Corsenside is one of the largest parishes in Northumberland, however the area is mainly a vast expanse of rolling hills and farmland, with three tiny villages: West Woodburn, East Woodburn and Ridsdale with about 600 inhabitants in total.

There are many historic points of interest in this area including the remains of the Roman Camp of Habitancum, Bell Knowe an Iron Age burial site, and the remains of Ridsdale Iron Works, which had its heyday in the Industrial Revolution.

The A68 road also runs north–south, crossing the Rede at West Woodburn, the main village in the parish, with a pub, school, and post office.

The tiny church of St. Cuthbert at Corsenside, between the road and the river, contains a Norman chancel arch.

The age and dedication of the church makes it probable that this was one of the spots where the body of St. Cuthbert rested during the flight of the monks from Holy Island, 875–882 AD.