Northumberland

Tranwell

Is in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside, just 3 miles or a 30 to 40 minute walk from the historic Market town of Morpeth.  

 

Morpeth is a bustling market town, the town centre has a modern walk through arcade shopping centre and lots of craft and artisan shops and a fabulous selection of restaurants and tea rooms. We recommend a walk along the river and around Carlisle park to visit the gardens and have tea at the pavilion.  Climb the steps to the top of Haa Hill then walk on up through the trees to Morpeth Castle.  In the summer you can hire a little rowing boat down by the river and the children can play in the park or paddle in the pool.

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Why not leave your car and walk into Morpeth or catch the 777 bus from outside Piramal healthcare just a short walk away from both Ireby or the Campsite.

 

From Morpeth bus station you can catch a bus to most of the places listed below.

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Pop along the road to the Whitehouse farm and help bottle feed the lambs then have lunch at the St Mary's Inn, head half a mile west and have a game of crazy golf at the Morpeth Family golf centre or continue along a few miles towards Ponteland to visit the Northumberland College Zoo at Kirkley hall and feed the Lorikeets.

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7 miles to the east you step back in time and become a miner at the Woodhorn Museum.

 

Just 12 miles to the south are the arts and culture of Newcastle and Gateshead.  Do a spot of shopping at Eldon square shopping centre, become a scientist at the centre for life or immerse yourself in history at the many museums.  There are really good bus and train connections between Morpeth and Newcastle or you can try the park and ride and go in on the Metro from Kingston park.

 

The fantastic white sandy beaches of the Northumbrian coast are just 8 miles to the East Starting with Blyth beach which has the best fish and chips and ice creams, from there you can follow the northumberland coastal route past drudge bay, on through Amble and spend a few hours at the pop up craft shops on the pier, call by Walkworth and listen to medieval stories at Walkworth Caslte visit Morrick dairy for artisan ice creams, take a brisk walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh castle and have crab sandwiches at the Jolly fisherman, visit the lime kilns at Beadnell bay, stop off in Seahouses to visit the puffins and grey seals on a boat ride to the farne islands and break your journey with a tour around the famous Bamburgh Castle and try not to get stranded on Holy Island which is cut off by the tide so do check the tide times before you set off!  

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To the west you can become a roman soldier for the day on Hadrian's wall, visit a real excavation at Vindolanda, Walk to sycamore gap where the famous tree once stood and pretend you are Robin Hood.  Take a scenic hike to see the waterfalls at Hareshaw Linn.  While you are over in that direction enjoy strawberry picking at Brockbushes farm shop.

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Around 19 miles to the North you can visit the worlds biggest treehouse at the Alnwick gardens and get wet in the fountains (so take a spare change of clothes).  Enter the fantasy world of Lilidorei.  Barter for books in Barter books reputably the uk's largest second hand book store where you can sit and sip hot chocolate by their log burning fires.  Become a wizard and try broomstick flying at Alnwick Castle and indulge in handmade chocolates at the Chocolate spa.  On the way home stop off Felton to visit the running fox cafe or call in and see our good friend Trevor at the Northumberland Arms.  If you have time go for a walk with the wallabies at Northumberland Zoo.

 

Visit the many national trust properties nearby to get lost in the labyrinth at Cragside the first house to be lit by hydroelectric power, enjoy a days den building at Wallington Hall and gardens, wonder at the grandior of Seaton Deleval Hall.

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Watch a real knights tournament at English Heritage's Belsay Castle, spend a day by the coast at Tynemouth and visit the Priory or head up into the hills of Rothbury to see Brinkburn Priory.

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Car free itineraries

 

Morpeth and Amble Explorer

Enjoy a relaxing and environmentally friendly day out using a combination of walking and public transport.

From Tranwell Farm Campsite, guests can walk approximately 5 minutes via permissive footpaths to the nearest bus stop and catch the Arriva 777 service into Morpeth. The route provides a convenient connection between the local area, Morpeth town centre and Newcastle Airport.

On arrival in Morpeth, spend the morning exploring Carlisle Park, one of Northumberland's most attractive riverside parks. The park offers beautiful gardens, riverside walks, picnic areas and views along the River Wansbeck. Stroll into the town centre to browse the independent shops, cafés and restaurants before enjoying lunch in one of Morpeth's many eateries.

After lunch, board the Arriva X18 service from Morpeth bus station to Amble. The X18 connects Morpeth with coastal destinations including Warkworth, Amble and Alnwick.

In Amble, enjoy a walk around Amble Marina Ltd and the surrounding harbour area, watching fishing boats and visiting the popular harbour village retail area. A traditional fish and chip supper can be enjoyed overlooking the waterfront before exploring Amble Harbour and the nearby coastal paths.

To return, simply catch the X18 back to Morpeth and then connect with the 777 service towards the campsite. 

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Newcastle Culture and Shopping

Leave the car at Tranwell Farm Campsite and enjoy a day exploring Newcastle by public transport.

Guests can either walk (approximately 35–40 minutes) into Morpeth town centre or catch the Arriva 777 bus from the stop located a short walk from the campsite. From Morpeth Railway Station, regular direct trains run to Newcastle Central Station, with a journey time of approximately 15–20 minutes.

After arriving in Newcastle, take a short walk to the nearby museums. Popular options include the Great North Museum: Hancock, which showcases natural history, Ancient Egypt and Hadrian's Wall collections, or the Discovery Museum, which explores the region's rich maritime, industrial and scientific heritage. Both museums offer free admission.

Following a morning of culture and exploration, enjoy lunch at STACK Newcastle. Located close to St James' Park, STACK offers a wide range of independent street food vendors, local drinks and live entertainment in a vibrant social setting.

After lunch, visitors can spend the afternoon shopping at Eldon Square, Newcastle's premier shopping destination, with a wide selection of high street brands, independent retailers and cafés.

For those wishing to explore further, Newcastle city centre also offers attractions including Grainger Market, Grey Street, the Quayside and the iconic Tyne Bridge, all within walking distance of the railway station.

At the end of the day, return by train from Newcastle Central Station to Morpeth and either catch the Arriva 777 bus or enjoy the walk back to the campsite.

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Alnwick Castle and Gardens

Enjoy one of Northumberland's most famous visitor attractions without using your car.

Begin your journey by catching the Arriva 777 bus from the stop located a short walk from the campsite to Morpeth Bus Station. From Morpeth, connect onto the Arriva X18 service towards Alnwick.

The X18 travels through the Northumberland countryside before arriving at Alnwick Bus Station, which is within easy walking distance of both Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. The X18 provides a convenient and sustainable transport link between Morpeth and Alnwick.

Spend the morning exploring Alnwick Castle, one of England's largest inhabited castles and famous for its appearances in the Harry Potter films. Visitors can discover the castle's rich history, state rooms and extensive grounds.

Enjoy lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant within The Alnwick Garden. Built amongst the treetops and constructed from sustainably sourced timber, the Treehouse offers a unique dining experience with locally sourced produce and seasonal menus.

Alternatively, you may prefer a leisurely walk into Alnwick town centre and a visit to Barter Books, one of the UK's largest second-hand bookshops, housed within a beautifully restored Victorian railway station. Browse thousands of books before enjoying coffee, hot chocolate and homemade cake in the café.

The afternoon can be spent exploring The Alnwick Garden, including the famous Grand Cascade and Poison Garden, before returning to Alnwick Bus Station.

For the journey home, catch the Arriva X18 bus back to Morpeth Bus Station and connect with the Arriva 777 service towards the campsite.