Alnwick Northumberland or Whitby Yorkshire

[bebesequin]

Have got the chance of a week in either of the above locations first week in September myself, BF and beween us four boys aged 5,7 8 and 9.We want nice beach weather permitting and variety of eating places -it's a relaxed break away from the DHs -evenings will be spent DVD watching -would welcome some wet weather activities for the boys- accomdation available in both locations-but have to decide by end of week.
Any experiences? Oh and a few nice independant shops would be a bonus!

Whitby is right on the coast whereas Alnwick is more of and inland town. Having said that there are some wonderful beaches a short distance away.

Alnwick has the castle and the gardens as well as some lovely shops. Whitby has beach, boat trips, steam trains, Dracula, fish and chips, amusement arcade, some lovely and some tacky shops.

If it was just you and your friend I would go for Alnwick but I think the boys will have more fun in Whitby.

Kind of thinking Whitby too as could always 'do' York and railway museum if weather a washout also Scarborough not too far away- final decision tonight

Alnwick for me without a doubt.

We spent a week not long ago on the Northumberland coast. It was pretty wet and windy but we still spent a lot of time on the beach with the dcs and had a great time at Alnwick gardens even though it was a pretty cold day. The is plenty around there to do.

I don't like Whitby much, too crowded and a lot of tacky stuff. I guess though your dcs are older than mine and there are quite a few indoor museums in York.

My favourite places in the world - N Yorks and Northumberland. I would go for Whitby, there are lots of other places along the coast that you can go to ie Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay and you can go on to Grosmont and see the steam trains. If the weather isn't too good there is a pool and leisure centre in Whitby and a library, and a personal favourite, crazy golf!
Bothams bakery is pretty fab too, lots of lovely cakes and bread. Think I'm getting too excited.... might pop down there myself next week

Booked Whitby - but friend and I promised ourselves a Alnwick weekend without the DCs before end of year!

Thanks for all replies