Alnwick Castle and Garden ... also Forbidden Corner, Leyburn - have you been?

[roisin]

I am just plotting and planning for a short trip in half term - which of course is going to be dry, mild, and sunny ...?!

Anyway, has anyone been to either of these two, and how would you rate them?

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havent been to either myself but ds1s beaver leader was very excited about leyburn, she said it was a fantastic place

Yes been to both. What age kids r going roisin?

It's hard to rate them as they're so different. I'd say Alnick is better for older children and adults IMO and Forbidden corner is exceptionl, unique and also suits younger kids.

I'm feeling a Forbidden corner trip coming on now My mum, sis and neice were there last week and were blown away.

The boys are 6 and 8.
I'm trying to make a shortlist of things to do. Dh thinks we're only going 'East' for 3 days, and I have a list of 7 places already, several of which are all day things!

How long do you spend in Forbidden Corner?

You get given a time slot but I'd say at least 2 hours. You'll be amazed when you go. 6 and 8 are perfect ages IMO.

Ulysees - do you have any idea what demand is like at the moment for the Forbidden Garden? How far in advance do you have to book? We are thinking of going at half term.

Thanks

hi roisin

forbidden garden had fantastic write ups in the sunday times last year and they were really busy, but my frind still managed to book only 3 weeks in advance for august '04

oh, and my mum and dad think alnick gardens are brill

Went to Alnwick garden last year and were very disappointed - it was still "work in progress" which meant it was nothing more than a building site - we complained and got our money back!
Could be beautiful by now.

I am so pleased we've thought about this. Just booked bargain travel lodge rooms, and have a wet weather itinerary and fine weather itinerary. The only thing is I want to do everything! Actually dh wants to go to Lindisfarne and I'm not that keen - and we've both been before ...

Anyway, having a little trip planned will give me something to look forward to when I'm getting tired and fed up towards the end (or middle!) of half term. Back to work on Thursday

I'd give Forbidden corner a ring or look on their website to find out booking.
Have you been to \link{http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cragsidehousegardenandestate/cragside?} We went last week and the estate is huge. If you fancy it I'd take a picnic though as the only let down was the restaurant. It's great for all the family.

cragside

Hope this link works?

Ooops just realised you're goin in half term, the house at Cragside is closed then for rewiring, sorry