Trifter

I recently discovered a perfect gem in rural Northumberland. The Kirkharle Courtyard Arts and Crafts Centre is a unique collection of galleries and workshops at the birthplace of legendary landscape gardener, Lancelot (Capability) Brown, who designed over 170 gardens that surround many of the finest country houses in the UK.  His work is still esteemed by many landscape experts to this day.

Kirkharle makes the ideal destination for those people, who are looking for that special something for an unusual gift or those who simply want to browse around the galleries before stopping off at the welcoming coffee shop for lunch or just a cup of tea or coffee.

The Farm Shop offers a wide selection of delicious organic and traditional local produce.  Visitors are able to book guided walks or buy walking guides and maps at Shepherds Walks

Dennis Kilgallon produces ceramic and bronze sculptures for the home or garden while Robinson-Gay are bespoke cabinet makers and antique furniture restorers.

The Kirkharle Nursery, which is open from March to October, follows Brown’s tradition by being specialists in unusual plants, which are grown in the North.

Frederick Alan Designs produces designer jewellery in gold and silver that is handcrafted to both traditional and modern designs.  Hand knotted jewellery, using semi-precious stones is made in Spirit of Colour Jewellery.

There are original hand-cut silhouettes by John Speight, while Dianne Fox produces papier mache wall plaques, jewellery, mirrors and hand-made cards.  Fabrics, garments and gifts can be obtained at the Northumberland Tartan Centre.

Visitors can walk to St Wilfred’s Church with Lorraine’s Monument, which is believed to date back to 1336.

The Lorraine Room is a purpose-built meeting and function room, which is available for hire and it can cater for up to 60 people.  It has full disabled accessibility and free parking and full catering facilities are available.

Morning coffee, lunches and afternoon teas are available from 10am to 5pm daily in the Laundry Court Coffee House.

Many wheelchair users enjoy their visit to Kirkharle, where every effort had been made to make the complex as accessible as possible.  A number of workshops do have some steps however.

Kirkharle Courtyard Arts and Crafts Centre is open every day, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.  The complex is off the A696 road eighteen miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne.