Mumsnet Talk

We will be looking to book this years holiday soon. It will probably be a caravan holiday which is what we usually do. We normally go to North Devon but have a few reasons for needing a change this year.

We got a puppy last september and want to take him with us. Ds is 7 so he does need to be considered though can be amused outdoors.

We have never been to the lakes and have only passed through Northumberland. We want to cut our usual journey time this year for the sake of the puppy(we live in yorkshire) We are happy to be countryside based as long as coast is possible as a day trip. Anyone with any experience to offer?

The lake district is lovely, but I wouldn't rate it for beaches (on the sea). Lovely walls by the actual lakes though, chance to take a boat out etc.

I would not rate the Lake district very highly, saturated with tourists too many rules plus the lakes are more like large puddles

I like both but would go for Northumberland every time. I prefer the scenery and it is quieter. The area around Holy Island is very nice. Bamburgh Beach is lovely.

Northumberland for me. Fab beaches for dog walking, very friendly locals, loads of National Trust places and castles and the wonderful Alnwick Garden. And much less rainy than the Lakes too!

If we did the lakes we would probably consider a drive into Blackpool for the sake of ds one day. I know its a trek but we have done Southampton as a footballing day trip before now!

I know Blackpool is no beauty but I figure we would have other days for that. I think our little Border terrier would enjoy the walks in either place.

I like Northumberland

Mmm the ruggedness of Nothumberland does appeal for my little terriers sake. Both him and ds love mud and messing around on walks.

I worry slightly that lake district could be a little grown up for ds but can see pros and cons for both hence the request for help!

Northumberland is much, much drier so is likely to be better weather.

Northumberland is great

Is there anywhere in Northumberland where you can get that tacky coast experience for an afternoon? Fish chips and a little amusement arcade? I am thinking purely of ds here so in terms of 7 year old appeal and would only need to amuse for an hour or so. In Devon we spend most of time outdoors but like to give him his tacky seaside afternoon too!

Another one voting for Northumberland. I love the area around Kielder and our two DSs found Hadrian's Wall and also Alnwick Castle fascinating!

Another vote for Northumberland, amazing beaches especially near Bamburgh, or Cheviots and Kielder for countryside. Alnwick Castle and Gardens have a vg reputation. DS might find Holy Island a bit of an adventure, only accessible by car along a causeway that is impassable when the tide is in, that made it seem v exciting when I was wee. Maybe Berwick or Seahouses could provide the chippy and amusements experience?

Is Northumberland do-able without a car, does anybody know please?

Northumberland every time.

And Seahouses is tacky enough for an afternoon

Northumberland is great for a family holiday. Fabulous beaches and more castles than you can shake a stick at.

And I agree that Seahouses will amply provide the tack factor for an afternoon

Looks like Nothumberland is a winner!

To be honest is looks as though there is plenty to ds and my furry snouted one to do. Beamish allows dogs too so could be worth a trip.

We'd just found Seahouses too online and thought it looked like it would hit the spot. Thanks everyone. We now need to start trying to find some parks to investigate.

Please come visit further inland too! Some beautiful scenery & Hadrian's Wall is stunning. Vindolanda & Roman Army Museum are great for kids.

Your border terrier will love it - it's a very dog-friendly area

Don't miss the coastal walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle - you'll wear him and DS out. Holy Island is a fantastic place to visit (just be sure to check the tide times so you can get there and back again) and Bamburgh Castle is stunning and very child-friendly.

And when you've had your fill of arcades, fish and chips and crazy golf at Seahouses you can get take a boat trip to the Farne Islands to spot seals and puffins.

Waren Park (hoseasons) was very nice. Lovely setting and a heated outdoor children's pool. About 5 mins drive to Bamburgh, 10 mins to Seahouses.

Remus, in answer to your question about travel, it would be quite tricky. There are buses but in some areas they only run on one day a week!
If you let me know where your interested in, I can have a look

I think it would be difficult without a car, Remus, lupin.

Thanks both. I thought it might be difficult but I really fancy seeing Holy Island.

We will Northumberlandlass, we were looking for somewhere with a good mix of walks.

We will have a look FrameyMcFrame, thanks.

Thanks everyone for all the sights advice. I don't think we will have any problem filling a week!

I love Northumberland!

To me Seahouses is exactly the right amount of tacky; it has those lovely chippies, boats to the Farne Islands, a crappy crazy golf that's loads of fun, walks round the harbour, a couple of lovely beaches, local ice cream, lifeboat station, cashpoint, little co-op (not to be underestimated in this neck of the woods), views of Bamburgh Castle...

I second the idea of the walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh - we always go a bit further and have a butty at The Ship Inn, Low-Newton-by-Sea. You can buy kippers in Craster or at the smokehouse in Seahouses.

I have never seen as many Border Terriers as we have done when walking the Northumberland Coastal Path.