Northumberland-ish

[AuntieDiluvial]

We're thinking of going somewhere new next summer. I've always wanted to visit the Poison Garden at Alnwick, so we're considering Northumberland-ish coast-ish area.

I love history, dh loves hill-walking, we both like open-water swimming, and we will have two or three teenage dc with us, who enjoy some or all of these activities in various permutations.

Any suggestions? Places to visit, places to stay? Things to do?

On our list so far:
Alnwick
Lindisfarne
Beamish

Is Hadrian's Wall worth the treck? We've visited Housesteads from the Lake District.

Definitely go to Linhope Spout Waterfall www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/linhope-spout-breamish/
wildswim.com/linhope-spout
Many jump off the two-metre ledge; others go higher. Or simply splash in the shallows and picnic afterwards alongside the river. If you want a long walk, park your car at the Ingram Valley car park next to public toilets and visitor centre. This will take approx 1.5 hours each way at an easy pace. If you want to get closer to the fall you and don’t want such a long walk there is parking at Hartside Farm approx 1.5 miles from the Linhope Spout.

These would be excellent places to stay with teenagers www.calvert-trust.org.uk/kielder/calvert-kielder-families-groups-individuals

www.verdantleisure.co.uk/riverside/

www.landal.com/parks/kielder-waterside/in-and-around-the-park#filter:e30=

I live on the coast of Newcastle and this is a wonderful place to come and visit. A few suggestions:
Riley's fish shack on King Eddies Bay in Tynemouth - amazing Sea Food on the beach, an absolute must if you are up this way.
Holy Island -park up and walk to the uninhabited end of the island where you will find some of the most amazing and deserted beaches you have ever seen.
Bamburgh - beautiful place. You can walk to Seahouses along the beautiful beach and sand dune path for fish and chips.
We have some wonderful national trust properties- Cragside, Wallington and Gibside and absolutely beautiful and will give you an amazing day out.
Walk from Crastor to Low Newton and have lunch at The Ship Inn.
Newcastle itself makes for a great day out and you can also hop on a train and be in Edinburgh or York in no time at all.

Also you can hire Kayaks and paddle boards in Cullercoats and either do your own thing or have a family lesson/tour of the coast line.
If you like surfing then we have excellent surf in Tynemouth if the conditions are right.

Hadrians Wall is one of my favourite places for walking. Steel Rigg is an awesome piece of scenery.

Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands in springtime when the birds are nesting. You will be almost tripping over puffins and terns. Take a hat though as the terns may peck your head.