Group and school visits to Cragside

A group visiting Cragside. 1 adult and 2 children in the foreground. They are walking along a path at Cragside. — Explore nature and discover how William Armstrong harnessed the power of water | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

Groups of all sizes are welcome at Cragside, where you can discover the story of hydroelectricity and explore the former home of William Armstrong, Victorian innovator and landscape genius. Find out how to arrange a group visit or self-led educational visit to Cragside, and some things to be aware of before you book.

Bringing your group to Cragside

There’s plenty to see on a group visit or school trip to Cragside. You can:

Explore the first house in the world to be lit using hydroelectricity.
Discover the Rock Garden, an engineered masterpiece surrounding the House.
Take a walk across the Iron Bridge for magnificent views of the House, Debdon Valley and Cragside's soaring conifers.
Step into the Pinetum to walk between of some of the tallest trees of their kind in the UK.
Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the views in the Formal Garden.
Relax in the tea room with a tasty treat.
Find a souvenir from your visit or a special gift for a loved one from the shop.
Take advantage of the free shuttlebus service between key features (March–October).

Things to be aware of at Cragside

Cragside is a place of adventure, but all visitors will need to look out for hazards such as vehicles, uneven ground, slippery steps, sheer drops and water. We strongly recommend wearing sturdy shoes and taking care when walking in the woodland.

To help plan your visit, read the Cragside hazard information sheet for group visits.

Group rates and education group membership

We offer a 5% reduction on normal admission prices for groups of 15 or more.

We also offer membership for educational groups so that schools and other groups can visit. To apply for education group membership, please call 0344 800 1895 or email the National Trust at enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk

A group of visitors eating lunch outside the café at Cragside, Northumberland. — A group of visitors eating lunch at Cragside | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 800 2329 or email us at NTTravelTrade@capita.co.uk.

Who is eligible for free entry?

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

Get in touch about bringing a group or school group to Cragside

Groups of all sizes are welcome at Cragside, with limits for some activities, but learning visits must be booked in advance.

How to book

To book a self-guided education visit, call us on 01669 620333 or fill out the education booking form and email it to us at cragside@nationaltrust.org.uk

To book an adult group visit, including coach and tourism tours, call us on 01669 620333 or fill out the adult group booking form and email it to us at cragside@nationaltrust.org.uk

The Drawing Room at Cragside with its intricately carved fireplace surround, curved ceiling and dining room furniture, including tables, chairs and couches

Discover more at Cragside

Find out when Cragside is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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