The traditional trend-setter
Bustling, historic Morpeth is the main town in Northumberland, it combines traditional market town-charm with stylish highstreets, modern shopping centres and upscale bars and a wide range of places to eat. Quaint, cobbled streets, quirky farmers’ markets and classic general markets give the town an irresistible antiquity and showcase its unique heritage and beauty.
Wondering what to do in Morpeth? For a luxury high street experience mixed with toe-tapping live music and monthly events, head to Sanderson Arcade where you can shop 'til you drop. Morpeth town has an eclectic mix of shops with even more along Bridge Street and Newgate Street. Time your visit with the first Saturday of the month and take a traditional shopping trip through Morpeth’s Farmers’ Market. Pick up local produce, including fresh pies or homemade pickles that are perfect for your picnic basket, as well as artisan breads, cheeses, and fruit chutneys.
Wander the woodland paths of colourful Carlisle Park, where romantic river rowing on the River Wansbeck, a round of tennis and excellent events can all be enjoyed. Enjoy fun for all the family at the paddling pool, play area and aviary. The William Turner Garden in Carlisle Park dedicated to 'The Father of English Botany’, is an idyllic, peaceful plot to admire flourishing fauna. A statue to suffragette Emily Davison sits proudly in Carlisle Park and you can visit her grave at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, south of the River Wansbeck.
Whitehouse Farm Centre south of Morpeth offers a fun family day out where you can enjoy activities such as bottle feeding lambs, tractor rides and meeting lots of small animals.
Did you know that Northumberland has its own musical instrument, the Northumbrian Pipes? Discover more about this unusual instrument at Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum, a striking 13th Century Grade 1 listed building hosting a collection of over 120 sets of pipes from across Europe. Morpeth Chantry also hosts a tourist information centre and sells a range of Northumbrian gifts and produce.
Whether you fancy traditional British food made with Northumbrian produce, Greek, Italian or Indian you'll be spoilt for choice in Morpeth for places to eat and drink.
Fancy leaving the car at home? Travel on the East Coast Line with trains from Edinburgh and London stops at Morpeth train station. From the train station it is a half mile walk into the town centre. On your walk you'll cross over the River Wansbeck, past the Morpeth Chantry onto Bridge Street which is the main shopping area of the town centre. Morpeth clock tower stands proudly at the end of Bridge Street which then merges onto Oldgate. Arriva run a number of bus services in and around Morpeth, so you can discover all of the nearby attractions and hidden gems that the area has to offer. If you are driving there are car parks at Newmarket Street and Stanley Terrace.
So whether you are looking to enjoy a day out with the family, a romantic weekend getaway, or a fun adventure day as you embark upon retirement, make sure that a visit to Morpeth is at the top of your list.