Morpeth Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Morpeth with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to get around.


Introduction to Morpeth

Morpeth is a charming market town in Northumberland, North East England. Its rich history and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic British experience. Nestled on the banks of the River Wansbeck, Morpeth has easy access to stunning countryside walks, picturesque villages, and world-renowned historical sites.

List of Places to Visit in Morpeth

Morpeth is a town packed with fascinating cultural and natural attractions. Here are the best places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum - This unique museum showcases the history of bagpipes with its extensive collection of bagpipes from around the world.
  • Morpeth Clock Tower - A Victorian structure that stands tall in the town centre and is an iconic part of Morpeth’s history.
  • Morpeth Town Hall - Built-in 1714, this stunning Georgian building is a hallmark of Morpeth’s history and architecture.
  • Wallington Hall - A National Trust property that offers visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the elite during the Georgian era.
  • Bothal Castle - A spectacular 14th-century castle located just a few miles from Morpeth and has remained well-preserved over the years.

Natural Attractions of Morpeth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Morpeth Riverside Walk - A 2.5-mile riverside trail, which starts and ends at the Town Hall and passes several landmarks and viewing platforms.
  • Bolam Lake Country Park - A nearby park with a beautiful lake and woodland trails, picnic areas and an abundance of wildlife.
  • Druridge Bay Country Park - A stunning level beach with three miles of golden sand and dunes, surrounded by woodland and grassland habitation.
  • Kielder Water & Forest Park - A marvel of British engineering, Kielder Water is the biggest manmade reservoir in northern Europe and offers dozens of activities, leisure, and recreational pursuits.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Morpeth

Morpeth offers some of the most breathtaking hiking and cycling routes in Northumberland. Here are some must-explore trails:

  • St. Oswald’s Way - A long-distance footpath that stretches from Heavenfield to Lindisfarne, diving into Morpeth and the surrounding countryside.
  • Hadrian’s Wall Path - Start this breathtaking trail from Housestead Roman Fort and either walk the full 84-mile route to Wallsend or complete just the Morpeth section.
  • The Coast and Castles Cycle Route - A 200-mile route that passes through Morpeth and covers the stunning Northumberland coastline.

Best Things to Do in Morpeth: Activities and Tours

Morpeth offers visitors plenty of fun activities and tours to keep them entertained. Boating, fishing, horse riding and underground tours are just a few examples. Below are our top picks:

  • Morpeth Treasure Trail - a fun and engaging way to explore historic Morpeth and Northumberland’s countryside.
  • The Aln Valley Railway - Take a trip on a steam engine train for a nostalgic train ride along the 2-mile track through the Northumberland countryside.
  • Crazy Golf at Morpeth Golf Club - Play a round of mini-golf or improvise on the golf course itself.
  • Liddle Therapies - Indulge in a little self-care and book a relaxing spa day or massage to rejuvenate.

Week-Long Itinerary for Morpeth

To make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a week-long itinerary for Morpeth.

Day 1: Arrival day in Morpeth. Day 2: A historical day exploring Morpeth’s past, including visits to Morpeth Clock Tower and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum. Day 3: A full day trip to Hadrian’s Wall, ending with a stay at a nearby hotel. Day 4: A leisurely day exploring the countryside, including the picturesque village of Rothbury. Day 5: Take a walk along the Morpeth Riverside Walk. Day 6: Visit Wallington Hall and Bothal Castle. Day 7: Departure day.

Food and Drink Scene of Morpeth

Morpeth has a vibrant food scene, with cafes, fine dining restaurants and traditional pubs serving hearty dishes. Below are some of our favorites:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stottie Cake - A traditional Northumberland flatbread that is a staple in the region.
  • The Plough Inn - A country pub with extensive menus and local beers.
  • Black and White Coffee Co. - A cafe with delicious coffee beans roasted on-site and serving homemade cakes and treats.

Local Beverages

  • Morpeth Brewery - A microbrewery in the town centre that produces beers using traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Morpeth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Morpeth has an array of accommodation options, including budget-friendly hostels, charming guesthouses, and luxury hotels.

Some great options include:

  • The Morpeth Larder - A cozy B&B situated on the high street that provides a convenient location to stay and explore.
  • Hedgefield House Hotel - A historical country house just a mere six miles away from Morpeth town.
  • Waterford Lodge Hotel - A modern three-star rated hotel located in a peaceful countryside setting with easy access to Morpeth.

What to Buy in Morpeth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Scottish Shortbread Cookies - These buttery treats are a popular item to bring back as a gift or snack.
  • Mills kilt hose - These socks made in Scotland are popular among Scottish enthusiasts.
  • Northumberland Tartan bags - The colorful striped bags made from Harris Tweed, with genuine leather handles and coordinated lining.

Local Culture and Customs of Morpeth

As a town located in Northumberland, Morpeth shares a rich history of mining and other British traditions. “Ceilidhs” or town dances are held frequently, with local fiddle music performers and live bands.

Best Time to Visit Morpeth

The ideal time to visit Morpeth is during the summer months, particularly between June and August. During this period, the weather in Morpeth is at its best, and most attractions are open and accessible. The town also holds several annual events and festivals during the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Morpeth

Here’s a quick snap of what to do and not do while in Morpeth:

Do:

  • Take a stroll along the Morpeth Riverside Walk.
  • Visit historical sites, such as Morpeth Clock Tower and Bothal Castle.
  • Shop local products and souvenirs in the High Street.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter.
  • Don’t disturb wildlife in any of the nature reserves in the surrounding areas.
  • Don’t wear hiking boots inside any of the local boutiques or high-end shops in the vicinity.

Safety and Health

Safety in Morpeth

Morpeth is a largely safe town, welcoming to tourists and visitors. Still, visitors should be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, as is the case in any British town.

Health in Morpeth

Morpeth has an excellent healthcare infrastructure, with fully-equipped hospitals and general practitioners (GPs). In the event of any medical emergency, dial 112; ambulance and hospital services will be dispatched promptly.

Getting to Morpeth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some of the best ways to get to Morpeth.

Airports Near Morpeth

  • Newcastle International Airport -The closest airport (20 miles) from Morpeth.

Bus Stations Near Morpeth

  • Morpeth Bus Station - Situated in town, buses offer frequent routes to neighboring towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Train - Morpeth train station is conveniently situated, with frequent routes to Newcastle upon Tyne.

How to Get Around in Morpeth

Morpeth is a compact town, easy to navigate on foot or cycling. Public buses and taxi services are available for further distances, outside the town centre.

Where to Go Next from Morpeth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Morpeth is surrounded by beautiful towns, coastal and countryside destinations. Some popular trips from Morpeth include:

  • Alnwick Castle and Gardens - Located 20 miles north, the beautiful and historic Alnwick Castle and its stunning grounds is worth a visit.
  • Northumberland National Park - Located just south of Morpeth, this park stretches over an area of 1,049 square km and renowned for its natural beauty, history and wildlife.
  • Newcastle upon Tyne - A cultural and University city that offers exciting nightlife and art scenes, located just 18 miles south.

Conclusion

Morpeth is a little gem of a town offering travelers an excellent mix of rich history, natural beauty, and cultural entertainment. Whether you’re hiking through the great outdoors, exploring the local gourmet cuisine or soaking up the history, Morpeth will leave you with a lasting impression of the Northumberland England vibe.