House, Estate Tours & Walks

Tours of the house and surrounding grounds can be arranged for groups of 15 plus. Our garden is most colourful with its Rhododendrons and Azaleas at their very best around mid May to mid June. Learn about Dobson the renowned North East architect who designed and built the house for my ancestor Isaac Cookson or indeed Lutyens who made additions to the interior of the house later on. Experience a more in-depth trip with a look behind the scenes and a wider tour including the Estate and its other properties of interest.

We are delighted to offer the opportunity for 'tailor made' tours for Schools. Whether it is seeing first hand how the countryside works, seeing wild life in its natural habitat, foraging for food or witnessing the different seasons at work year round i.e. lambing and harvest.

Meg's Walk

We offer a special walk of the River Wansbeck Valley taking in the parkland in front of the house and Meg's Wishing Well. This is Meg's Walk. Meg 'O' Meldon was a much written about old money lender who reputedly buried her treasure around the Estate along the banks of the Wansbeck Valley. She is now reputed to be a stray black cat roaming the Valley - watch out for it!

Buy a picnic from the café to take with you on the walk then you can re-charge your batteries half way round whilst sitting on the banks of the river. The walk is suitable for most although unfortunately not for wheel chairs or push chairs. It is circa 2½ miles long, please wear boots as it may well be muddy.

Cost for the walk is £2.50 per person 16 and over, please pay at the café. (picnic: optional extra).