Somewhere to meet halfway between Edinburgh and Northampton

[liveforsummer]

As the title suggests - looking for some help for somewhere to spend a weekend. I'm in Edinburgh and friend lives near Northampton. The halfway point appears to be just south of Darlington. Is there much to do for DC from toddler age up to 12 in this area or somewhere nearby? Middlesbrough? Any other suggestions? I initially thought of York but hotel prices are extortionate. Not wanting to go too far off the beaten track so easy reach from A1/M1/A19 or similar. We are both on a fairly tight budget but open to hotel options which might be more realistic currently than caravan or cottage. Again any suggestions for places to stay greatly welcomed.

What about harrogate? Or head over to the coast and meet at whitby/Scarborough which will probably be more toddler friendly

This app looks good. www.whatshalfway.com/search.aspx?search_type=WHW&addr1=Edinburgh|55.95206069946289,-3.1964800357818604&addr2=Northampton|52.25,-0.8833299875259399&stop1=Family_Fun&avoid_tolls=False&avoid_highways=False&travel_mode=driving

It takes you to Google maps, which showed a place called 'treetop trails' that looked like it could be perfect for that age range.

(I’ve not been for years) What about Durham, I remember climbing the cathedral tower when I was about 9/10. Also I think Beamish Museum is nearby. I remember having a brilliant day out there when I was primary age.

My dad lives in North Yorks and next time we’re up there I’m planning on taking my children to this place.
www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/attractions/the-forbidden-corner-b4d7dac8?fbclid=IwAR3x7g3ek8B7cgIyqWNotf0HnuQg4jJU4J_H1yweH3X3-rLQt7xx7WIHTXE

Scarborough and Whitby a good shout but possibly lacking availability during school holidays, shall certainly look. I always thought Harrogate was pretty pricey but will look on to that too, thanks

@DrunkenKoala yes I wondered about Durham actually

@FamishedAtAnAirport treetop trails looks to be near ripon, will look in to that too.

York, plenty to do, cafés, bars and restaurants, steeped in history, take a walk on the bar walls ,a river trip, jorvic centre, art gallery, castle museum.

Ahh just seen that york is extortionate but you can get B&Bs relatively cheap a short walk outside the city walls

If you’re member of the National Trust I recommend Fountains Abbey in Ripon - there’s lots of space for the children to run around and play hide and seek in the ruins.

Thanks all, considering campsites too if anyone knows of any in the area

Rudding park near Harrogate

I've found and campsite near middleham. Dc would be over the moon as they could see racehorses on the gallops. Alternatively there is one at Redcar for an amazing price. Any opinions on either area? Middleham has light water valley, the treetop adventure a pp mentioned plus the forbidden corner another pp mentioned. Sound quite intense for 2 nights in a tent though 😆

@DrunkenKoala thank you so much for the recommendation of forbidden corner. We have booked it and are excited about this the most. Looks fab. We have a campsite on a farm with loads of facilities including restaurant, park, soft play and climbing walls plus good shower and toilet facilities near Ripon and Harrogate as a op suggested, a day at forbidden corner and a day at Lightwater Valley all at a total cost of 125 per family. Over the moon and the suggestions here helped.