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Cragside
North EastBritain's original smart home at the heart of a grand fantasy garden.
Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7PX
Important notice
Cragside is not part of this year's Heritage Open Days.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 5 September 2026
Asset Opening time Cragside's entrance 10:00 - 16:00 House 11:00 - 16:00 Garden and grounds 10:00 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 17:00 Carriage Drive 10:00 - 16:45 Until 1 November
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £29.70 £27.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £14.90 £13.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £74.30 £67.50 Family (1 Adult and up to 3 children) £44.60 £40.50 From 2 November
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £12.10 £11.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.10 £5.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £30.30 £27.50 Family (1 adult) £18.20 £16.50 Christmas: 28 November to 3 January
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £19.80 £18.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.90 £9.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £49.50 £45.00 Family (1 adult) £29.70 £27.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
The adventure play area is next to Crozier car park. Roughly half way around the 6-mile Carriage Drive.
Adventure playground/play area - more information- Car park
Parking is available at the main car park, Dunkirk, Crozier, Nelly's Moss, Canada and Formal Garden car parks. All parking is free once admission has been paid or you have shown your National Trust membership card(s) on arrival.
- Cycle parking
Bicycle parking is available at the visitor centre, Crozier car park and Formal Garden. Look out for the large green planters with bicycle motifs.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed in all outdoor spaces at Cragside. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times. All dogs are welcome in the shop. There is a dog seating area in the tea room. Assistance dogs only inside the House.
Dogs allowed - more information- Electric vehicle charging point
Twelve 7kW electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit RAW Charging’s website (www.rawcharging.com/drivers) to download the app in advance of your visit. Chargers are only available during opening hours. Drivers will require their own cable.
- Kiosk
Next to the play area at Crozier car park is a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. It's open during the school holidays during main opening hours.
- Picnic area
There is a picnic area on the grass lawn between the visitor centre and Tumbleton Lake. Picnic tables are located on the banks of Nelly's Moss Lakes and Slipper Lake.
- Shop
The shop can be found at the visitor centre. It's open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Shop - more information- Tea-room
The tea room is at the visitor centre. It's open 10am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Tea-room - more information- Toilet
Toilets are located at the visitor centre (next to the stables and in the tea room lobby), under the archway at Cragside House and at Crozier car park.
Accessible parking available in the main car park, visitor centre and Formal Garden. Assistance dogs welcome in all areas. Adapted toilets at visitor centre. Wheelchairs are available to borrow from the shop.
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are located at the visitor centre, Cragside House and Crozier car park.
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guides are available to borrow from the House welcome desk. Please ask a member of the team on arrival.
- Designated parking
The two-tiered main car park is between the House and visitor centre. Accessible parking bays are located towards the House and next to the visitor centre.
- Induction loop
An induction loop is available at the House, tea room and shop.
- Level access to food outlet
The tea room is wheelchair accessible with level access at the entrance/exit. Food is ordered at the counter, which is 85cm.
- Level access to shop
The shop is wheelchair friendly with a low-level till point, which is 87cm.
- Narrow corridors
There are some narrow corridors in the House. The ground floor is wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate buggies and pushchairs in the House. Due to limited head space and to protect the items on display, please use front carriers. We can provide a Hippy Chick baby carrier.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
We cannot provide powered mobility scooters due to Cragside's terrain.
- Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access is available at the House, The Still Room, shop and tea room.
- Steps/uneven terrain
The terrain at Cragside is varied, with steep drops in places. Most footpaths include uneven stone steps. Paths can be muddy and slippery underfoot. Sturdy footwear essential when exploring the grounds.
- Transfer available
Cragside operates a free shuttle bus service between February and October half terms. It stops at the visitor centre, main car park, House, Formal Garden car park and coach park. It's 6-seater and wheelchair accessible. Look out for the red bus stop signs. Dogs welcome.
- Virtual tour
An access video is available to view at Cragside House. This informative video introduces you to the rooms and is viewed on a tablet. It includes narration, text and imagery.
- Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs are available to borrow for free. Booking is advisable. Please contact 01669 620 333 to reserve a wheelchair.
Cragside's entrance - what3words: ///exit.conspired.happening
- By road
- From the A1 follow the signs for the A697. Follow the A697 through the villages of Longhorsley and Longframlington. After approximately 4 miles take a left turn on to the B6341 at the Moorhouse Crossroads. Cragside's entrance is 3 miles along this road on the left.Parking: There are 7 car parks at Cragside. 2 car parks on the lower estate including the main car park. There are 5 along the Carriage Drive. 12 EV charging points are available in main car park. See “Facilities” for details. You will need your own cable. We have a limited number of spaces available on a first come, first served basis for campervans and motorhomes. Ask for details on arrival. We are unable to accommodate vehicles with trailers/caravans due to the gradient on our narrow roads.Sat Nav: Your SatNav may try to bring you through the exit. When approaching Cragside, please ignore your SatNav and follow the brown signs to the main entrance. The entrance is marked with two large black and white welcome signs. When using Google Maps input 'Cragside' rather than the postcode for accurate directions.
- By bus
- Two bus services stop at Cragside's main entrance where a member of the team will greet you. The Arriva X14 runs between Newcastle, Morpeth and Thropton. Click here to view the X14 timetable. The Northumberland Travel 471 operates between Alnwick and Thropton. Click here to view the 471 timetable.
- Car-free
- You can travel to Cragside a greener way. We welcome car-free visitors and offer 25% off entry to those travelling by bus and alighting at the main entrance. Simply show your valid ticket or pass to the welcome team on arrival. This offer is also available to anyone visiting by bicycle or on foot. Plan your visit using Good Journey.
Planning your visit
Article
Useful information for planning your visit to Cragside
We want everyone to feel welcome when visiting Cragside. In this article we've pulled together some top tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
Cragside Map
Start planning your routes and trails by pre-downloading a Cragside map. We've included four recommended walks to help you get started.
Cragside roof project
We're protecting Britain's original smart home - one tile at a time. Over the next two years, while the House and grounds remain open, we'll be carrying out repairs to the Cragside's intricate roofscape. Discover more about the project.
Christmas at Cragside: A Journey Through Fairyland
All aboard for Christmas adventures at Cragside! Whether you're exploring an enchanted world inside the House, making memories beneath a record-breaking Christmas tree, or enjoying crisp winter days in the grounds, there's festive fun waiting around every corner.
Highlights
House
Illuminated by hydroelectricity and powered by hydraulics, Cragside is Britain's original smart home.
Rock Garden
Explore the maze of paths that criss-cross up the hillside from the Valley. Don't forget to find your way to the Iron Bridge to capture the most photographed view of the House.
Pinetum
Walk under the canopy of some of the tallest trees of their kind in the country through this peaceful part of the grounds.
Carriage Drive
Experience Cragside by car on this circular 6-mile route around the grounds. Pull into one of the car parks and explore more on a waymarked walk.
Powerhouse
Delve into Cragside's pioneering past at the Powerhouse and discover how William Armstrong turned water into light.
Pump House
Find out how William Armstrong adapted his dock-side hydraulic crane technology to push water up the hillside to the Basin Tank.
Archimedes Screw
The Archimedes Screw was installed in 2014. It's Cragside's modern water-powered generator which produces enough hydroelectricity to light the House.
Nelly's Moss Lakes
Stroll around the banks of the Nelly's Moss Lakes. The twin lakes on the top of the grounds were once the vital water stores for William Armstrong's hydroelectricity system.
Things to see and do
Article
Christmas at Cragside: A Journey Through Fairyland
Are you ready for a Christmas adventure? Explore an enchanted world inside the House, stand beneath a towering record-breaking Christmas tree and enjoy crisp winter days in the grounds, there's festive fun waiting around every corner.
Article
Cragside House highlights
Illuminated with hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, this impressive Arts and Crafts House was designed for modern living and efficiency. Electric light, gravity fed plumbing, water-power machinery and a hydraulic passenger lift provided an unrivalled level of comfort that wowed royalty and guests from all over the world.
Article
Family fun at Cragside
Bring the kids to Cragside for a big day of adventures. Climb to dizzy heights at the play area and let their imagination run wild at den building. With miles of paths and twists and turns to discover, the grounds feel like a giant maze for nature explorers. Follow a waymarked walk where you'll uncover routes along lakesides, stone steps to climb, paths through rocky caverns, giant trees and resident wildlife.
Article
Walking Cragside
Cragside is a great place to begin your walking adventure. With a detailed map, clear waymarkers and well‑signed routes, you can explore with confidence and enjoy the freedom to set your own pace. From exhilarating trails that feel like you're conquering a summit to peaceful pathways steeped in history, Cragside offers unforgettable walks for every kind of explorer.
Article
Things to do in the gardens at Cragside
Explore the ultimate landscaped garden in Northumberland. With spectacular vision, Victorians William and Margaret Armstrong transformed the grounds from a bare moorside into a fantasy mountain landscape. Created for beauty and function you’ll discover towering trees, overflowing flower beds, trickling burns, dramatic water cascades and engineered lakes that were created to harness the power of water.
Article
Group and school visits to Cragside
Find out how to arrange a group visit or self-led school trip to Cragside to learn the story of hydroelectricity and explore the pioneering former home of William Armstrong.
Top trails
Trail
Hydro-power Trail
On the Hydro-power Trail you will discover William Armstrong's engineered lakes and experimental technologies that were created to produce hydroelectricity and power hydraulics.
Trail
Rocky Ramble
Duck under boulders and wind between gaps in the rock on this adventurous hike through Cragside. Discover engineered crags and man-made rock formations as you traverse the hillside.
Trail
Building Cragside Walk
On this challenging hike you'll follow a rocky and hilly route. next to jagged cliffs and through stone tunnels on the way to Cragend Quarry.
Trail
Gun walk at Cragside
Follow the path of the Armstrongs’ gamekeepers. Walk between impressive rock formations, along craggy paths lined with rhododendrons on this challenging hike through the heart of the grounds.
Trail
Inspiration Walk, Cragside
Delve into the mind of the Victorian engineer William Armstrong on this circular walk, which passes rock formations, a lake, and inspirational quotes before taking in views across the rolling hills of Northumberland.
Trail
The Armstrong trail, Cragside
A 2-mile circular walk along the Armstrong Trail at Cragside in Northumberland. Follow the water from Tumbleton lake through the Debdon Valley. Witness sparkling lakes, towering trees and tumbling cascades.
Trail
Wetland Walk, Cragside
A walk from Cragside's driest lake. Blackburn lake was once the largest expanse of water on the grounds before it burst its banks in 1927. This area is now a wetland making a great place for wildlife spotting.
Trail
Views of Cragside walk
Explore the grand landscaped garden that wraps around Cragside House and discover amazing views across the Northumberland Valley on this waymarked walk.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Cragside
Break up your day by visiting one of the eateries at Cragside, and pop into the shop, set in the old stable block near the tranquil Tumbleton Lake.
Recipe
Cragside Crackle biscuits
These moreish oat, cinnamon and ginger biscuits, with a distinctive crackled top, were created by the chefs in the tea-room at Cragside.
Recipe
Cragside singing hinnie
Cook up a batch of this scone-like regional speciality, baked on a hot griddle or frying pan rather than in the oven. Perfect for breakfast or teatime.
Places to stay
Cragside Garden Cottage
A Northumberland getaway in the blossoming gardens of Cragside.
Cragside Park Cottage
Retreat to this Arts and Crafts style house on the Cragside estate, close to the Northumberland coast.
Rothley Lakehouse
A luxury lakefront cottage that’s steeped in history and surrounded by stunning views.
Bolt Cottage
A cosy stone cottage in the beautiful grounds of the Wallington estate, perfect for walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers.
Laundry Cottage
The perfect location for long days exploring the outdoors as well as rest and relaxation amongst nature.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Cragside
Illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, this pioneering home was filled with Victorian gadgets for efficient modern living. Man-made lakes, tumbling waterfalls and swathes of rhododendron combine to form the surrounding fantasy mountain landscape imagined and engineered by inventor and arms manufacturer William Armstrong and his wife Margaret.
You can wander amongst the towering trees in the Pinetum, explore the weaving paths and tumbling cascades in the Rock Garden and witness the changing seasons in the Formal Garden. See the whole estate by car on the Carriage Drive where way-marked walks and wildlife are waiting to be discovered. Families can adventure through the labyrinth, build a grand design in the den building area and climb to dizzy heights at the play area too.
History
Article
History of Cragside
Cragside is often considered to be Britain’s original smart home. Discover more about the creation of Cragside and the people who made the remarkable place we know today.
Article
Cragside House highlights
Illuminated with hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, this impressive Arts and Crafts House was designed for modern living and efficiency. Electric light, gravity fed plumbing, water-power machinery and a hydraulic passenger lift provided an unrivalled level of comfort that wowed royalty and guests from all over the world.
Our work
Cragside roof project
We're protecting Britain's original smart home - one tile at a time. Over the next 2 year, while the House and grounds remain open, we'll be carrying out repairs to the Cragside's intricate roofscape. Discover more about the project.
Cragside's Broadwood Piano Acquisition
Cragside's latest acquisition is a Broadwood grand piano and it has a history as dramatic as any Victorian novel. A world-renowned pianist, a dramatic ship-wreck en route to Australia, a flurry of scandalous headlines all contribute to the extraordinary tale behind what seems to be an unassuming grand piano.
Article
Caring for Cragside's Red Squirrels
Cragside is one of a few locations that has a population of the UK’s native red squirrels. Discover how we care for this tufty-eared species. Discover how we care for this tufty-eared species.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Cragside
Volunteering at Cragside is a great way to use your experience and skills or learn something new. Find out more about the volunteer roles available and how you can apply to join the team.
Art and collections
Cragside's objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Cragside on the National Trust Collections website.
