Although getting to Land of Joy can often seem daunting to those who don’t have a car, it’s often more straight forward than people might expect. Please take a look through the options below to plan your trip. If  you come across any issues you are very welcome to contact us for assistance.

We also do our best to help people attending the same retreat to arrange to share lifts or taxis themselves.

Please use our Facebook group, Travelling to Land of Joy to share transport arrangements with others coming to the same retreat. 

From within the UK the easiest way to get here by public transport is by train to Newcastle or Hexham station, depending on where you’re coming from, then bus number 680 to Bellingham (except on Sundays & Bank Holidays), then a short (10 minute) taxi ride to Land of Joy or a 4 mile/ 1 hour + walk if you’re feeling energetic!

LNER trains stop at Newcastle from London and Scotland. From there you need to change onto a smaller train to Hexham.

Click here for LNER timetables and booking to Newcastle, and onward to Hexham.

Click here for Northern Rail timetables of trains from Newcastle to Hexham. It is easy to buy a ticket at the station if you haven’t pre-booked.

Alternatively, buses run daily from Newcastle to Hexham, and then from Hexham to Bellingham (but not on Sundays or Bank Holidays).

You can also use the services of Trainline to find your best way to travel to Land of Joy.

If you have a bigger budget, you may choose to get a taxi from Newcastle or Hexham to Land of Joy. Please be aware we do our best to connect people travelling to the same retreat in advance so they can try to arrange shared taxis.

There are two local taxi firms who give discounts to those travelling to Land of Joy.  You will  need to book in advance.

Tarset Valley Taxis: 01434 240 835 or 07711 400 152

Bellingham Taxis: 07815 503 927 or 01434 220 570

Average costs of taxis:

Newcastle to Land of Joy: £50 – £60

Hexham to Land of Joy: around £40

Bellingham to Land of Joy: £10

Newcastle is the nearest airport to Land of Joy and flights can be quite cheap from certain UK and international locations. From Newcastle Airport, the simplest option is to get a taxi directly to Land of Joy or some people have hired a car. Using one of our local taxi firms (see below) can be the cheapest option, but it is essential to book in advance.

Alternatively, you can get a metro train to Newcastle Central Station, then follow the directions in the train and bus section above.  This is a somewhat cheaper option, but will cost you around £15-£20.

If you’re going to be travelling by car, the easiest thing is probably to look us up on Google Maps or something similar.

Our address is:

Land of Joy
Greenhaugh Hall
Greenhaugh
Hexham
Northumberland NE48 1PP

Due to our limited number of volunteers with cars, we can’t pick people up from Newcastle or Hexham. We can sometimes pick you up from Bellingham or Lanehead if you arrange this with us in advance. Please also note we only have a small admin team and so don’t have much time to assist people with their travel plans. We, therefore, ask that you please use the information above to plan your journey as best you can. Of course, if you have difficulties or need any extra information you are welcome to contact us.