Rothbury

The Gem in Coquetdale’s Crown

Whilst many areas of rural Northumberland are quiet during the winter months, Rothbury remains a bustling hub that is well-worth a visit.

A traditional village nestling between ancient sandstone hills, Rothbury is only 12 miles from The Bondgate Boutique.  The road from Alnwick to Rothbury (the B6341) climbs over breathtaking moorland before dropping down into a forest and passing by Cragside House – one of the area’s most popular attractions.

A centre for local life since the 13^th Century, the village itself has an excellent selection of independent shops, art galleries, pubs and cafes to enjoy.  There is a cattle market, regular antiques auctions and plentiful, well-maintained walks around the area which are suitable for every ability.

Rothbury is a unique and quirky place and the area is renowned for drawing visitors back time and time again.  Something about the friendly locals’ laid-back attitude and the timeless traditions of the village pull at the heart strings and feel like home to many people who spend time there.

We particularly recommend a bracing winter walk along the river to ancient Thrum Mill.  The water mill has stood for centuries and has now been renovated into a cottage.  The river Coquet rushes furiously passed the old mill and its now-silent waterwheel.  A careful trip down onto the rocks will reveal carved evidence of countless generations of youngsters who have spent long summers swimming at the location.

Finish your walk with a reviving hot chocolate at The Bunkhouse cafe or call into The Newcastle House Hotel for a hearty lunch.  Whatever you choose to do in this beautiful, and yet unspoiled village, it’s somewhere you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Rothbury is only 11.7 miles from Alnwick.

Look out for further posts about Rothbury walks and Cragside House later in the year.