National Trust - Cragside — Attraction in Rothbury

Have you ever looked at a map and seen somewhere and thought, wow that looks a long way away and in the middle of nowhere, maybe I'll go somewhere closer? This was me and Cragside. Always thought it looked amazing in the photos but the dread of the kids whining in the car for over an hour, or worse taking a danger nap, or even worse getting travel sick on the windy roads put me off. Except this week I was within shooting distance, and only with one child, and there was a few hours break in the rain. So I went for it. Totally, utterly patting myself on the back for the decision. Café, brilliant. Shop and visitor centre, lovely. Play area, great (even in rain and boggy conditions). Toilets and small café there a bonus. The house, wow! Toilets and a café there too. The number of times I've planned to go back because I think you could spend days there and still not see it all... Many. I regret not going before and will certainly be making the most of my NT passes in the future to return. Notes on accessibility... The accessible parking for the main house is close but there is a long steep slope down and my BB holder needed dropping down and picking up from nearer the house which was a faff and also unpleasant when I was road raged on the return journey, on a two way narrow track, by another driver who didn't realise it was a two way track. I did spot a shuttle bus service which is worth investigating. There are only 3 accessible spaces by the visitor centre. You can pick up access guide in the visitor centre on the right hand side rooms as you go in to the courtyard. Some parts of the house require climbing stairs but there is plenty to see on the ground floor and an optional video of the upstairs. If you've got a highly movement oriented, sensory seeking kid like mine the house is a bit of a minefield in terms of the temptation to touch things and the possibility of breaking things. A couple of activities for kids were available. There's also a few rooms I could see my toddler, if not reined could easily run under the barrier and into. I might therefore return to the house when kids are older to...

Cragside, a National Trust treasure, truly stands out as a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located in the heart of Northumberland, this expansive estate offers a delightful experience for those seeking a day immersed in natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Dog owners will be pleased to know that Cragside is notably dog-friendly, with only the house itself being off-limits to canine companions. This allows for enjoyable walks with your furry friends across the estate's vast and varied landscape.

What makes Cragside particularly special is its sheer size and diversity. The estate is enormous, providing visitors with the opportunity to easily fill an entire day wandering its many paths and trails. From enchanting woodlands and rugged rocky paths to charming little valleys and serene streams, the walks here are truly a feast for the senses. The old quarries and wetlands add an element of adventure, while the tranquil lakes and impeccably kept lawns and house gardens offer moments of peaceful reflection.

Convenience is key, and Cragside does not disappoint with ample parking available. For those who need a break or a bite to eat, there are two on-site cafes serving the classic National Trust menu of food and drinks. Additionally, a couple of ice cream vans offer a delightful treat with the fantastic Northern Bloc ice cream – a must-try for any visitor.

In terms of value for money, Cragside is unparalleled. The richness of the landscapes, coupled with its historical significance and the quality amenities provided, make it arguably the best National Trust site I've ever visited. Whether you’re there to explore the great outdoors, learn about Victorian innovation, or simply enjoy a leisurely day out, Cragside is an exemplary model of what a National Trust...

Visited as a family, children were 9, 9 and 7. We are members so visit many NT properties but this was by far the best. I can't comment on price as we are members. Firstly - the grounds are stunning and when approaching the house it felt like mainland Europe. We went into the house first and our youngest was given a bag with detective kit - this kept him occupied on the way around but the 'clues' are in each room so it's no issue if they have run out of bags. The children moved on a little faster than we would have liked but the engineering info was brilliant throughout. We didn't get to visit the clocktower as our children were keen to get on and visit the play park, we could easily have walked from the house (Less thaan a mile) but it was a warm day and humid so we took the 6 mile drive around the estate - there are car parks at different locations throughout. The play park has a toilet block, picnic tables and (at the time of our visit) a kiosk with hot drinks and ice creams. We regretted having lunch in this area as there are some picnic tables next to the lake just opposite, I recommend heading there for the views. Next up was the labyrinth, we never did find the middle but had lots of fun anyway. Lots of little paths between rocks and trees, a very natural environment. Be warned that it can be a bit muddy in places, two of ours returned home barefoot as a result. We filled a day but could easily have seen more. Our children loved it and we are eyeing up a holiday cottage on the estate to provide a base for next year. One other detail - the shop had a passport for £5, apparently every NT location has a stamp to keep a record of where you have been. I had never heard of this?! Our children are now keen to visit more places just to get the...