Despite its small population of just 4,000 residents, Corbridge is a Northumbrian village full of character and history. Less than 25 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, this historic destination promises to take its visitors back in time. Visitors can enjoy exploring Corbridge Roman Town and its fascinating collection, the ‘Corbridge Hoard’, securely preserved within its museum, as well as the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall and Hadrian’s Wall Path just a few miles away.
Whether you’re exploring Corbridge on market day, enjoying a sweet treat from the local bakery or finding a steal at one of its antiques shops, there are plenty of things to do in the area. Need some inspiration on what to do in Corbridge? You’re in the right place.
Experience the charm of Corbridge
For every independent boutique, cafe, and bookshop, there’s also a museum, historic pub, and antique shop to match. Offering the perfect balance of history and shoppers' heaven, Corbridge is a great escape for couples, families, and solo travellers.
You’ll find plenty of Corbridge accommodation options, ranging from quaint B&Bs like The Robin Hood Inn to cosy self-catering stays at Dilston Cottage. With Hadrian’s Wall on your doorstep, too, Corbridge is a prime location for exploring, relaxing, and learning.
Breakfast time
Before your afternoon of exploration, you’ll need a hearty breakfast to fuel the day ahead. If you’ve chosen to stay in a local B&B, take advantage of their home-cooked breakfast before heading out. If you’re staying in a self-catering accommodation in Corbridge, you can either whip up breakfast in your own space or head to the centre of the village.
The Corbridge Larder’s Heron Cafe is a firm favourite for locals and tourists — especially for its all-day breakfast menu. The best part about this Corbridge breakfast spot? They’ll even serve snacks and ice cream to your four-legged friends.
Early afternoon: Exploring Corbridge Roman Town
You can either take a 20-minute stroll or a short drive over to Corbridge’s Roman Town and Museum.
Part of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the best way to see how Roman life was nearly 2,000 years ago. Walk through the excavated remains of the streets, which once laid the foundations for a bustling town filled with Romans and civilians in the early 5th century.
Then, head over to the museum and cast your eyes over the Corbridge collection — 50,000 recorded items that make up the best collection of artefacts from the Roman Empire. The Corbridge collection, as well as the Corbridge Hoard, offers a glimpse into what life was like in the most Northern town in the Roman Empire.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Corbridge Lion, too.
Lunch and leisure
Learning is hungry work, so it’s time to head back to the village for a relaxed lunch.
Corbridge is home to plenty of lunch spots, including the popular Angel of Corbridge — a British pub dating back to 1569, serving up a seasonal menu of lunch dishes and pub classics. For something lighter, why not pay a visit to Tea and Tipple? This little coffee shop serves soups and sandwiches, as well as a delectable selection of cakes and ice cream.
After your bellies are filled, take some time to explore the Corbridge shops, ranging from independent boutiques to artisan craft shops. Forum Books is a must-visit for any book lover.
For more ideas of things to do, pop into Corbridge’s Tourist Information Centre.
Mid-afternoon: Visit Hadrian’s Wall
A trip to Corbridge wouldn’t be complete without exploring Hadrian’s Wall, which is just a 15-minute drive away from the village.
Hadrian’s Wall acted as the north-west border of the Roman Empire for almost 300 years, spanning over 73 miles from coast to coast. Don’t forget to take a sturdy pair of shoes with you, too, as the ground in this area can be quite uneven.
Explore the nearby Benwell Roman Temple, the Denton Hall Turret, and Heddon-on-the-wall, or take a 23-minute drive over to the Housesteads Roman Fort — Britain’s most complete Roman fort. Enjoy your afternoon as you immerse yourself in the Roman military life of years gone by and enjoy the stunning views of the Northumberland countryside as you go.
Make sure to call past Grant’s bakery in Corbridge village to pick up a sweet treat to keep you fuelled for your adventures, whether you choose to walk Hadrian’s Wall or cycle along the routes nearby.
Once your legs feel weary, it’s time to pop back to your chosen accommodation for a well-deserved rest. Or, if you’re up for more, why not visit Corbridge market if it’s a market day followed by a walk and a takeaway coffee along the Tyne? Chat with the locals, buy some veggies from the traditional grocers, and browse the stalls filled with handmade goods. After all, a little shopping never hurt anyone.
Late afternoon: Dinner
As your busy day in Corbridge comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate your adventures with a lovely dinner at one of the many restaurants that line this village’s quaint streets.
Whether you’re craving Italian, Indian, or some British classics, there’s a Corbridge restaurant ready to deliver. Take a look at a few favourite spots below:
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Indian — Corbridge Tandoori: Serving Bangladeshi food since 1989 and positioned a stone’s throw away from the River Tyne’s oldest surviving bridge, this Indian food spot is the perfect place to fulfil all your curry cravings.
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Italian — Il Piccolo: This laidback, family-run restaurant serves up authentic Sicilian food as well as an array of wines for pairing. Pick anything from sea bass with salsa verde and filled cannelloni to fresh, wood-fired pizzas.
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Pub Grub — Sycamore: The perfect dinner spot for all the family, offering nibbles and small plates as well as classic burgers, pies, and steaks. Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss out on its show-stopping Sycamore Sphere or the gooey sticky toffee pudding.
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Gastro Pub — The Black Bull: With a menu filled with country pub classics, you won’t be disappointed with The Black Bull. The building dates back to 1755, but they’ve been dishing out stellar dishes perfect for modern tastes for years. A true staple in the Corbridge community.
Plan your visit to Corbridge
No matter what you get up to in this picturesque village, you’re sure to come away with memories of a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your visit to Corbridge today with Visit Northumberland.
Find the best Corbridge accommodation, then start drawing up an itinerary filled with the many things to do in this historic and breathtaking part of Northumberland.