With several weeks of summer remaining, countless Brits are soaking up the glorious weather and spending extended periods in the great outdoors. One of the finest ways to savour a day out involves embarking on an expedition to discover fresh locations for enjoying nature, tranquil strolls and al fresco dining – and enthusiasts claim this gem near Newcastle feels “like a fairytale”.
The destination proves ideal for romantic getaways, adventures with mates or family excursions. An extraordinary location in Northumberland called Cragside awaits discovery. This Victorian Tudor Revival manor house sits close to the town of Rothbury.
The National Trust property was constructed for William Armstrong and his wife, Margaret in 1863 – requiring 26 years to complete. The magnificent country estate features a 1000-acre fantasy mountain landscape, artificial lakes, bridges, spectacular waterfalls and gorgeous gardens. Three dining establishments and a gift shop can also be found on the premises.
Recently, hiking and adventure enthusiast known as Geordie Hiker online insists that Cragside represents “hands down one of the best National Trust sites and one of our personal favourite places to visit in Northumberland”.
She added: “It’s like stepping into a fairytale.”
The content creator, who boasts 191,000 followers on Instagram, added: “Cragside is famous for its stunning landscapes – woodlands, lakes, little bridges, waterfalls, and gardens, making it the perfect place for hiking and exploring. It was even the first house in the world to be powered by hydroelectricity.”
She revealed she explored nine different trails throughout the vicinity and praised the “spectacular views”. She, her partner and their little one covered roughly 5.5miles.
“There’s loads to do here,” the mum insisted. One individual commented: “We went for the first time last week! It’s stunning and I think my new favourite NT property now.”
Some other said: “It’s my favourite national trust so far! I love how the house actually feels like a home not a drafty museum.”
Another wrote: “A lovely place. Visited a few years ago after seeing a documentary on TV. “Wow, what a gorgeous place,” added another.
One said it’s “one of my favourite places,” while someone else added they had a “cracking ice cream there”.
One other commented: “So lush isn’t it! Honestly some of my best childhood days were at national trust places Cragside and Wallington were favourites, been visiting again this summer and it’s lovely to go at all the different seasons.
“I grew up on the estate, feel so lucky,” commented one other.
Getting there and entrance
The brilliant news is that it sits just 45 minutes from Newcastle. You can also catch a train to Morpeth station, then hop on a bus to Thropton, which stops close to the Cragside entrance. You must pay to access Cragside unless you hold National Trust membership or are under five years old.
No advance booking is necessary, you can pay upon arrival. Until 2 November, adult tickets are priced at £25, or £27.50 with Gift Aid.
Tickets for children cost £12.50 or £13.80 with Gift Aid. Family tickets start from £62.50 for two adults and three children, or begin at £37.50 for a family with one adult.
There is no extra charge for parking once you’ve paid your entry fee and/or presented your membership cards upon arrival.