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- 14th May 2025
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Cragside’s rhododendrons are on the brink of blooming – here’s everything you need to know
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Spring has officially sprung and with it comes one of the Northumberland’s most breathtaking seasonal spectacles – the rhododendrons at Cragside.
Nestled in the rolling Northumberland hills, the world-famous rhododendrons are beginning to burst into bloom at Cragside. For anyone who loves a relaxing garden stroll, this annual floral display is a must-see.
With its Victorian history, pioneering technology and wild romantic landscapes, Cragside is already a magical place. But come mid-May, the estate transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour, as thousands of rhododendrons – pinks, purples, reds, oranges and everything in between – explode across its 1,000-acre grounds.
To find out more, we caught up with Cragside’s Head Gardener, Peter Edge, who shared his tips on when to visit, where to go and why these blooms continue to captivate us year after year.
HLN TOP TIP: Get 25% off admission price by travelling to Cragside on the Arriva X14 or the Liberty 471 bus services – just £2.50 each way. More info here.
FROM MOORLAND TO MASTERPIECE: A BRIEF HISTORY
When Victorian industrialist Lord William Armstrong and his wife, Lady Margaret, began shaping Cragside in the 1860s, it was nothing like the lush garden we know today. Back then, the estate was mostly rugged moorland and rocky outcrops. But the Armstrongs had vision and ambition.
“They basically created a fantasy landscape,” says Peter. “We think the Rock Garden was inspired by Himalayan and North American scenery – and the rhododendrons played a huge part in that.”
Between 1870 and 1900, thousands of rhododendrons were planted across the estate. Their evergreen foliage and seasonal fireworks made them a Victorian favourite, and today, many of those same plants still bloom each spring.
Botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker, then director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, visited in the 1870s and famously described Cragside as a “wilderness blooming like a rose” – more reminiscent of the rhododendron-rich slopes of the Himalayas than anything else in Britain – impressive, right?
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT?
“Mid-May is usually when it all kicks off,” says Peter. “Because of the relatively mild winter, we’re expecting blooms to start a bit earlier this year.”
The flowering season typically lasts around three weeks, but because Cragside’s gardens span such varied altitudes and microclimates, some areas bloom later than others, giving us all a five-week window to catch the spectacle.
FUN FACT: “We have one bush we always watch,” Peter adds. “It’s not 100% accurate, but when that begins to flower, we know it’s time for others to bloom.”
THE BLOOMING BEST SPOTS TO SEE THE RHODODENDRONS
Cragside is full of dramatic views, hidden gems and picture-perfect moments – but if you’re chasing the most stunning rhododendron spots, here are a few not to miss…
The Rock Garden and Iron Bridge View
One of the estate’s most iconic viewpoints. Stand on the Iron Bridge and look up to see Cragside House surrounded by a vibrant sea of blooms.
The Inspiration Trail
A short, hilly trail that leads you through a riot of colour. With petals cascading down rocky crags and trees drenched in pink and purple, it’s one of Peter’s favourites.
Nelly’s Moss Lakes
Peaceful and scenic, these twin lakes are encircled by flowering shrubs – ideal for a slow, serene stroll.
The Rhododendron Labyrinth
It’s a real maze – made from blooming rhododendrons. Lose yourself in the winding paths and leafy corridors. (There’s even a secret den if you can find it.)
The Carriage Drive
For a more leisurely experience, drive the six-mile loop around the estate. Stop off at viewpoints and ornamental plantings along the way.
THE FLORAL FAVOURITES TO FIND
“The majority of Cragside’s rhododendrons are Victorian hybrids, chosen for their bold colours and showy clusters,” Peter explains. “They were bred to bloom together in one big, brash display. It’s almost otherworldly.”
While rhododendrons aren’t typically scented, Peter explains that “there is one called rhododendron Loderi – it’s easy to spot as it’s tall and with huge cream flowers. You’ll notice a strong, heady smell as you walk by.” If you’d like to find it, it’s at the bottom of the Rock Garden near the Pinetum.
Azaleas, another group of rhododendrons, are characterised as being sweet-scented. These are dotted among the grounds. They have sharper-shaped petals and really vibrant colours like bright yellows, burnt oranges and reds. These appear a little earlier in the spring but are still in flower.
Here are a few standout varieties to watch for:
Lady Armstrong – a vivid pink named after Lady Margaret herself.
Golden flare – eye-catching orange blossoms that pop among the purples.
Old Port – rich, velvety reds for dramatic contrast.
Loderi – scented, statuesque and simply gorgeous.
Azaleas – a wide colour range and lovely floral perfumes.
A LIVING LANDSCAPE – WITH A FEW CHALLENGES
Despite their wild appearance, rhododendrons require care and attention.“Rhododendron translates to ‘rose tree’, and so they grow very tall with large, beautiful flowers,” Peter explains. “Individual buds form in the winter and sit patiently until the days get warmer before opening with multiple blooms or an ‘inflorescence of flowers’. They naturally grow very wild, but we do what we can to prune them and encourage flowering closer to the footpaths.
“The Rock Garden is huge at four acres – it certainly keeps us busy. There’s always lots happening in spring as we care for the Formal Garden on the other side of the Valley as well.”
What makes Cragside’s display so special, he says, is the immersive experience: “You’re surrounded by towering shrubs, walking through tunnels of flowers. You turn a corner and boom – there’s another view you didn’t expect. It really does feel like a garden adventure.”
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Whether you’re after a relaxing walk, a feast for the senses, or that perfect spring photo, Cragside’s rhododendrons offer something truly unforgettable and will be in bloom until late June.
Because trust us – once you see those rhododendrons, you’ll want to come back every spring.
Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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