Cragside National Trust Review For Families

Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Cragside offers a perfect blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.

We visited Cragside in the February half term when on a short break to Northumberland. It’s a part of the country we love due to its expansive open land and beautiful scenery. Cragside didn’t disappoint on this.

With gardens, stately home, lakes, play parks and much more you could easily spend a couple of days exploring this National Trust location. Unfortunately, we only had a couple of hours but still managed to cram plenty into the trip. 

Where is Cragside located?

Cragside sits pretty in the wilds of Northumberland, just outside the lovely little town of Rothbury. It’s about 35 miles north of Newcastle, so it’s an easy jaunt if you’re in the North East or visiting for a holiday.

The estate is perched up high, surrounded by epic woodlands and lakes—it’s like something out of a storybook! Driving? Look out for the brown signs off the B6341; there’s heaps of parking, even for campervans and they’ve recently made adjustments to incorporate even more parking.

If you’re on public transport, grab the Arriva X14 bus from Newcastle—it drops you right at the entrance for just £2.50 each way (at the time of writing). Bargain!

History of Cragside

Cragside isn’t your average stately home—it’s got serious bragging rights! Built by Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor extraordinaire, it was the first house ever lit by hydroelectricity. Yep, this place had “magic lights” way before anyone else! Hydro is still talked about now as a major electricity source yet this was done a significant time ago.

Lord Armstrong wasn’t just about gadgets though; he turned the estate into a wonderland with five lakes and over seven million trees. The house is full of cool stuff like early telephones and fire alarms. Our kids loved our brief tour venturing around the house. They operate a one-way system so Barney was able to run around. It’s a pretty relaxed vibe, especially in the school holidays.

What is there to do?

Cragside is a total playground for kids, and we had a blast finding stuff to keep both Matilda and Barney happy. To be honest our kids love the outdoors when the weather plays ball so just letting them roam traffic-free is enjoyable. Here’s what we got up to, including our walk from the house to the play park:

Adventure Play Area:

After parking up, we strolled from the house to the play park—a bit of a hilly trek, but manageable with a few “are we there yet?” breaks for Barney. Once we arrived, it was kid heaven! Matilda was all over the climbing frames and ropes like a ninja.

Labyrinth:

Just past the play park, this twisty maze had the kids racing to the middle. Both enjoyed this and it’s another nice addition.

Young Engineers’ Zone:

This indoor spot is apparently brilliant for hands-on fun. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time when we visited and with the weather being good we decided to prioritise the park and walking. By all accounts, there are tons of activities to do here and it’s something we will explore when we return.

House Exploration:

We popped into the house (no prams allowed, FYI), and it was a hit. Matilda was wowed by the gadgets and grand rooms, while Barney enjoyed running from one room to another.  It’s not a long visit and certainly wasn’t for us as Barney was dictating the pace of our tour. There’s a Calm Corner with toys but this wasn’t something we visited. The house is awesome though.

Walking Trails:

That walk from the house to the play park was a highlight—gorgeous views and just the right length for Barney with a piggyback or two. The estate has 40 miles of paths, so there’s loads more to explore if your kids are up for it or if you are without kids you could easily spend a day or two exploring every trail.

Facilities:

Cragside is a huge visitor attraction within the area so it’s got all the family essentials covered:

Cafe:

The tea room at the visitor centre is a lifesaver—think cakes, sarnies, and hot drinks. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, plus a dog-friendly bit if you’ve got a pooch. There is also a cafe near the house as well as popup trailers near the play park. Both the kids grabbed an ice cream and Barney smashed his ice cream in about 30 seconds flat. I’ll put that down to the long walk beforehand.

Shop:

The National Trust shop has cute souvenirs and toys. It’s right by the visitor centre, so easy to pop in but not somewhere you need to visit.

Toilets and Baby Changing:

Toilets are dotted around—the visitor centre and near the house—and there’s a parent and baby room with changing facilities.

Accessibility:

It’s a hilly spot so not all accessibility is possible. There is a scenic drive option which was closed when we visited (seasonal) and a free Hopper Bus zips you around the estate. The house and tea room have ramped access for those in wheelchairs.

Would you recommend it?

Oh, 100% yes! Cragside is a proper family win. It’s such a dramatic and wild spot but with everything you would want for a family day out. We only managed to touch on a small part of it during our visit so will certainly be back when we return to the region.

It’s got history to spark their imaginations, nature for running wild, and activities to suit both a 9-year-old and a 4-year-old. The estate’s massive, so it never feels packed, and there’s space to breathe (or picnic!). It’s a top-notch day out for families like ours who love the outdoors with a side of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cafe?:

Yep, the tea rooms at the visitor centre with tasty grub—sandwiches, cakes, the lot. We only utilised the pop-up cafe near the play area but the ice cream was good quality.

What is your favourite part?:

We loved walking through the magical gardens and across the dramatic bridge.

Is it suitable for Dog walkers?

Totally! Dogs are welcome everywhere outside, just keep them on a lead. There’s even a dog area at the tea room.

How much is it?

It’s £23 for adults, £11.50 for kids (free for under 5s), or £57.50 for a family ticket. National Trust members get in free of course and as members it’s an inexpensive but awesome day out.

Can we bike there?

Not inside the estate (no cycling allowed), but you can bike to the entrance and lock up. The roads around Rothbury are great for riding beforehand. If you have older children who are keen cyclists you could certainly incorporate both into a trip.

Is it good for little legs?

Mostly! The walk to the play park was fine for Barney with a bit of help (on Daddy’s shoulders), and the Hopper Bus is there if you need it. Paths can be hilly, so pace yourselves.

Pros & Cons

National Trust enjoyment rating

Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Ryan