Explore the Stunning Grounds of Cragside for a Family-Friendly Day Out this Autumn
Cragside is perfect for exploring this autumn
Discover new corners of Cragside as you explore the many paths that weave through the estate. The Rock Garden surrounds the house and is at the heart of the Armstrong-engineered fantasy mountain landscape, with the impressive artificial water cascades tumbling into the burn below. The Formal Gardens here cover a three-acre site overlooking the Coquet Valley. The gardens have been recreated to reflect the original layout as designed by Lord and Lady Armstrong. Discover the Ferneries and the Lilypad pond, the Quatrefoil Pool, and the Orchard House, one of the largest surviving glasshouses from the 1870s. The Pinetum is a towering collection of non-native trees designed to recreate a North American forest landscape. The original trees, which still stand today, were planted by the Armstrongs around 140 years ago and include a mix of species including Douglas fir, Caucasian fir, noble fir and western hemlock.
Spanning the Debdon Valley you’ll find the famous Iron Bridge, meet Douglas the leafy-faced sculpture, and kids will love the adventure play area where they can test their skills on the log mountain, climb the witch’s hat and seek out William the Wizard and Nelly’s Den in the centre of the Labyrinth.
Want to know more? Head to nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside to discover the fascinating history behind one of the region’s most important historic houses.
