Things To Do In Corbridge, Northumberland
Corbridge is a beautiful town in Northumberland, not far from Hexham, Heddon on the Wall and Newcastle. Once a Roman supply town for the soldiers on Hadrian’s Wall, it has plenty of history and character that dates well back to the Roman era and can still be seen today. The history as well as the boutique shops, pubs and river walk are just some of the reasons that Corbridge attracts so many visitors regardless of the time of year, so here’s some of the things to do in Corbridge if you’re visiting.
As well as a quaint town centre, unique pubs and shops, there are other attractions nearby to enjoy, including the local sports team, and English Heritage sites and castles that are within close driving distance. A very dog friendly town, take your four legged friend along to enjoy these things to do in Corbridge too.
Walk Along The River
On driving through Corbridge you’re likely to park in the big free car park that is across the bridge and by the river. From here you can walk along the river on a pretty even path, it’s great for dogs. You could walk quite far, or turn and head back before going into the town itself. One of the best views of Corbridge is from the bridge as you cross it.
Corbridge Roman Town Site
Visit the Corbridge Roman town site near Corbridge for a glimpse into Roman life. The town provided supplies and provisions for the soldiers on Hadrians Wall, and you can walk through the old town and site by purchasing a ticket from English Heritage here.
Corbridge Market Place
The centre of Corbridge itself is still reminiscent of the Roman inhabitants that once lived here, it’s very quaint and pretty, with the Market Place in the centre a great spot for independent businesses. One of the must visits are the award winning Grants Bakery – for delicious home made wedges of pie or sausage rolls and pasties, and a whole array of cakes made fresh.
Shopping in Corbridge
One of the most known things to do in Corbridge is to look around the shops, as well as Grants Bakery there is also a butchers, florist, famous wedding dress shop, a sweet shop and a bookshop. The best way to find out about them all is to potter around and experience them for yourself.
A couple which are worth their own mention are Corbridge Larder and the Cookshop.
The Corbridge Larder is a big delicatessen that is famous for its huge selection of cheeses, they have over 100 varieties as well as antipasti, chutneys, olives, bread and cakes. They’ve been there for over 20 years and they sell beautiful gift hampers filled with the local goods. Within the Corbridge Larder is a cafe, The Heron Cafe where you can enjoy freshly made sandwiches and a menu that is only filled with things they sell in store.
The Cookshop can be found on Middle Street, which is filled with old shop windows that always have colourful interesting displays. The Cookshop stocks everything you could possibly need for in the kitchen, for cooking and baking, often with some quirky prints. A must visit for anyone who enjoys the kitchen.
Visit the Pele Tower
Corbridge has its own historic vicars Pele Tower, which is a three storey tower that is now a quirky micro pub. The owners have transformed it with a mix of old wooden chairs and tables and more modern fixtures to add platforms and additional seating areas. There’s also a log fire to keep it warm in winter, lovely for sitting by and enjoying a gin or beer.
The Pele Tower is dog friendly, and they have outdoor seating too on one of the most picturesque little spots in the town.
Massey’s Tearoom
Massey’s tearoom is a traditional tearoom in a very cute building on Middle Street in the centre of Corbridge. It serves home made food, afternoon tea, soups and breakfasts. It’s a must visit for British tearoom hospitality.
Follow Massey’s Tearoom on Facebook here.
Corbridge Pubs & Beer Gardens
There are some great pubs to enjoy in Corbridge, the most popular being the Angel which sits at the top of the hill before the bridge. A big pub food menu, outside seating in the sun and dog friendly – one not to miss especially if you want food make sure you book a table.
The Dyvels is the other side of the river, a traditional no frills pub but again with a beer garden, and the Black Bull on Middle Street in the town centre that also has an outside terrace out the back. You can easily spend an afternoon doing a bit of a pub crawl, especially if you get the train in.
The Dyvels Homeware Store
Next to the Dyvels pub is the homeware store and showroom, and this is a must visit if you’re looking for some unique decor or interior inspiration. It’s beautiful inside and you’ll find all sorts including candles, furniture and soft furnishings.
Corbridge Curry Train
The Valley Indian restaurant is right on Corbridge train station platform, and they offer a curry train experience from Newcastle. For £46.50 per person you can get the train to Corbridge from Newcastle central, order your food during the journey and it will be ready for you when you arrive.
It’s a good night any night of the week except Sunday, with really nice food. A great thing to do as a group. See more information on the Corbridge Curry Train here.
Tynedale Rugby Club
Tynedale Rugby club play in Corbridge, just by the train station and it’s a great afternoon out with a club house, as well as family friendly events that are held at the rugby club too. One of the most popular events is the four day beer festival held usually in June. Big beer marquees serve up a huge range of local beers and ciders, there’s plenty of food trucks, and a family tent with entertainment for kids. As well as the rugby on the field too.
Visit Aydon Castle
A Grade I listed building that is still in tact, this 13th Century manor castle is not far from Corbridge and is a fun day out for the family – including dogs who can be there on leads. It’s an English Heritage site and has been a film set for many films.
Plan your visit and book timed entry slot tickets on the English Heritage website here.
Brockbushes Farm & Tearoom
Just off the A69 before you reach Corbridge is Brockbushes Farm, where you can do seasonal fruit picking for strawberries in summer and pumpkins in October. It’s one of the hardest to get tickets for as it’s set up so well especially for the kids, and they have a packed farm shop filled with produce and gifts, and a lovely on site tea room.
Read my review of pumpkin picking at Brockbushes here.
Corbridge is a thriving local community as it has been since it’s origins as a Roman settlement, and they often have events in the town and the rugby club. For the full list of upcoming events see the Visit Corbridge event listing here.
A beautiful town to visit at any time of year, you aren’t short of things to do in Corbridge. At Christmas the pretty streets are lined with fairy lights, and all the shop windows put on their best festive displays. A walk along the river followed by a potter among the shops, some treats from Grants Bakery and a drink at one of the pubs is a great way to spend a spring or summer afternoon too.
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Pumpkin picking at Brockbushes Farm near Corbridge
Local Gift Hampers from Newcastle, Northumberland and the North East
A Day out to Ingram Valley, Northumberland