Cragside
Northumberland, England
Photo: Chris Down, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Christopher Down, CC BY 4.0 · PAUL FARMER, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Membership
- Covered by National Trust annual membership - what it costs per visit
- Nearest station
- Acklington, 9.6 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Victorian house built for Lord Armstrong, the first in the world lit by hydroelectric power
Pinpoint
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
Telephone 01669 620333
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- 7 car parks (2 on lower estate incl. main, 5 along the Carriage Drive); 12 EV charging points in main car park (own cable needed); limited campervan/motorhome spaces; no trailers/caravans
- Access
- Ramped access/slopes; accessible toilet; designated parking; wheelchairs and powered mobility vehicle available; induction loop; level access to food outlet and shop
- Facilities
- Tea-room, kiosk, shop and bookshop; adventure playground; toilets; picnic area; cycle parking; car park; EV charging
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome in the grounds
- Safety
- Steps and uneven terrain; narrow corridors; narrow roads with gradients unsuitable for trailers/caravans
Cragside was built for Lord Armstrong and holds the distinction of being the first house in the world lit by hydroelectric power, with period interiors that reflect its Victorian innovation as much as its history. Reviewers consistently call it one of the best National Trust properties they've visited, praising both the house and the scale of the surrounding grounds and gardens. It's a big site - reviewers note some viewpoints are best reached by car rather than on foot.
At a glance
Who to know
William Armstrong, 1st Baron Armstrong · armaments magnate and inventor of the hydraulic crane - he made Cragside the first house in the world lit by hydroelectric power
Worth the trip
The house's pioneering hydroelectric lighting - the first in the world to be lit this way - alongside the extensive grounds and viewpoints reached by car.
Before you go
The estate is large enough that reviewers recommend driving between the different viewing areas rather than trying to walk the whole thing, and the house may not hold younger children's attention as long as the grounds do.
What visitors say
Cragside reviews · 4.8 / 5 across 8,296 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Cragside for its rich history as an early smart house and its stunning grounds, especially the rhododendrons in late spring and the walking paths around the estate. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are mentioned repeatedly, and the cafe by the lake is highlighted as a lovely spot for a coffee and cake with good views.
Several reviewers note the house and grounds have distinct opening hours, with the house closing earlier than the garden, so visiting from the morning is recommended to see everything. The size of the grounds means visitors are advised to allow a full day.
“Lovely day spent here. The gardens are amazing. All the beautiful colours. Lots to see different walks to do. Didn't go in the house as had the dogs. Well worth a visit.”- kerry Graham, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “The gift shop worth a visit with plants and garden ornaments also on sale along with gifts and little souvenirs to take home as a reminder of what will be a fantastic visit.” - Deborah Lynch
Common questions about Cragside
Where is Cragside?
Cragside is in Northumberland, England, at Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Cragside?
Yes - Cragside is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Cragside?
Yes - Cragside offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Cragside?
The house's pioneering hydroelectric lighting - the first in the world to be lit this way - alongside the extensive grounds and viewpoints reached by car.
Is Cragside a ruin or still intact?
Cragside is largely intact - Victorian house built for Lord Armstrong, the first in the world lit by hydroelectric power.
