About Corbridge

Corbridge was originally a busy Roman Town and 2000 years later is a destination of distinction.

A destination of distinction

This is one original and surprising village and small town. Some of the oldest finds in Britain, including rare Roman armour and the Corbridge Lion, are housed in our English Heritage Roman Town. Where you can see a time capsule of Roman life inside the newly refurbished museum and then explore the remains of the streets they once walked. All just a few miles away from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall itself and the popular coast to coast Hadrian’s Wall Path.

Corbridge is also known for its large number of independent businesses. The present day Market Place has a baker, art shop, traditional grocer and more. Including award-winning Forum Books close by at The Chapel – a stunning transformation of the old Methodist Chapel complete with preserved pulpit – along with Vintage At The Tower.

Across the village there are acclaimed independent clothes and shoe shops for fans of fashion, featuring top brands, as well as beauticians and hairdressers. For foodies there are many indy cafes, several historic pubs, a deli, a butcher and a wine bar. Plus a range of Italian, Indian and English restaurants.

There is much else to discover including jewellers, a baby at a bank, a cookshop, garden room, florists, gift and furniture stores. Plus interior design shops and antique and vintage emporiums. Several are regularly featured on national TV and in magazines and newspapers both in the UK and across the world. And there are excellent hotels and B&Bs to stay in along with a range of self-catering accommodation.

Within One Hour’s Drive

The Romans knew a thing or two about Location, Location, Location. So you will find Corbridge very accessible at the crossroads of the east-west Newcastle to Carlisle A69 and the north-south Edinburgh to Darlington A68. Corbridge Railway Station is on the Tyne Valley line between Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle with connections to both the East Coast and West Coast main lines. While Corbridge has an excellent bus service, including express buses to and from Newcastle. And Newcastle Airport is just a short drive or taxi ride away.

Hexham and its Abbey and old Gaol are a few miles west of us. Newcastle, Carlisle, and Europe’s biggest shopping mall, the Metrocentre, are easily reachable by car or public transport. The magical moorlands and wildernesses of the Scottish Borders, peppered with explorable, historic market towns, are near. The Eden Valley and Lake District’s stunning scenery are day trip territory. Kielder’s unique observatory in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and both Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda are closer still.

Secret Streets and Courtyards

There is something Dickensian about the secret streets and courtyards of Corbridge, where you never know what is around the next corner. Backstreets like St Helen’s must be explored – and Bishop’s and Old Bakery Yards. Visit The Pele Tower by St Andrew’s Church in Market Place – now a historic Game of Thrones-style pub which has to be experienced to be believed. St Andrew’s Church itself is one of the oldest churches in Britain and open to all every day. Our bridge, the oldest surviving over the Tyne, looks over lovely river walks. While Aydon Castle is a short drive or interesting walk away.

Also check out our three Historic Corbridge Trails. Including one – A Corbridge Walk Through Time – which also features on the national TrailTale app for smartphones with a ‘live’ GPS map as you walk. You can download the TrailTale app free from the Apple App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android devices.

Markets and Clubs

There is always something happening here. Including our Midsummer Evening and the Christmas In Corbridge night which attract up to 12,000 visitors at a time. With some 5,000 attending the twinkling St Andrew’s Church Christmas Tree Festival every year – over 100 amazing trees on show in 2019. For music fans there’s the four day Corbridge Chamber Music Festival every summer. While June sees the Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival and also the annual Steam and Vintage Rally. Forum Books at The Chapel hold regular author events and talks, attracting the likes of David Walliams and Michael Palin to Corbridge. With a village population of over 4,000, Tynedale Rugby Club and Corbridge’s Cricket, Quoits and Tennis Clubs host regular games and events. Golf courses are nearby at Hexham, Slaley Hall Close House and Matfen.

 Can You Find..?

  • A Roman Eagle on the St Andrew’s Church Tower?
  • A vintage and lifestyle emporium in a courtyard off Main Street?
  • A royal cooking place?
  • A place in Hill Street linked to a nursery rhyme?
  • Part of a bicycle in Watling Street?

Finding More….

There’s a lot more information across this Visit Corbridge website via the various menus at the top of the page, including detailed travel advice on how to get here, a map of the village and much more. You can also find excellent reviews at Trip Advisor