A visit to Cragside
Cragside is famous for being the first home to use water power to provide electricity way back in 1878, this meant the house was able to run a few lights and also had lift that was powered by water. The man who had made this happen was called William George Armstrong who was a keen inventor.
The house and the grounds which cover over 900 acres are now owned by The National Trust and have been since 1977, there is alot of information on this house and grounds on the internet and The National Trust have a great guide book.
We had a wonderful day here and we could of spent a whole week here exploring the grounds, maybe another time...
The house and Gardens
This is the view as you walk from the car park to the entrance of the house and gardens.
The Kitchen
The house is a maze of rooms, with lots to see and take in, even our tennage sons(17 &13) enjoyed looking round the house.
Looking to the Iron Bridge
This picture was taken out of one of the windows of the house looking towards the famous Iron Bridge at Cragside.
In the Rockery Garden
The gardens are a wonderful place to explore, loads of paths and fun for the kids.
Walking down thorugh the Rockery Garden
The Iron Bridge
The bridge dates from around 1869 and is a wonderful place to stop and take in the views of the house and rock gardens. The bridge was closed for many years as it was unsafe but in 2008/2009 it was restored and now is open to the public.
The Face
This is a bit scarey!! As you walk round the corner and this old tree has been craved into a face,
A close up of the face
House and bridge
The Gardens
Another of the house and bridge