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.

Horse riding on the Northumberland coast

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.

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!

Activity

Attraction

Weddings

Eating Out

Tourist Information

Shopping

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.

Museums Haltwhistle

Roman Army Museum (Carvoran) Hadrian's Wall

Lying in magnificent countryside next to a sweeping section of Hadrian's Wall and based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort.

Family Attraction Cornhill-on-Tweed

Heatherslaw Light Railway

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

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.

Historic sites Chollerford

Chesters Roman Fort

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

Historic sites Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lindisfarne Priory

Experience the serenity of Lindisfarne Priory, cross the dramatic causeway to reach the island of Lindisfarne, on a journey that will stay in your memory forever.

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.

Historic sites Warkworth

Warkworth Castle

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

Family Attraction Cornhill-on-Tweed

Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre

Hay Farm is home to the largest herd of rare breed Clydesdale Heavy Horses within the North of England.

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.

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.

Embleton Self Catering Agency

Beach and Quiet

A select group of properties on the Northumberland Coast a stone’s throw from the village of Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle.

Guide Price £833.00 Per week

Belford Caravan & Camping

South Meadows Caravan Park

South Meadows is a premier touring & camping park near the coast in beautiful North Northumberland.

Guide Price £21.00 Per Night

Holy Island Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland inn to Holy Island, The Lindisfarne Inn is open all day for food, drinks, and cosy accommodation.

Craster Self Catering

Stable Cottage

Converted Georgian stables with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, vaulted reception room and direct rural views.

Guide Price £448.00 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

Alnmouth Self Catering

Alnmouth Cottages

Midwood Lodge & Cottage, fabulous garden, private parking, bike shed and treehouse. 5 minutes from the beach. Hidden Gem Award 2018.

Guide Price £511.00 Per week

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

Seahouses Inn

The Bamburgh Castle Inn

When it comes to top seaside locations, the award-winning Bamburgh Castle Inn in Northumberland is hard to beat!

Kielder Caravan & Camping

Kielder Waterside Caravan Park

Kielder Waterside Caravan Park is a perfect base to explore Kielder Water & Forest Park. For bookings, please go to https://bookwhen.com/kielderwatersidecaravanpark.

Guide Price £35.00 Per Night

Alnmouth Self Catering

Midwood Lodge

Fabulous family accommodation with woodland garden & treehouse. Large lounge with wood burning stove. Beautiful kitchen & south facing conservatory. Private parking.

Guide Price £784.00 Per week

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Make memories in Northumberland

Fun for the whole family

Attractions

Activities

Indoor attractions

Family events

Short walking routes

Castles

Something for everyone