relocating to the North East

[Smudge100]

I am thinking of relocating to the North East. Can anyone give me the low down on High Spen and the villages around there, e.g. Barlow, Chopwell, Greenside, Prudhoe, Rowlands Gill, Ryton etc. I understand that some of the former mining villages are a bit bleak. Would be grateful for any information.

If I was you I'd be looking at Greenside, Prudhoe and Ryton. Greenside is a village, Ryton and Prudhoe are bigger with a wider range of amenities. I wouldn't say any of them are bleak. They're all within commuting distance of Newcastle too, so not too remote. I'd probably avoid Chopwell.

Likewise avoid Chopwell. Rowlands Gill is a fantastic semi rural village. Great countryside on the doorstep. Excellent primary school. Small selection of shops. Only drawback there is no pub. Easy access to Newcastle, Gateshead, Metro Centre, A1 in fact to everywhere.

Is there any anti-southerner feeling in NE mining villages? My mother was from High Spen but I grew up in the South and have an accent to match.