Father’s Day: The day that we let the ‘dad jokes’ slide and all ‘dadmin’ duties are relinquished for just one day while we let our dads put their feet up. You have scratched your heads and come up with a few gift ideas, you have bought his favourite tea bags and chocolates and the ‘best dad’ mug, but what should you do on the day itself?
We have categorised a few types of dad that we hope yours somewhat falls into, so you can have the best ever Father’s Day. Read on for inspiration, deals on the day, vouchers and gift ideas in Northumberland. (Oh, and it’s on the 16th June in case you needed a reminder…).
For the Nigel Thornberrys
If you don’t remember The Wild Thornberrys, they were the late 90s’ ultimate wildlife explorers, and Northumberland offers a host of birdwatching and wildlife watching adventures that are perfect for Father’s Day.
BATS AND BEERS EVENING WITH WILD INTRIGUE
The team at Wild Intrigue run a number of mini expeditions which include wild goat-spotting and al fresco gourmet meals, and Moths and Muffins mornings at Wild Northumbrian. Our top pick for Father’s Day, however, is Bats and Beers, an evening of sampling award-winning, local beers, learning about the art of brewing using locally foraged and sourced ingredients, and embarking on a guided bat safari. Heading out with bat detectors in-hand, you will hear and watch the bats which cruise the starry night skies above First & Last Brewery Northumberland.
PUFFIN, SEAL AND DOLPHIN SPOTTING AT THE FARNE ISLANDS
Take your dad out on a sealife safari with Serenity Farne Islands Tours. The boat trips depart from Seahouses harbour and take you to the spectacular group of tiny islands off the Northumberland coast, where hundreds of puffins return every year to mate and nest. Grey seals are commonly spotted here too, and regular dolphin sightings make the trips especially magical. If you can’t make it on the 19th, buy a voucher to gift to your dad to use it at a later date through Serenity’s website, or if you would like a flexible voucher with a one year expiry, buy it direct by contacting [email protected].
For the DIY dads
If your dad is constantly coming over to offer his DIY expertise, or can often be found focusing on his latest project at his workbench, take him to see the inner-workings of Northumberland’s sculptures and architecture.
THE ALNWICK GARDEN PUMP ROOM TOUR
The Alnwick Garden runs a fascinating tour of its Grand Cascade’s Pump Room, where you can delve into the inner workings of this astounding sculpture. Learn how it pumps huge quantities of water every minute, allowing its visitors to enjoy magnificent water displays. At only £10 per person, just contact The Alnwick Garden directly to make an enquiry. Once you’ve done the tour, pop into the garden’s shop to browse products from their ‘Maker of the Month’ who is selling organic skin care with a men’s range as an additional treat for your dad.
HEATHERSLAW CORN MILL
Ford and Etal always makes for a fantastic family day out. Heatherslaw Light Railway is loved by kids and dads, as the steam locomotives take you from Heatherslaw Station to Etal Castle. Once you have delighted dad with the steam train journey, take him to Heatherslaw Cornmill, one of the oldest working corn mills in the UK, and get to grips with the mechanics of water power and the milling process. A firm favourite with dads, and with regular events and activities for kids too, you can come away with freshly ground flour for some family baking later that day.
For the big kids
A common group of the dad species, the big kids can’t get enough of exciting activities, they love an adventure, and they grasp any opportunity to get competitive.
KIELDER WATERSIDE
Kielder waterside is an activity playground perfect for Father's Day. Feel macho and try out Tomahawk Throwing, channel your inner Robin Hood with archery lessons, and put your aim and accuracy to the test with a crossbow session. There are a number of other activities and nearby walking routes, cycling trails, and stunning viewpoints to explore too.
LAVEROCK LAW FAMILY ADVENTURES
Laverock Law Holiday Cottages run a number of excellent activities, including yoga sessions and bread making, but the perfect activity for the ‘big kids’ is their Family Adventures. Starting at Wooler Common with some basic map reading skills, you head out with a map in-hand, pausing along the way to learn about local history and admire staggering viewpoints. Ending at the top of Humbleton Hill, adults can enjoy an elderflower champagne while the kids work with dad to make strawberry chocolate and cream fondue on a stove. You don’t have to be an overnight guest to book this activity, but you can make a weekend (or longer!) of it by booking a stay at the cottages.
FOR DR. DOOLITTLE DADS
FARMYARD ADVENTURES AT WHITEHOUSE FARM
For a day that dad and the little ones won’t forget, head to Whitehouse Farm. With fun and child friendly activities, including feeding animals of all shapes and sizes, indoor racing cars, soft play, an adventure playground and tractor rides, you will be spoiled for choice with activities for all of the family to enjoy.
We hope you have a great Father’s Day and please don’t hesitate to tag us in your Northumberland adventures at @visitnorthumberland or use our hashtag #endlessexperiences.
Author: Jenni Meikle