Plan Your Visit to Morpeth

VISITOR INFORMATION

Parking & parking discs

One of the great things about visiting Morpeth is that most council-operated town-centre car parks are free.

Whether you're popping in for a coffee, spending an afternoon shopping or planning a full day exploring, there are plenty of parking options within walking distance of the town centre.

Short-stay parking

Several central car parks offer up to three hours of free parking, including:

• Stanley Terrace North and South
• Back Riggs
• Castle Square
• Dacre Street
• Newmarket East and West
• Corporation Yard

Important: These short-stay car parks require a parking disc, displayed clearly in your vehicle and set to your arrival time.

All-day parking

Planning to stay a little longer? Free all-day options include:

• Goose Hill
• Greys Yard
• Matheson's Gardens
• Gas House Lane
• Staithes Lane
• St James long-stay spaces (white bays only)

Some car parks have gates and closing times, so always check the signs before leaving your vehicle.

Where can I get a parking disc?

Parking discs cost £1 and are available from participating local businesses, libraries, tourist information centres and some car park dispensers.

Once you've bought one, you can reuse it whenever you visit a participating Northumberland disc-parking area.

Our top tip

If you're planning a leisurely lunch, a shopping trip and a walk through Carlisle Park, choose an all-day car park so you don't have to worry about moving your vehicle.

Railway station parking operates separately and is chargeable.

For current parking locations, restrictions and charges, visit:

https://beta.northumberland.gov.uk/parking/parking-locations/morpeth-car-parks

Parking arrangements may change. Always follow the signs displayed at your chosen car park.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Getting here

Morpeth is a beautiful historic market town in the heart of Northumberland, with excellent road, rail and bus connections.

Whether you're visiting for a day of shopping, a weekend away or one of the town's popular events, getting here is straightforward.

By car

Morpeth is located close to the A1, making it easily accessible from Newcastle, Edinburgh and other parts of Northumberland.

The A192 and A197 provide routes towards the town centre.

There are several council-operated car parks within walking distance of the main shopping streets, including free short-stay and all-day options.

By train

Morpeth has its own railway station on the East Coast Main Line, with connections to Newcastle and destinations further afield.

The station is located on Coopies Lane, NE61 2SL.

From the station, it's approximately half a mile into the town centre. The walk takes you towards the River Wansbeck and the historic Chantry before reaching Bridge Street.

It's a lovely introduction to Morpeth, particularly on a sunny day.

Check train times and station facilities:

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/morpeth/

By bus

Morpeth Bus Station is conveniently located beside Sanderson Arcade, right in the heart of town.

Bus services connect Morpeth with Newcastle, Ashington, Blyth, Alnwick and other Northumberland communities.

From the bus station, the town's shops, cafés and restaurants are just a short walk away.

Check bus routes and timetables:

https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/

Exploring on foot

Once you've arrived, Morpeth is a lovely town to explore on foot.

Bridge Street, Oldgate, Newgate Street and Sanderson Arcade offer a fantastic mix of independent shops, familiar favourites and places to eat.

Carlisle Park and the River Wansbeck are also within easy reach of the town centre.

Our top tip: Leave enough time for a leisurely wander. Some of Morpeth's best discoveries are the independent shops and cafés you find along the way.

Always check travel times, service updates and parking arrangements before setting off.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Accessibility

We want everyone to feel welcome when visiting Morpeth.

Whether you're travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid, pushchair or simply prefer an easier route around town, a little advance planning can help you make the most of your visit.

Getting around the town centre

Morpeth's main shopping streets include Bridge Street, Oldgate and Newgate Street, with shops, cafés and restaurants located throughout the centre.

As a historic market town, Morpeth has a mixture of modern shopping areas and older streets and buildings. Surfaces, gradients, entrances and internal layouts can vary.

If you're visiting a particular shop, restaurant or attraction, it's worth checking its accessibility arrangements directly before travelling.

Accessible parking

Accessible parking spaces are provided in various locations around Morpeth.

Blue Badge holders should check the signs at their chosen car park for any restrictions and requirements.

For current parking information, visit:

https://beta.northumberland.gov.uk/parking/parking-locations/morpeth-car-parks

Travelling by train

Morpeth Railway Station has step-free access to its platforms via lifts.

Passenger assistance is available, although staffing arrangements and assistance times vary.

If you need help boarding, leaving a train or moving through the station, we recommend arranging assistance with your train operator before travelling.

Station accessibility information:

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/morpeth/

Accessible toilets and facilities

Northumberland County Council publishes information about accessible public toilets, RADAR key arrangements and Changing Places facilities.

The council lists a Changing Places facility at County Hall, Morpeth, although this is outside the main town centre. Visitors should check access arrangements before travelling.

Public toilet and accessibility information:

https://beta.northumberland.gov.uk/roads-and-streets/public-toilets

Visiting with pushchairs

Families with young children will find plenty to enjoy in Morpeth, from the shops and cafés to riverside walks and Carlisle Park.

Some older buildings may have steps or narrower entrances, so it's worth checking individual venues if you're bringing a large pushchair.

Our top tip

If you have specific access requirements, contact the venue you're planning to visit beforehand. This is the best way to confirm entrances, facilities, seating and any assistance available.

Accessibility arrangements can change. More in Morpeth recommends checking directly with transport providers, businesses and facility operators before travelling.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Public toilets & facilities

Planning a day out in Morpeth? Whether you're shopping, enjoying Carlisle Park or visiting with young children, it's always useful to know where the nearest public toilets are.

Here are three convenient options in and around the town centre.

🚻 Sanderson Arcade Public Toilets

Location: Austin House, Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth, NE61 1NS

Sanderson Arcade has public toilets within Austin House, close to the main shopping area and Morpeth Bus Station.

These facilities are particularly handy when browsing the shops, enjoying a coffee or arriving in town by bus.

Facilities include:

• Public toilets
• Accessible toilets with emergency pull cords
• Baby-changing facilities
• No RADAR key required for the accessible toilets

Opening times: Subject to Sanderson Arcade's opening arrangements.

More information: https://sandersonarcade.co.uk/visit-us

🌳 Carlisle Park Public Toilets

Location: Carlisle Park, Morpeth, NE61 1YD

Carlisle Park has seasonal public toilets, ideal for families visiting the playground, enjoying the gardens or spending time beside the River Wansbeck.

Opening times:

• 1 April to 31 October: Daily, 10am to 6pm
• November to March: Closed for winter

The seasonal facilities include an accessible toilet and baby-changing provision.

☕ Pavilion Café Public Toilets

Location: Pavilion Café, Carlisle Park, Morpeth

The Pavilion Café provides another convenient toilet option for visitors exploring Carlisle Park.

The café's toilets are available to the public all year round, including during the winter months when the park's separate seasonal toilets are closed.

Located near the bowling green, the Pavilion Café is easy to reach from the park's main paths and is a useful stop for families enjoying the gardens, play areas and riverside walks.

Good to know: Although these toilets are available throughout the year, visitors should check the café's current opening hours before relying on access, particularly during winter or on public holidays.

♿ Accessible Toilets and Baby-Changing Facilities

Sanderson Arcade offers accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities in Austin House.

Carlisle Park's seasonal public toilets also provide accessible facilities and baby-changing provision.

Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check arrangements at the Pavilion Café directly before travelling.

Toilet opening times and availability may change during holidays, special events or maintenance.