Make memories in Northumberland

Family adventures

Northumberland has something for the whole family. From historical sites and starry skies, to idyllic scenery and gorgeous beaches. Plan your perfect family trip with our recommendations and local knowledge.

Fun for the whole family

You are guaranteed to find activities to suit both adults and children in our gorgeous county. From stunning castles steeped in history and picnics in our nature parks, to making a splash and building sandcastles at one of Northumberland’s beautiful beaches - family fun awaits you.

Northumberland is home to one of the most spacious national parks in England, and when coupled with Kielder Water & Forest Park, forms one of the largest Dark Sky Parks in Europe. This is a perfect opportunity to stargaze with your family, and to learn about the galaxy.

Visit The Alnwick Garden where you're in for a treat with their beautiful displays and regular events!

Get down and dirty at Vindolanda with their archaeological excavations, or roam like a Roman as you explore one of the many sites along Hadrian’s Wall, following in the footsteps of emperor Hadrian and his army.

If you’re all about creepy crawlies & canny critters, then head down to Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens and go bananas with the huge array of species! There's also cute bundles of fluff and exotic animals for you to pet and learn about at Whitehouse Farm.

Pack up a picnic and head to our country parks for some outdoor fun. Wander beside the bluebells, play games or simply rest and relax enjoying the lush green open spaces. A haven for wildlife, Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre gives you the opportunity to explore the outdoors whilst keeping an eye out for red squirrels, a local celebrity in Northumberland! Entry is FREE and donations are welcomed.

Looking for a sprinkling of inspiration? Then check out our family friendly events where you'll find a range of activities to suit every member of the gang!

Whatever your family fancy, you’ll be making memories in no time.

Attractions

You'll never be short of stunning sights and memorable days out in Northumberland. Seek out hidden historical sites, cruise from castle to castle along the coast, discover peaceful gardens, and be inspired by old estates and country houses.

Activities

Get back into the swing of things on our many golf courses, surf and SUP board beside barely-trodden beaches, ramble along our scenic walking routes, cycle on breath-taking bike tracks, or gallop along our coastline with the fresh sea wind in your hair.

Indoor attractions

The hustle and bustle of the Northumbrian spirit is not lost on its indoor attractions. Indulge in some retail therapy, immerse yourself in the county's history with amazing museums, and enjoy some delicious local food and drink.

Children enjoying a family event in Northumberland

Family events

Whether you have tiny toddlers, temperamental teenagers, or Gran and Grandad in tow, there’s an event for every family member in Northumberland. From alpaca walks to Easter egg hunts, and pony rides to puffin festivals, just take your pick.

Short walking routes

If you like your walks short and sweet, look no further. We have rounded up some of Northumberland’s easiest, shortest trails where castles, coast, countryside and nature can be admired en-route.

Castles

The only time you want your holiday to end in ruins is when you visit Northumberland. It's home to more castles than any other county in England, explore famous fortresses, ghostly grounds and opulent state rooms.

Something for everyone

From families that can't keep their trainers off and love nothing more than a challenge, to those that prefer to take the adrenaline down a notch and absorb some history, we've got sites and attractions a-plenty to fill your family holiday with.

Attractions, adventures and activities galore!

Historic sites Haydon Bridge

Housesteads Roman Fort

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire.

Workshops & Experiences Corbridge

Wild Intrigue

Wild Intrigue host unique wildlife events to rewild everyone by hooking up with nature-minded farmers, foodies and other friends.

Garden Alnwick

The Alnwick Garden

One of the world's most extraordinary contemporary gardens.

Family Attraction Cornhill-on-Tweed

Ford & Etal Estates

Ford & Etal Estates has fascinating heritage, beautiful countryside, tempting places to eat, drink and shop and welcoming accommodation.

Great Outdoors Kielder

Kielder Water & Forest Park

Kielder Water & Forest Park brings you nature on a grand scale – stunning views, many activities or just chill. You're welcome.

Historic sites Bardon Mill

Vindolanda (Chesterholm) Hadrian's Wall

Visit Roman Vindolanda today and you will find one of the North East’s most famous and not to be missed tourist attractions lying in the beautiful landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country.

Historic sites Chollerford

Chesters Roman Fort

Come and see what life was like at one the Roman Empire's most northern outposts.

Science and Technology Kielder

Kielder Observatory

Kielder Observatory is an astronomical attraction at Kielder Water & Forest Park run by the Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society. Please visit www.kielderobservatory.org for all event bookings.

Family Attraction Cornhill-on-Tweed

Heatherslaw Light Railway

Travel on our 15 inch gauge railway between Heatherslaw and Etal Castle on a return journey.

Historic sites Warkworth

Warkworth Castle

Set in a quaint Northumberland village, this hill-top fortress and hermitage offers a fantastic family day out.

Places to stay for the Whole Family

Rest your head in a spacious cottage, put your feet up in a family-run B&B, or splash out on a hotel. With accommodation for the whole family, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Northumberland.

Alnwick Inn

The Hogs Head Inn

At the award-winning Hog’s Head Inn you'll find a contemporary inn serving homemade food all day, and cosy en-suite rooms.

Alnwick Self Catering

Breamish Valley Cottages

Breamish Valley Cottages presents award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Alnwick in Northumberland, where spectacular comfort and elegance is complemented by a superb indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, tennis court, games room and gym.

Guide Price £490.00 Per week

Bamburgh Self Catering

Budle Bay Croft

Budle Bay Croft - “Luxurious serenity with bags to do on an utterly magical“ coastal small holding.

Guide Price £840.00 Per week

Hexham Inn

Barrasford Arms Hotel

Stay, relax and dine in Tourism pub of the year 2018-2019, based in the heart of Hadrian's Wall Country.

Guide Price £95.00 Per Night

Hexham Hotel

Battlesteads

An 18thC Inn, formerly a farmhouse, in the heart of rural Northumberland close to the Roman Wall, Kielder Water and North Tyne Valley.

Guide Price £70.00 Per Night

Morpeth Caravan & Camping

Golden Sands Holiday Park

Outstanding five star beach front caravan holiday park in the coastal village of Cresswell just 30 minutes north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Luxury caravan hire available for families and couples alike. Miles of beaches on the doorstep, close to Druridge Bay and the market towns of Morpeth, Amble and Alnwick.

Guide Price £42.00 Per Night

Amble Self Catering

West Percy House

West Percy House is an old stone mason’s cottage, recently renovated and tastefully furnished to a high standard.

Guide Price £448.00 Per week

Wooler Self Catering

Homildon Cottage

Homildon Cottage is located in the hamlet of Humbleton near Wooler, on the border of the Northumberland National Park.

Guide Price £784.00 Per week

Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Glororum Caravan Park

The closest touring and caravan holiday park to magnificent Bamburgh, Glororum is a hidden gem. Just a few minutes drive from Bamburgh village with its shops, cafes and restaurants and miles of empty beaches, this beautifully maintained park has everything you need to enjoy your touring holiday or to have your very own caravan holiday home in sought after Bamburgh.

Guide Price £25.00 Per Night

Corbridge Hotel

The Angel of Corbridge

A traditional Inn located in the village of Corbridge, with 10 comfortable and cosy rooms and a fantastic family Apartment.