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Original poster

What can we do in Northumberland in the cold and wet please?

18 replies

LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 10:40

DS 7 DD 5 and i are going to Bamburgh tomorrow for a week. Weather forecast is cold and wet. What things are good in the wet please? Was having idyllic notions of sitting on the beach while children frolicked around but realise I may need to alter plans slightly (and pack more jumpers :))

Thank you for any and all suggestions.

Really do need to think at least about packing now....

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Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 10:51

(potentially soggy) bump :)

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amylou · 05/08/2011 11:38

Hi - we went 2 or 3 years ago to Northumberland - theres a farm with an good indoor area, Whitehouse Farm Centre at Morpeth which was nice and there's castle mania - an indoor play area at Amble.

hope those are useful

campergirls · 05/08/2011 12:05

I live in Northumberland and have family coming to visit next week, so have been keeping an eye on the weather forecast - I think most days will be showery rather than persistent rain, so if you wrap up you should be able to get out plenty. It's been lovely here recently this week (apart from the odd monsoon), sorry your luck might be out with the weather!

If it does get really wet, there are lots of great castles to visit - Bamburgh itself, also Chillingham, Warkworth, Alnwick. The NT places at Cragside, Wallington and Seaton Delaval all have fun things for kids. There is a new mini-zoo at Kirkley Hall, haven't been there but have heard good things about it. Woodhorn Museum has great family-oriented temporary exhibitions (one about videogames at the moment!)

Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:07

Thank you :)

have both english heritage and national trust memberships so planning castles. And hope showery rather than persistent rain (did that one year in Shropshire).

Will bear all ideas in mind and hopefully the sun will occasionally shine :) we will go on the beach whatever though Grin

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upahill · 05/08/2011 12:08

I have posted a link about Bamburgh.
It also lists other places so there may be things to do in other areas near where you ae.

You can still mountain bike -it'll keep you warm and there's some good cycling paths!!

Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:12

I would quite like to do cycling but sadly no bike rack thing. DS rides fine but DD can only ride with stabilisers and not totally acurately. Hopefully in a year or so she will be better and I will organise a way to transport the bikes :)

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sootytotherescue · 05/08/2011 12:13

If you venture further South there is also Seven Stories, Discovery Museum (free) and Hancock Museum in Newcastle and Beamish in North Durham.

There is also Whitehouse Farm and Holy Island (if you fancy braving the rain).

aftereight · 05/08/2011 12:14

Bamburgh castle itself is mainly indoors. Barter books in Alnwick is a good place to while away a couple of hours (speaking from experience!) and has a children's room.
Cragside, long pub lunches.. swimming pool at Alnwick.
Do not attempt Holy Island/Lindisfarne Castle in the rain - long walk on the island with no shelter was miserable!
Have a lovely time!

Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:14

Am aware I sound like a nesh southerner by the way Grin. We are in York but still quite nesh. Plus first holiday since H left and so feel my own pressure to make it lovely iyswim.

Have made a small attempt at packing....

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Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:15

Am aware I sound like a nesh southerner by the way Grin. We are in York but still quite nesh. Plus first holiday since H left and so feel my own pressure to make it lovely iyswim.

Have made a small attempt at packing....

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upahill · 05/08/2011 12:15

You could always hire a bike for half a day maybe?
A full day might be too much but half a day could be fun and give your DD some practice.

cherryburton · 05/08/2011 12:16

Ooh, we're thinking of heading up this way for 10 days of camping - hope the weather sorts itself out! Was looking at staying near Beadnell Bay - don't know the area at all and looking forward to checking out all the National Trusty stuff. Wasn't Chillingham on Most Haunted?

Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:16

I do want to go to Holy Island so if there is some dry we will head there :)

right am going to get a little organised :)

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Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 05/08/2011 12:18

Was just thinking we might do some bike hiring - do you know of any places upahill? Although probably not in driving rain Grin

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upahill · 05/08/2011 12:24

I've not used any but these do full days hire - they may neogatiate a half day.

boardsandbikes.co.uk/bikes/

I did a quick look on yell and they have suggested some places that are about 15 miles away.
I was thinking you could combine bike riding and a day trip out www.yell.com/s/cycle+hire-bamburgh.html

PotteringAlong · 05/08/2011 12:32

If you come down to newcastle, as well as all mentioned the centre for life is good too!

Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 06/08/2011 07:42

Have just woken up to a thunderstorm and heavy rain in York. Am hoping this isn't a precursor to a very wet week......

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Original poster
LawrieMarlow · 07/08/2011 12:29

Well it keeps raining but we've been on the beach twice so far :)

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