Things to see & do

What's going on

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What's on

Actors playing Butler, Cook and Maid in the kitchen at Cragside © Barry Pells

Step back in time to the 1880s, as Cragside house comes to life. Journey through a day in the house and watch Lord Armstrong’s servants as they go about their daily chores.

Activities

Learning how to make a native american weapon © Alec Fraser

For adventure in the outdoors, look no further. We're offering bushcraft courses throughout the year, in partnership with Wild Harmony.

Don't forget to...

  • Visit the House and pot a few balls on the snooker table
  • Drive around the estate drive and enjoy beautiful scenery
  • Visit the wildlife hide to see birds and red squirrels
  • Look for Douglas, our green man carving in the pinetum
  • Watch for butterflies coming out of hibernation
  • Search for the storyteller's chair in the labyrinth
  • Call into the House and discover romance downstairs

Cragside House

Exterior view of Cragside House © National Trust

Built in 1863 as a small weekend retreat for Lord Armstrong, Cragside went on to become a wonderful mansion. With Lord Armstrong's passion for technical innovations, it became known as the 'Palace of the Modern Magic'.

Gardens

The fruits in the Orchard House starting to bloom, surrounded by pink tulips © Alison Pringle

Explore the horticultural jewel of Lord and Lady Armstrong, the Formal Garden. Stroll through the Pinetum, admiring native and exotic conifers or climb paths of the largest man-made Rock Garden in Europe.

Wildlife hide

Cragside wildlife hide © National Trust

Head to the formal garden car park to find one of the best spots to see Cragside's wildlife. Our wildlife hide provides a good opportunity for anyone with a fancy for birds, squirrels and nature to do a bit of spotting.

Wonderful walks

Narrow, stepped footpath climbing up through narrow rock walls © National Trust

There are a number of walks and trails to follow throughout the 40 miles of footpaths. Leaflets are available from the information room at the Visitor Centre or the Information Hut in the main car park.

Fun for families

Wooden sculpture at main entrance to the labyrinth © National Trust

Fly down the aerial runway and whiz around the spiral slide at our adventure play area. Don't get lost in our Rhododendron maze. Who knows what's lurking around the corner.

More events this year

Father with daughter sitting on his knee, both with faces painted © National Trust

We have an exciting events programme planned for 2012. Take a sneak peek now.