Where to break journey between Newcastle and Carlisle?

[MsJaneAusten]

I’ll be travelling between Newcastle and Carlisle tomorrow as part of a much longer journey and am looking for somewhere to break the drive. I’ll be with two dc aged 6 & 9. Would usually stop in Newcastle itself, at the Metro Centre, or maybe Hexham, but none of those really appeal at the moment as the places the DSes like there (cinemas, museum, bowling etc) won’t be open. Any ideas for alternatives? Thank you!

Thank you!

We live in Sunderland and our adult dd lives in Carlisle. We usually meet up in Haydon Bridge as it's about equidistant. Theres a lovely pub on the river there, The Anchor.

Corbridge is very pretty and has good cafes!

Thank you. Do you know if either of these places have playgrounds? Ideally I want to let the kids run around a bit.

What about the Roman Fort at Housesteads?
Think its bookable on timed tickets, so would depend on how well you could judge your journey time.

The park at the bottom of the Sele is open in Hexham. The farmers market is on in the morning too. I'm assuming the park at Tyne Green will also be open.

Is there anything on at Brockbushes? They often have something child friendly on but I haven't drove past for a week or two.

Take care as you pass Hexham. The roundabout has massive roadworks and you need to give way in new places.

Enjoy your trip.

Kirkley Hall has reopened. It's about 10 minutes north of Ponteland. Little zoo and good walks. You have to book online.

Washington Wildfowl Park is also open. You have to book online too. A bit of a detour but lots of space.