Rothbury is a charming market town set on the River Coquet and surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Stroll along the bustling High Street and be lured into cosy cafes, tearooms and pubs. Venture into the Northumberland countryside to visit a Victorian-era manor and hike through heather-strewn hills.
Things to do in Rothbury
Cobblestone streets and historic stone cottages lend quintessential British charm to Rothbury. Stroll along the High Street and browse independent shops, galleries and antique stores. Many are housed in handsome, honey-coloured buildings made from locally quarried sandstone.
Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Simonside Hills in Northumberland National Park. Trails wind through the hills and showcase the postcard-perfect landscapes. On clear days, the views stretch across the countryside to the North Sea. Mysterious stone circles, Tudor hillforts and Bronze Age burial mounds dot the hills and recall the region's ancient past. Visit in summer to see the hills carpeted with purple heather.
Visit Cragside House and learn about the legacy of a celebrated British inventor and industrialist, William Armstrong. The Victorian mansion was one of the first homes in the world to use hydroelectricity. Tour the sumptuous interiors and get lost in the sprawling gardens. The tearoom serves excellent scones topped with jam and clotted cream.
Cosy pubs invite you to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal. Order local favourites like Northumberland sausages served with mashed potatoes, “stotty” flatbread stuffed with bacon and pan-fried smoked kippers. Wash it all down with a pint of Northumberland brown ale, famous for its velvety texture and rich flavour with hints of caramel, toffee and malt.
Getting around Rothbury
Rothbury is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Northumberland, a 45-minute drive from Newcastle upon Tyne. Morpeth Train Station is a 30-minute drive away and offers connections to nearby cities like Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Rothbury and explore Northumberland at your own pace.