The Queens Head, Rothbury

The Queens Head is a family run pub in a lovely village setting in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside. All rooms are ensuite with hospitality trays and colour televisions. Fitted with high quality beds the rooms are newly refurbished and very comfortable. Excellent food private parking and a friendly atmosphere ensure an enjoyable stay. This is a great place to base yourself if you are exploring the area. We are surrounded by amazing countryside where you can go walking, fishing, play golf, (special offers available with Rothbury golf club) or just take in the great views. The coast is close by and there are castles, National Trust properties and the island of Lindisfarne to visit, and of course Alnwik Castle and Alnwick Gardens which the Duchess of Northumberland had designed and built.
For the nature lover and anyone interested in natural history, Northumberland offers mile uopon mile of golden sandy beaches and beautiful rugged shoreline to explore. A haven for seabirds and Grey Seals, the Farne Islands(boat trips available from Seahouses)is where St. Cuthbert sought peace and solace and Coquet Island (boat trips from Amble) are an RSPB reserve. Holy Island is easily reached on a day trip and we have tide tables for the causeway. The archeology of Northumberland is facinating, we have Stone Age rock art just outside of Rothbury and Roman remains everywhere, the most well known being The World Hetigate site of Hadrians Wall. Northumberlands National Park is on the doorstep a stunning area of unspoilt countryside.
The name 'Rothbury' is either derived from the Celtic word 'Rhath' which means a cleared spot, or from the Saxon warrior 'Hrotha' whose lands were in this area. Rothbury is the 'capital' of Coquetdale in North Northumberland. The ancient Coquet bridge divides some 2,000 inhabitants almost evenly north and south, the town lies near the centre of rural Northumberland and as such it has been an important centre since the 13th century and has had at various times boasted a Castle, a Market and Magistrates Court. It was also the administrative centre of the rural district till the reorganisation of 1974. Rothbury church has been noted in history since the 11th century and was of importance around the time of the Norman Conquest. In 1291 King Edward I granted a charter to hold a market every Thursday and also an annual fair. . Rothbury has had a turbulent and bloody history. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the Coquet Valley was a pillaging ground for bands of Reivers who attacked and burned the town with terrifying frequency.
Brinkburn Priory - 4 miles SE of Rothbury is this perfect example of an early Gothic Priory. Brinkburn dates back to 1135 when it was founded by Augustinian canons. Brinkburn fell into ruin following the dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII after 1529. The Priory was fully restored in the 19th century. Open Easter to end of October. For information tel. 01665 570628
Cragside House - A National Trust property Cragside House was formerly the home of the famous inventor Lord William Armstrong 1810-1900. In 1878 Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, powered by generators on the estate. The House is magnificent and also boasts some beautiful gardens surrounding it, follow the link from our website.
Whatever you decide to do or see you wont be disappointed, Northumberland, the secret kingdom awaits.…