A NEW café has opened following a major conservation project in Northumberland.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has opened its new café and toilets which are located by the castle and play area.

The Northern Echo: Views from the new café at BelsayViews from the new café at Belsay (Image: Supplied)

A £3.4 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with support from other foundations and donations, funded the repair and conservation of Belsay’s Hall, Castle, and Coach House.

The Coach House building was restored and transformed into the café which boasts its own renewable energy supply and rainwater harvesting.

The Northern Echo: The new play area at Belsay HallThe new play area at Belsay Hall (Image: Supplied)

The café, which backs onto a new woodland play area, will be serving light bites and tasty treats including famous stottie cakes.

The Northern Echo: The new play area at BelsayThe new play area at Belsay (Image: Supplied)

English Heritage announced the completion of the two-year programme of major conservation works in August which saw the Hall's roof replaced, a refresh to the gardens, a children’s woodland play-and-learn area with an outdoor classroom and a new interpretation across the site.

Arts and Heritage minister, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, also met with some of the garden volunteers earlier in September at the English Heritage site.

The Northern Echo: Arts and Heritage minister Lord Parkinson with apprentice gardener Antonia Azocar-NevinArts and Heritage minister Lord Parkinson with apprentice gardener Antonia Azocar-Nevin (Image: English Heritage)

Lord Parkinson marked his visit by planting a tree with apprentice gardener, Antonia Azocar-Nevin.