Northumberland family holiday

[Alifemoreordinary123]

We’re thinking of going to Northumberland for 4 days in the summer. Wondering how much there is to entertain us all and looking for recommendations and experiences. We’re a family of 4 with two children 8 & 5. We’re looking to stay at Doxford Hall near Alnwick. We’ve got the castle on our list and some beach time (weather permitting) - would else would you suggest. Me and the kids like a little explore, national trust experience, playgrounds, farms or something organised - my husbands idea of a fun holiday is a lux all inclusive so it’s going to be tough to please everyone 😆.

Beaches and castles as you have said! That coast has such a great variety and they all have their own character. Cragside, slightly inland is a great day out. Also, travel out to Holy Island over the causeway and do some seal watching.

@FinnJuhl my son would love the seals! Thank you, sounds fun!

We really enjoyed Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei, a boat tour for seals and puffins (from Seahouses I think it was), Barter Books in Alnwick, Warkworth Castle, beaches and rock pooling. Didn’t make it to Bamburgh or Holy Island but we’re definitely planning another trip there with the kids, I absolutely loved Northumberland.

Alnwick gardens and the play area (you pay an additional entry, but children are free to the gardens with paying adults) are wonderful. Totally separate to the castle, which is also brilliant.

there are some gorgeous drives and little places to stop for a cup of tea and some fabulous coastal villages.

This sounds wonderful, thank you so much! Can’t wait, thank you x

Whitehouse farm in Morpeth and amble do the puffin boat rides

Kielder Observatory
Visit a Scottish border town.

Cragside in Rothbury is stunning- makes for a lovely day trip and not too far from Alnwick

Farne islands boat trip from Seahouses, Bamburgh castle(great new play area at the Grace Darling museum), Hadrian’s wall (Vindolanda or Housesteads)

We've just spent a whole week there with similar aged kids. They were just super happy playing on the beach. Bamburgh beach is my most favourite place in the UK. It's stunning. Bamburgh castle is also great, take a picnic and enjoy the views. Holy island makes for a great day trip. Alnwick gardens are also amazing. I'm totally jealous. The kids have asked to go again...have a fab holiday.

We’ve just come back from a trip there! Seconding Whitehouse Farm and Alnwick Castle. We also did Beamish which was a little further away, but a fantastic day out.

Mine liked Heatherslaw light railway but they were a bit younger. There was also a maze on Holy Island that year - it sure if it’s a regular thing (this was a long time ago!)

I second Seahouses and a boat trip. I love Seahouses. ❤️

Me too.

Assuming you would have a car with you Ford and Etal is a lovely day trip. A castle in each village, the railway, the heavy horse centre and the Lady Waterford hall.

www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/families-and-children/

As others have said Cragside is a must if you have NT passes. The cruises with Serenity from Seahouses harbour are brilliant, and there's been orcas lately. The walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is easy but really lovely and despite the Castle being English Heritage you can still use NT passes.