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National Trust - Cherryburn: Birthplace of Thomas Bewick

Explore the birthplace of Thomas Bewick, Northumberland’s master wood engraver, set in tranquil gardens with stunning Tyne Valley views.

4.5

Cherryburn is a tranquil historic farmstead in Mickley Square, Stocksfield, Northumberland, famed as the birthplace of Thomas Bewick, the pioneering 18th-century wood engraver and naturalist. Surrounded by accessible gardens and scenic views over the Tyne Valley, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into Bewick’s life, his intricate artworks, and the natural world that inspired him. The site includes the original cottage, a traditional farmhouse museum, and a recently renovated garden designed for both people and wildlife.

A brief summary to National Trust - Cherryburn

  • Station Bank, Stocksfield, Mickley Square, NE43 7DD, GB
  • +441661843276
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Pre-book your visit for Thursdays or Fridays to ensure entry, as Cherryburn has limited opening days and times.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on gently sloped paths surfaced with fine-grade material, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
  • Take time to explore the accessible garden, which blooms with seasonal flowers and attracts local wildlife.
  • Bring a camera to capture the picturesque views over the Tyne Valley and the historic farmstead.
  • Check for special exhibitions and events, such as contemporary engraving displays inspired by Bewick’s work.
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Getting There

  • By Train

    Take a train to Stocksfield station, approximately 1.5 miles from Cherryburn. From there, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on gently sloped paths leads to the site. Train services from Newcastle to Stocksfield run regularly, with ticket prices typically ranging from £5 to £10.

  • By Bus

    Catch the bus running between Newcastle and Hexham, alighting at Mickley Square, about a quarter mile from Cherryburn. The walk from the bus stop is on surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Bus fares usually cost between £4 and £8.

  • By Car

    Drive via the A695, following brown tourist signs to Mickley village and then to Station Bank. Free parking is available for 25-30 cars, with accessible parking 100 yards from the house. Note that some satnavs may misdirect, so plan accordingly. Parking is free of charge.

National Trust - Cherryburn location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about National Trust - Cherryburn

A Historic Home of Artistic Legacy

Cherryburn is the modest yet profoundly significant birthplace of Thomas Bewick, one of Northumberland’s most celebrated artists and naturalists. Born in the 18th century, Bewick revolutionised wood engraving and natural history illustration in Georgian England. The site preserves his tiny birthplace cottage and the family farmstead, offering an intimate look at the environment that shaped his early years. The farmhouse, dating from the 19th century and later home to the Bewick family, now functions as a museum housing an unrivalled collection of Bewick’s wood engravings and detailed exhibitions about his life and work.

Immersive Museum and Artistic Displays

Visitors can explore the museum’s print room to follow Bewick’s wood blocks on their journey to becoming intricate prints. The exhibitions include contemporary works inspired by Bewick, such as the "Beasts, Bewick and Me" collection by master engraver Chris Daunt, creating a dialogue between 18th-century and modern engraving techniques. The museum’s displays emphasize Bewick’s dual passions for art and natural history, showcasing his detailed representations of animals and landscapes.

Accessible Gardens Reflecting Natural Inspiration

The recently renovated Cherryburn Garden is designed to be fully accessible, featuring wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly paths, increased seating, and a naturalistic planting scheme that attracts bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. The garden embodies the wild, rural landscape Bewick would have known, with seasonal blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn colours, and a peaceful frosted charm in winter. It serves as both a tranquil retreat and a living tribute to Bewick’s legacy, inviting visitors to connect with nature and find inspiration.

Scenic Setting in the Tyne Valley

Nestled in Mickley Square, Cherryburn offers stunning panoramic views across the Tyne Valley. The farmstead’s rural surroundings remain largely unchanged since Bewick’s time, providing a serene atmosphere that complements the artistic and natural heritage on display. The peaceful environment enhances the visitor experience, making it a place for reflection, creativity, and appreciation of Northumberland’s cultural history.

Visitor Experience and Practical Details

Cherryburn is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays, with pre-booking recommended to secure entry. The site includes accessible parking, gently sloped paths surfaced with fine-grade material, and facilities such as accessible toilets. Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden, and the site encourages respectful interaction with the grazing livestock in the paddocks. The National Trust offers digital guides including a BSL (British Sign Language) guide, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.

Continuing Bewick’s Legacy Through Community Engagement

Beyond its role as a museum, Cherryburn actively involves volunteers and the local community in preserving and promoting Bewick’s heritage. The site hosts exhibitions and events that celebrate both historical and contemporary engraving arts, fostering an ongoing appreciation for the natural world and artistic craftsmanship that defined Bewick’s life and work. Cherryburn remains a vibrant cultural landmark, bridging past and present through its dedication to education and conservation.

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