Venue
The CROAK Conference will be held at Rigg & Furrow Brewery, a unique farmhouse brewery situated on a working farm in the Northumberland countryside. Housed within a restored milking parlour and cow shed, the venue offers a distinctive rural setting.
The main conference sessions will be held in The End Hemmel, a former cow shed that has been carefully restored into a rustic barn-style event space. The venue provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere, ideal for scientific presentations, discussions, networking, and collaboration.
Delegates will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of locally produced beers and ciders, crafted using both traditional and innovative fermentation techniques, with ingredients sourced from the local landscape.
In addition to use of the Tap Room and The End Hemmel, delegates can make use of ample outdoor seating areas and free on-site parking for up to 100 vehicles.
Getting to the Venue
Rigg & Furrow Brewery is located in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, just a short distance from Amble, Warkworth and Alnwick. While the venue enjoys a rural setting, it is well connected by road, rail, and public transport.
By Train
The nearest mainline railway stations are Alnmouth and Morpeth, both of which are served by regular services on the East Coast Main Line. From either station, hourly bus services connect to Amble, Warkworth and Alnwick.
Acklington Station is located closer to the venue; however, services are limited and considerably less frequent than those to Alnmouth and Morpeth. Delegates travelling by rail are therefore advised to use Alnmouth or Morpeth where possible.
By Bus
Hourly bus services operate between Newcastle, Morpeth, Amble, Warkworth, and Alnwick.
Conference Shuttle Service
To make travel as straightforward as possible, CROAK will provide a complimentary morning and evening shuttle service between:
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Rigg & Furrow Brewery
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Amble
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Warkworth
This service is intended to assist delegates staying in local accommodation and reduce the need to drive to and from the venue.
Further details and timetables will be provided closer to the conference date.
By Car
The venue has free on-site parking for up to 100 vehicles. Vehicles may be left overnight if required, allowing delegates to enjoy the social programme responsibly.
Taxis
A number of local taxi operators serve the area. However, due to the rural location of the venue, delegates are strongly encouraged to book taxis in advance, particularly for late evening journeys.
Accommodation
A range of accommodation options can be found in Amble, Warkworth, and the surrounding area, including hotels, guest houses, self-catering cottages, and campsites. The conference shuttle service will help connect many of these locations with the venue.
Exploring the Local Area
The CROAK Conference is ideally located for exploring the spectacular Northumberland Coast, one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes. With expansive beaches, historic castles, traditional fishing villages, and nationally important wildlife sites, the region offers plenty to discover before or after the conference. Here are a few examples:
Amble
Known as "The Friendliest Port", Amble is a thriving harbour town situated at the mouth of the River Coquet. Visitors can enjoy the bustling harbour, independent seafood restaurants, and the popular Harbour Village shopping area. Boat trips to nearby Coquet Island, an important seabird and seal reserve, are available.
Warkworth
Just a short distance from Amble, the picturesque village of Warkworth is dominated by the impressive ruins of Warkworth Castle. The village's historic streets, riverside walks, and charming cafés make it one of Northumberland's most beautiful villages.
Alnwick
The market town of Alnwick is home to the magnificent Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden. The town also offers a range of independent shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it an excellent destination for visitors seeking both history and culture.
Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle
The traditional fishing village of Craster is famous for its smoked kippers and serves as the starting point for one of Northumberland's most iconic coastal walks. A scenic path leads north to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, perched on a remote headland overlooking the North Sea. The surrounding coastline supports a rich array of wildlife and offers breathtaking views.
Bamburgh and Seahouses
Often regarded as one of Britain's finest coastal villages, Bamburgh is dominated by its spectacular castle, which stands atop a volcanic outcrop overlooking miles of sandy beach. Boat Trips are available from Seahouses to the nearby Farne Islands, a wildlife reserve with thriving bird colonies and a regularly sighted pod of orcas.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway, Lindisfarne is one of Northumberland's most iconic destinations. Rich in history, wildlife, and natural beauty, the island is renowned as the birthplace of Christianity in northern England and is home to Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle, and extensive coastal habitats.
The surrounding mudflats, saltmarshes, and dunes support a wealth of birdlife, particularly during spring and autumn migration periods. Visitors should be aware that access to the island is dependent on tidal conditions, making it a uniquely memorable destination for conference delegates wishing to explore the wider region.
East Chevington Nature Reserve
Located only a short drive from the conference venue, East Chevington Nature Reserve consists of freshwater pools, reedbeds, coastal grassland, and dune systems. The reserve is one of the best locations in the region for observing migratory birds and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Druridge Bay
Stretching for seven miles along the coast, Druridge Bay combines beautiful sandy beaches with a network of nature reserves and freshwater wetlands. The area supports a rich variety of wildlife throughout the year.
Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre
Situated within Druridge Bay, Hauxley offers accessible wildlife watching opportunities, trails, hides, and a café overlooking the reserve.
The Northumberland Coast
The entire coastline is recognised for its ecological importance. Rocky shores, sand dunes, saltmarshes, and coastal grasslands provide habitat for numerous species, while offshore islands support internationally significant seabird and mammal colonies.
Northumberland National Park
Covering over 1,000 square kilometres of upland landscapes, Northumberland National Park is one of the most tranquil and least populated protected areas in England. The park encompasses rolling hills, extensive heather moorland, ancient woodlands, and stretches of Hadrian's Wall, offering exceptional opportunities for walking, wildlife watching, and exploring the region's cultural heritage.
The park supports a variety of notable wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, red squirrels, otters, black grouse, curlew, and birds of prey.
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park
Northumberland is home to one of the largest protected dark sky areas in Europe. Covering much of Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water & Forest Park, the International Dark Sky Park provides some of the darkest and most pristine night skies in the UK.
On clear nights, visitors can enjoy exceptional views of the Milky Way, planets, meteor showers, and countless stars that are often hidden from view elsewhere by light pollution. Whether attending an organised astronomy event or simply looking up after dark, the region offers a truly remarkable stargazing experience.
From the castles and wildlife-rich coastline of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh to the vast landscapes of Northumberland National Park and the world-renowned Dark Sky Park, Northumberland offers delegates an exceptional blend of nature, heritage, and outdoor exploration. We encourage attendees to extend their stay and discover one of the most beautiful regions of the country.