Discover more at Cragside
Find out when Cragside is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Cragside House sits at the heart of the ultimate designer garden. With spectacular vision, William and Margaret Armstrong transformed the grounds from a bare moorside into a fantasy mountain landscape. They filled the grounds with millions of trees and covered the hillsides in rhododendron.
Created for beauty and function you’ll discover towering trees, overflowing flower beds, trickling burns, dramatic water cascades as well as engineered lakes that were created to harness the power of water.
Cragside’s rhododendron display is a flower show like no other. For a few short weeks each spring the huge 1000-acre estate that surrounds the House, bursts into bloom.
We’ve been on rhododendron watch the last few days. With petals starting to burst through their buds, and a scattering of flowers across the Rock Garden, we’re predicting that we’ll be in full bloom sometime next week (week commencing Monday 20 May). Keep a look out for the big announcement here or on Facebook, Instagram and X.
One of the best ways to experience the this vibrant display is on a waymarked walk. There are 40-miles of footpaths at Cragside, so this is an easy way to navigate the grounds with waymarkers to guide you.
We recommend the Gun Walk, where you'll experience path lined with towering 'rhodies' on this rugged route through the heart of Cragside. The Inspiration Trail is a short but mighty hike. You'll enjoy a short decent to Slipper Lake - a small tranquil lake nestled in the hillside - before traversing the crag. When you reach the top you will witness views of millions of flowers cascading down the hillside between the trees. For a gentler stroll, you can wander around the banks of Nelly's Moss Lakes that are covered in purple flowers.
You can also experience the display by car along the 6-mile Carriage Drive. The road is lined with flowers. From here you will see the rhododendrons stretching up the rocky hillside. There are plenty of places to stop, take photos, and do some more exploring.
One of the best ways to get up close to the display is on a walk along the weaving paths of the Rock Garden. This impressive garden wraps around the House and the stone walkways are lined with some of Cragside's unique varieties including 'Lady Armstrong' which was named after William Armstrong's wife, Margaret.
It wouldn't be a visit to Cragside without capturing the iconic shot of the House sitting at the top of the Rock Garden from the Iron Bridge. With the rhododendrons is full bloom, the House is surrounded by a patchwork of colour.
The Rock Garden surrounds Cragside House. Follow the stone steps and paths and explore the nooks and crannies. There’s a spectacular view of the Debdon Valley and the Iron Bridge from the top.
It’s well worth taking a short hike up the stone steps from the Iron Bridge to the Formal Garden. Once at the top you will be welcomed by colourful flower beds and lots of benches to rest your legs. The gardeners have brought back the fashionable Victorian displays. Every plant and flower has been carefully selected for its bright, bold colour and meticulously planted in straight lines and geometric patterns to bring uniformity to the beds.
Delight your senses at the small sensory garden where you can touch, smell and shake some of the plants. Find the ferneries, with its petit doorway and pond on the top tier of the garden.
If you’re looking for a peaceful stroll where you feel surrounded by nature, head for the Pinetum. As you wander across the timber bridge, you will feel like you are stepping into another world, as towering giant tree reach up to the sky in front of you. Follow the weaving path alongside the babbling burn, where you may spot birds swooping and diving across the top of the water. At this time of year, the sun can stream between the branches of some of the tallest trees of their kind in the country creating a cathedral-like affect across the woodland floor. Don’t forget to look out for ‘Douglas’, our friendly green giant nestled in the trees.
The Gorge is open between April and October each year. This scenic but rugged chasm takes you from the Pinetum to the Powerhouse, where you can find out more about how Armstrong turned water into light. Sturdy footwear is essential as you climb down the steps that have been carved into the rock and cross a timber bridge. From here you will witness the sound of rushing water tumbling into the river below. This impressive noise abruptly stops as you follow the wooden walkway around the cliff.
There are three engineered lakes which were created to harness the power of water.
Tumbleton Lakes
Tumbleton Lake is next to the visitor centre. At a little over a mile round, it’s a perfect walk for stretching your legs if you’ve been in the car for a while. At the top of the lake, you will see a view of the water and the towering trees in the distance, giving you a sense of the size and scale of the grounds. If you would like to walk a little further, Tumbleton Lake is also part of the waymarked Armstrong Trail which takes you on a tour of the lower estate.
Nelly’s Moss
High up on the grounds, is Nelly’s Moss Lakes. This popular part of the grounds is a haven for wildlife. The Greylag Geese and Swans make a return in the spring, and it’s one of the best places to spot emerging frogs and toads. You can follow the Nelly’s Moss walk around the lakes – look out for blue waymarkers to help you find you way.
Find out when Cragside is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Cragside is a two pawprint rated place. With over 40 miles of footpaths, Cragside is great place to stretch your legs with your dog. Read our top tips to help make the most of your visit.
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Volunteering at Cragside is a great way to use your experience and skills or learn something new. Find out more about the volunteer roles available and how you can apply to join the team.
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