Discover the Art of Northumberland: Creative Treasures Near Brunton House & Cottages

Nestled between the picturesque towns of Alnwick and Bamburgh, on the serene Fallodon Estate, Brunton House & Cottages offers more than just a peaceful retreat, it’s your gateway to a colourful and inspiring local art world.

Gallery Gems: The Alnwick Gallery

A short drive from Brunton Cottages, The Alnwick Gallery sits at the heart of Alnwick’s Market Place. More than just an exhibition space, it actively nurtures creativity, hosting workshops like “Fungi Forest” (for ages 9–11) and “Nature Suncatchers” (ages 6–8). Currently, the gallery is showcasing Light of Northumbria, a beautiful exhibition by Anthony Marshall, running from July through October 2026. With its rotating exhibitions, workshops, café offerings, and homeware gifts, this gallery is a natural stop for families and art lovers alike.

Coastal Inspiration: Mick Oxley in Craster

Further afield, in the charming fishing village of Craster, stands the Mick Oxley Gallery, a hidden gem reflecting the rhythm and mood of the Northumberland coast through watercolour and textured acrylic seascapes. A self-taught artist, Mick draws on the ever-changing skies and the sea, creating artworks shaped by personal recovery and deep love for this landscape. His gallery is open to visitors (by appointment), offering a moving, intimate experience with local artistry.

Studio Spotlights: Nikky d’Aguílar & Hannah Forsyth

Back near Brunton, discover the creative workspaces of talented artists who practice from home: Nikky d’Aguílar transforms the natural beauty of Northumberland into captivating works of art, created from her home studio. Using carefully dried and pressed seaweed, she brings the coastal landscape to life in a way that is both intricate and evocative. Her work embodies the spirit of Northumberland’s roaming artistic energy, blending nature with striking originality. To truly experience the depth and detail of her vision, explore her full collection on her website.

Meanwhile, Hannah Forsyth, operating under Forsyth-Studio4, crafts monotypes inspired by local landscapes and seas. A printmaker with a foundation in sculpture and art therapy, she captures atmospheric beauty through vivid ink and plate work. Hannah invites visitors to studio visits (by email appointment) and her works feature in venues across the region—from the Alnmouth Arts Festival to the Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair in Newcastle in 2025.

Why Brunton Makes the Perfect Creative Base

Imagine waking up at Brunton Burn or Garden Cottage to the golden light over Beadnell Bay. A short excursion brings you into the heart of Alnwick’s gallery scene or Craster’s quiet art refuge. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly creativity, inspiring coastal artworks, or time with a local printmaker—you’ll return each evening to the gentle charms of Brunton House, where the rural, rustic comfort of your cottage offers the perfect space to reflect on a day filled with exploration.

Visit with Intention

Whether you’re drawn to the beautiful gallery scene, the evocative coastal seascapes of Mick Oxley, or wish to meet artists like Nikky d’Aguílar and Hannah Forsyth working from home studios—Brunton House & Cottages places you at the heart of Northumberland’s inspiring landscape.