Northumbria with 3yo and 1yo...

[LetTheHayfeverBegin]

We're toying with the idea of going to Northumbria, possibly next Easter, with DC who will then be 3 and 1. DP is concerned there won't be enough to do if the weather is a bit off, although DC1 loves castles and I'm assured there are enough in the area to keep them occupied!

So...does anyone have any ideas for things to do in the area with these ages, or know if there is enough stuff to do with such young children?

[Christelle2207]

Afaik northumbria doesn't exist although it does randomly have a university. It used to mean the whole of the north east.
Do you mean northumberland?

[LetTheHayfeverBegin]

Yes, I meant Northumberland.

[ShadowStar]

There's a few beaches in Northumberland. Alnwick Gardens, Holy Island and Cragside are also worth a look. These are all mostly outside things though!

If the weather's bad, Newcastle's not too far away, and there's a few child friendly museums there - Discovery Museum, Seven Stories.

[glenthebattleostrich]

Where in Northumberland?

There are a few farms and kirkley hall zoological gardens

[LetTheHayfeverBegin]

Great - thanks for these, I'll have a google now. Had been thinking about staying near Alnwick or Bamburgh, but if there are certain attractions good for younger children in a specific area then it would make more sense to stay nearer to them.

[RoobyTuesday]

I live in Northumberland and to be honest Easter up here is still likely to be very chilly, although the North East does tend to get lots of sunshine in spring.
Bamburgh and Alnwick are lovely and providing you're not expecting to actually have a dip in the sea I think you can still enjoy all the beautiful beaches around Bamburgh that time of year. My DC's love body boarding down the sand dunes of which there are plenty. Alnwick castle and gardens are lovely, Warkworth and Alnmouth make lovely days out. Weather permitting you can visit holy island which also has amazing beaches and walks and a nice castle.
You can get a boat out to the farne Islands from Seahouses (and get lovely fish and chips) and see all the seals - as long as it's not pouring with rain that would be fine that time of year.
There is lots to do in and around Newcastle with kids too - almost too much to mention.
Sorry for long post but I love where I live and I think you will enjoy your visit anytime of year.

[RoobyTuesday]

I live in Northumberland and to be honest Easter up here is still likely to be very chilly, although the North East does tend to get lots of sunshine in spring.
Bamburgh and Alnwick are lovely and providing you're not expecting to actually have a dip in the sea I think you can still enjoy all the beautiful beaches around Bamburgh that time of year. My DC's love body boarding down the sand dunes of which there are plenty. Alnwick castle and gardens are lovely, Warkworth and Alnmouth make lovely days out. Weather permitting you can visit holy island which also has amazing beaches and walks and a nice castle.
You can get a boat out to the farne Islands from Seahouses (and get lovely fish and chips) and see all the seals - as long as it's not pouring with rain that would be fine that time of year.
There is lots to do in and around Newcastle with kids too - almost too much to mention.
Sorry for long post but I love where I live and I think you will enjoy your visit anytime of year.

[RoobyTuesday]

I live in Northumberland and to be honest Easter up here is still likely to be very chilly, although the North East does tend to get lots of sunshine in spring.
Bamburgh and Alnwick are lovely and providing you're not expecting to actually have a dip in the sea I think you can still enjoy all the beautiful beaches around Bamburgh that time of year. My DC's love body boarding down the sand dunes of which there are plenty. Alnwick castle and gardens are lovely, Warkworth and Alnmouth make lovely days out. Weather permitting you can visit holy island which also has amazing beaches and walks and a nice castle.
You can get a boat out to the farne Islands from Seahouses (and get lovely fish and chips) and see all the seals - as long as it's not pouring with rain that would be fine that time of year.
There is lots to do in and around Newcastle with kids too - almost too much to mention.
Sorry for long post but I love where I live and I think you will enjoy your visit anytime of year.

[RoobyTuesday]

I live in Northumberland and to be honest Easter up here is still likely to be very chilly, although the North East does tend to get lots of sunshine in spring.
Bamburgh and Alnwick are lovely and providing you're not expecting to actually have a dip in the sea I think you can still enjoy all the beautiful beaches around Bamburgh that time of year. My DC's love body boarding down the sand dunes of which there are plenty. Alnwick castle and gardens are lovely, Warkworth and Alnmouth make lovely days out. Weather permitting you can visit holy island which also has amazing beaches and walks and a nice castle.
You can get a boat out to the farne Islands from Seahouses (and get lovely fish and chips) and see all the seals - as long as it's not pouring with rain that would be fine that time of year.
There is lots to do in and around Newcastle with kids too - almost too much to mention.
Sorry for long post but I love where I live and I think you will enjoy your visit anytime of year.

[RoobyTuesday]

Oh wow sorry no idea why that posted three times!

[fairnotfit]

Whitehouse Farm, near Morpeth.
Boat trip from Seahouses to the Farne Islands
Wallington (NT property) - near Cambo. V interesting house & lovely grounds (with playground), and the house includes a room FULL of dolls' houses!
Craster - if you get a nice day and the tide's out, the rock pools are amazing. Also Bamburgh beach for rock pools.
Concordia leisure pool (Cramlington) for a wet day.

[LetTheHayfeverBegin]

Wow - would never have thought of doing some of these - body boarding down sand dunes sounds ace! And the room full of dolls' houses...best not mention to DD1 yet...

[fairnotfit]

Oh, and if you go to Craster, have lunch at the Jolly Fisherman - wonderful food (the crab soup is gorgeous), a great children's menu, and fantastic views over the sea - but get there early!!