It would mean paying to go through the tyne tunnel.
They're by no means divers roads but more coastal and slightly more enjoyable than the 50mph zones on the A1 at Newcastle.

THIS /\

Come off the A1M at J56 (one after Scotch Corner) and go north through Piercebridge and join the A68.

If you like all things Roman, then at Corbridge is the remains of the town, cross the Tyne and you can detour on the B6318 (Military Rd) where the road is on Hadrians Wall - lots of Archeological sites. Then either back to the A68 or go north through Wark on the B6320 to join the A68 near Otterburn. Take the B6341 through Esdon to Rothbury (Go for a visit to Cragside Hall on another day) all the way to Alnwick (Castle and gardens are worth a visit sometime) Then over to the Coastal ruote through Beadnal and Seahouses to Bamburgh.

Personally, I wouldn’t bother with the A19 - and I speak as a Smoggie supporter who uses it a lot-

Just head up the A1 to Junction 56 and follow the route that Magpies suggests.