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The best things to do in Northumberland with kids

The best things to do in Northumberland with kids

When castles and seashores are two of my favorite issues, the large query is why I didn’t make it to fort and beach-packed Northumberland earlier than – particularly when these definitely aren’t the one issues to do in Northumberland with youngsters.

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After sitting on my wishlist for years, we lastly managed to pack as a lot of Northumberland’s household points of interest into our keep as doable – and it greater than lived as much as my expectations.

With far fewer vacationers than many corners of the UK, a few of the loveliest seashores within the nation, castles galore, Roman historical past, Harry Potter hyperlinks, puffins, darkish sky reserves and extra, right here’s what must be in your checklist in case you’re visiting Northumberland with youngsters too.

Hadrian’s Wall

In case your youngsters are fascinated by the Romans, there’s nowhere fairly like Hadrian’s Wall – and there’s an entire selection of web sites to choose from, in addition to the possibility to stroll alongside the wall itself, so the easiest way to get a full image is to go to a number of.

The Roman Military Museum close to Hexham is a place to begin to get a way of life on the wall, together with the number of individuals from the Roman Empire who may need discovered themselves on this a part of Britannia.

The best things to do in Northumberland with kids

The sister web site, Vindolanda, has its personal nice museum, in addition to a recreation of some buildings you’d have anticipated to seek out within the city close to the fort – one centres across the youngsters of two households, excellent in case you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall with youngsters.

For extra recommendations on exploring Hadrian’s Wall for teenagers, take a look at this mini information

Even higher, you may head as much as the archaeological web site, a few of which remains to be being excavated, see a recreation of the forts on the wall, and marvel at how huge the city would have been.

There are additionally a number of English Heritage websites close by, together with Chesters Roman Fort, as soon as residence to cavalry and with a bathhouse by the river, in addition to Housesteads Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman City, which regularly have youngsters’ trails and different actions, together with the possibility to fulfill a Roman legionary.

For extra concepts of one of the best Roman locations within the UK, take a look at this publish

Alnwick Fortress

For Harry Potter followers, there’s no fort higher – properly, besides Hogwarts and it’s a bit trickier to go to that! With elements of the flicks filmed right here, you may as well attempt broomstick classes within the grounds (on the very spot the place Harry tried flying for the primary time).

However that’s solely the beginning of what there may be to do at Alnwick Fortress with youngsters: discover the state rooms, with their opulent decorations, stroll the ramparts and look out throughout the grounds, and head out on a Dragon Quest.

Take a look at my overview of a day trip at Alnwick Fortress with youngsters

Part of Alnwick castle seen against a blue sky with a medieval red and white striped tent in the foreground and flag - one of the best things to do in Northumberland with kids

You may be part of excursions targeted on Alnwick Fortress’s appearances on movie (extra than simply Harry Potter) in addition to on its historical past, or see a little bit of historical past in motion within the artisan’s courtyard.

Between enjoying on the grassy slopes, we watched jesters enjoying with hearth, discovered the small shows of artefacts discovered on archaeological digs and tried to work out the place the Whomping Willow would have been alongside the best way.

You may even keep in a Harry Potter-themed room at Hallow & Crux in Alnwick, with nice names just like the Dumbledorm household room, a broomstick’s throw from Alnwick Fortress

Bamburgh Fortress

You’re spoiled for selection in relation to improbable castles in Northumberland with youngsters, however Bamburgh Fortress is one other one to not miss, particularly mixed with a go to to the seaside it overlooks.

As soon as the capital of the kings of Northumbia, you may hint this fort’s historical past again to Anglo-Saxon occasions: since then it has survived Viking raids, the Norman conquest, has performed host to kings – and seen the primary lifeboat launched beneath its ramparts.

Learn my overview of a go to to Bamburgh Fortress with youngsters

View to Bamburgh castle on its hill above the dunes and beach - one of the best things to do with kids in Northumberland

There’s a enjoyable path for teenagers to comply with as you discover, and you’ll enterprise contained in the fort itself, previous fits of armour and the magnificent corridor by to the traditional Preserve with its 11ft thick partitions, constructed over an equally historical spring.

Within the grounds, there’s a throne to pose in, cannon galore mentioning to sea and improbable views from the outdated mill too. Throw within the little Armstrong & Aviation museum and a recreated Anglo-Saxon camp, the place you may take heed to Viking tales, see cash being made and extra.

For extra of one of the best castles within the UK with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

Warkworth Fortress

Dwelling to the highly effective Percy household, the Dukes of Northumberland, Warkworth Fortress is one other of the string of coastal fortresses that Northumberland specialises in – and whereas this one isn’t proper on the seafront like Bamburgh, it appears out from its hill to the River Coquet.

The English Heritage web site has actions for teenagers throughout faculty holidays, together with enjoyable trails, whereas there’s lots to discover – ruined towers and the foundations of a few of the outdated buildings but in addition the cross-shaped preserve.

Take a look at our overview of a day trip at Warkworth Fortress with youngsters

Gatehouse entrance to Warkworth Castle with some of the towers seen in the distance against a blue sky - for the best things to do in Northumberland with kids, you can't miss some of the historic castles

In addition to exploring the previous Nice Corridor and chapel, you may head down into the cellars the place beer, wine and meals was saved, climb as much as the kitchens with their big hearths and bread ovens (feeling grateful your job isn’t dragging the wooden up there) and soak within the views.

With its hyperlinks to Shakespeare – it was residence to Harry Hotspur, and the motion in Henry IV Half II begins right here – there’s additionally a terrific free audioguide to offer you extra background as you discover. Preserve an eye fixed out for the Percy lion too.

After exploring throughout the partitions, you may as well wander round exterior, following paths main into the moat and to the outdated Warkworth Hermitage – tickets might be booked on the fort, with a separate payment, and are presently first come, first served.

Dunstanburgh Fortress

Dunstanburgh Fortress may not be essentially the most intact of the historic fortresses in Northumberland, however it’s simply the largest, and you’ll nonetheless get a way of its dimension and may immediately.

The one option to attain the fort ruins are by strolling: you may park at Craster and it’s a simple stroll alongside the clifftop path – we noticed a dolphin within the waves as an added bonus – earlier than you attain it.

Tip: there’s very restricted sign within the automobile park at Craster to make use of the PayByPhone app, so it’s value doing that prematurely (until you assume you may not get an area) or ensuring you’ve gotten money.

Remains of the ruined gatehouse at Dunstanburgh castle against a blue sky - one of my top things to do in Northumberland with kids

One tower can nonetheless be climbed, with views throughout to Bamburgh Fortress on a transparent day, in addition to discovering the ruins of an outdated gatehouse.

Constructed by Edmund, Duke of Lancaster, cousin to the unpopular Edward II – principally to harass his royal cousin and exhibit his personal energy – the house throughout the fort’s curtain partitions measures virtually 10 acres, and it was surrounded by three meres, or synthetic lakes as properly.

Stroll across the path by the partitions and you’ll spy colonies of seabirds in addition to wildflowers and the stays of extra fort buildings, plus Embleton Bay within the distance with its beautiful seaside.

Stroll for one more mile or so and you’ll mix this fort with time on the sand too.

Learn our full overview of a day trip at Dunstanburgh Fortress with youngsters

Belsay Corridor & Fortress

Dwelling to a medieval fort, grand Victorian manor home and 30 acres of Grade I listed gardens, Belsay Corridor property is someplace the entire household will get pleasure from.

Whereas it’s additionally residence to the medieval Belsay Fortress, through the 1800s, the Middleton household deserted life inside its partitions – which had been of their household for the reason that thirteenth century – to maneuver right into a custom-built Greek Revival manor home proper subsequent door.

Which signifies that in addition to climbing the 56 spiral steps within the tower of the traditional fort and exploring its maze of rooms – preserve an eye fixed out for the flowery medieval wall work – you may as well enterprise into the grand rooms of the corridor.

Then head out into the 30 acres of grounds, the place there are sometimes trails for teenagers, and play disguise and search among the many many unique vegetation rising within the microclimate of the property’s Quarry Backyard, or spot the rhododendrons earlier than a slice of cake within the conventional Victorian tea room.

View of the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory with the arch of the old church and other buildings seen against a blue sky - one of the best things to do on Lindisfarne if you're visiting Northumberland with kids

Lindisfarne Priory

There’s one thing very particular a few go to to Lindisfarne – learn on for extra on exploring Holy Island itself – however one place to not miss when you’ve crossed the causeway is Lindisfarne Priory.

With a small museum initially to offer you all of the background, youngsters can be taught concerning the early Christians and the primary monasteries, together with the priory right here, Viking assaults and last dissolution by Henry VIII earlier than heading inside.

You stroll by the churchyard, which is beautiful itself, earlier than heading contained in the priory partitions.

Ruined now, it’s nonetheless fascinating to discover. The large arch of the outdated monastery church with its stunning stone tracery, provides an thought of simply how massive the buildings as soon as have been, and you may as well spot the priory’s wells, the day and night time stairs which the monks would have used and the outdated kitchens.

There’s an attention-grabbing sculpture throughout the grounds too, in addition to views throughout the ocean and the island to Lindisfarne Fortress.

For extra concepts of spend a day on Lindisfarne with youngsters, take a look at this publish

Lindisfarne Fortress

Castles with a combined historical past are nothing new, however few locations have such an uncommon previous as Lindisfarne Fortress.

The outdated Tudor fort was as soon as the guard publish that no soldier actually wished to be despatched to, remoted on the island, manning the weapons and staying alert for hassle – the views as a customer are fantastic, head proper as much as the Higher Battery and you’ll gaze proper out to sea.

Within the twentieth century, all modified when Edward Hudson, the founding father of Nation Life journal, invited architect Edwin Lutyens to rework it into an Edwardian vacation residence.

View to Lindisfarne castle on its hill with the sea and island in the background during a family holiday in Northumberland

With a few of the most notable creative figures of the time staying, friends might apparently anticipate loads of luxurious and a famously good dinner (though sadly adopted by lengthy and really boring after-dinner speeches from their host, it appears).

Inside immediately, it’s comparatively small and also you don’t want lengthy to discover (as Nationwide Belief members, it was free for us) however with loads of intriguing little touches in each the servants’ quarters and upstairs rooms.

Even in case you select to not go inside, head out to the headland right here for a blustery stroll, a stroll alongside the seaside, extra coastal views and the fantastic Gertrude Jekyll backyard, a sheltered walled deal with only a quick stroll from the fort that’s a wonderful splash of color.

Cragside, Morpeth

This essential nation residence in Northumberland, was as soon as owned by Victorian inventor Lord William Armstrong and his spouse Woman Margaret Armstrong, so that you’ll discover extra at Cragside than the same old stately residence.

Due to its modern homeowners, the home was properly forward of its time, with fashionable options corresponding to hearth alarms, telephones and a carry. Cragside was even the primary constructing on the earth to be lit by hydroelectricity.

Consequently, you’ll generally discover interactive exhibitions showcasing Lord and Woman Armstrong’s spectacular engineering accomplishments (excellent in case you’re visiting with budding engineers).

Better of all, there’s a whopping 1,000 acres of lovely grounds to discover, together with the lake and gardens, with 14 marked strolling trails and routes, in addition to a sculpture hunt, out of doors youngsters’ play areas and den constructing provides.

Seaton Delaval Corridor

There’s 300 years of historical past to find on the Grade I listed Seaton Delaval Corridor, in addition to being one other good spot to get outdoor in Northumberland with youngsters.

After climbing the numerous spiral staircases and recognizing the ornate statues of the spectacular Nationwide Belief corridor, the property’s grounds have pure play areas in addition to formal gardens designed by Vanbrugh, with fantastic views out to the Cheviot Hills.

Stroll to the obelisk, wander within the woodland with its wildflowers, or head to one of many pure play areas, in addition to recognizing the Mirror Dice and Darkish Matter Dice, a nod to the Delaval household, with their love of mischief and illusions.

You’ll additionally discover particular occasions and actions for households throughout faculty holidays, together with pop-up theatre, crafts areas and treasure hunts.

My daughter walks towards the Grand Cascade water feature at the entrance to the Alnwick Garden - a fantastic day out in Northumberland with kids

The Alnwick Backyard

The fantastic Alnwick Backyard might be greatest recognized for its uncommon poison backyard – which is as darkly fascinating as you’d anticipate – however with way more for teenagers to get pleasure from at this Northumberland attraction, it’s a terrific household day trip.

From the second you stroll in, greeted by the fountains and jets of the Grand Cascade on the centre of the gardens, the edges lined by tree tunnels, it’s removed from the common assortment of flowers.

My daughter’s personal two favorite areas have been the Serpent Backyard and the Bamboo Labyrinth – we ventured into the latter a number of occasions, together with when sunshine was casting a dim inexperienced mild into the tunnels, and later when it had clouded over, and it was much more of an journey within the darker shadow.

With all its interactive water installations, the Serpent Backyard is someplace you can lose hours: squeezing by a tiny hole between two curved slabs with working water, hiding inside a dome of water and extra.

Plus others demonstrating varied legal guidelines of physics, together with a water vortex, one other intelligent show the place water was pressured up a tube till it reached a specific stage and sprayed down onto these beneath… some ready with a change of garments, others enjoying rooster as the extent inched up.

Add within the fairly rose backyard, the poison backyard (look however undoubtedly don’t contact) and different decorative gardens and timber, and it’s very straightforward to whereas away a minimum of half a day, particularly in case you additionally go to Forgotten Backyard journey golf.

Do save a while for the astonishing Lilidorei play space, the world’s largest play construction, as properly – you’ll want a separate ticket although.

Take a look at my overview of a day trip at Alnwick Backyard with youngsters

Hit the seaside

The Northumberland shoreline consists of a few of the loveliest stretches within the UK – 40 miles of it has even been designated an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB).

Which suggests you received’t be removed from a terrific seaside… even higher, in case you’re used to the favored seashores of the south, they’re a lot quieter too.

Our personal favorite was Embleton Seaside, a brief stroll from Dunstanburgh Fortress alongside the coast path. Backed by dunes, there have been mild waves at one finish for bodyboarding, a number of tide swimming pools and water shallow sufficient to paddle, and loads of house to make a sandcastle with views of the particular fort.

My daughter paddles in the sea at Embleton beach with its deep golden sand stretching into a crescent around the horizon on a sunny summer day - one of my top beaches in Northumberland with kids

Bamburgh seaside is equally beautiful. A little bit busier than Embleton because it’s simpler to succeed in, it’s one other lengthy stretch of soppy powdery sand backed by dunes (and Bamburgh Fortress) that’s excellent for kite flying, seaside video games and lounging.

Different contenders for the checklist of greatest seashores in Northumberland together with Alnmouth Seaside, Druridge Bay, Beadnell Bay and Cresswell Seaside.

For sand with a number of extra amenities, head to Seahouses for all the standard seaside bonuses plus boat excursions (don’t miss the fish and chips) or Warkworth Seaside is strolling distance from the village however nonetheless stays quiet.

In the event you’re visiting Druridge Bay, make a cease at Cresswell Pond nature reserve close by for a stunning stroll within the protected reserve

Stroll the coast

In the event you fancy a extra lively vacation than sitting on the seaside, you may stroll Northumberland’s shoreline too.

Not essentially all of it – the Northumberland Coast Path stretches for round 62 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed within the north right down to Cresswell – however there are stretches to swimsuit all ranges.

One of many best is the stroll from Craster to Dunstanburgh Fortress, lower than a mile’s stroll by the seaside by fields of sheep, watching out for dolphins within the waves – plus the fort on the finish to offer youthful youngsters a tempting purpose.

View across the fields to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle on the walk along the coast path from Craster - one of the easiest walks to try in Northumberland with kids

For extra adventurous youngsters, the coast path is damaged into six sections – the shortest remains to be six miles lengthy, however it’s start line to stroll an quantity you’re snug with.

Alternatively, you can head to Druridge Bay Nation Park and mix a stroll there with a stroll alongside the seaside (all seven miles of it).

Or how a few stroll round Lindisfarne – there are a number of choices on the island, relying how a lot of a problem you fancy.

Learn on for extra locations to get outdoor with youngsters in Northumberland

Get minimize off on Lindisfarne

There’s one thing I discover extremely tempting concerning the considered being minimize off on an island – quickly, a minimum of. And a day on Lindisfarne was simply certainly one of my favorite elements of our journey (regardless of some stiff competitors).

Whether or not you really get minimize off will rely once you go to: throughout our go to, the causeway didn’t open till round 11.45 and stayed that method till after 8pm, when the tide got here in once more.

However at different factors of the yr, you may cross and know that the ocean lies between you and the mainland for hours, till the tide drops. It goes with out saying to at all times, at all times examine the tides earlier than you go to and don’t be tempted to cross exterior these occasions.

When you’re there? Parking is restricted, and there are some restrictions for guests (until you’ve gotten a blue badge), so it’s greatest to go straight to the primary automobile park on the strategy to the village – you may’t miss it.

And whereas it’s not a giant island, it’s not laborious to fill a day – we spent 5 hours there, and I’d have fortunately stayed longer. Even higher, keep in a single day to expertise Holy Island after the day guests have left.

Sign on the island of Lindisfarne pointing to the castle, priory and St Mary's Church - a day on Lindisfarne is one of my favourite things to do with kids in Northumberland

In addition to Lindisfarne Priory and Fortress (scroll up for extra), you’ll discover seashores close to the fort and rocks to clamber over, plus the gorgeous village itself.

There are walks too across the island, in addition to the possibility of seal recognizing in the summertime.

On a sunny day, don’t miss Pilgrim’s Gelato with their chocolate waffle cones and fabulous flavours (I went for summer season, a fruit combine together with apricot, mango and pineapple), plus some nice fudge.

Or subsequent door, Pilgrim’s Espresso Home has nice cake to go along with its espresso (and tea), in addition to sandwiches.

A crab sandwich is conventional on Holy Island, and also you’ll be spoiled for selection – I discovered mine freshly made on the Island Shack meals stand close to the priory (definitely worth the queue), however you may as well get them on the Submit Workplace, the island pubs and the meals truck close to the automobile park, only for starters.

See stars at Kielder Observatory

There are few higher locations to star-gaze within the UK than at Kielder Forest – the darkish sky reserve was the primary of its sort in England and one of many largest on the earth, stretching for almost 580 sq. miles.

And in addition to merely marvelling on the glories of the night time sky within the Northumberland Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, because it’s formally recognized, head to the Kielder Observatory to be taught much more concerning the universe.

Excellent for teenagers who’re fascinated by science and astronomy, you may ask questions of real-life astronomers and even get the possibility to seek for celestial objects thought the observatory’s highly effective telescopes.

The Area Youngsters occasions are excellent in case you’re visiting with youthful star-gazers however there are numerous totally different choices to swimsuit teenagers as properly – don’t simply attempt to flip up and hope for a peek on the planets although, you do need to e-book onto one of many scheduled occasions.

View of Kielder Water and Forest Park seen through conifer trees under a blue sky - the dark sky reserve is also one of the best places to get outdoors in Northumberland with kids

Get outdoor at Kielder Forest

Stunning Kielder Forest isn’t solely a night-time vacation spot – in addition to being top-of-the-line locations in Europe to observe the wonders of the night time sky, Kielder Water and Forest Park is likely one of the greatest locations in Northumberland with youngsters, if you wish to get outdoor.

Dwelling to England’s largest forest and the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, there are strolling and biking routes, together with gentler trails for youthful youngsters, plus geocaching and wildlife recognizing.

Or head out onto the water itself – just for prebooked actions, you may’t simply flip up with your personal paddleboard – to attempt canoeing, crusing, waterskiing and paddleboarding, together with family-friendly choices.

For a extra relaxed option to discover the reservoir, hop onto the Osprey Ferry to be taught extra concerning the space and its historical past, or to take a short-cut again in case you don’t fancy taking over the complete 27-mile route across the lake – do examine the ferry is working earlier than you set off although.

Northumberlandia, Cramlington

Fittingly referred to as the Woman of the North, the 46-acre nationwide park of Northumberlandia is centered world wide’s largest human landform sculpture.

Utilizing a whopping 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil from an area mine, the weird sculpture of a reclining girl was inbuilt 2010 and it’s utterly free to go to.

You’ll discover a number of strolling routes across the girl to discover, in addition to the park itself (additionally free to go to, though parking is paid), together with the customer centre.

There are additionally plenty of family-friendly occasions happening all year long, together with scavenger hunts, story periods and out of doors theatre.

View of the white lighthouse on a Farne Islands boat tour spotting seabirds and puffins - a great day out in Northumberland with kids

Cruise to the Farne islands

In case your youngsters love seals or puffins, don’t miss a ship tour to the Farne islands. Lindisfarne could be one of the best recognized of the islands however the others, usually smaller and uninhabited, are a haven for wildlife.

Seahouses is the primary start line with a string of corporations providing totally different boat journeys, recognizing the assorted seabirds, together with puffins, in addition to seals, some with the choice to spend time on the islands, particularly Inside Farne.

I went for Billy Shiels boat journeys, which has a number of shorter family-friendly journeys, together with a 90-minute gray seal cruise and my very own two-hour seabird cruise – the place we additionally noticed gray seals, puffins, seabirds galore and a few beautiful views to Bamburgh fort as we sailed across the islands, plus studying extra about Grace Darling and her well-known rescue of 9 males from a shipwreck.

What you get to see will depend upon what time of yr you go, and the journeys are climate dependent (however because the seating is commonly open air, and as I wouldn’t fancy a ship journey on tough seas with my daughter, that’s solely factor!)

Different corporations embody Serenity Farne Island Boat Excursions, all of which depart from the identical place on the harbour in Seahouses. It’s also possible to get boat excursions to Lindisfarne from right here.

Discover out extra about visiting the Farne Islands with youngsters

Northumberland Nation Zoo, Morpeth

For anybody who loves animals, you may’t go to Northumberland with youngsters and not using a day trip at Northumberland Nation Zoo. 

This improbable family-run zoo is residence to over 100 totally different species, with every part from pleasant livestock to endangered snow leopards, lemurs, lynxes and extra, together with native animals.

There are digital feeding occasions and animal talks with the keepers at current, with QR codes on the displays to obtain the data.

And there are many choices to play too. In addition to its furry inhabitants, the zoo additionally has a number of kid-friendly points of interest, together with a big out of doors play space, a tractor museum and electrical ride-on tractors.

Ring-tailed lemur - one of the animals you can spot in the Northumberland Country zoo

Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth

Whitehouse Farm Centre is one other nice family-friendly Northumberland attraction, particularly for households with youthful youngsters.

The 40-acre farm is residence to a great deal of totally different farmyard animals, together with cows, goats, ponies, llamas and alpacas, a lot of which youngsters can pet and feed.

And there’s additionally probability to take a wildlife stroll by the encircling forest to identify native wildlife.

Aside from the animals, youngsters can benefit from the farm centre’s indoor comfortable playroom, out of doors journey playground, electrical racing vehicles, pedal go-karts, trampolines and tractor rides too.

Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, Haggerston Fortress

In terms of animal points of interest, Northumberland has lots to supply. Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre in Haggerston Fortress’s Italian Gardens is the place to take little ones who aren’t afraid to get hands-on.

Youngsters can maintain and contact most of the centre’s bugs, reptiles and birds of prey, together with tarantulas, pythons, bearded dragons, owls and kestrels – do e-book forward.

Even in case you don’t need to contact the animals, there are 45-minute shows to observe, the place you may see the centre’s many residents up shut.

Eagle owl in flight with trees in the background - watching birds of prey is an unforgettable experience for kids

Heatherslaw Mild Railway, Ford and Etal

Uncover extra of the beautiful Northumberland countryside by taking a experience on the Heatherslaw Mild Railway, a 15 inch gauge railway pulled by two steam locomotives.

The railway runs alongside the banks of the River Until till it reaches Etal Fortress, the place you may cease for a fast stroll round charming Etal village, earlier than finishing the 4-mile return journey again to Heatherslaw.

Plus, so as to add to the enjoyable, Heatherslaw station has a mannequin railway room the place youngsters can press the button that makes the mannequin trains run.

Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick

Near ​​Alnwick Fortress and Backyard, you’ll discover the fascinating Bailiffgate Museum, top-of-the-line kid-friendly museums in Northumberland. 

The museum tells the story of Alnwick over 10,000 years of historical past, together with its involvement within the battle between Scotland and England, together with a string of interactive displays.

Youngsters can journey again in time to its conventional Victorian schoolroom, in addition to heading down a reproduction mine (you want a tough hat to enter this one) they usually’ll love trying out the classic toy exhibition.

Below-12s get a free ‘mouse hunter’ pack, with colored pencils, photos to color and stickers to maintain them entertained too, though everyone seems to be welcome to seek for the Bailiffgate mice, 24 knitted mice wearing historic costumes that are hidden across the museum.

View of Amble harbour with the pier and lighthouse just seen, and red and yellow hulled boats moored - the town is home to one of the best playgrounds in Northumberland

Discover Amble

Head right down to Amble Harbour Village and seize an ice cream from one of many little stalls – you’ll additionally discover cheese, sandwiches and different native meals, together with souvenirs and items – earlier than heading previous the lobster pots and out alongside the pier.

It’s a terrific place to purchase recent fish as properly (though you may need to do this on the best way again out of your stroll!) or you may attempt your hand at crabbing off the pier.

On the finish, there’s the purple and white striped lighthouse that guards the mouth of the River Coquet and views to Coquet Island, together with walks over the dunes and rockpooling down by the ocean.

Don’t miss Paddlers Park too, a play space with water play (and the same old playground swings and so forth) plus areas themed round sea creatures – a extremely beautiful spot for teenagers to blow off a little bit of steam.

Eat fish and chips in Seahouses

Is it actually a seaside vacation in case you don’t have fish and chips a minimum of as soon as? And when you’ll be spoiled for selection, Seahouses is likely one of the greatest locations to seize some – excellent to mix with a wildlife boat tour too.

We received ours from Neptune Fish restaurant – you may eat in, however we took ours away to a bench on the clifftop, wanting right down to the seaside – there’s additionally a string of benches close to the harbour (get there early to snaffle one on a sunny day in summer season), in addition to the seaside itself or comply with the cliff path around the headland.

Sign for Barter books in Alnwick with column memorial seen in the background - a visit is unmissable if you're visiting Northumberland with kids

Go to Barter Books, Alnwick

One of many largest secondhand bookshops in Britain, set in a transformed practice station, I defy you to enter Barter Books and never emerge with one thing.

There’s a youngsters’s e-book space, in addition to grownup books galore, all divided into totally different themes – with some uncommon finds as you browse, alongside bestselling authors.

It’s the form of place you can curl up and lose hours on a wet day in Northumberland – there are open fires and cozy chairs, in addition to scorching drinks and snacks on the Station Buffet and Paradise ice cream parlour.

And because the title suggests, you may convey your personal books to commerce in for Barter credit score, to then spend on a brand new quantity to take residence (not within the station buffet).

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND WITH KIDS

My top things to do in Northumberland with kids, from beaches and castles galore to Harry Potter, puffins, stargazing & Romans plus tips on experiences not to miss on a family holiday in Northumberland

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. My visits to some points of interest have been free for the needs of overview however all opinions are my very own.

Lemur/owl/Kielder courtesy Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels

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