Visited Cragside with my wife, daughter and grandson and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The house itself is full of fascinating history – hard to believe it was the first home in the world lit by hydroelectric power! Every room tells a story, and the craftsmanship is incredible. The gardens and grounds are just as impressive, with plenty of space to explore and stunning views around every corner. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation and natural beauty. A brilliant day out for all ages – we’ll definitely be back.

Fabulous place. Lovely walks through the he grounds, all very picturesque and full of nature. House is beautiful too. Shop and cafe just finish it off. Do the Views of Cragside walk as it's wonderful and covers so much.

Fantastic place. Very helpful staff, particularly the Scottish chap at the entrance. Very clear signs to guide you around the extensive grounds. The house is a must to explore. One of the best National Trust properties (we are members) we have visited. Two areas for suggested improvement. The main cafe is so chaotic that we were put off standing and ordering anything to eat at lunchtime after we had a drink earlier in the day. Secondly, there are two large photographs of Red Squirrels in the shops and apparently there are Red Squirrels in the grounds but I was told "You won't see them." "Why don't you have feeding areas for them, I'm sure they would draw people in." "That would also draw in the Grey Squirrels which we also have." "If you don't do anything about the Greys then you soon won't have any Reds, because of squirrel-pox." This is where the National Trust needs to take a stand and not wash its hands of the problem. But we'll worth a visit all the same.

A great place to visit with so much to see .Inside the house is beautiful presented and the people who work there are so knowledgeable about the family and it's history. The gardens are great and the walks are spectacular 👌

Love this place. Loads to see and explore around the grounds, also the house is fascinating too. Guides are really friendly and very knowledgeable. Recommend that you arrive early as the carparks can get full. Also if you are thinking of exploring the grounds (which you should because they are beautiful) wear sturdy walking shoes/boots as there is a lot of flat stones, which can be slippy. A lovely trail to walk is the route to the Powerhouse via the river.

Absolutely Stunning, exceeded all expectations! The house was beautiful and the grounds are amazing and go for miles. It is worth taking the car around the grounds. Cafe food delicious and always lovely cakes.

A beautiful National Trust park with plenty of different walks to suit all levels of ability. The house is fascinating, with lots of detailed information to read and explore. The facilities are excellent too, with toilets, cafés, and plenty of seating available throughout the grounds. A great place to spend a day. Recommend getting passes as you will save a lot of money. Lots of parking in the area.

Wonderful weather as we drove through the southern sections of the park. Dramatic and beautiful hillsides, with only one day of cloudy weather.

Northumberland National Park is a wonderful place to explore if you love the outdoors. The walking routes are very long and rewarding, offering some of the most stunning and unspoiled views in the UK. There are well-kept picnic areas for when you want to stop and take in the scenery, and toilets are available at key points, which makes the day more comfortable. The atmosphere is peaceful, with plenty of space to enjoy nature without feeling crowded. That said, you definitely need to come prepared. The weather can change very quickly, so dressing appropriately and bringing good walking boots is essential. There are some eating places scattered around, but it’s best to pack food and drinks, especially if you’re tackling one of the longer routes. Overall, it’s an amazing place to spend the day outdoors, with breathtaking landscapes that make the effort worthwhile.

Really beautiful walking and views! Some challenging routes moderate difficulty on the pink route!

Lovely walks all over Northumberland,,come and visit you won't leave disappointed

I love to get out in the outdoors, it’s a lovely family activity and a great way to burn the fat (larger lady alert). My husband Billy and I enjoy squirrel suiting off the high hills together. It’s been an extreme sport we have always enjoyed together, it’s very romantic.

Spent last weekend here, it's an incredible area. The scenery is amazing, rolling green hills everywhere (and more rocky and rugged up in the Simonside Hills). It's so calm and relaxing here too, there were just hardly any people about everywhere we went. (Visited on a cold weekend in February though.) If you have an interest in (Roman) history, you need to visit this area. And if you don't have an interest in history, you'll likely leave here with one. There are lots of English Heritage/National Trust sites to visit, ruins of Roman forts etc, but unless you're a member, visiting them all might get expensive. However you can visit Hadrian's Wall for free. Me and my dog walked about 6 miles of 'The Wall' in total. The scenery of the area and the wall snaking along the hills in the distance provides some memorable sights. Just be warned that the walking routes are quite rough; they're not perfect gravel paths and instead are just raw grass/mud/farmland. There are steep ascents and descents, either on the aforementioned mud or on stone steps which can be slippery if it's rained. Route GPX files and information about which routes have stiles or not are available on the Northumberland National Park website.

Up on the hill tops between Elsdon and hepple, great views, silence... Just absorb the moment and chill... Take your flask for a coffee. Nice drive through the hills towards Rothbury.

Another first at this National Trust in Northumberland. Plenty of parking with some disabled parking near the entrance and also some electric charging point for electric vehicles. As you walk through under the clock tower there is a large open garden with deck chairs and the first of many safe spaces for families to entertain children. There's a cafe, shop and toilets all on the ground level making them easy access. Further round is the entrance to this beautiful stately home that apparently has the largest grounds of all the National Trusts. There is wheelchair access into the house to see the ground floor and also an elevator to go up stairs which is fantastic for people that struggle with stairs. There are lots of items and paintings to see so well worth a look around. Apparently, the house was only gift to the Trust in 1947 and the last family member lived there right up to around 2011. There grounds are vast which include a lovey walled garden. You can hire peddle or electric bikes to get around £10 - £12. We got there in the afternoon so went straight around the house as it closed at 15:30 but the grounds stay open till around 17:30. Another National Trust Gem. Well worth a visit. By the way the staff are really friendly, doing a wonderful job.

Wallington Hall is one of the best National Trust days out in Northumberland. The house itself is full of character, with beautiful rooms, quirky collections, and striking murals that tell the history of the North East. The gardens are a real highlight — the walled garden is stunning and peaceful, while the wider estate has riverside walks, ponds, and woodland trails that feel endless. It’s fantastic for families too, with several play areas, adventure trails, and plenty of space for kids to run wild. The café and shop are both worth stopping by, and facilities are good. The estate is big, so wear decent shoes — the walk to the walled garden takes a while but is worth it. Some paths can be tricky if wet, but most are well kept. A super day out!

This is our second visit to Wallington Hall and Estate (previously here 6 or 7 years ago). Both times we visited on a busy (but not overcrowded) weekend. Understandably a popular place for families; Wallington has plenty of space for kids to play and several kids-oriented features in the woods. We thoroughly enjoy the walks through Wallington woods and around ponds, complete with interesting art along the way (carved owl, carved log, etc.). Another delight is the walled garden, which is quite substantial and well maintained with numerous types of plants in varied micro-environments. The estate also has several places to sit and enjoy nature. The main house at Wallington is another National Trust treasure that requires a few visits to truly appreciate the variety and uniqueness of the furniture, paintings, children’s toys, books, and other items. The central hall is amazing for its design and artwork depicting the area's past. The kitchen is outfitted with numerous bygone items, including many old earthenware jars that also caught our interest. The detailed doll houses in one room are also an attraction. Visited in late May 2025

Me and the family really enjoyed it here, the staff were very friendly and there was plenty to do and see. We went for food and it was lovely and the staff were so friendly. My kids favourite part was finding the little animals in the house and my dads favourite part was the walled garden. 100% recommend if you're looking for a fun friendly day out.

Really good and well looked after house and gardens. We went round the house first which was incredible. We did the river walk which took us about an hour to walk but we'll worth it. The walled garden is well worth a walk around aswell.

Lovely place, hadn't been for years but it used to be my Grandma's favourite place for tea! Had a lovely walk by the river and over the stepping stones. Fascinating exhibition about the history of the Hall and it's owners.

Lovely place to visit - beautiful Hall and extensive stunning gardens. Didn't have time for the River Walk but will definitely come back for that. Second hand book shop, tea room and ice cream remain open after the last entry to the Hall. Perfect for all ages groups

The Holy Island museum and priory are a real highlight of any visit to Lindisfarne. The ruins themselves are atmospheric and steeped in history, and the museum does a good job of bringing the story of the monks, the Viking raids, and the Lindisfarne Gospels to life. The exhibits are well presented, and the small heritage centre has some good interactive displays and short films that make it engaging for all ages. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the experience. On the flip side, the museum itself is fairly small, so you can get around it quite quickly, and some visitors feel the admission price of £10.90 is a little steep for what’s inside. It’s free, however, if you are an English Heritage member. As always on Holy Island, coming here, planning around the tides is essential — miss the safe crossing times and you could be stranded. Overall though, it’s a fascinating and evocative stop, especially when combined with a wander around the priory ruins and the island itself. A must for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Northumbrian history.

Great place to visit. Not a lot to see apart from the castle and priory. There was more interetin watching the tide come in and cover the causeway, which takes hours by the way lol. Tide times seem to include idiot factor also so don't panic when it says you must leave by a certain time. From the time published that you have to leave the tide takes about 2 hours from that time until you can't leave. Highly recommend popping into the Lindisfarne inn on the A1. Great food and dog friendly.

A place I aways wanted to go see once I'd spotted it on Google Maps. I know now it's a famous landmark, but I didn't know anything about Northumberland, nevermind The Holy Island. We went at night time so the whole quick visit was a little eerie. The journey over to the island, once the tide had gone out and the few cars waiting could cross set the scene. The crossing is unusual, a long stretch of tarmac road that minutes ago was under the waves, but now the vast body of water is drifting out to sea. It feels uncomfortable yet beautiful as the sun was setting. We followed the road, which felt longer than expected into the small village of Lindisfarne. The first large car park is stone based but in the village there is a disabled car park and EV charge points. Nothing was open when we arrived except for a small pub and a hotel that was just closing. We had a drink in The Crown and Achor which is a small lost in time pub The food menu had a lovely selection and the dishes we saw also looked plenty full (the guests left nothing so a great compliment to the chief). I walked around the church yard which has ruins from the old Priory as well as a church that looks to be still in use. Further on there is a vantage tower that I imagine has some spectacular views. Going out of the village we passed a few friendly locals in the dimly lit street. Crossing back to the mainland we went through the nature reserve which is a spectacular view with sea birds settling down and the sea now in the distance. Worth a visit but go in the day when all is open. Our visit was a last minute dash to say we'd been there rather than anything meaningful. Very much a lost in time kind of place which adds to the charm.

A lovely little place to visit with so much history. Although it is a ruin, there is quite a lot left and you can get a real feel for what rooms you were stood in etc. We really enjoyed this and am added bonus was it is an English Heritage site!

Not much to say here. Can't write anything negative - be mindful of the Priory ruins closing time the only thing to note - we crossed on to the Island late due to the tide, had very little time to experience the area properly.

A great place to visit. Watch out for the tide times! Great for bird watching and walking. The abbey is very ruined but worth a look.

Nice remains of Priory with plenty of architecture still remaining, great views to the sea and of the castle from inside, there's also an interesting grave yard to for those interested in such things.

Have always loved the food here but today was the first time we’ve had the steak cooked on a hot stone they’ve recently started serving and was not disappointed

A little bit of Italy in Rothbury. We were walk-ins and they took us without fuss. A good family restaurant. A nice atmosphere and good food.

It was my first time visiting and I certainly wasn't disappointed! A lovely restaurant with delicious food, generous portions (including the lunch menu) and really reasonable prices. Lots of seating available both indoor and outdoor to suit various group sizes. The staff are all super-friendly and can't do enough to help you. I love how dog friendly the place is too! Highly recommend!

Visited on the 12th August 2025. What a lovely restaurant. We hadn't booked and It was very busy when we arrived ( always a good sign). A very pleasant welcome and a table was found for us. Others arriving just after us weren't so lucky. The food was really good and tasty, portions were generous and the prices were almost on the cheap side, certainly very good value. Excellent friendly service from all the staff. What more could you want? Excellent all round.

This is a great little Italian restaurant, at the end of the High Street in Rothbury. We booked a table and I’m very glad we did. This is a busy restaurant. The food was very good, my wife had the calzone and said it was the best she’s ever had. I discussed my dietary requirements with the waiting staff (no eggs or dairy) and at their suggestion, had the seafood risotto. It was very good.

Went for a meal here yesterday, first time I’ve been despite living here for several years, absolutely fantastic food and the staff are lovely. Four of us went and we all had different food, two of us with the king prawns with rice (one with the garlic and me with the chilli and tomato) served with a really amazing salad and chips between us, and the other two had pizzas which looked fantastic, proper flat base and decent mozzarella and delicious toppings. Unbelievably reasonable prices with the bill for four including drinks only just above £70. Now intend to make this a regular thing!

Absolutely loved this place, came across it by chance and we quickly booked in. Sat outside (still covid rules) so a bit chilly but they had the heaters. The food was beautifully presented and delicious too. 4 drinks, starters and mains all for about £70 absolute bargain. I've put our food pictures on here too. I ended up taking half my pasta home, big portions and didn't want to waste it ha ha. Would definitely recommend and will go again when in the area. Lovely staff too.

Excellent stop off k. Way from NC500. Very friendly staff, and though we didn't go into he fort, they recommended us the lovely afternoon stroll down to the river and bottom bridges. Spectacular scenery, clean loos and courtyard and other nice passing ramblers.

Once 5m high this has now been reduced to about 2ft high. Most if the surrounding farmers / people have dismantled it and used it to build their walls. Worth a visit and if your brave enough walk to the Sycamore Gap. Lovely dog friendly pub near by too.

We accessed a portion of Hadrian’s Wall from the car park at Steel Rigg. Enjoyed three hours of more of a loop that took us along the wall path above Crag Lough, passing MileCastle 39 and Sycamore Gap along the way. Once you reach the farm house you can loop round and go back through the fields to experience a fantastic view of the crag, gaps and wall. We completed this in a blustery early October so it could only be improved on fairer days. Tremendous experience!

Really enjoyed our visit Birdoswald Roman Fort and random bits of wall as we drove there. Interesting history and I liked the museum. I think they have missed a trick and there should be some kind of Hadrian's wall passport where you get a stamp at all the different bits! That would encourage people to explore different parts. Luke the stamp you get at the beginning/end of the wall at Bowness on Solway.

Incredible, simply amazing. Walking this wall is an experience not to be forgotten. Amazing. Great staff manning the centre, good shop and just a splendid place.

Beautiful walks all around the walls and several photo opportunity stop off points on the way there. Staff are super friendly and there's a small cafe on site that does drinks and food.

Visited Birdoswald Roman Fort. Also walked along the wall down into the valley, over the Millennium bridge past the Roman Bridge at Willowford and up other side of valley to Willowford West Watch Tower. Parking is £4 if you are not a member of English Heritage. If you are going to visit a few sites you should consider buying a membership.

Had difficulty getting here due to road closures, but the museum is well laid out and some of the exhibits can be touched, it needs to be used in conjunction with the vindolanda ticket as the two complement each other. My only criticism is that the video room needs a door as the noise from school visits can drown out the audio.

Good museum and interesting displays. Worth getting joint ticket with Vindolanda. Big plus is free parking at both sites. I walked east along Hadrian's Wall and on return went back into museum.

The Roman Army Museum does a fantastic job of telling the story of the men who served on Hadrian’s Wall. Through well-presented exhibits, films, and displays, it shows how soldiers came from all over the Roman Empire to defend this frontier. The museum really brings their lives, duties, and experiences to life in a clear and engaging way. It’s an excellent complement to visiting Hadrian’s Wall and a must for anyone interested in Roman history.

The Roman Army Museum at Walltown is an excellent first stop for understanding Roman military life, especially in the context of Hadrian’s Wall. If you’re visiting the area, it adds a lot to the experience—especially with its films, interactive displays, and connection to the landscape. For families, casual visitors, or history fans, it offers good value. If you’re more of a specialist, you might want also to visit Vindolanda or some of the larger forts for deeper archaeology

A very comprehensive display capturing an accurate and interesting recreation of Roman Army life and military tactics along with meticulously appointed life-like models of soldiers and weaponry. There are regular screenings of a video in the theatre which explains various aspects of the dispays. Museum conveniently located with a short walk ithrough rural fields to segments of Hadrian's wall and arcialogocal diggings. Entry fee very reasonable with a cafeteria, gift shop, parking and friendly staff.

This place is a must if your visiting Hadrians wall! Excellent. Watch the 20min film if your there, it was worth it and gives a great insight into a soldiers life on the wall

The museum was great on a rainy day but we were not able to go to the second location to walk around the actual Roman fort. The museum provided a good background on the growth and decline of the Roman Empire, the establishment of Hadrian’s wall, and the life of the Roman soldier. All of the items in the museum are items recovered from the fort. Wish there was more information on the any battles fought while the fort was occupied.

We visited the fort and museum and spent about an hour and a half here, which was plenty of time to really take it all in. The ruins are incredible and give you a real sense of the history, while the museum brings everything to life with well-laid-out displays and fascinating artefacts. The hill up to the fort is quite steep, but it’s definitely doable if you take your time — worth it once you’re at the top. Facilities are limited, with only one bin and toilet at the entrances, so it’s best to plan ahead. Overall though, it’s a brilliant experience that stands out for both the history and the atmosphere. I’d recommend it to anyone — whether you’re into history, out for a family trip, or just looking for something different to explore.

Housesteads is one of the most impressive and atmospheric forts on Hadrian’s Wall. The ruins are remarkably well preserved, with clear outlines of the granaries, barracks, and the commander’s house, giving a real sense of Roman life on the edge of the empire. The views across the Northumberland landscape are breathtaking, especially from the wall itself, which runs right past the site. There’s a good museum with artefacts and context, plus really friendly staff. A good idea is to include a decent walk along the wall and to visit the museum at the same time. A must-see if you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall.

Glad we made a detour here on the way back from Scotland. I’d advise going early as it was extremely busy when we left at lunchtime with coaches, we arrived just as it was opening. It’s a steep but steady climb up. Although it’s an English Heritage site, National Trust membership gains access and the cafe/facilities at the bottom are NT managed with museum/shop at top next to site English Heritage (which is also point for tickets).

We went to Hadrian’s wall early, it was a nice little walk, uphill and with plenty of sheep “debris” to avoid, but the experience overall was great. The engineering marvel that this is nearly 2000 years old is amazing. You can see the wall for miles with some of the views.

Wonderful Roman garrison. If you intend walking Hadrian's wall be prepared for some very demanding climbs and descents wear good shoes and clean it can be very wet and windy. Speak to locals.

Absolutely amazing place best preserved fort we have seen Worth the long walk from the car park You can imagine Roman life Extremely interesting highly recommended for everyone

Lovely little museum with staff who are very knowledgeable. Great walk on the wall itself - do be aware that there's a lot of uphill walking but great views when you get there!

What a wonderful place! There’s so much to do for all the family. On this trip I cycled The Lakeside Way, a 25 mile circular route which I left from Hawkhope Car Park. A fantastic route, tough in places but a great place to enjoy the scenery and the ride. Just beware of the midgies, I was covered in bites after the ride!

We had a great trip to Kielder Forest. The stick man trail was fun. It was quite a distance for wee legs and when you make it back to the car park, you're half way done. Pack juice and snacks as there are lots of seats and benches to relax.

Excellent gravel bike venue. Paths , lakeside facilities and forest gravel tracks are perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.

Been fishing kielder since 1984 had some brilliant days, seen a lot of changes, good place to visit forbike riding walks around the lake 26 miles around, beware of the midges

Went for the drive from a rainy Lake District, well worth the day out. Lovely track well worth the £5.00 Pretty smooth, didn't need 4x4

We hired bikes for 2 hours and cycled 45 minutes down the South lakeside route. Was beautiful but beware of the midgies!

Absolutely love it so much to see and such a beautiful place. Other visitors seem really friendly too. It's really nice when people say hello and afternoon! You don't get that down south 😂. Instead you get verbally bashed. I swear northerner's are so much politer and just better people all round!!

Absolutely amazing place to visit. 10th of whole site uncovered. Brilliant audio to go with the site. Free car park. Toilets in the car park. Lovely informative museum. Friendly staff.

Excellent place to visit. We arrived just in time for a free guided tour, 2.30pm. Paul, the guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the site and the areas Roman history in general.

Well worth a visit. The free audio tour enhances the outdoor experience and the timeline and indoor museum certainly helped with wider context. Helpful staff too.

A fantastic visual display of story telling around Corbridge's Roman history. The exhibition to start with was very interesting and the remains of the Roman town are easy to relate to with the audio tour which is included. Take an audio jack for headphones to best take it in.

A splendid museum, full of artefacts and very informative displays . The town itself is extensive. To best understand it and its history and evolution over time, use the free audio guides provided. They are excellent.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The audio sets were great and explained everything in detail. And the museum part was fantastic, showing just how advanced the Romans were

Well worth the visit! The free audio guide is excellent and adds to the outside experience. The Museum timeline and exhibits provide a great overview of the Roman habitation in the area.

Limited gluten free options. That being said the server was so wonderful, very thorough and double checked what was coeliac safe for me to eat - was impressed by her hospitality, sadly don’t know her name. The soup was absolutely delicious - perfect for a cold day! Really enjoyed the tea too, we both had the CBD green mint tea. The selection of tea was impressive, and the portions were generous! All in all, enjoyed our experience here.

We visited today for lunch, great we were able to take the dogs in. Fantastic choice for lunch. Hot Beef sandwich, fish platter and the breakfast. Great that they catered for Gluten intolerance and we only wished we had space for a cake. May be another visit is required

They serve breakfast all day!!! What a fantastic little place for a quick bite. Its hands down the best breakfast I've had. High quality ingredients prepared with love and care. It's also great value for money. All the staff were welcoming and accommodating. I will 100% be coming back and trying a lot more than their breakfast next time I'm in Corbridge.

We’ve had both breakfast and lunch here and it’s always been good. Staff are friendly but they do get busy and a bit under pressure. The ploughman’s was super so was the fish plate. At breakfast we had the full English and it’s really good - not too huge but decent portion. The deli downstairs also has a lot of nice stuff much of it local Definitely worth a visit

The best cafe in Corbridge. The food is DELICIOUS, great sandwiches, jackets and a top notch sausage and egg sandwich. Service is always excellent, even when it’s busy. I love that they use the condiments that they sell downstairs, highly recommend the chilli jam they use on the avocado toast. Consistently 10/10 and it’s always an essential trip we look forward to when we’re visiting family.

Great selection of healthy but filling snacks and meals, the food was great I really enjoyed it, I am coeliac and they looked after me with lots of options. It's dog friendly as well.Loads of space and not cramped at all Top marks all round, well satisfied, thank you I'll be back 😊

We visited Corbridge on a whim this weekend and after a walk around we dropped in here for a coffee and maybe some food. We walked upstairs and found a table (it’s dog friendly which is great). The staff upstairs don’t meet the expectation of the place. All friendly and polite, but there’s no management in the cafe, which means everyone is just standing around and lacking in confidence. I actually had to put them right with our bill, which was originally was quoted as lower than it should have been by over 50%. We ordered some coffees and a bacon/sausage sarnie each. The coffee was really nice but the sarnies were that dry that even the dog struggled to eat it. They’re also trying to cram in too many covers upstairs! There’s not the space for people to sit comfortably without being knocked constantly. It’s just a shame that the attention to detail from downstairs hasn’t made it upstairs to the cafe.

Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, is dramatically perched on a quirky outcrop of rock that is on an otherwise flat island. This setting is quite spectacular – a quirky, fairytale fortress rising above the sea, with sweeping views in every direction. The walk up is short but dramatic, and once inside, the castle has a distinct charm that’s quite different from the grand stately homes you usually see. It feels cosy, like the lived-in retreat it once was, after being decommissioned as a fort several hundred years ago. The National Trust have done a wonderful job keeping the place welcoming, with little touches that bring the history to life. Combined with the island itself, the tidal causeway and peaceful atmosphere, it makes for a truly unforgettable visit. Definitely a must if you’re exploring Northumberland! *National Trust property, so free for members, or £12 for adults.

Lovely place. Holy island is a small island and the castle was a short walk from the town where we were staying. It wasn’t open due to the time of year but it was still interesting and still a nice walk. It’s looked after by English Heritage. The castle is actually atop a small hill ( a mound really) and you get a nice view once you’re up there. It’s small but seems well looked after, and the Limekilns below were fascinating. It wasn’t too busy probably due to the time of year (October), and the weather was bright so we got good views.

I thought this place was amazing. I loved the whole feel of the castle and it's cosy rooms and layout. I thought the architecture was great. Stunning views from all angles on the castle and stunning views of the castle from all around. There is a toilet at the start of the castle once you have paid to go in. Parking is at the start of the island and then it's a short walk to the castle through the village. The staff were polite and helpful and there is a small gift shop at the entrance.

This 16th century castle, perched dramatically on top of a rocky outcrop, is visible from the road long before you arrive at the causeway to Holy Island. It took me about 30 minutes to walk here from the village and priory along the coastal path, with a short stop at the harbour on the way. The path is level and easy to walk, with lots of benches, but on reaching the castle you have to climb a steep cobbled slope and a flight of steps to get to the entrance. Admission for an adult is £12, but it's free if you're an NT member. Due to limited time, I didn't get the chance to go inside, but I did get to walk around the castle and get a good look at both its exterior architecture and the nearby Victorian lime kilns. This is a good starting point for nature walks around the island. A lovely spot to enjoy a picnic too! It's definitely on my must-do list to explore the castle's interior when I return to Holy Island. UPDATE: I returned to the island a few weeks later, and this time I did go inside. The NT staff/volunteers were so friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. Info boards in the entrance hall gave an overview of how, in the early 20th century, architect Edwin Lutyens transformed this former military stronghold with its vaulted ceilings and arches, winding passages and steep steps, into an atmospheric but cosy island retreat for its wealthy owner and his guests. The downstairs rooms are filled with beautiful furniture, colourful carpets, chandeliers and ornaments. Domestic artefacts, old photos, and a table set for dinner provide an added insight into the lives of the people who lived and stayed here. A spiral staircase leads up to the bedrooms and an upper viewing terrace with spectacular coastal views. There was a friendly guide on hand to let visitors know which birds had been spotted here, and to point out some seals basking on a sandbank (there's a telescope to help you get a better look). This building with its many steps would present a challenge to anyone with mobility issues, but I found it fascinating to explore. There's a toilet just inside the entrance, and a second-hand book shop in one of the upturned boat sheds next to the ticket office.

Certainly a beautiful view while walking towards the castle, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived on the island shortly after the permitted crossing time and I was surprised at the number of visitors already considering it was mid week in mid September. The National Trust was having its annual open house which we had not known when we planned the visit, and, perhaps that contributed to the large crowds. It is a bit of a hike to the castle, and once there, there are steep steps inside and out. The tour guides were quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is a former castle that was modified into a holiday home in the early 1900s. One is free to explore the rooms as well as to go outside and take in the views from the top landing.

Took the wife away for the weekend. Nice trip. Bluebell Pub 12 miles away. Had a great day. Nice Cafe. First one you come too from the main car park. Archaeology dig near rte Priory.

This place is so with the visit. I drove 2hrs just to see it. The last entrance is 3:30 so make sure your time to cross the Causeway doesn't make you late. The castle sits high atop a mountain and the interior is brilliant. Built in late 16th century by Henry VIII.

Easy to get there using the causeway. We arrived about 10am and although lots of people travelling too we were able to get a parking space in the disable car park. The walk was a bit long but we took it slowly. The castle is good but not a huge amount of information to read. But the views fmto the castle and at the castle were breathtaking. The priory was a walk away from the castle but accessible. You pass the museum first but no signs saying to purchase ticket before you go towards the priory. Again, amazing views and good signage.

Great place to visit, we spent the whole day here. Plenty to see and do. Make sure you check the time off the tides and prepare to queue to get across. Well worth the visit.

Walking to Holy Island on the sands during low tide has been a dream for a long time. It was an incredible experience. It also happens to be the last day of the St. Cuthbert's Way walking pilgrimage. An incredible conclusion to an incredible journey.

Great adventure over the causeway. National Trust Castle and English Hertiage Priory to visit. Lots of little shops with local produce and trinkets. Beautiful walks around the island.

I had this on my list and finally got there! It certainly didn't disappoint, but I will plan a better tide time for a longer visit, think I'll actually plan an over night stay!

If you want to visit Holy Island you need to get organised and do your research as the Causeway is only passable for a few hours. We travelled by bus-one journey there giving limited time as the bus left the island just after 1 pm. You can drive over. get a taxi or walk but you must keep your eye on the tide times to avoid being trapped. Lots of places to visit even though it’s quite a tiny island. There is a charge to enter the castle but most of the island is free to explore. Try to fit in a visit to the Lime Kilns, Gertrude Jekyll’s Garden snd the Lifeboat Museum. No shortage of places to eat and drink ranging from roadside vans selling crab sandwiches through to cafes, gelaterias and a pub. An interesting place to visit!

This is a must see! Walk around the island and take in a very scenic and historic place. Once the "Vatican" of the Celtic Catholic Church, this place is a beautiful day-walk. Make sure to check tide times!!!!

What a fantastic shop and a very friendly, lovely lady who served us today. Lots of unusual, eclectic stuff to browse. I will definitely be back. Prices are very reasonable too. Love it!

I hate shopping, but fell in love with this shop. Loads of unusual decor and furnishings that have seen before. Walked away with a Highland cows head, that now hangs perfectly in our kitchen. Cracking shop with something to appeal to everyone.

I have to be honest but the children's craft aspect out me off going in for a long time but the retail part of pots & paws is much bigger than I thought. There's some really quirky homewares and furniture. I absolutely love it!

Lovely shop with really quirky things in store We always buy something unusual Very sad to hear they are closing down 🥲🥲

Wonderful Shop with Wonderful Items! And fairly priced too! So many times have I seen items like these priced way too much but this shop is so fair, really peaceful and really recommend it!

Lovely little shop with some great items and the lady Michelle is a lovely lady who is happy to help in anyway she can

There are some great quirky items for sale here and the staff really friendly. I got this great Frida Khalo mini figure.

The waiter and waitress were lovely and helpful. The bar service was good too. My only fault was the chips with the meal. The chips and cheese was inedible so we left them as they were too hard and the chips with the other meals were too hard too. Everything else was great. The kids meals were lovely apart from the chips

We had dinner in here whilst staying nearby. The pub was busy (Friday evening) but managed to get a table. Staff were nice and friendly. I had the sausage and mash, my wife had chicken curry. Sausages were nice, mash and gravy excellent. The vegetables were ok, peas and broccoli fine however the carrots were awful, hard and tasted like ‘school dinners’, reminded me of the terrible pre-prepped ones you get in supermarkets. The curry was nice, lots of chicken but it looked like the curry sauce and chicken were introduced to each other quite late on rather than cooked together. I’ve given 4 stars as I would eat here again, meal was tasty and reasonable value.

Had Sunday lunch here today. The food was absolutely beautiful and piping hot. We couldn't fault it. The staff are lovely and made us feel very welcome. This is the 2nd time we've been here for food and it was lovely the last time. We will definitely be back

We had food at the Turks Head -We didn’t reserve but managed to get a table, the waitress was really polite and friendly, I had mince & dumplings(with carrots, peas , broccoli & mashed potato) it was delicious with the veg cooked perfectly. My husband had fish with home cooked chips & that was also really nice-would definetly recommend.

My wife and I had a meal here Sunday afternoon, I ordered the mince and dumplings. The dumplings were nuked in the microwave until they were dry hard as rocks and totally inedible. My wife had the sausage and mash, the sausage was lovely but the mash was so dry the spoonfull of gravy on the plate could not revive it, it was over heated like the dumplings and was mostly left. The server came to clear the table and I told her about them, she said she would inform the chef. She came back into the dining room and said nothing. After a while we asked for the bill then I asked her if she told the chef about the meals. She said " yes and he was very sorry", yea right he did he obviously dadn't care enough for her to report his response when she came back into the room. Best avoided

We stopped in here for lunch after a recommendation from a local and we weren't disappointed. Warm, friendly service, traditional pub atmosphere and best of all completely dog friendly. The food was absolutely delicious too, great selection of home cooked meals, and Boltmaker on draught. Looking forward to another visit already!

We didn't stay here but our friends did. We had an evening meal which was nice and plenty of it, good value for money. The staff are friendly and helpful

Here for a wedding. Lovely grounds even on a stormy day. The Priory is in fantastic shape. Nice venue for a wedding and the staff were very good at catering for your needs. I’ve been told that it will no longer be open as a wedding venue from January. Sad if true.

Absolutley stunning location. The river running next to the priory gives a lovely tranquil setting for this beautiful old building. We attended for a beautiful wedding and the team did (from my understanding) alot to support all the guests and the happy couple. We will visit again if in the area to go over the history and have a wander.

English Heritage at its finest! The most atmospheric site in the North. And surprisingly very few people. Gorgeous priory, and the neighbourhooding manor house are hidden in the woods and looks kike a fairytale. Staff was very helpful and super friendly!

Beautiful place to visit. It was very peaceful and great for a picnic. It wasn't busy during our visit. Only two other couples were there , so we had plenty of time exploring without any interruption or feeling pushed. And the weather was a bonus, we were lucky to get mainly sunny day. Only on our way home it started to rain.

Fantastic historical Priory in exquisite grounds by the river.

We thoroughly enjoyed this site. Is nice and quiet and the walk down from the car park is lovely and the setting of the site is nice and secluded, with birds chirping and the river flowing audibly in the background. The church is well restored with amazing stained glass windows, and being able to walk through the manor house was a treat.

Very enjoyable small English Heritage site, ideal to spend around an hour visiting the Priory and Manor House. Some activities for children (making mosaic patterns), a small but well stocked second hand book shop and very friendly, helpful service from staff on site.

Nice wee find, quite busy, waited a while on my order but it was good quality when it arrived, so happy enough... nice wee vibe, especially being on a bike, 🏍💨😁

Very nice mug of tea with the bag left in. Great for me who lokes strong tea! The worst coffee cake I have ever eaten: dry, tasteless, horrid icing. Sticky tables. But a very nice lady running it.

It is what it is. The bikers seem to love this place. The food wasn't for me. We had breakfast here and dropped £45, maybe we went on a bad day?!

Sturdy breakfast and a solid cup of tea. Dog friendly, very fair price. Super helpful and polite young man served us. Thank you!!

Excellent little village cafe. Young lady on front of house kept very busy. Obviously a meeting cafe for bikers, who took up all the seats outside and didnt buy, or look like they had bought anything while we were there. At one point I was about to get up and close the door as the cigarette smoke and total dribble they were talking was spoiling a quiet afternoon tea.

Nice little biker cafe right in the heart of town. Always get a friendly welcome, good quality food and cakes. Enjoyable place to stop. It can get busy on weekends and parking your bike can be a bit of a pain at times, but overall very good.

Only stopped off for cuppa while passing so can't really rate the place but looked very popular with motorcyclist and other visitors would visit again.

We stayed in a bunkhouse-style room on a Saturday night. The room was clean, the beds were comfortable and it was far cheaper than anything else around. Our expectations were low due to the price. It was very pleasant if basic accommodation. Excellent value, lovely staff. Rothbury is a lovely place for outdoor sports. We ate in the pub downstairs and had a great dinner at a good price.

To explain, we were in the cheaper bunk room. The sheets were clean and the situation was good. The hotel had a pub downstairs that didn't disturb us. The WiFi was good. But, the window was kept open by a chair propping it up. The blinds didn't work which was unfortunate in the short summer nights and the designated toilet was filthy and no clean towel was replaced there. The shower had no floor mat. The dinner was good, but the breakfast was not as advertised so was relatively expensive. The staff was helpful and cheerful in the bar. When I wanted to speak to the owner about the rooms he had not come in before we checked out. Overall, despite it being a hotel, I would rate it as a mediocre youth hostel.

Gluten free review: Thank you Newcastle House for plenty of gluten free options and also to the lovely waitress who was working on the evening of 12th September. She clearly knew about cross contamination and related this to the kitchen - and she was so lovely and smiley while managing a full restaurant! I had the gammon with new potatoes (not chips due to only having one fryer), followed by a pretty glorious sticky toffee pudding. I had no glutened symptoms after the meal - thank you Newcastle House!

Nice pub/hotel/restaurant in the middle of Rothbury. Lovely outside seating except for the wasps! Tasty food inside and lovely staff. Made my dog feel very welcome and he enjoyed being spoilt.

Was very helpful when we needed ramp for aheel chair . Food wasnt great - Lasagna was burnt , soup bland and nachos were stale! Did order 2x side of chips , they didn't arrive. When mentioned we had ordered some they went to get them. In the end we just asked for bill and left. Manager was apologetic. Was an hour waiting for food !

The best Sunday dinner I've had. Proper Yorkshire Puddings, good choice and quality of meats. Large portions. Friendly staff. Top notch all round

I was able to get in because they provided a ramp for wheelchair access. Dinning area was a bit cramped with a lot of tables but we managed. Choice of light .menu for lunch or main menu. We arrived around 12.45 just before it got busy. We were a party of 4 adults 1 in wheelchair and 3 dogs. Ordered soup of day, lasagne, nachos, and a pannine. This was cheddar cheese tomato and onion as well as 2 bowls chips on side. Guess what panning arrived with tomato in. Nachos were stale. Soup and lasagne were OK. What happened to chips I hear you ask? They did not arrive with rest of food we asked but no sign so we asked for bill. We had been in place for well over an hour but they,were busy and do cook to order. The bar manager apologised for no chips and said if we still wanted some we could have some with no charge. A nice gesture but our lunch was over. So would we return, in short NO we would try elsewhere. Maybe just an issue due to a busy lunch time. The best option is to try yourself and form you own opinion

What have they done? The redecoration has detracted from the character of what was a lovely, traditional country pub. The food was no better than ok; it has been top notch for years. Service good and friendly barmaid.

Friendly pub, food was splendid, we had Red Thai curry which was far better then your average pub food. Many other options were available. Service was fast. Not the most elegant of interiors, but don't be put off. Stone building on the side of a river.

We had an amazing time at the Anglers Arms, We were 2 couples staying in the lovely cosy cottage, spotlessly clean, very well equipped, amazing comfy beds We booked for breakfast, absolutely yummy! We also ate in the restaurant for dinner, again amazing! good menu, staff are so helpful, the atmosphere very comfortable. Our whole experience was fabulous. We will definitely return Highly recommended

Stayed one night with our 12 year old dog to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We come here every year. Food was perfect at lunch and dinner. Service was exceptional, they couldn't do enough for us and Lottie was well looked after. Room very comfy. Lots of choice for breakfast, even asked if Lottie wanted anything which she loved.

This is an exceptional inn. We stayed two nights in the cottage in June 2025. The food, service, and standard of accommodation for the price were unmatched anywhere in the county. If you want a great break away, this place offers it all. The cottage at 75 per person per night is fantastic value with your own garden, conservatory, lounger, kitchen, and two bedrooms, including breakfast.

Absolutely love this place. Have been going for many years and this visit following the recent death of my mother. Me and family visited for lunch at a place my late mother and late father stayed at several times. Lovely quiet location but always busy with customers. A great welcome and service by superb staff and the food is delicious!!

Staff are very friendly. We did feel like we were sat in your Nans front room. It was extremely bright (no good for a romantic date). Food was mediocre and expensive, especially the wine @ £27 a bottle. £7 would more than cover the price in a supermarket.

Great day out with my young family! We had a beautiful walk through the Quarry Gardens to the castle. There's plenty to explore in the castle itself, plus a great cafe and playground up there too. The toilets by the cafe and playground are great, plus warm in the cold weather.

Had a nice time walking around the lovely gardens and admiring the huge range of unusual plants as well as walking through the quarry to the castle. Had a nice coffee in the café and went up the tower. The playground looked great for kids.

Amazing gardens and play area - we didn't go into the hall or castle, but the kids absolutely LOVED exploring the gardens, it was like something from a fairytale. Huge rock faces and lots of different plants and trees. The play park was perfect for both my 2 and 8 year old as well. We'll definitely be back. They even had marshmallow toasting which was a real treat!!

Called in here for an afternoon during the Summer Holidays, and glad we did. Lovely place, Castle is great to see after a wonderful walk through the magnificent gardens. Kids enjoyed exploring and took part in the Taskmaster challenge. Staff friendly, plenty of open space and we would definitely got back again.

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is one of Northumberland’s most atmospheric places — a journey through centuries of architecture and landscape in one visit. The grand Belsay Hall, inspired by Greek classical design, feels calm and elegant, while the nearby medieval castle ruin offers a completely different kind of beauty — weathered stone walls, hidden staircases, and stories etched into every corner. The real magic lies in the gardens that connect the two. The quarry garden is like stepping into another world — towering rock faces, winding paths, ferns, and moss creating a fairytale atmosphere that feels both wild and peaceful. It’s a place that appeals to everyone — history lovers, photographers, families, or anyone who enjoys a walk with a sense of wonder. Thoughtfully cared for and full of charm, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you’ve left. For families: There is a lovely adventure playground that suits kids of all ages.

Absolutely amazing place! I wouldn't expect much from the Hall as it's just a display of lots of empty rooms, but playground, nature and walks are out of this world!

We had a lovely time walking round the gardens and the quarry garden. Robert, a volunteer, was very knowledgeable about the plants and made the whole experience very interesting. Very worthwhile!

Good course tree lined holes. Holes with slopes. Greens a little slow but it had rained. Need to plot your way round. Not long but tricky.

Nice parkland 18 holes course with some interesting tee shots and tricky par 3s. Very welcoming clubhouse and reasonably priced.

Super golf course in excellent condition. Good variety of holes. Welcoming clubhouse.

Staff are lovely. Very friendly and welcoming. Will give you advise on the course and are always happy to chat. Course itself, although on the smaller side, is a really good challenge. A couple of the greens are lightening quick in the summer. The views from the course a spectacular and you'll always enjoy the location, even if the course is taking its toll on your score hahaha. Get there early doors and you might even spot a deer or two on the course (not old ladies but the animal kind haha) Lovely course and really well priced. Highly recommend if you've never played here before.

Absolutely loved it ❤️ 😀 will definitely going back

Had a great day out at our Captains Away Day. Great course, lovely clubhouse, great food and drink. Staff were friendly and helpful. A pleasure to have been there for the day . Thank you 😊

Really nice course in cracking surroundings

Absolutely fabulous hour and a half at this lovely gem. Neil did a wonderful guided tour which lasted about an hour and a half and really brought the place to life with his wit and enthusiasm! Absolutely fabulous. We had to leave before he got to the bath house, so we'll definitely return!

A really good example of a roman fort. It was spread over a large area. Each little bit had an information plac beside it which was great to read. You could spend a couple of hours here. Also there is a small museum to what they dug up during the excavations.

A glorious setting. A remarkable museum. And further evidence of the astonishing commitment, labour and skill involved in the enterprise. It just is almost incomprehensible and inspiring. It must have been a sight worth seeing when intact. One comes away from this place grateful that so much has survived and on display. Sorry that so much has gone, while understanding how the Wall could come to be seen as a handy quarry.

Really interesting place. We were fortunate in that we visited with a tour and our guide was very knowledgeable. Weather was kind to us - I wouldn't have fancied it on a wet/windy day. Very well preserved and informative. Master builders those Romans!

Roman fort remains in excellent details. Mainly cavalry. They Slept with their horses. Bath house and a couple of hours required to see all. There's also a Roman Museum. Never seen so many sculptures! +Toilets. Disabled access and parking.

Excellent ruins unearthed at Chesters, the boathouse in amazing. If you get a chance to have Neil as a guide, take it. He's brilliant, passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. 2hr guided walk. Free. Car parking £4 for non members free for members. Didn't get chance to go in museum. There's a tea rooms on site and toilets. Lots of sign boards. Viewing platform for the bridge. site. We will be returning with more time.

We just loved this place. Visitors to Hadrian's Wall often focus on the wall/hiking aspects and fail to discover the human/historical facts that make these places so unique. Each one of these ancient Roman forts are both important for what they were, but also have been excavated and presented for a feature that is a stellar example of a specific feature of these forts. In Chester's case, it's the finest example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain. It housed 500 cavalry troops and their horses when at its peak, and it is spectacular. The attached museum is also not to be missed. Visiting and understanding it's significance and part of the Roman presence in Britain, and Hadrian's Wall, should not be missed. Highly recommended

Did the guided tour for £15 each. Really knowledgeable young lady, Sophie, who explained the birds and their life and work at the centre and beyond.

Took grandson for a basic family visit which was really informative and the owners really do care about their birds and their wellbeing. Free to wander after our tour in an area that is so beautiful and unspoilt. We highly recommend this experience.

What an amazing birthday present, my first visit to Falconry Days. It was an experience I won't forget. It's a peaceful place with beautiful views, it was easy to feel at one with nature there. The birds were content and well looked after. Mark and his team clearly loved what they do and you could see the bond between them. They were also very knowledgeable and had some interesting stories to tell. We were all made to feel very welcome. I handled the birds and took some photographs. An all round perfect day.

We are so pleased we asked Falconry days to come along to our wedding to do a handling experience with our guests. Mark was amazing and so knowledgable. Everyone got to fly and handle a bird. It was a great experience. Thank you so much for adding something really special to our wedding. Alex and Josh, Brunton house. 17.06.25

I've been to Falconry Days many times and have loved every visit. The experience days are well worth booking. You get to spend a lot of time with the birds and the care and expertise of the experts Mark and Mandy is exemplary. A great day out and highly recommended

Always such a fabulous experience with Mandy and Mark! Thank you for being so kind and hospitable. Truly a unique day out.

Followed the signs from near Chester’s fort, it said nothing about having to prebook a slot on their website, and says open from 10am. It also doesn’t say how far it is to get there and keeps stringing you along with signs saying how it’s not much further. Outrageous to be greeted with a sign giving all the prices from £15 each up to well over £100. We didn’t need a tour, all we want to see is these 85 birds you have. Only one car in the car park when we went to look at your website to book only to see the next several days are booked out, including today even though you apparently aren’t busy. At all. 30 minutes driving out of our way for nothing. RETHINK YOUR SIGNAGE!!!! awww, check out their response...can't handle the fact that they get a justified 1* review and think it is my 'vegan views.' Nah mate, it is you wasting peoples time, using all capitals and getting all upset🤣 Take constructive criticism! Your signage is MISLEADING and you know you are wasting peoples time because as you leave the carpark you have a sign saying something like "are you leaving?" you know why people are coming in and leaving, they do not know its an attraction you can turn up to and enter, like the sign says and that you have to PRE-BOOK!

Nice micropub. Beer was in excellent condition; well looked after. An unexpected pleasure, discovered when parking the car for fish and chips. Would visit again.

Excellent pub with great local beer, great atmosphere and a warm welcome from the locals. The young chap behind the bar and the 'older' Scottish chap were particularly welcoming. Exactly how a pub should be. Went in most nights on our week stay in Rothbury. A highlight of the week. Thanks hopefully be back. Thanks Clive

Small but friendly pub with a good selection of local beers. Inside and outside tables. Dogs welcomed. Friendly conversation and cozy surroundings. Easy to find just off the High Street.

A very friendly pub specialising in local craft beers. The staff were very attentive and knowledgeable. Although it is small it doesn’t reduce the ambiance .

There is always a warm welcome. Great beers and there's always something new to try. Ask about music night if your around you won't want to miss it.

Micro pub serving interesting ales. Traditional pub serving drinks and snacks only. Great chatting with the locals!

Nice small pub with local beers available. Friendly manager and customers.

We took the museum tour and it was excellent. The place itself is exceptional and feels overall very posh. I bet the whisky tasting and meals are amazing from the look and feel of the museum. There is a car park on site. The gift shop is very good and I picked up a bottle of rum. There were some branded whisky tumblers on display but they were only display pieces that you can't buy which was a bit disappointing. I hope they change that very quickly as they looked great. I did pick up a smaller glass though. The staff were brilliant and knew the local area well and pointed us in the right direction for a few other bits. They need to get more branded key rings, pe s and pencils as these go down very well with visitors.

Visited Ad Gafrin on a Sunday afternoon for a distillery tour and tasting. The online booking system was great very informative and intuitive. We arrived at the stunning distillery complex which was immaculate with ample car parking. Walking through the doors really gave the wow factor, you could almost miss the Christmas decorations as the building is so stunning. We were checked in by Ben and everything was clearly explained. We started our visit at the Museum which is really informative about the history of the region, hi tech interactive displays and knowledgeable historians bringing the story of the ancient artifacts to life. The distillery tour was as good as they get, no areas of limits and really up close and personal to the equipment and processes, our guide Lesley was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The tasting also with Ben was a unique experience, the tasting room is filled with local art and really well laid out. All of the senses are catered for and every thing explained without any attempt to influence the individual taste of each product. We were expecting a 90 minute experience but were there for almost 4 hours and with a bit more planning on our side could have easily spent the whole day making it great value for money. A must visit, 10/10 gem of an experience.

We didn't get a chance to visit the distillery or museum but we loved the restaurant. It's very stylish with tasty food and very friendly staff. There was only 1 option on the menu that was gluten free, however when I advised that I wasn't keen on this dish, they were happy to adapt other options for me. Will definitely be back if I am ever in the area again.

Ad Gefrin is an incredible experience that blends history, culture, and whiskey. The museum is fascinating, offering a well-told story of the Anglo-Saxon people who settled in the area and their lasting legacy. The building itself is stunning—modern yet rooted in the heritage of the region. The whiskey tasting was both fun and entertaining, with knowledgeable staff who made it enjoyable from start to finish. A must-visit for history lovers and whiskey fans alike!

Had a fantastic time here, firstly the membership is well worth it as you get free entry for a year to the museum and distillery tour, 10% off at the bistro and shop plus you get exclusive access to their whisky Corengyst. I started in the beautiful bistro for brunch (I forgot to have breakfast) and had the eggs benedict with a cup of locally roasted coffee which was superb and reasonably priced. From here I went upstairs to the great hall and museum about the Anglo-Saxon settlement near by and the Northumbrian kings at that time. The great hall has a fab video that plays and tells about some of the people at that time and what life was like. The museum has a mix of locally found exhibits and some that are on loan from the British museum. Next came the highlight a tour of the distillery and tasting of Thier whisky and gins (you ideally need to book a timeslot for this). Our guide Bob was great at explaining the process of how the whisky and gin are made and the reason why there is a distillery in Wooler. Bob then handed us over to Johnny for the tasting who explained how the whisky gets it's colour and flavour. Johnny that went through the steps on how to smell and taste the whisky and how adding 2 drops of water to it changes the flavour profile. As you can tell I thoroughly enjoyed going and now thinking up reasons to go back and who to drag along with me. P.s Don't forget to go across the road to the Doddington dairy milk bar for some fab milkshakes and ice creams.

A great museum and distillery tour. Lovely staff, beautiful building and fantastic cafe. Well worth stopping if you're heading through Wooler.

Really great place . Fabulous building , great food and museum . Bob gave us a tour and he was exceptional . Whisky tasting great and the cabbage with the salmon was incredible ( oh plus the mozzarella fritters bloody lovely )

Well worth a visit with nice tea rooms and an interesting ruined castle and a cider house You can take a train if you want

A very interesting and extensive estate incorporating Etal castle, a light railway, mill complex, cafe, lovely church at Ford and the delightful Ford village. Ford Castle is private/residential but tge nearby church is worth a visit. Nice tea rooms at the old Post Office in Ford with good parking close by. The village hall is a must-see with its pre-Raphaelite painted interior. We had a great time.

Amazing, beautiful place! The most amazing antique shops at the old forge and the old dairy. The Lady Waterford Hall museum and gallery is fantastic and learning about lady Waterford herself is so inspirational, what an amazing woman! Brilliant area all round 10/10 from me.

Well worth a visit. The Lady Waterford Musuem Gallery is excellent.

A must to visit lovely villages. The village old school now called, The Lady Waterford Hall is brilliant. The lady on the desk was very friendly and helpful. We will be going again.

Save yourself money and avoid the crowds and don’t visit Lindisfarne but come here instead. Lovely planned villages built for the estate workers and really stunning to just walk around and enjoy it all. Must visit is the Lady Waterford hall.

Almost rained off. But after coffee at The Lavender cafe the sun came out. Some places were closed in Tuesday so check before setting out for Etal and Ford

This is the crown jewel of Rothbury. What an amazing butchers shop, I got the best sausages, hand made there in the shop the Northumberland and Rothbury ones were delicious, far better than any other Northumberland ones I have tasted, the young man that served me had also made them, when I ask if he had anything else different he did say he had kangaroo balls 😀 but that's another story lol (they do sell different types of meat btw) the staff were so nice and friendly and the prices were very good, on the other side of the shop they have the most amazing looking pies etc, it truly is a proper local butchers, if your in Rothbury give it a try in my opinion you won't be disappointed 😀

Stopped for some dinner......chicken Balti pies are amazing, chicken and mushroom pies are amazing, as are the sausage rolls. Stop here for food....you won't be disappointed. Not bad priced for where you are and homemade. 😉😉

Called in this morning, super friendly service and the Cragside Cracker sausages I bought were absolutely banging! Will definitely be back 👍

Not too impressed with what I bought today from the deli side . The sausage roll meat was a bit grainy , pastry not crispy The caramel shortbread was dire , the shortbread base was hard and overcooked , the caramel was not a nice flavour . Staff were pleasant and the shop clean .

I got some sausages while passing through on holiday and they were outstanding

I always pop in here for their fabulous baked goods and sandwiches before a hike up in The Cheviots

We were the last customers in you shop on Monday afternoon. Bought some Rothbury sausages and some Cragside sausages. Just cooked them slowly on the BBQ (charcoal). Absolutely epic tasting. Really glad we just managed to get to you minutes before you closed. I read they have won some prestigious awards. Totally justification from what we have just tasted. Called back Wednesday morning. The steak pie was exquisite. And the quiche were extremely moreish. We also tasted the subtle tandoori sausage roll (balanced flavours). Many thanks to all your team for the experience. Good luck for the future.

Our local, fabulous toy shop, stocked floor to ceiling (literally!) with wonderful toys to tempt any child or adult, at prices that often undercut any online providers. It's also got a proper old fashioned welcoming atmosphere, helpful but never, never pushy. If you need the card and gift wrap to go with the toy, they've got that too. It breaks my heart that we are losing wonderful small retailers like this. So if you live in the Rothbury area, or you're visiting and need something to keep the kids entertained, don't go online and order something that will probably arrive broken, head for Soulsby's and let's keep this gem for another generation or two!

Very small ...went to buy puzzles but they were so high up could not see them all though the girl offered to get them down for me to look at but that was not an option as you would have to have got them all down..shame.

Lovely shop good selection

Very good selection of children's toys.

Always a favourite stop when in Rothbury.

Lovely terraced beer garden at the back of the pub, with spectacular views. Friendly landlord. Kitchen temporarily closed, but we were only after a drink.

Very friendly place, amazing views from the lovely beer garden.

Went to this pub today with 40 members of our walking group, St Edwards Fellwalkers from Whitley Bay following a walk in the area. Due to a misunderstanding, the pub was not expecting us but rallied around. The staff were fabulous, warm, friendly and very well mannered. Food was fantastic. Thank you to everyone there. Recommend highly to everyone.

Brilliant new menu fresh and vibrant gastro pub food will return

Visited this pub recently whilst on holiday on a Saturday night and asked whether they serve vegan roasts. Owners went out of their way to make sure I had a lovely vegan Sunday dinner the next day. Lovely garden and owners attentive and friendly. Would recommend.

Stayed at the cottage owned by the owners of the cross keys pub, greeted by a lovely down to earth couple of whom are pretty new to the pub game, our cottage was lovely, clean, warm and comfortable, the pub was cozy with the coal fire!! The kids enjoyed playing on the pool table, the food was good!! Toasties, pizza and chips!!deserts are soooo good!! And we booked in for Sunday dinner which was very nice, if you want a nice meal with a laid back atmosphere this is definitely the place to go, will definitely go back, thank you Mark and Simmone for a lovely stay, also all the locals are very friendly!! Met some good characters

This is a real nice find, quite tucked away in the country. I stopped here for a rest on my way home after a joy ride around St Abbs and enjoyed a quiet pint here, it's popular with the locals who are friendly. Good beer, nice staff and a nice place to visit, I'll be back later in the spring to try their food and look forward to sitting outside here in the sunshine.