Market Towns

Rothbury, Alnwick & Morpeth

The nearby market town of Rothbury is the capital of the region known as Coquetdale. Nestled at the foot of the Simonside Hills and on the outskirts of the Northumberland National Park, there are plenty of shops, pubs and eateries to visit as well as walks and picnic spots on the banks of the River Coquet. Cragside House and Gardens, the home built by the great Victorian industrialist, Lord Armstrong in a National Trust property open to the public just outside the village. Dotted throughout the hills that surround Rothbury are signs of human habitation way back to stone age times. From hillforts at Westhills to rock art known as Cup & Ring Marks at Lordenshaws

Morpeth is a bustling market town a short drive away and whilst it boasts a range of larger shops, it has not lost its market town charm. It is situated on a historically strategic crossing of the River Wansbeck and grew in importance as a village after the Norman Conquest. You can hire a row boat for a lazy drift on the river or while away the time exploring the delightfully ornate Carlisle Park before returning to serious retail therapy. Suffragette Emily Davison who died when she fell under the King’s horse during the 1913 Epson Derby is buried in the small churchyard and there is a statue to commemorate her in the park.

A short journey east brings you to the historic market town of Alnwick. With its imposing castle and world-renowned gardens. It is a busy place complete with all the shops, pubs and restaurants you could wish for, as well as plenty of quirky nooks and crannies to explore. For the bibliophile, a visit to one of Europe’s largest bookshops, Barter Books, will be a delight. Located in the old railway station, don’t believe anyone if they tell you they are simply going to “pop-in” for a few minutes! If you fancy a wander through a Duke & Duchesses garden (for free!), Hulne Park, is a real hidden gem.

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From the Guestbook

Wish we were there longer! Beautiful cottage; well-equipped, clean, warm with stunning grounds. Short drive to the Bosk/Breamish valley spa and the running fox at Powburn. Will definitely book again.

October 2025

Lovely cosy cottage, well equipped and very clean. A fantastic place to get away from it all. The log burner was a bonus after cold, blustery days out walking. The gardens are stunning and felt so lucky to be able to explore them, especially the walled garden.

October 2025

Thank you Alice, you have a beautiful property, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time there, it is such a welcoming and comfortable place. A very pretty private garden and amazing to be allowed to walk around the walled garden and woodland.

September 2025

Glanton Pyke is a truly magical home, combining splendour with warmth. Roaring fires, elegant drawing rooms and cosy bedrooms create a welcoming atmosphere. The gardens enchant year-round, with sweeping views, woodland, meadows and a secret walled garden that feels like another world. Inside, the beautiful décor, artwork and furnishings make every corner a delight, while the inviting sofas and beds ensure your stay feels like a true sanctuary and escape.

January 2024

An absolutely wonderful place to stay. So cosy and quiet. The gardens are incredible to wander around, thank you for the warm welcome.

July 2023

We stayed at Stable Cottage for a week of R+R after a busy few weeks and it did not disappoint . The cottage itself is beautiful and the gardens and views soothe the soul. Alice and Charles it was lovely to meet you and your dogs and thank you for making us feel so welcome. I can certainly see myself staying here again, wishing you all the best.

March 2023

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"Georgian country house with one of the finest private gardens in England including maze and croquet lawn"

"One of the finest houses in Northumberland"

"Starry, starry night: five of the best places for stargazing in the UK"

"Glanton Pyke: This blissfully secluded Georgian estate is the perfect UK escape"