“Morpeth is a beautiful market town that neatly bridges the gap between convenience and country living…” that’s how one local business has described the busy Northumberland town, and it certainly encapsulates its attractions.
Morpeth is in the heart of the beautiful Northumbrian countryside and less than 10 miles from the coast, so it’s easy to see why people fall in love with the place.
Yet, if you’re choosing a new home, you need to be sure that stunning surroundings are not the only attraction of the location. And that’s certainly the case in Morpeth, where there are excellent shops, easy transport links, leisure opportunities, good and outstanding schools, and plenty of great places to eat out. View our new homes for sale in Morpeth.
Shopping
That comment at the top came from Matt Hoy, managing director (residential) at chartered surveyors and estate agent Bradley Hall, which has a branch in the town, and he describes a ‘bustling retail and social scene’ in Morpeth.
At the heart of the town is the Sanderson Arcade, which features some impressive high street names including M&S, Hobbs, Next, Seasalt and Mint Velvet, with a 533-space car park. Meanwhile a stroll along Newgate Street and Bridge Street offers independent local retailers and national chains. On Bridge Street, you’ll find Rutherford and Co, a privately owned department store that has been serving the town since 1846.
For food shopping there’s a range of supermarkets, while there are regular markets held every Wednesday, plus a monthly farmer’s market on the first Saturday of the month.
Transport
Morpeth is well connected to the surrounding area with Newcastle City Centre less than 30 minutes’ drive away. In fact, Morpeth’s location near the A1 puts it within reach of many important towns and cities in the North East and beyond.
Morpeth railway station, meanwhile, has direct trains that will get you into Newcastle in less than 20 minutes. There are also direct services to Edinburgh Waverley and London King’s Cross. Newcastle International Airport is less than half an hour away by car.
Leisure
There is plenty in town to keep residents and visitors entertained. Regular events for all ages are held at the Sanderson Arcade organised by the businesses there, while Morpeth Fair Day is a big occasion for the town in the summer that attracts thousands of visitors.
Carlisle Park is a major attraction on the bank of the River Wansbeck with its formal gardens and aviary, ancient woodland, paddling pool, picnic areas, tennis courts and bowling greens. And for movie-goers, Morpeth Community Cinema puts on regular film nights.
There are walks on the doorstep, while it’s just 13 miles to the edge of Northumberland National Park and Northumberland International Dark Sky Park – the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. The idyllic beach at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea is just nine miles away.
Schools
Morpeth has a range of well-regarded schools. The King Edward VI Academy on Cottingwood Lane, and Abbeyfields First School on Abbot’s Way both currently have outstanding ratings from Ofsted, while numerous schools in the area are rated as good.
Eating out
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and takeaways providing a range of food styles. Greek, Turkish, Italian and Indian cuisine are all here alongside British and Northumbrian fare.
For cafes, there’s The Old Bakehouse on Newgate Street, where among other things you can get a nice, cooked breakfast, and The Chantry Tearooms on Chantry Place, which sometimes has its popular strawberry, white chocolate and vanilla scone on the menu. And for a something tasty on the go, there is the monthly street food market, and the annual Morpeth Food and Drink Festival.
Finding a home for sale in Morpeth
If living in a bustling and thriving community in a beautiful location appeals to you, the next step is finding the perfect home.
There are 18 luxury apartments for sale in Morpeth being built by Ida Homes at its King Edward’s Place development amid landscaped gardens on Cottingwood Lane in the town, just 10 minute’s walk from the centre. These are two and three-bedroom properties, all with their own private outdoor space.
Find out more about our luxurious houses for sale in Morpeth here.
