Haltwhistle has long claimed to be the geographical centre of Britain, a claim marked today by a hotel named after it in the middle of town — one of several oddities in a market town with more than 800 years of history.
A disputed geographical claim
The Centre of Britain Hotel sits in the middle of Haltwhistle in recognition of the town's claim, though it's a tenuous one: it only holds if the mainland's northern extremity is taken to be Orkney rather than Shetland, and depending how the calculation is done, the true centre could just as easily be Dunsop Bridge in Lancashire.
Bastles, border raids and a royal charter
King John granted Haltwhistle market town status in 1207, and a royal charter to hold a market followed in 1306 — a market still held today. Its position on a major trading route also made it a target for Scottish raiders, and in 1598 the town was sacked and burned in a raid known as the Fray of Haltwhistle. The area around its market place now has the largest number of surviving bastles — fortified farmhouses — in England, marked today by a bastle trail.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Haltwhistle's history is built on borders and bastles, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Northumberland and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Haltwhistle and the rest of Northumberland included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Haltwhistle?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What makes Haltwhistle's 'centre of Britain' claim notable?
It's a long-standing but disputed claim, marked by the Centre of Britain Hotel in the middle of town.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Haltwhistle?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Haltwhistle addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.