All aboard to enjoy estate's sea of colours

The rhododendrons at the National Trust's Cragside estate are now bursting into bloom, transforming it into a sea of colours.
CragsideCragside
Cragside

Impressive displays of azaleas compliment the great drifts of rhododendrons throughout the estate, which was once home to the innovative Lord Armstrong.

The combination of hardy hybrid rhododendrons, popular in Armstrong’s time, with conifers introduced from North America has culminated in the landscape growing into a truly magnificent rhododendron forest.

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The blooms are usually at their best in June and the display only lasts for a couple of weeks.

Dale Stevens, senior gardener, said: “The rhododendron season is one of the best times of year to visit Cragside. The whole estate will be awash with pink, purple, white and red rhododendrons, complimented by the scented yellow and orange azaleas.

“You can explore the estate on foot as we have over 40 miles of footpaths, or by car around the six-mile estate drive to see the full display. Either way, this is a great time to visit.

“The best way to see the rhododendrons is by taking in the estate drive. Journey around the whole of the Cragside estate and see how Lord Armstrong created a place of vision and beauty.”

For more see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside