The revolutionary home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and landscape genius, was a wonder of its age. Built on a rocky crag high above the Debdon Burn, Cragside is crammed with ingenious gadgets and was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. Surrounding the house on all sides is one of the largest rock gardens in Europe. Across the iron bridge, in the formal garden, is the Orchard House, which still produces fresh fruit. The lakeside walks, adventure play area and labyrinth are all good reasons for children to visit Cragside again and again
Don't miss
Visit the first house to be lit by hydroelectricity.
Marvel at the many ingenious gadgets in the house.
Escape to the tranquillity of the woodland and lakes.
Making the most of your day
Free mini bus shuttle service between key features. Introductory talks at front of house. Guided walks throughout the year. Family activities in school holidays. Numerous self-guided walks. Dogs welcome on estate, on leads at all times
Opening times
House*
13-Mar - 01-Apr-10
1 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
02-Apr - 18-Apr-10
11 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
20-Apr - 28-May-10
1 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
29-May - 06-Jun-10
11 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
08-Jun - 23-Jul-10
1 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
24-Jul - 05-Sep-10
11 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
07-Sep - 22-Oct-10
1 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
23-Oct - 31-Oct-10
11 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
Gardens, estate, shop and restaurant
13-Mar - 31-Oct-10
10:30 - 5
Tu
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
03-Nov - 19-Dec-10
11 - 4
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su
KEY: Dark blue=open
*House open 11 to 5 on Saturdays, Sundays and local school holidays. Also open Bank Holiday Mondays. Open 13 to 21 February (except Mondays): house (ground floor only) 12 to 4; grounds, 11 to 4. Also open 6 to 7 March, grounds and house ground floor only, 12 to 4. On Bank Holiday weekends the property is very crowded. Last admission to house one hour before closing. House may open late or close early if light or temperature levels are too low. Occasionally entry to house from 11 to 1 may be by guided tour only, on a first-come, first-served basis (places limited).
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets): adult £13.90 (£12.60), child £7 (£6.30), family £34.70 (£31.50). Gardens and estate: adult £9 (£8.10), child £4.60 (£4.10), family £21.60 (£19.60). Winter (November/December): adult £4.40 (£4), child £2 (£1.80), family £10.40 (£9.35). Payment by cash only at the admission point (to maintain speed of entry). Credit/debit cards can be used for purchases in the restaurant and shop
For more information on any of the symbols used on this page, please see our
Symbol Guide.
Places nearby
Lindisfarne Castle
Druridge Bay
Embleton and Newton Links
Wallington
Guidebook
To find out more about Cragside buy the guide before you visit
Download the list of pictures on display here (PDF)
