Local Area Information

A scenic stroll from Armstrong Cottage through the golf course (or along the lane) takes you to the pretty, thriving village of Rothbury.  Here you will find an abundance of independent shops, galleries, pubs and eateries, as well as a supermarket, butcher and baker.  

Rothbury is also an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular Northumberland countryside and coast, its castles, stately homes, areas of natural beauty, historic landmarks and fascinating history.   

Be sure to visit the nearby National Trust property of Cragside House and Gardens, the UK’s fascinating first-ever ‘smart’ home, which is located a few minutes' drive away at the far end of the village.  Illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics, Cragside House and estate was created by Victorian inventor Lord William Armstrong and his wife Margaret, whose passions for engineering and natural sciences are reflected across this 19th century masterpiece. Experience the beauty of the changing seasons as you explore the formal gardens, lakes, waterfalls and extensive woodland.  

If you are National Trust members, Wallington House and Gardens, gifted to the NT by the nature-loving Trevelyan family, is only 25 minutes' away. The magical Lindisfarne Castle and Holy Island are an hour's drive away, but well worth the trip, as is the wilderness of UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall and Housestead's Fort.

Located on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, there are numerous country and forest trails to discover on your doorstep, providing a haven for ramblers and wildlife alike. A five minute drive away are the walking trails at Simonside (behind Armstrong Cottage) and breathtaking views towards the Cheviot Hills.  Or walk from the centre of the village up to the Rothbury Carriageway that you see across the Coquet valley from Armstrong Cottage and enjoy the prettiest views.

Armstrong Cottage is situated in Northumberland’s Dark Sky Park, Europe’s largest area of protected night sky, you can enjoy stargazing on a clear night.  Or head over to Kielder Water and Forest International Dark Sky Park, home to Kielder Observatory, ranked as the best place in the UK to see stars.  

From Armstrong Cottage, the internationally famous Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens are only 30 minutes' drive away, as are the nearest beautiful beaches at Alnmouth.

If you like being on the water, why not go to Seahouses and take a boat trip to the Farne Islands where you can see seals and puffins?  Visit the famous Longstone Lighthouse, from which Grace Darling and her father made their daring rescue of nine shipwreck survivors in 1838.