Corbridge is a village in Northumberland.
Understand
Corbridge was known to the ancient Romans as Coria, and was at one time the northernmost town of the Roman Empire. Due to its status as a border town, it has often suffered the effects of warfare throughout its long history. Nowadays though it is a peaceful country village, bypassed by traffic on the main A69 trunk road and with numerous shops and cafes among the old stone buildings, a pleasant place to while away some time.
Get in
Corbridge is 16km west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and 6km east of Hexham. It is served by trains on the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line and lies just off the main A69 Newcastle to Carlisle trunk road.
Drivers with time to spare approaching from the north or south should consider using the ancient (don't worry it has been modernised to modern A-road standards!) A68 Darlington - Edinburgh road, known since Roman times as Dere Street. The section from Tow Law - Corbridge - Otterburn sees relatively little traffic (lorry-drivers tend to avoid it due to the steep gradients), and is the "classic" Roman road, scorning the topography of the landscape to form long straights with sharp peaks and troughs, and offering some spectacular views as it traverses the high moorlands. Do heed the warning signs if using this road - there are countless blind summits on those long straights and when the bends do appear, they can be pretty tight.
Get around
See
- 1 Corbridge Roman Site, Corchester Lane, NE45 5NT (1/2 mile NW of Corbridge, follow the signs), ☏ 44 1434 632349. 1 Apr-30 Sep: 10AM-5:30PM 7 days; 1 Oct-1 Nov: 10AM-4PM 7 days; 2 Nov-31 Mar: 10AM-4PM Sat & Sun. Fortunately for historians, archaeologists, and those of us with a passing interest, this garrison town was abandoned after Roman rule in Britain collapsed. Now it's possible to walk along the old main street, passing the remains of granaries, temples, workshops and markets. The site museum holds a fascinating collection of artefacts which have been excavated from the ruins. adults £5.40, children £3.20, concessions £4.90.
- 2 Roman Bridge. The remains of the old bridge can be seen at the bank of Tyne.
- 3 Aydon Castle, Off Aydon Road, NE45 5PJ, ☏ 44 1434 632450. adults £4.00, children £2.40, concessions £3.60.
Do
- Northumberland County Show, Tynedale Park. This popular agricultural show takes place annually on the Spring Bank Holiday (usually the last Monday in May).
Buy
Eat
- 1 The Black Bull, Middle St. An English pub with traditional food creatively prepared, and with great desserts. This place will remind you that haggis actually belongs to North England just as well as to Scotland.
- The Valley Corbridge, ☏ 44 1434 633434. Anglo-Indian cuisine, in what was once a station building. If you are booking ahead with a group, the location can offer an escorted experience from Newcastle Central station, You order on the train, and your meal will be ready you when you arrive at the restaurant location.
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Norgate B&B, 7 Leazes Terrace, Stagshaw Rd, ☏ 44 1434 633736. Wi-Fi. Walkers/ Cyclists Welcome.
- 2 Peartree B&B, Roman Way, ☏ 44 1434 632223. Walkers/ Cyclists Welcome
- 3 Lord Crewe Arms, The Square, Blanchland DH8 9SP (On B6306), ☏ 44 1434 675469. It's been a hostelry since the 12th C, as a guesthouse to the Abbey. Eventually it became a pub for the lead miners. Great comfort, service and British cuisine. B&B double £140.
Connect
Go next
- Hadrian's Wall is a few miles North.
- The historic town of Hexham is about 5 miles West.