A taste of food in Northumberland

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Overview

Northumberland’s varied landscape lends itself to produce some of the finest local food in the country. Here we take you through some of the best places to stop and sample some of these amazing tastes.

Start: Corbridge
End: Craster

Journey Times:

Corbridge to High House Farm 15 mins Brewery (Nr Matfen)
High House Farm Brewery to 45 mins Heddon on the Wall
Heddon on the Wall to Blagdon 50 mins (cheese farm)
Blagdon to Howick Hall Gardens 1hr 20 mins (Nr Craster)

Arrive: Corbridge

Here’s why: Corbridge is renowned for its Roman heritage plus local food in village shops and cafes.
Two miles east of Corbridge, on the junction of the A69/A68, Brockbushes Farm offers opportunities to “pick your own” fruit (seasonal) whilst the farm shop is just the place to buy picnic ingredients.

Depart: Corbridge
Here’s how: B6321 – B6318 (e) – brown signs to High House Farm Brewery

Arrive: High House Farm Brewery, nr Matfen

Here’s why: You know you are on to a good thing when your holiday food and drink can be seen growing in the fields you pass by. Almost half of the barley used by High House Farm Brewery is grown at the farm. Even the farm animals have given their name to tasty brews such as “Matfen Magic” or “Nel’s Best”. Explore the world of brewing in the brewery malt loft exhibition or browse the Brewery Shop for (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) souvenirs.

Depart: High House Brewery

Here’s how: B6318 (e) – at reservoir turn right onto B6309 – cross over A69 – continue on B6309 - Ovington – Ovingham – Wylam – north of Wylam join B6528 (direction Heddon on the Wall)

Here’s why: Ovingham churchyard is where the 18th century “Father of English Wood engraving”, Thomas Bewick (1753-1828), lies at rest. Wylam village was the birthplace of railway engineers Timothy Hackworth (b1786) and George Stephenson (b1781) and the locally based Wylam Brewery makes “Wylam Rocket” and “Locomotion No.1” brews.

Arrive: Heddon on the Wall
Here’s why: An opportunity to see Hadrian’s Wall.The Romans had great engineering skills, but less well known is that they also influenced our food heritage by introducing the domesticated leek which grew well in local soil and climate. Leeks were also believed to improve the voice for singing and Emperor Nero ate dishes of leeks to improve his voice.

Depart: Heddon on the Wall
Here’s how: A69 (e) – A1 (n) - exit onto A19 (Cramlington direction) – at roundabout take first left – pass Holiday Inn hotel – in 1.25 miles take left - follow brown signs for Northumberland Cheese Farm.

Arrive: Northumberland Cheese Farm, Blagdon.

Here’s why: Nibble your way through Northumberland’s landscape via “Coquetdale”, “Elsdon” or “Kielder” cheese. And watch the cheese-making process.

Depart: Northumberland Cheese Farm, Blagdon.
Here’s how: Return to A1 (n) – A197 – Morpeth town centre – A197– B1337 – Longhirst – Ulgham – A1068 (n) – Amble – Warkworth – A1068 – pass Alnmouth – B1339 – Lesbury – B1339 (n) – Longhoughton – follow signs for Howick Hall Gardens.

Here’s why:
Morpeth’s Farmer’s Market is held on the first Saturday in the month, all year round and is well worth visiting to meet and speak with local suppliers. Amble earned its accolade of “friendliest port” when it bade a fond farewell to the famous liner RMS Mauretania as she sailed on her final sea voyage in the 1930s. And Warkworth Castle is one of the best ruined castles in Northumberland. Alnmouth’s role as a grain port in the 18th century gave rise to a new Turnpike Road which became known as the Corn Road.

Arrive: Howick Hall Gardens, near Craster
Here’s why: What could be nicer than a cup of tea taken in an English country garden? Especially if that cup of tea is enjoyed in the elegant surroundings of the Earl Grey Tearooms at Howick Hall Gardens. In the 19th century Charles, 2nd Earl Grey was Prime Minister of Great Britain and steered the Great Reform Bill through Parliament. He lived at Howick Hall and whilst the Hall is closed to the public today, the gardens are simply delightful. And so is Earl Grey’s Tea.

Alternative: Drive to Craster village for bracing sea air and superb coastal views and the famous Craster Kippers and other wonderful fresh fish.

Walk Options:

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle – a lovely coastal walk.

Nearest Tourist Information Centres:

Corbridge +44 (0) 1434 632815
Morpeth +44 (0)1670 535 200
Craster +44 (0) 1665 576007

USEFUL WEBSITES
www.visitnorthumberland.com
www.northumberland.gov.uk
www.disabledgo.com
www.traveline.info
www.howickhallgardens.org
www.highhousefarmbrewery.co.uk
www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org
www.neefm.org.uk

Places and distances

Brocksbushes Farm Shop and Fruit Farm

NE43 7UB

A true jewel in Northumberland’s shopping crown, Brocksbushes Farm Shop & Tea Room offers a superb selection of fresh vegetables as well as their famed ‘pick your own’ fruit during the summer months - the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Approx 2.45 mile(s) between Brocksbushes Farm Shop and Fruit Farm and Corbridge Roman Town (Hadrian's Wall)

Corbridge Roman Town (Hadrian's Wall)

NE45 5NT

Corbridge was initially the site of a series of important forts. But after Hadrian's Wall was fully commissioned it developed into a prosperous town, a tempting leave-centre for off-duty Wall garrisons.

Approx 9.58 mile(s) between Corbridge Roman Town (Hadrian's Wall) and Heddon-on-the-Wall Hadrian's Wall

Heddon-on-the-Wall Hadrian's Wall

NE15 0DR

Fine stretch of 280yds of wall with circular chambers and medieval kiln near west end.

Approx 7.65 mile(s) between Heddon-on-the-Wall Hadrian's Wall and Blagdon Farm Shop

Blagdon Farm Shop

NE13 6DA

National and International award winning farmshop. The largest range of Northumbrian & local produce in the region, complimented with the finest foods from Britain and further afield.

Approx 6.24 mile(s) between Blagdon Farm Shop and Morpeth Farmers Market

Morpeth Farmers Market

NE61 1PD

The Morpeth Farmers' Market is held on the 1st Saturday of the month in the Market Place. 09:00 - 14:00.

Approx 19.81 mile(s) between Morpeth Farmers Market and Howick Gardens & Arboretum

Howick Gardens & Arboretum

NE66 3LB

Beautiful gardens, woodland walks, a Prime Minister and a famous cup of tea! Enjoy Snowdrops, Daffodils, and Rhododendrons in spring; the Bog Garden, Borders and Terraces in summer; and brilliant autumn colour in the woodland walks.