Lou is the owner of Cragend Farm with her husband Shaun, and deals with everything from Holiday Accommodation inquiries to egg collection from the chickens; she is the social media and web design finger-tapper.
We feel Cragend Farm is vital to supporting the best of British as a visitor experience, especially as it in The North East of England, and because it offers a unique blend of heritage, sustainable rural tourism, and authentic local history, and provides visitors with a rich and immersive insight into British innovation and country life.
Cragend Farm provides a distinctive, high-quality visitor experience that showcases the best of British history, innovation, and rural charm, making it a vital part of the regional and national tourism landscape.
British Pioneering and Heritage is everywhere at Cragend Farm, as it was a demonstration centre for Lord Armstrong of Cragside’s cutting-edge hydraulic engineering in the 1880s, serving as a "model farm" powered by water. Visitors can see and interact with original Victorian machinery, including a hydraulic silo, turbine, and weighbridge, which were prototypes of technology used in major landmarks like Tower Bridge in London. This offers a unique, tangible link to Victorian ingenuity and the history of renewable energy.
It also offers an authentic rural experience. Cragend Farm is a working rare-breeds farm, allowing visitors to experience genuine British Farming Northumbrian style. The peaceful, unspoilt setting, complete with wildlife and rare-breed animals, provides a "real" countryside escape, which is a core component of a great "Best of British" experience.
Deep Historical Context: The farm's history spans centuries, from a Celtic Camp and Border Reiver heritage to its Victorian transformation, offering a broad historical narrative of the area. This deep historical context, combined with the personal passion and extensive research of the owners, Lou and Shaun Renwick, makes for a captivating and educational visit.
Situated on the edge of the renowned National Trust Cragside Estate, Cragend Farm acts as an essential complement, telling a little known part of the Lord Armstrong story. Visitors often note that visiting both sites is necessary to fully appreciate the scope of Armstrong's vision and engineering genius.
The farm champions "Green Tourism" and sustainability practices, including using a biomass system and engaging in tree planting projects. This approach to conservation and the environment aligns with modern best practices in responsible tourism, appealing to environmentally conscious visitors.
The small-scale, personal nature of the tours, led by the owners themselves, creates a highly engaging and memorable experience. The interactive elements, "wow factor" of the machinery, and opportunities for discussion draw visitors into the story and local community, fostering a strong connection to the place.
Find Out More About Cragend
Cragend Farm has a interesting and diverse history, from technical innovations to historic buildings. Tied in closely to the neighbouring Cragside Estate home of Victorian inventor and industrialist Lord Armstrong.
Wonderful Dog Friendly B&B and self catering cottage, Amazing unique historic site, (featured on TV: Matt Baker’s Travels with Mum & Dad North East)
Original Cragside Architecture and Machinery. Celtic Camp and Ducal Border Reiver settlement, remodelled by Victorian Lord Armstrong of Cragside as his show case for hydraulic machinery.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT in ABOUT US.