Whether you’re looking for a family fun-filled weekend or are keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, there’s plenty to do in Northumberland with kids.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a day trip to Northumberland is a great way to get back to nature and enjoy something out of the ordinary. From history to wildlife, there’s plenty to keep minds of all ages entertained. Take a look at our top 10 things to do with kids in Northumberland.
1. Alnwick Castle
There’s plenty going on for visitors of all ages at Alnwick Castle. Our events and exhibitions are designed to bring history to life, so you and your family can learn more about the castle’s past. Plus, many of them are included for free with your entry fee.
Enjoy family entertainment with our
Jester shows or let them get messy with our
medieval crafts sessions, making everything from traditional soaps to magic wands! We have quite the dressing up box too, so the whole family can don their medieval finery and experience life as a princess or valiant knight.
Of course, there’s also our popular
Dragon Quest attraction — are your little ones brave enough to enter the dragon’s lair?
With the castle’s magical connections to the wizarding world, the whole family can try their hand at
broomstick flying. Take to the skies on the very spot Harry, Ron and co. learnt to fly in the movies!
Book your tickets online and save 10% on the on-the-gate admission price.
2. Alnwick Garden
“
The Alnwick Garden” by
Amanda Slater is licensed under
CC BY-SA 2.0.
Next up on our list of things to do in Northumberland with kids is Alnwick Garden, which is conveniently located close to Alnwick Castle. This 12-acre attraction is home to spectacular gardens and impressive foliage. While the grown-ups can enjoy admiring the beautiful plants and landscape designs, the little ones can run freely through the winding paths.
There are regular outdoor theatre shows to inspire younger minds — previous events include a visit from Titan the Robot! Find the way in the bamboo labyrinth or take to the skies as you cross the wobbly rope bridges to the treehouse.
Download the Giant Adventure app to get even more fun from your visit. With this augmented reality app, Mr Giant will join you as you explore the garden. Use the app to feed the animals and water the plants, and take some photos with your new 3D reality pal.
Make a weekend of your visit. Book your
castle and garden combined tickets online today and save 10%.
3. Go Ape Matfen
Think of a day out in Matfen and you may expect a relaxing spa day at the plush Matfen Hall Hotel. However, this next day out in Northumberland will have you and the rest of the family swinging through the trees.
Go Ape’s treetop adventure course is located 30ft high in the trees. Put your skills to the test as you climb high platforms, zoom down speedy zip lines and swoop through the trees on Tarzan swings.
Due to the nature of the course, Go Ape is only suitable for guests aged 10 and over. While it’s not suitable for younger guests, it’s a perfect choice to entertain hard-to-please teens!
4. Whitehouse Farm
Image by
Pexels from Pixabay.
If you’re visiting Northumberland with younger children, Whitehouse Farm in Morpeth is a great choice.
Making education fun, your little ones can experience traditional farm animals and their more exotic pals up close. See pigs, sheep, horses and goats, as well as meerkats, reptiles and more. They can even help feed the animals too!
As well as the farm’s animal inhabitants, there’s plenty of activities on offer too. From soft play and outside playgrounds to tractor rides and indoor racing cars, there’s plenty for a full day of family fun!
5. Head To The Beach
Image by
Helen Kay from Pixabay.
Northumberland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and what better way to spend a day with the kids than by strolling the golden sands of the North East coast, building sandcastles and splashing in the sea.
If you’re keen to explore more of the regions’ fascinating historic castles, Bamburgh Beach is overlooked by the majestic Bamburgh Castle which houses cannons, armour and paintings that will capture the imaginations of curious kids.
Meanwhile, Seahouses is a small, peaceful beach with a beautiful harbour and quaint seaside town – perfect for treating yourself to an ice cream or two! Feel the pristine sands between your toes at Druridge Bay with its rolling dunes or get your bucket and spade at the ready at the stunning Embleton Bay, where kids can while away the hours paddling in the North Sea waves.
6. Northumberlandia
“
DSC04402” by
Kevin is licensed under
CC BY 2.0.
Known locally as the ‘Lady Of The North’, Northumberlandia makes for a unique day trip for children of all ages.
This country park is famous for its sculpted landscape that resembles a reclining woman when viewed from above. Towering at 100 feet in height and spanning 19-hectares, the walkways and grassy peaks make Northumberlandia ideal for a stroll in the sunshine, while the woodland trails and lakes boast plenty of exciting local wildlife!
Pack a picnic for lunch and head to the highest point for spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding rolling hills and green fields, or stop for cake and a cup of tea at the on-site visitor centre and tearooms after working up an appetite trekking the winding paths.
7. Kielder Water & Forest Park
“
Kielder Water” by
Akuppa John Wigham is licensed under
CC BY 2.0.
A great way to get little ones outdoors is with an adventurous day out at Kielder Water and Forest Park. Nature-loving youngsters will be blown away by the wildlife and scenery and will love nothing more than playing explorer for the day.
Kids will have a blast taking part in the activity trails including the magical Zog dragon trail that teaches children all about how animals learn to fly! Be sure to pay a visit to the nature reserve where you can learn about the different species that inhabit the area including water voles and ospreys.
The perfect opportunity for getting out in the fresh air, the park is also home to a wide variety of birds, with a Bird of Prey Centre that allows you to get up close and personal with eagles, owls, falcons and hawks!
8. Hexham Old Gaol
History needn’t be boring with an afternoon at Hexham Old Gaol, a former medieval prison turned museum, that sheds light on Northumberland’s history.
Both younger and older children can get to grips with learning about the Life of the Border Reivers through dressing up, role-play, games, replica props and workshops. The gruesome history of how criminals were treated provides a fascinating tale!
Test your bravery in the stocks or explore the spooky dungeons if you dare; the Old Gaol brings history to life in a way that allows kids to learn while having plenty of fun!
9. Boat Trips To The Farne Islands
Image by
Jonathan Cannon from Pixabay.
The North East is famous for its beaches but there is much more to the Northumberland coast that you can discover by boat! Give the kids a taste of a sailors life with a boat trip to the Farne Islands. There are specific trips that follow the route of the heroic Grace Darling where you can view picturesque rocky cliffs and get up close to sea birds like puffins, turns and Elder Ducks.
Depending on the time of year, you can also see grey seals frolicking in the waters while on your voyage or head over to Holy Island and Lindisfarne where you can visit the museums and cafes. You can even head to the lighthouse to see Grace Darling’s bedroom, and look out to sea from the very window where she stood keeping watch.
10. Pot a Doodle Do
Crafty kids can be carried away creatively at Pot-A-Doodle-Do; a ceramic painting class that’s fun for all of the family. Head to Borewell for the day to create special keepsakes using colourful acrylic paints and a host of different types of ceramics.
From special mugs to plates and ornaments, all ages can get messy and unleash their inner artist to create original hand-painted souvenirs you can take home for yourself. If you fancy making a weekend of it, there are also yurts and wigwams available where you can stay for the night and gather round the campfire.
While we have chosen just ten of the best days out with kids and Northumberland, there are still plenty more things to do that will keep children entertained and excited to see more. Why not start planning your visit today?