Group and school visits to Cragside

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 access 

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

Schools or education groups can benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, whihc gives the whole group free admission and parking at most places in our care for a year. 

To apply for an Education Group Access Pass, please call 0344 800 1895 or email the National Trust at enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk  

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

 

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.

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 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk