‘Magical’ National Trust day out has ‘fantasy garden’ and ’40-miles of

Families looking for a ‘magical day out might like a ‘1,000-acre estate’ that’s been described as ‘the best National Trust property.’ The ‘beautiful’ location often goes viral on social media. Described by reviewers as a ‘hidden gem in Northumberland’, fans agree Cragside is a ‘must visit if you’re in the area.’

Found in Rothbury, Cragside is an ‘enchanting destination’, with a house and ‘grand fantasy garden.’ The National Trust website explains that the destination offers fun for all the family, including dogs, with pets allowed in all the outdoor spaces, provided they’re kept on a lead so they don’t startle the deer and other wildlife.

The highlights include a Rock Garden, Pinetum, Nelly’s Moss Lakes, and Pump House. With ’40-miles of footpaths’, there’s lots to explore. Social media users showered Cragside with praise after a photographer, videographer, and content creator showcased the dramatic scenery on TikTok under the handle @Northumberland_adventure.

Captioning the trending video, the visitor wrote: “A National Trust property and a stop for a scone in the cafe. 10/10 day out.” The video went viral, racking up over 123k likes and hundreds of comments.

One response from an impressed social media user said: “Cragside is the most perfect place I’ve been!” Another fan agreed: “Looks like something straight out a fairytale!”

Someone else wrote: “Been on my bucket list for *years*.” Meanwhile, a viewer shared: “So grateful to have spent every available school holiday here (my grandparents live in Thropton!) so I love to see videos appreciating it. Cragside is truly a gem of our country.”

Cragside is popular with TripAdvisor reviewers, with over 3,000 ‘excellent’ ratings on the platform. For example, one response read: “National Treasure. Without a doubt, the best National Trust property out there (not that I’ve seen them all).

“If this were local to me, I would be visiting all the time, certainly plenty of trails to discover, and the house needs more than one visit to take it all in. The Cafe was one of the best the Trust has to offer and the staff some of the loveliest people I’ve met. Well worth the trek up the country to visit.”

Another commenter praised: “What an amazing hidden gem in Northumberland. A must-visit if you’re in the area. The woodland park is a lovely spot for dog walks and spending time near the lakes. The house has a fascinating history & has lots to offer.”

Someone else said: “What a gem of a place. I was blown away with everything about it, the house is great with lots of history which the staff are happy to share with you. The grounds are not to be missed with a river walk and formal gardens.

“The best bit is you can drive around the estate to take in the other views and don’t miss out on the ice cream. It’s National Trust and we are not members so it cost £25 each but we spent the day there it was worth it.”

The National Trust website says entry is free for National Trust members and children under five. From February 14 to November 1, adult entry starts from £27. The postcode is NE65 7PX.