Set beside the Lake, inspired by Capability Brown’s original plan, Kirkharle Courtyard is a unique shopping experience, promising home cooked food, creativity, heritage and culture in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside - only thirty minutes north of Newcastle upon Tyne, Hexham, Morpeth and Alnwick.
Within the 18th century courtyard, you'll find work for sale from a variety of nationally-renowned crafts people who sell everything from papier mache artwork to classically inspired sculpture. There's hand-made jewellery and traditionally-constructed bespoke furniture, as well as local crafts, gifts, vintage and antiques. There's also a coffee house which offers some fantastic contemporary cuisine, often using local produce, as well as the traditional cream tea.
Kirkharle's success lies in the way it has managed to combine a modern, but unique, shopping experience with its interesting and varied past.
Kirkharle was the birthplace of Lancelot Capability Brown, the landscape artist once described as the Shakespeare of Gardening. Brown lived on the estate until he was 23 and you can find an exhibition about the man and his work within the courtyard.
The inspirational vision of Capability Brown has recently been brought to life. You can now enjoy his birthplace yourself by taking the pleasant walk around the lake on the fully accessible footpath.
With the recent addition of the Capability Brown play area (for children aged 2-9 years) and a series of activities for the kids - including historic games, a nature trail and a large sandpit area - there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained whilst visiting the workshops and galleries in the courtyard.