Parking in Rothbury

Rothbury is a remote town in a sparsely populated part of Northumberland, providing shops and other services for an area of several hundred square miles.

Although there are bus services available, they're limited, and many locals have no choice but to drive to Rothbury. The result is that the town's on-street parking can get very full at times with locals visiting the shops, the doctor and other services.

Longer-term parking is provided in two free car parks, each well-placed for access to the town and walks. To reduce parking congestion, please use these car parks whenever possible, especially if your stay is more than an hour or two.

Note that street parking will be restricted during special events, like the Street Fair (end of May) and the Music Festival (July).


Cowhaugh Car Park

Also known to locals as the "Haugh Car Park", this is on the south side of the river and has about 80 parking spaces. Access to the town centre is a 220 yard walk over the footbridge and past the cottages. However, bear in mind that in extreme weather, and with the river running high, this car park may flood.


Beggars Rigg Car Park

To the west of the town, this is a smaller car park that is next to a small picnic area. It is also next to the footpath that runs along the river, and is a ½ mile walk to the town centre.

Petrol in Rothbury

Like many remote areas in the UK, petrol has not been easy to find in the valley - however, the opening of a new Spar supermarket in Thropton, there is now fuel available (6am-9pm) and two 22kW Swarco charging points.

  • From the centre of Rothbury, follow the B6341 west into Thropton (about 2 miles)
  • The Spar is on the right just as you leave Thropton

    • There are also two petrol stations in Morpeth: one is 15 miles away (24-hours) and the other 16 miles at Morrisons (not 24-hours).

    There is also a petrol station only 12 miles away, north on the A697 just beyond Powburn (not 24-hours).

    Rothbury is by no means unique in not having easy access to petrol, but just remember to make sure you have a decent amount of petrol before you get here.