The Capital of Coquetdale
Rothbury is at the heart of Northumberland’s countryside. This traditional market town is a peaceful and picturesque haven, which is built of the same mellow sandstone as the rolling hills that surround it.
Enjoy the scenery with the many walking and cycling routes around the town, and take in the beautiful River Coquet meandering through the centre. Due to its location, Rothbury is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland and all it has to offer, including Simonside Hills, the Cheviot Hills, and Northumberland National Park.
Once you’ve appreciated the landscape and the wildlife, you can always relax at the many shops, pubs, and tea rooms on Rothbury’s bustling high street.On a sunny day enjoy watching the world go by on the village green. Browse the shops selling Northumbrian crafts from local artists.
Visit Cragside House, Gardens and Estate, an impressive Victorian building described as ‘a palace of the modern magician’. Rising from an outcrop of rocks and surrounded by towering trees, Cragside is a masterpiece of late nineteenth century architecture. A dynamic and visionary couple, the first Lord and Lady Armstrong commissioned era-defining architect Richard Norman Shaw to create their dream home. Lord Armstrong, inventor and industrialist, made Cragside the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. Cragside can be accessed by National Trust members and day visitors all year round but please be aware that opening times vary throughout the year so please check their website for access to the house, gardens, shop, and Carriage Drive. Cragside has three food and beverage outlets around the estate including two cafes close to the visitor centre and house plus Crozier's kiosk which is located by the adventure play area on the Carriage Drive.
If you are visiting Rothbury by car there are two main car parks. Haugh car park on the south side of the river coquet has about 80 parking spaces. From the car park it is a short walk over a footbridge into Rothbury. There is also a smaller car park, Beggars Rigg car park, to the west of Rothbury which is next to a small picnic area. If you'd prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving there is a bus service to and from Rothbury. For more information about local travel, take a look at our getting around page.