Located on a bend in the River Wansbeck, Morpeth is a charming market town in England’s north-east. The area has been settled since at least the Neolithic period and the town’s rich history is celebrated during the annual Northumbrian Gathering.
Things to do in Morpeth
Dominating the centre of town is the Morpeth Clock Tower, a Grade II listed building that rises to 18 metres in height. It was originally constructed in the early 17th century using recycled medieval stone and its bells were cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1706. Learn about its role as a gatehouse to protect the town from northern raiders before later serving as a gaol and a butcher.
If you’re a fan of bagpipes, don’t miss a visit to the Morpeth Chantry, which occupies a beautifully preserved 13th-century building. It houses an impressive collection of Northumbrian small pipes and Border pipes, as well as bagpipe manuscripts and historic photographs. The exhibits are largely based on the collection of William Alfred Cocks, one of the earliest members of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society.
Sprawling on the south bank of the River Wansbeck is Carlisle Park, which features a paddling pool, tennis courts and bowling greens. Wander through the garden named for the naturalist William Turner and explore the motte-and-bailey castle site of Ha’ Hill. In addition to a statue of suffragette Emily Wilding Davidson commemorating 100 years of women having the right to vote, it boasts one of England's four floral clocks.
Getting around Morpeth
Morpeth is around 25 minutes’ drive from Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Trains connect to Morpeth railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Morpeth can easily be explored on foot.