How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Cramlington and Blagdon
It's worth getting to know this busy corner of Northumberland
Eat
In Cramlington, Mandarin Bay is a long-standing favourite, serving high quality Oriental dishes and excellent special menus, while the family-run Panuccis serves Mediterranean dishes including stone-baked pizza, pasta, steak and more. Dhamaka is the place to go for upmarket Indian food (we’d recommend trying one of the special Bengal dishes). On the road to Blagdon, The Snowy Owl is a traditional pub which has been rebuilt and restored at least three times since its original construction in 1600, and offers classic, seasonal pub food.
Sleep
This corner of Northumberland has some good options if you want to extend your stay. The aforementioned Snowy Owl has comfortable B&B rooms above the pub, while just up the road in Bedlington you’ll find Lairds House. This is an independent, family owned and run hotel and restaurant with boutique bedrooms (some of which are dog friendly) and a kitchen which produces stand-out dishes.
Browse
In Cramlington, Manor Walks is the place for high street shopping and dining (there’s a cinema here too) whilst Eleven sells a carefully-curated collection of fashion brands. On Blagdon Estate, Milkhope is a go-to retail destination with high-end country shops, including a farm shop, gallery, homeware store, ladieswear shop and cook shop. While you’re exploring the centre, stop at Blacksmiths Coffee Shop for homemade cakes and light lunches. Just along the road, Plantsplus is a great garden centre with a large on-site nursery, plenty of shopping and a restaurant too.
Around the corner...
Just a couple of miles out of Cramlington, Plessey Woods Country Park is a little oasis of nature. Set on the banks of the River Blyth, see if you can spot a kingfisher, red squirrel or even an otter as you explore the winding nature trails, riverside paths and wild meadows. There’s also a visitor centre, children’s play area and café.
DON’T MISS
Northumberlandia has become an iconic symbol of the area since it opened in 2012. If you’ve ever wanted to see a quarter of a mile long, 100-foot high woman sculpted out of 1.5 million tonnes of earth, then it should be at the top of your list. Explore four miles of winding paths as you check out this unique piece of public art. A short drive from ‘The Lady of the North’ you can pay a visit to Northumberland Cheese Company, which will satisfy your desire for artisanal food with its well-stocked deli counter and Cheese Loft Café.
