When castles and seashores are two of my favorite issues, the massive query is why I didnโt make it to citadel and beach-packed Northumberland earlier than โ particularly when these actually arenโt 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 lots of Northumberlandโs household points of interest into our keep as potential โ and it greater than lived as much as my expectations.
With far fewer vacationers than many corners of the UK, among the loveliest seashores within the nation, castles galore, Roman historical past, Harry Potter hyperlinks, puffins, darkish sky reserves and extra, right hereโs what must be in your record if you happen toโre visiting Northumberland with youngsters too.
Hadrianโs Wall
In case your youngsters are fascinated by the Romans, thereโs nowhere fairly like Hadrianโs Wall โ and thereโs an entire alternative of web sites to select from, in addition to the prospect to stroll alongside the wall itself, so one of the best ways 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 folks from the Roman Empire who may need discovered themselves on this a part of Britannia.
The sister web site, Vindolanda, has its personal nice museum, in addition to a recreation of some buildings youโd have anticipated to seek out within the city close to the fort โ one centres across the kids of two households, excellent if you happen toโre exploring Hadrianโs Wall with youngsters.
For extra recommendations on exploring Hadrianโs Wall for youths, take a look at this mini information
Even higher, you possibly can head as much as the archaeological web site, a few of which continues 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 dwelling to cavalry and with a bathhouse by the river, in addition to Housesteads Roman Fort and Corbridge Roman City, which regularly have youngstersโ trails and different actions, together with the prospect to satisfy a Roman legionary.
For extra concepts of the very best Roman locations within the UK, take a look at this publish
Alnwick Citadel
For Harry Potter followers, thereโs no citadel higher โ effectively, besides Hogwarts and itโs a bit trickier to go to that! With elements of the films filmed right here, you can too strive broomstick classes within the grounds (on the very spot the place Harry tried flying for the primary time).
However thatโs solely the beginning of what there’s to do at Alnwick Citadel 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.
Try my assessment of a day trip at Alnwick Citadel with youngsters
You possibly can be a part of excursions targeted on Alnwick Citadelโs 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 artisanโs courtyard.
Between enjoying on the grassy slopes, we watched jesters enjoying with fireplace, 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 way in which.
You possibly can even keep in a Harry Potter-themed room at Hallow & Crux in Alnwick, with nice names just like the Dumbledorm household room, a broomstickโs throw from Alnwick Citadel
Bamburgh Citadel
Youโre spoiled for alternative on the subject of unbelievable castles in Northumberland with youngsters, however Bamburgh Citadel is one other one to not miss, particularly mixed with a go to to the seashore it overlooks.
As soon as the capital of the kings of Northumbia, you possibly can hint this citadelโs historical past again to Anglo-Saxon instances: since then it has survived Viking raids, the Norman conquest, has performed host to kings โ and seen the primary lifeboat launched underneath its ramparts.
Learn my assessment of a go to to Bamburgh Citadel with youngsters
Thereโs a enjoyable path for youths to comply with as you discover, and you’ll enterprise contained in the citadel itself, previous fits of armour and the magnificent corridor by way of to the traditional Hold with its 11ft thick partitions, constructed over an equally historic spring.
Within the grounds, thereโs a throne to pose in, cannon galore declaring to sea and unbelievable views from the outdated mill too. Throw within the little Armstrong & Aviation museum and a recreated Anglo-Saxon camp, the place you possibly can take heed to Viking tales, see cash being made and extra.
For extra of the very best castles within the UK with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Warkworth Citadel
Residence to the highly effective Percy household, the Dukes of Northumberland, Warkworth Citadel is one other of the string of coastal fortresses that Northumberland specialises in โ and whereas this one isnโt proper on the seafront like Bamburgh, it appears to be like out from its hill to the River Coquet.
The English Heritage web site has actions for youths throughout faculty holidays, together with enjoyable trails, whereas thereโs lots to discover โ ruined towers and the foundations of among the outdated buildings but in addition the cross-shaped preserve.
Try our assessment of a day trip at Warkworth Citadel with youngsters
In addition to exploring the previous Nice Corridor and chapel, you possibly can head down into the cellars the place beer, wine and meals was stored, climb as much as the kitchens with their enormous hearths and bread ovens (feeling grateful your job isnโt dragging the wooden up there) and soak within the views.
With its hyperlinks to Shakespeare โ it was dwelling to Harry Hotspur, and the motion in Henry IV Half II begins right here โ thereโs additionally a fantastic free audioguide to offer you extra background as you discover. Hold a watch out for the Percy lion too.
After exploring throughout the partitions, you can too wander round outdoors, following paths main into the moat and to the outdated Warkworth Hermitage โ tickets might be booked on the citadel, with a separate price, and are presently first come, first served.
Dunstanburgh Citadel
Dunstanburgh Citadel won’t be probably the most intact of the historic fortresses in Northumberland, nevertheless itโs simply the largest, and you’ll nonetheless get a way of its measurement and may right now.
The one technique to attain the citadel ruins are by strolling: you possibly can park at Craster and itโs a simple stroll alongside the clifftop path โ we noticed a dolphin within the waves as an added bonus โ earlier than you attain it.
Tip: thereโs very restricted sign within the automotive park at Craster to make use of the PayByPhone app, so itโs price doing that upfront (until you suppose you won’t get an area) or ensuring you’ve money.
One tower can nonetheless be climbed, with views throughout to Bamburgh Citadel 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 โ largely to harass his royal cousin and exhibit his personal energy โ the area throughout the citadelโs curtain partitions measures virtually 10 acres, and it was surrounded by three meres, or synthetic lakes as effectively.
Stroll across the path by the partitions and you’ll spy colonies of seabirds in addition to wildflowers and the stays of extra citadel buildings, plus Embleton Bay within the distance with its pretty seashore.
Stroll for one more mile or so and you’ll mix this citadel with time on the sand too.
Learn our full assessment of a day trip at Dunstanburgh Citadel with youngsters
Belsay Corridor & Citadel
Residence to a medieval citadel, 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 itโs additionally dwelling to the medieval Belsay Citadel, in the course of the 1800s, the Middleton household deserted life inside its partitions โ which had been of their household for the reason that thirteenth century โ 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 citadel and exploring its maze of rooms โ preserve a watch out for the flowery medieval wall work โ you can too enterprise into the grand rooms of the corridor.
Then head out into the 30 acres of grounds, the place there are sometimes trails for youths, and play disguise and search among the many many unique crops rising within the microclimate of the propertyโs Quarry Backyard, or spot the rhododendrons earlier than a slice of cake within the conventional Victorian tea room.
Lindisfarne Priory
Thereโs one thing very particular a couple of go to to Lindisfarne โ learn on for extra on exploring Holy Island itself โ however one place to not miss when youโve crossed the causeway is Lindisfarne Priory.
With a small museum firstly to offer you all of the background, youngsters can study in regards to the early Christians and the primary monasteries, together with the priory right here, Viking assaults and remaining dissolution by Henry VIII earlier than heading inside.
You stroll by way of the churchyard, which is gorgeous itself, earlier than heading contained in the priory partitions.
Ruined now, itโs nonetheless fascinating to discover. The massive arch of the outdated monastery church with its lovely stone tracery, offers an thought of simply how massive the buildings as soon as had been, and you can too spot the prioryโs wells, the day and night time stairs which the monks would have used and the outdated kitchens.
Thereโs an attention grabbing sculpture throughout the grounds too, in addition to views throughout the ocean and the island to Lindisfarne Citadel.
For extra concepts of learn how to spend a day on Lindisfarne with youngsters, take a look at this publish
Lindisfarne Citadel
Castles with a blended historical past are nothing new, however few locations have such an uncommon previous as Lindisfarne Citadel.
The outdated Tudor fort was as soon as the guard publish that no soldier actually needed to be despatched to, remoted on the island, manning the weapons and staying alert for hassle โ the views as a customer are great, 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 dwelling.
With among the most notable inventive figures of the time staying, friends might apparently count on 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 right now, itโs comparatively small and also you donโt want lengthy to discover (as Nationwide Belief members, it was free for us) however with loads of intriguing little touches in each the servantsโ quarters and upstairs rooms.
Even if you happen to select to not go inside, head out to the headland right here for a blustery stroll, a stroll alongside the seashore, extra coastal views and the great Gertrude Jekyll backyard, a sheltered walled deal with only a brief stroll from the citadel thatโs an excellent splash of color.
Cragside, Morpeth
This essential nation dwelling in Northumberland, was as soon as owned by Victorian inventor Lord William Armstrong and his spouse Woman Margaret Armstrong, so that youโll discover extra at Cragside than the standard stately dwelling.
Because of its progressive homeowners, the home was effectively forward of its time, with trendy options akin to fireplace alarms, telephones and a carry. Cragside was even the primary constructing on this planet to be lit by hydroelectricity.
Consequently, youโll generally discover interactive exhibitions showcasing Lord and Woman Armstrongโs spectacular engineering accomplishments (perfect if you happen toโre visiting with budding engineers).
Better of all, thereโs 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, outside youngstersโ play areas and den constructing provides.
Seaton Delaval Corridor
Thereโs 300 years of historical past to find on the Grade I listed Seaton Delaval Corridor, in addition to being one other excellent place to get open air in Northumberland with youngsters.
After climbing the numerous spiral staircases and recognizing the ornate statues of the spectacular Nationwide Belief corridor, the propertyโs grounds have pure play areas in addition to formal gardens designed by Vanbrugh, with great 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.
Youโll additionally discover particular occasions and actions for households throughout faculty holidays, together with pop-up theatre, crafts areas and treasure hunts.
The Alnwick Backyard
The great Alnwick Backyard might be finest identified for its uncommon poison backyard โ which is as darkly fascinating as youโd count on โ however with way more for youths to get pleasure from at this Northumberland attraction, itโs a fantastic 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, itโs removed from the common assortment of flowers.
My daughterโs personal two favorite areas had been the Serpent Backyard and the Bamboo Labyrinth โ we ventured into the latter a number of instances, together with when sunshine was casting a dim inexperienced gentle 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 could possibly lose hours: squeezing by way of a tiny hole between two curved slabs with working water, hiding inside a dome of water and extra.
Plus others demonstrating numerous 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 selected degree and sprayed down onto these beneathโฆ some ready with a change of garments, others enjoying hen as the extent inched up.
Add within the fairly rose backyard, the poison backyard (look however positively donโt contact) and different decorative gardens and bushes, and itโs very straightforward to whereas away no less than half a day, particularly if you happen to additionally go to Forgotten Backyard journey golf.
Do save a while for the astonishing Lilidorei play space, the worldโs largest play construction, as effectively โ youโll want a separate ticket although.
Try my assessment of a day trip at Alnwick Backyard with youngsters
Hit the seashore
The Northumberland shoreline contains among the loveliest stretches within the UK โ 40 miles of it has even been designated an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB).
Which suggests you receivedโt be removed from a fantastic seashoreโฆ even higher, if you happen toโre used to the favored seashores of the south, theyโre a lot quieter too.
Our personal favorite was Embleton Seaside, a brief stroll from Dunstanburgh Citadel alongside the coast path. Backed by dunes, there have been light waves at one finish for bodyboarding, a number of tide swimming pools and water shallow sufficient to paddle, and loads of area to make a sandcastle with views of the particular citadel.
Bamburgh seashore is equally pretty. Just a little busier than Embleton because itโs simpler to succeed in, itโs one other lengthy stretch of soppy powdery sand backed by dunes (and Bamburgh Citadel) thatโs perfect for kite flying, seashore video games and lounging.
Different contenders for the record of finest 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 normal seaside bonuses plus boat excursions (donโt miss the fish and chips) or Warkworth Seaside is strolling distance from the village however nonetheless stays quiet.
For those whoโre visiting Druridge Bay, make a cease at Cresswell Pond nature reserve close by for a stunning stroll within the protected reserve
Stroll the coast
For those who fancy a extra lively vacation than sitting on the seashore, you possibly can stroll Northumberlandโs shoreline too.
Not essentially all of it โ the Northumberland Coast Path stretches for round 62 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed within the north right down to Cresswell โ however there are stretches to swimsuit all ranges.
One of many best is the stroll from Craster to Dunstanburgh Citadel, lower than a mileโs stroll by the seaside by way of fields of sheep, watching out for dolphins within the waves โ plus the citadel on the finish to offer youthful youngsters a tempting aim.
For extra adventurous youngsters, the coast path is damaged into six sections โ the shortest continues to be six miles lengthy, nevertheless itโs an excellent start line to stroll an quantity youโre comfy with.
Alternatively, you could possibly head to Druridge Bay Nation Park and mix a stroll there with a stroll alongside the seashore (all seven miles of it).
Or how a couple of stroll round Lindisfarne โ 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 open air with youngsters in Northumberland
Get lower off on Lindisfarne
Thereโs one thing I discover extremely tempting in regards to the considered being lower off on an island โ quickly, no less than. And a day on Lindisfarne was simply one in every of my favorite elements of our journey (regardless of some stiff competitors).
Whether or not you really get lower off will rely while you go to: throughout our go to, the causeway didnโt open till round 11.45 and stayed that means till after 8pm, when the tide got here in once more.
However at different factors of the yr, you possibly can cross and know that the ocean lies between you and the mainland for hours, till the tide drops. It goes with out saying to all the time, all the time verify the tides earlier than you go to and donโt be tempted to cross outdoors these instances.
When youโre there? Parking is restricted, and there are some restrictions for guests (until you’ve a blue badge), so itโs finest to move straight to the principle automotive park on the method to the village โ you possibly canโt miss it.
And whereas itโs not an enormous island, itโs not laborious to fill a day โ we spent 5 hours there, and Iโd have fortunately stayed longer. Even higher, keep in a single day to expertise Holy Island after the day guests have left.
In addition to Lindisfarne Priory and Citadel (scroll up for extra), youโll discover seashores close to the citadel and rocks to clamber over, plus the beautiful village itself.
There are walks too across the island, in addition to the prospect of seal recognizing in the summertime.
On a sunny day, donโt miss Pilgrimโs Gelato with their chocolate waffle cones and fabulous flavours (I went for summer time, a fruit combine together with apricot, mango and pineapple), plus some nice fudge.
Or subsequent door, Pilgrimโs 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 youโll be spoiled for alternative โ I discovered mine freshly made on the Island Shack meals stand close to the priory (well worth the queue), however you can too get them on the Publish Workplace, the island pubs and the meals truck close to the automotive park, only for starters.
See stars at Kielder Observatory
There are few higher locations to star-gaze within the UK than at Kielder Forest โ the darkish sky reserve was the primary of its sort in England and one of many largest on this planet, 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 itโs formally identified, head to the Kielder Observatory to study much more in regards to the universe.
Excellent for youths who’re fascinated by science and astronomy, you possibly can ask questions of real-life astronomers and even get the prospect to seek for celestial objects thought the observatoryโs highly effective telescopes.
The House Children occasions are perfect if you happen toโre visiting with youthful star-gazers however there are numerous completely different choices to swimsuit teenagers as effectively โ donโt simply attempt to flip up and hope for a peek on the planets although, you do must guide onto one of many scheduled occasions.
Get open air at Kielder Forest
Stunning Kielder Forest isnโt solely a night-time vacation spot โ 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 without doubt one of the finest locations in Northumberland with youngsters, if you wish to get open air.
Residence to Englandโs 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 โ just for prebooked actions, you possibly canโt simply flip up with your individual paddleboard โ to strive canoeing, crusing, waterskiing and paddleboarding, together with family-friendly choices.
For a extra relaxed technique to discover the reservoir, hop onto the Osprey Ferry to study extra in regards to the space and its historical past, or to take a short-cut again if you happen to donโt fancy taking over the whole 27-mile route across the lake โ do verify the ferry is working earlier than you set off although.
Northumberlandia, Cramlington
Fittingly often called the Woman of the North, the 46-acre nationwide park of Northumberlandia is centered all over the worldโs largest human landform sculpture.
Utilizing a whopping 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil from a neighborhood mine, the weird sculpture of a reclining girl was inbuilt 2010 and itโs utterly free to go to.
Youโll 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 a number of family-friendly occasions going down all year long, together with scavenger hunts, story classes and outside theatre.
Cruise to the Farne islands
In case your youngsters love seals or puffins, donโt miss a ship tour to the Farne islands. Lindisfarne is perhaps the very best identified of the islands however the others, typically smaller and uninhabited, are a haven for wildlife.
Seahouses is the principle start line with a string of firms providing completely different boat journeys, recognizing the varied seabirds, together with puffins, in addition to seals, some with the choice to spend time on the islands, particularly Internal 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 โ the place we additionally noticed gray seals, puffins, seabirds galore and a few attractive views to Bamburgh citadel 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 wouldnโt fancy a ship journey on tough seas with my daughter, thatโs solely an excellent factor!)
Different firms 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 possibly canโt go to Northumberland with youngsters and not using a day trip at Northumberland Nation Zoo.ย
This unbelievable family-run zoo is dwelling to over 100 completely different species, with every part from pleasant cattle to endangered snow leopards, lemurs, lynxes and extra, together with native animals.
There are digital feeding instances and animal talks with the keepers at current, with QR codes on the reveals to obtain the knowledge.
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 outside play space, a tractor museum and electrical ride-on tractors.
Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth
Whitehouse Farm Centre is one other nice family-friendly Northumberland attraction, particularly for households with youthful kids.
The 40-acre farm is dwelling to a great deal of completely different farmyard animals, together with cows, goats, ponies, llamas and alpacas, lots of which kids can pet and feed.
And thereโs additionally likelihood to take a wildlife stroll by way of the encompassing forest to identify native wildlife.
Aside from the animals, youngsters can benefit from the farm centreโs indoor gentle playroom, outside journey playground, electrical racing vehicles, pedal go-karts, trampolines and tractor rides too.
Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre, Haggerston Citadel
On the subject of animal points of interest, Northumberland has lots to supply. Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre in Haggerston Citadelโs Italian Gardens is the place to take little ones who arenโt afraid to get hands-on.
Children can maintain and contact most of the centreโs bugs, reptiles and birds of prey, together with tarantulas, pythons, bearded dragons, owls and kestrels โ do guide forward.
Even if you happen to donโt need to contact the animals, there are 45-minute shows to observe, the place you possibly can see the centreโs many residents up shut.
Heatherslaw Mild Railway, Ford and Etal
Uncover extra of the gorgeous Northumberland countryside by taking a trip 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 Citadel, the place you possibly can 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 โโAlnwick Citadel and Backyard, youโll discover the fascinating Bailiffgate Museum, top-of-the-line kid-friendly museums in Northumberland.ย
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 reveals.
Children 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) and so theyโll love trying out the classic toy exhibition.
Underneath-12s get a free โmouse hunterโ 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.
Discover Amble
Head right down to Amble Harbour Village and seize an ice cream from one of many little stalls โ youโll additionally discover cheese, sandwiches and different native meals, together with souvenirs and items โ earlier than heading previous the lobster pots and out alongside the pier.
Itโs a fantastic place to purchase recent fish as effectively (though you may need to try this on the way in which again out of your stroll!) or you possibly can strive your hand at crabbing off the pier.
On the finish, thereโs 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.
Donโt miss Paddlers Park too, a play space with water play (and the standard playground swings and so forth) plus areas themed round sea creatures โ a very pretty spot for youths to blow off a little bit of steam.
Eat fish and chips in Seahouses
Is it actually a seaside vacation if you happen to donโt have fish and chips no less than as soon as? And when youโll be spoiled for alternative, Seahouses is without doubt one of the finest locations to seize some โ excellent to mix with a wildlife boat tour too.
We obtained ours from Neptune Fish restaurant โ you possibly can eat in, however we took ours away to a bench on the clifftop, wanting right down to the seashore โ thereโs additionally a string of benches close to the harbour (get there early to snaffle one on a sunny day in summer time), in addition to the seashore itself or comply with the cliff path around the headland.
Go to Barter Books, Alnwick
One of many largest secondhand bookshops in Britain, set in a transformed prepare station, I defy you to enter Barter Books and never emerge with one thing.
Thereโs a kidsโs guide space, in addition to grownup books galore, all divided into completely different themes โ with some uncommon finds as you browse, alongside bestselling authors.
Itโs the sort of place you could possibly curl up and lose hours on a wet day in Northumberland โ there are open fires and comfortable chairs, in addition to scorching drinks and snacks on the Station Buffet and Paradise ice cream parlour.
And because the identify suggests, you possibly can convey your individual books to commerce in for Barter credit score, to then spend on a brand new quantity to take dwelling (not within the station buffet).
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. My visits to some points of interest had been free for the needs of assessment however all opinions are my very own.
Lemur/owl/Kielder courtesy Depositphotos, all different photos copyright MummyTravels
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