- Play Hard
- 7th Mar 2025
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HLN’s ultimate guide to visiting the market town of Morpeth
Morpeth is a quaint village in Northumberland nestled on the banks of the River Wansbeck. Famed for its charming streets, traditional farmers markets (every Saturday of the month), stylish boutiques, and upscale restaurants are dotted around its cobbled corners.
Sotheby’s
International real estate firm Sotheby’s has just named Morpeth as one of the best towns in the North East.
And they’re not wrong. Morpeth is a market town that blends rich history with vibrant modern life.
Whether you fancy a stroll through the park or a day of shopping, here’s our ultimate guide to exploring Morpeth.
GETTING THERE
Driving: Morpeth is just off the A1, so super easy to access by car. We recommend parking at Matheson’s Gardens, Greys Yard and St James which all offer free parking all day.
Train: The train from Newcastle Central Station takes just 20 minutes, and will cost around £6.00 for a return journey.
Bus: Morpeth bus station is well connected to nearby towns, villages and Newcastle city centre.
THINGS TO DO
Carlisle Park
Morpeth, NE61 1YD
This award-winning park is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, with formal gardens, an aviary, river walks, and the William Turner Garden – a tribute to the renowned botanist. Families can enjoy the children’s play areas, paddling pool, and rowing on the River Wansbeck. From 25th – 27th April, head along to enjoy the 57th Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering – a three day festival of street entertainment, music and heritage.
Morpeth Chantry
67A Bridge Street, Morpeth, NE61 1PQ
Dating back to the 13th century, Morpeth Chantry originally served as both a chapel dedicated to All Saints, and a toll house for the river crossing. This historic building is now home to the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum – the first of its kind in the UK – as well as a craft centre showcasing the work of local makers.
Photo credit: Morpeth News TV
Riverside Walks
Trail start: Whorral Bank, NE61 3AB
Enjoy leisurely walks along the River Wansbeck, taking in the picturesque scenery and spotting local wildlife. If you fancy a small hike, there’s a great 8.4km trail that will take you around 2 hours 20 minutes along the riverside path, through woodland and along country lanes. It’s suitable for most abilities and dog-friendly.
St. Mary’s Church
Morpeth, NE61 2QF
A short walk from the town centre, this medieval church is renowned for its historic architecture and serene churchyard. Interesting fact, Emily Wilding Davison is buried in her family plot here. She died after throwing herself under the hoofs of Amner, King George V’s horse in support of the British suffragette movement, and her gravestone bears the movement’s slogan, “Deeds not words”.
Whitehouse Farm Centre
Morpeth, NE61 6AW
Loved by families in the region, this all-weather attraction allows visitors to interact with a variety of animals, enjoy tractor-trailer rides, and explore indoor and outdoor play areas. They always have great seasonal events so check their website to find out what’s coming up.
Morpeth Golf Club
Morpeth, NE61 2BT
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at this scenic parkland 18-hole course, which welcomes both members and visitors of all abilities. It also has great clubhouse facilities if you just fancy a spot of lunch.
SHOPPING
Sanderson Arcade
Morpeth, NE61 1NS
A beautiful shopping centre in the centre of Morpeth, Sanderson Arcade has a mix of high-street brands and independent boutiques offering fashion, homeware, jewellery, food and drinks. It also has some great spots for coffee and lunch. Our top recs? Martino Lounge for cocktails, Pitman Pizza (unreal), and Morpeth Larder for local foodie treats.
Morpeth Market
Morpeth Market Place, NE61 1HG
If you love locally produced fare, these markets are right up your street. There’s a weekly market every Wednesday between 9.00am-3.00pm, as well as a monthly farmers’ market held on the first Saturday of every month, where you can pick up fresh cakes, delicious bread, jams, locally reared meat and more. It’s the ultimate wholesome weekend activity.
Rutherford & Co
10-16 Bridge Street, Morpeth, NE61 1NJ
Rutherfords has been a stalwart of Morpeth since 1846. This privately owned department store has a lovely range of fashion, homeware, gifts and beauty all under one roof. The brands stocked in here are worth checking out – we really like to visit the fashion department to find high-quality, unique pieces.
THE HIGHEST RATED PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
EVENTS
Morpeth Book Festival
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March 2025
Literature enthusiasts should time their visit to coincide with this annual event, which celebrates authors, poets, and literary works, offering readings, workshops, and discussions.
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