Things to do in Rothbury
Located in the heart of Northumberland's countryside, Rothbury is a market town with a range of walking and cycling routes to explore. Discover things to do in Rothbury with our handy guide below.
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Where is Rothbury?
Rothbury is a market town located on River Coquet in Northumberland just 26 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. The postcode is NE65.
Fun fact: Rothbury was once the centre for dealing in cattle and wool for surrounding villages.
Things to do in Rothbury
Cragside House and Gardens
Lord Armstrong was an inventor and armaments manufacturer from Newcastle. In 1869 he commissioned Richard Norman Shaw to develop and enlarge the Cragside house which involved double-height ceilings in the kitchens, a plunge bath, and an extensive gallery for natural history specimens and contemporary art.
The house also features a hand-operated dumb waiter and an Owl Suite which would allow guests to enjoy the luxury of hot running water and central heating. The house featured technological advances such as a hydraulic lift, water-powered spit and electric light which attracted guests from across the country. To this day, Cragside uses a hydroelectric system.
As well as being an inventor, Lord Armstrong was also a keen landscape gardener. He laid out 5 lakes and planted over 7 million trees and shrubs throughout the estate.
Today, these gardens can be explored throughout the year. The rock garden that was designed to create a mountainous landscape complete with artificial water. Further down, you can also explore the Pinetum which is a collection of large plantings of mostly coniferous trees, including the tallest Scots pine in Britain at a height of 131 ft (40m). The estate is also a sanctuary for some of the last remaining red squirrel colonies in England.
The address for Cragside is Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX.
Brinkburn Priory
Founded almost 900 years ago, this 12th century church is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Northumberland. Nestled in the woodland by the River Coquet, visitors can explore the former monastery and enjoy views of the gorgeous stained glass windows and the William Hill organ.
The address for Brinkburn Priory is Longframlington, Morpeth NE65 8AR
Rothbury Riverside walk
Visitors and locals can enjoy the 1.5 mile walk along the banks of the River Coquet that loops back into Rothbury. Perfect for a weekend stroll for all the family, this route is accessible and has an easy walking difficulty. The starting point is at Beggar’s Rigg Car Park High Street Rothbury NE65 7TS.
MMCS is a commercial cleaning company in Northumberland. While this article focused on things to do in Rothbury, you can find more Northumberland trip ideas on our blog.


