About Us

History

The farm, aquired from The King in 1331 by The Duke of Northumberland, of Alnwick Castle and Syon House, was rented out for many centuries until Lord Armstrong of Cragside bought it in 1860’s, as part of a grand scheme to create a Model Farm to showcase his prize cattle and innovative water powered hydraulic machinery that worked threshing machines and milling devices. 

Cragside Estate is now run by the National Trust and is on our doorstep.

There are two Turbines, a weighbridge and hydraulic Jig remain insitu on the farm. One of Lord Armstong’s hydraulic turbines was discovered below 4 feet of pig slurry and has provided a great deal of new information about the engineering of the Cragside Estate. An agricultural weighbridge bought by Armstrong from the 1871 Great Exhibition from H Pooley Ltd (now part of W&T Avery Ltd who manufacture scales and weighing machinery to this day) has been fully restored and is the only one Shaun and Lou can find of its kind remaining in the whole of the UK.

The iconic, Grade II* listed Silo, a much loved local landmark visible, has had its roof repaired. This building which has been judged by Historic England to be of national importance being one of only 4% of Listed buildings with such heritage. Updates on the progress of its conservation are on our blog.

Holiday Accommodation

East Cottage is a renovated Victorian workers cottage available for self-catering holidays in Northumberland. Being next door to Cragside means that history is right on the door step, as well as the beautiful countryside.

West Cottage, another farm workers cottage built by Lord Armstrong will be available soon for bookings.

The Armstrong Wing and The West Room are B&B rooms available at Cragend Grange, on the farm.

Prices and availability can be found on the B&B and Self-Catering pages of this website.

Payment is by BACS or cheque. Cash is accepted on site. 

Pedigree Whitebred Shorthorn Cattle

In June 2017 we started our herd of Rare Breed Pedigree Whitebred Shorthorn Cattle. We are hoping to extend our herd in 2018 and build up a Cragend line.

Pedigree Sheep

We have Park Type North Country Cheviot sheep grazing at Cragend Farm. They are originally a local breed, named after the high range of hills in Northumberland. We had our first lambing season in 2017 and now have 16 sheep.

Wildlife

The land around the farm buildings is receiving much needed love and attention for wildlife, like squirrels and deer. We have visiting geese at certain times of the year. The Black Burn flows to the east side of the boundary and is a vision of bluebells and primroses in Spring with wild garlic and watercress in profusion.

As part of the Wildlife Trust commitment to nature we are part of Wilder Northumberland: Cragend Farm.

Fishing

The banks of the River Coquet are very special for numerous reasons, the flora and fauna are exemplary, and the salmon and trout fishing are a treat only available to a special few. A sighting of a Kingfisher or an Otter can make a visit to Northumberland a memory forever. Cragend Farm has 1 ½ mile stretch of the north side of the Coquet available to visit on request if staying on the farm.

Grown In Britain

Our woodland The Coquetdale Plantation has had Grown in Britain status, which is promoting wood from tree to table. We have used our wood for making oak beams in the kitchen and as well as logs for woodburners, generating hot water and heat on the farm, we also make Cragend Candles a winter or summer delight for toasting a marshmallow or some outdoor cooking.

Reviews

Reviews are always welcome at Cragend Farm, as they help "surfing" and "Googling" holiday makers see how other guests feel about Northumberland and our Farm stay.

Thanks to GD for this one!

"An absolute amazing B&B with fabulous short and longer term stay options both catered and self catered. The site is on the original Cragside Estate and you are in a beautiful and well kept rural setting with ample options to explore, walk, nature watch, eat or just relax.
Lou and Shaun have renovated the rooms and buildings sympathetically maintaining old and quirky features whilst giving them elegance and modern comfort.
Every time I stay I feel like I am at home and the only down side is having to leave.
Tips for other travellers: Cragside National Trust offers a full day out that you can repeat time and time again. Nice local shops, crafts and cafes are available in Rothbury and other local villages and Alnwick is a short drive away offering an even greater choice of shops and restaurants with a fantastic addition of the Alnwick garden, the amazing treehouse restaurant (do book in advance) and pretty little seaside Jaunts.
Too many things to list but Shaun and Lou provide ample info in room and are more than happy to help and advise".

To book B&B or Self-catering accommodation use using the 'BOOK NOW' button.

Pedigree Goats

A new addition to Cragend Farm in 2020 is the rare breed of goat known as Bagot, is on the endangered list of pedigree English breeds and we have acquired a small herd in order to do some conservation grazing on our rougher ground and SSSI

Around and about us in Northumberland

Only 1 mile away is Cragside House, previously owned by Lord Armstrong, it has always been a popular tourist attraction with its stunning walks, formal gardens, fantastic scenery and a beautiful house that reflects one mans dreams and inventions. Originally part of the estate, Cragend Farm retians close links. We run tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays most weeks. Booking required. 

No visit to Northumberland would be complete without a trip to Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens. The Castle is owned by the Percy family and they still reside there, as the present Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.  Upon entering the Castle grounds, you can take a guided tour of the state rooms, play in the Knights Quest area or explore the extensive grounds around the Castle, and still experience the Harry Potter fun. Known as the "Windsor of the North" Alnwick Castle is famous for providing the location for the recent Harry Potter films and you are able to see the battlements and the opposing ramparts used in the scenes, as well as filming for other television and films, such as Downton Abbey.

Alnwick Gardens, created by Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland attracts visitor`s worldwide. Visit the ornamental garden with a large range of beautiful David Austin roses or take a tour of the Poison Gardens. For a meal with a difference, the unique Treehouse restaurant is well worth a visit.

 Fishing has always been a big attraction in Northumberland and much has been reported about the quality of fishing on the River Coquet and we have the fishing rights to the stretch of the Coquet that runs through our grounds. Owning 1.5 mile stretch we have 2 rods available. Please ask.

Kielder Reservoir is always a popular fishing hotspot. Situated deep in the heart of Kielder Forrest, this vast man-made lake is fabulous for both fishing and water sports.

Rothbury lies on the skirt of The Northumberland National Park whose dramatic hills and sheltered valleys stretch from Hadrian`s Wall to the Scottish Borders.

There is always plenty to see and do in and around the Northumberland National Park including bird watching, cycling, fell running, fishing, gardens to visit horse riding, painting, rock climbing, walking as well as a multitude of world class golf courses and the legendry Northumbrian coastline

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is among the finest landscape of the country. It was designated in 1958 and covers 39 miles of coast from Berwick to the Coquet Estuary.  Within this stretch of coastline is some of the most dramatic coastal scenery with 70 castles, sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs and isolated islands.

Have a wonderful stay in Northumberland.