I’ve been on a mission to explore all our local National Trust sites, and with Cherryburn recently opening every Thursday and Friday, I was pleasantly surprised by what this little, quaint space had to offer.
Tucked above the Tyne Valley near Stocksfield, Cherryburn tells the story of Thomas Bewick, one of the great figures of British printmaking and natural history.
Managed by the National Trust, Cherryburn invites visitors to slow down, look closely and embrace nature. With a small stone cottage, farmhouse and garden paths, Cherryburn tells the story of Thomas Bewick. Born in 1753, he grew up among fields, woods, birds, livestock and working people, absorbing the details of rural life that would later fill his engravings.
And what a beautiful nature it is. From the farmyard and garden, the Tyne Valley opens out in layers of green, reminding visitors that Bewick’s art was created in everyday contact with landscape, weather, animals and work. Nearby, the farmhouse helps tell the wider story of Bewick’s life and legacy, with displays connected to his work, publications and printing practice.
My visit to Cherryburn can be summed up in two parts: learning about Thomas Bewick and his life and art, and appreciating the quiet beauty that Stocksfield has to offer.
First, let’s learn a little bit about Thomas Bewick:
Thomas Bewick was the eldest of eight children in a family connected with farming and local coal workings. As a boy, he was not always enthusiastic about school or routine duties. What held his attention was the life around him: birds in hedgerows, animals in fields, movement in woods and water, and the small dramas of the countryside.
This love later translated into his art when he was apprenticed to Newcastle engraver Ralph Beilby.
At Cherryburn, the print room is a must. Demonstrations, when available, reveal the journey from woodblock to printed page and make clear just how much skill, patience and pressure sat behind each tiny image. I even left with a gift: a print made by one of Bewick’s engravings.
A garden for people and wildlife
“In the garden, I was employed in weeding the beds of cabbages and carrots, and in gathering peas for dinner,” – Thomas Bewick’s memoir.
The above quote sits on one of the planters in the gardens around Cherryburn. I thought the nature around the cottage and farmhouse was pretty – boasting views of Stocksfield, rolling fields of yellow buttercups and more – but there’s even more than meets the eye.
Tucked away down a little path around the back of some picnic tables is a Silent Space. This is a bench where you can just sit, listen to the wind and the birds, watch swaying forget-me-nots and be one with nature. This was arguably one of my favourite things about Cherryburn, encouraging me to get off my phone (and not take as many photos) and just breathe. In partnership with Silent Spaces, this provides places in gardens to take a quiet moment if you need it.
And the gardens don’t stop there; meander through the museum part of Cherryburn, and you’ll eventually find gardens galore with plenty of seating options to take in the sights. There’s always something to discover, from a wooden teepee to colourful plants, to playing badminton on the grass.
My afternoon there was so pleasantly simple but rewarding – both in providing a relaxing moment and educating me about art and Thomas Bewick’s life. Going to this tucked-away part of history and nature was definitely worth visiting.
Planning a visit?
Things to note: Cherryburn is now open on Thursday’s and Friday’s, check the National Trust’s website or social media before setting off, just in case. There is a small car park at Cherryburn and last entry is 4pm. There isn’t a café on site, so feel free to pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens! I packed a flask of tea and snacked on sandwiches before diving into a book whilst basking in the sunshine.
Do you know a hidden gem or underdog business in and around the Tyne Valley? I’m exploring the area and hope to get to know the best places that may be overlooked. If you have a place to recommend, get in touch!