Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
The Queens Head in Rothbury has a traditional bar and restaurant offering a choice of bar snacks or full restaurant menu. The village is surrounded by some of the finest scenery in Northumberland.
An absolute must visit. Delicious food, exceptional service and a superb setting. Elegant, funky and very relaxed; this venue has a whole host of events on throughout the week. Go casual early and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, or dress up for dinner later in the evening and have a cocktail in this vibrant restaurant.
Serving fine fresh food seven days a week, from pensioners' lunches to traditional Sunday carvery. There's a fine selection of wines and beers, too.
This welcoming country inn is well-known locally for its good food and warm hospitality. It is perfectly situated for walkers enjoying the ""St Cuthbert's Way"" national trail, which runs between Melrose and the magical island of Lindisfarne.
Fun Days Out
As well as being voted the country's most tranquil spot, this park is truly is a haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Castle Mania is a massive indoor play centre built for kids, with rope bridges, slides and one of the biggest play frames in the north.
Lots and lots of things to keep the children occupied here at Adventurelands, from climbing frames, towers and rope bridges to motorised car tracks.
Whatever the weather, you can have a great day out at Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre. There's lots of events, children's activities, exhibitions and walks for all the family. And the biggest play park in the Borders!
This 15? gauge steam railway runs over 2 miles from Heatherslaw to Etal Village - a return journey of 50 minutes.
The Giants Den is a massive 15,000 square feet of non-stop fun for children up to 12 years of age. The adventure starts here!
Waves Leisure Pool offers the ultimate fun and thrills in a water environment. This superb pool has super facilities and amazing attractions with a choice of slides, wave pool, mini pirate ship complete with water cannons and slides, and fountains too. The facilities are clean and well maintained and the changing rooms have lots of space and offer easy access to the pool. There is plenty of staff on duty to supervise the area. There is a shallow section for the smaller children and the older ones will enjoy the three lane slide and wave pool that operates every half an hour. They serve a good selection of hot and cold food that is all tasty and well priced. Waves Leisure Pool is excellently priced and offers great value for the fun and entertainment it offers, it will easily keep young and older children amused, making a for a great family activity. Can get busy in peak times and they are strict on the parent to child ratio so check with them before going to avoid disappointment.
Beamish is a world famous open air museum whose reconstructed streets and houses tell the story of the people of North East England at two important points of their history - 1825 and 1913.
Beach
Embleton Bay Beach - 26 Miles (41.6 KM)
A charming beach that is the perfect place to while away the hours. Easy access to the beach from the road makes this a popular choice for those who enjoy water sports such as windsurfing.
Biking & Hiking
Whitton Hillhead Walk - 8.6 Miles (13.8 KM)
This is a nice gentle walk that climbs up to 212 metres at Whitton Hillhead where you can experience stunning views of the Simonside Hills.
Cragside Carriageway Walk - 8.6 Miles (13.8 KM)
A beautiful walk with impressive and dramatic views of Rothbury. The route takes the walker along the old carriageway of Cragside Estate.
Rothbury Town Walk - 9.3 Miles (14.9 KM)
A short 2 mile walk around Rothbury, going past local points of interest and giving you a small amount of history about the town. Walk time of approximately 1 hour.
A gentle 2 mile walk through some lovely farmland, past the beautiful St Mary?s Magdalene Church and the impressive 5-sided keep in Mitford Castle.
This 268 mile walk runs from the Peak District National Park along the Pennine Ridge, through the Yorkshire Dales and into Northumberland to finish at Kirk Yetholm.
A circular trail at the heart of the Scottish Borders passes by four 12th century abbeys and through several border towns. The 64.5 mile walk is split into 5 sections of roughly equal distances.
A long distance trek at 62.5 miles. The route takes you across the Scottish Borders all the way to the Northumberland coast. Begin at Melrose, where St. Cuthbert began his early work and finish at the holy site of Lindisfarne where he completed his later works and died. Lindisfarne is a fascinating destination as it is where the first Vikings first landed in 793AD and is steeped in history. Along the way there are links with the famous, Sir Walter Scott Way, the Roman Heritage Way and the Pennine Way.
A great biking centre for families, novices and those who enjoy a challenge, it has a short red route, two blue routes and a skills loop to learn some of the basics. There's also a black graded ridge just for experts. One hour's drive from Glentress and Innerleithen.
A former railway line that is now a lovely traffic free path open to pedestrians, cycles, horses, and dogs, its 10.5 mile route winds all the way up from Swalwell to Consett.
One for history lovers and walkers alike — 84 miles of national trail will take you along the riverside route in Tyneside, through Tynedale farmland and will gradually descends into the delightful Cumbrian landscape.
Golf & Sports
Clay pigeon shooting for all ages in a carefully controlled environment with fully qualified instructors, where safety is of the utmost importance.
A splendid 18-hole golf course set in undulating parkland with fine views over the Tyne Valley.
Offering adrenaline fuelled outdoor adventure across the board, including abseiling, climbing, kayaking and canoeing.
Shipley Lane has great facilities, and whether you are a child or adult, complete beginner of the most experienced rider, you'll find Shipley friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Prudhoe Waterworld has a 25m pool incorporated into a free form shape with shallow beach area, a wave machine and 40m aqua-slide plus plenty of other activities.
Coquet provide water based activities for all ages from windsurfing to sailing, canoeing and power boating. RYA registered.
You'll get an entirely different and exhilarating perspective of the glorious rolling hills of the Scottish Borders and limitless beauty of the Northumberland National Park and unspoilt coastline as you glide slowly through the sky.
This course is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders amidst rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. It offers members and visitors of all abilities an enjoyable round of golf over a challenging layout.
This community 25m swimming pool offers a range of facilities including a steam room, fitness suite, café and soft play area for under 5'. There's also general fun sessions for all the family.
F1K Indoor Go karting Newcastle is a fast adrenaline fuelled motorsport
experience that is suitable for all from 8 years and over. Safety,
professionalism and value for money can be found at this all weather indoor
venue.
If you like a challenge or want to try something new, then archery is the sport for you. They cater for all ages and abilities and offer courses to suit your needs. All sessions are led by qualified instructors registered with the Grand National Archery Society.
Whitley Bay Ice rink is used by thousands of people each week. Whether you are an experienced ice skater, hockey player or absolute beginner, the ice rink is a great place for all year round fun.
Nature Reserves
Working farm in beautiful countryside with a huge range of attractions including rare breeds of farm animals and deer herds, Ranger led activities and nature walks, indoor/outdoor play areas, Bird of prey demonstrations and tuition, and much, much more.
Discover Iron Age remains, 5000 year old cairns and the wonder of one of the largest forests in Britain. This beautiful place is perfect to explore however you choose, be it on horse back, on a mountain bike or on a leisurely stroll.
Gardens & Woodlands
Bolam Lake - 11.7 Miles (18.7 KM)
Set at the very heart of the beautiful Northumberland countryside, this lake is surrounded on all sides by sites of historic importance and stunning views. Explore the woodland and grassed areas in the vicinity.
Whalton Manor Gardens are private gardens that comprise of three acres and are located in the charming village of Whalton in the heart of Northumberland. The gardens date to the 17th century and have been lovingly restored, they are absolutely stunning and are brimming with colourful and aromas, it has some fantastic planting being designed by Lutyens with assistance from Gertrude Jekyll as well as having impressive architectural structures, like the Italianate summerhouse. Other areas of interest are the magnificent walled garden, a large stone paved courtyard, summerhouses, pergolas, a rose garden and stunning herbaceous borders. The gardens are open from April through to October, appointments must be made in advance as they are not open to the public, details are on the website. A tour will take about an hour to an hour and a half and they can be adapted to cater to your requirements, you will be advised on the creation and upkeep of these beautiful gardens, the tours are informative and interesting, the owner Penny is so passionate. Afterwards you can enjoy a delicious wholesome home-cooked lunch or cream tea in the lovely surroundings of the garden. You can purchase a selection of perennial plants, that are grown here. During the year they organise a number of events to showcase the beauty of the gardens with Open days and also productions of Shakespeare's plays are shown. Whalton Manor Gardens are a real treasure and a must if you are an ardent garden lover, or if you just enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants.
Among its many delights, Alnwick Garden is home to one of the world's largest wooden tree houses, with walkways in the sky, rope bridges and a fantastic place to eat in the treetops.
Set in 100 acres of woodland, meadows and riverside. This is the ideal spot for a family day out in the countryside.
This country park includes 3 miles of beautiful beach and sand dunes, as well as a 100 acre lake surrounded by woods and meadows. Keep an eye out for numerous species of birds and plantlife, in addition to seeking out the brilliant archaeological trails around the area.
Positioned as a series of terraces, these beautiful gardens are a tranquil place to visit and relax in. Stunning water features provide a mirror to the gardens and are set amongst Rodgersias, Rheums and Bamboo to name but a few.
Encompassing over 30 acres, these lovely gardens include immaculate lawns, woodland and meet the flood plain of the River Teviot at the far end of their reach. Many distinct gardens join together in the original section to ensure there is always something of interest in bloom all year round. A wonderful place to explore with all the family.
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, ideal for that country walk with the dog or cycling by the river.
Hirsel Estate offers something for ornithologist, botanist, forester, zoologist, archaeologist and historian alike. Homestead museum shows the estate's past and present. There are craft units and a geogems display as well as a tearoom and children's playground.
At one time part of the Abbey grounds, these lovely gardens were a gift for the Kelso War Memorial from the Duke of Roxburgh in 1921. The gardens are now an enchanting place to visit in spring and summer. Take a seat and unwind and enjoy their splendour and the views of Kelso Abbey.
Set in the centre of Coldstream, these gardens attract visitors and locals to their viewpoint over the River Tweed, Cheviot Hills and the surrounding countryside. At the viewpoint stands a stone monument to the Coldstream Guard.
Local Attractions
Whitehouse Farm Centre is located close to Morpeth and is a a family run Farm that extends to more than forty acres. It is a real hands on attraction, you get to see, hold and feed a diverse range of animals from domestic pets to more unusual and exotic species. There is always something happening to keep everyone entertained, from talks to feeding the animals. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, with trampolines, bouncy castles and slides. You can also take a tractor ride, or have a go on the indoor racing cars. Nelsons Pig Trough cafe is warm and welcoming and serves a nice selection of home cooked breakfasts, lunches and light snacks that are tasty and well priced. There are also lots of picnic areas if you want to take along your own food. The Gift Shop has a large selection of gifts for all ages, they are not too expensive and there is something to suit every pocket. They are open daily from April through to August and at other times it is mainly just weekends, the website has full details. The staff are lovely, really friendly and helpful. The whole place is clean and well maintained and the facilities are excellent, the animals are well cared for and look very healthy. Whitehouse Farm Centre is a brilliant day out for all the family and has lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, it has great facilities and is excellent value for money too.
Puffin Cruises are a long established family run business located at Amble harbour, they offer boat trips to Coquet Island. This island is an RSPB reserve and is home to a diverse range of nesting sea birds like Puffins, Terns, Cormorants, Kittiwakes and Eider ducks with more than 40,000 resident here during the summer months. A Grey Seal colony has also made its home here at the east side of the island. There are two boats that are both very clean and well maintained, there is also indoor seating if needed on them. Staff are lovely, very friendly, animated and extremely knowledgeable, they have so much information on the local area and wildlife. A tour lasts about an hour and takes you right up close to the island so you get the best views, so make sure to take a camera. The tours are kept small with only twelve people taken on a trip. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment, details are on their website along with sailing times although they do operate tours on most days during the summer months weather permitting. Puffin Cruises are really friendly, professional and knowledgeable and offer an excellent opportunity to get to see these sea birds up close in their natural habitat, and their prices are very reasonable, a must if you are in the area.
All the up to date films are shown in the massive Odeon complex. Check the website for up to date film listings and times.
This shopping centre has over 140 shops, including world famous names so you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
The award winning Laing Art Gallery has truly dynamic exhibitions and excellent interactive, learning events for children and families. These fun sessions work alongside discussions and talks from contemporary artists to create a great atmosphere and passion for art from an early age.
The Treehouse is a family run children's soft play centre, it comprises 3,000 sq ft of soft play equipment that includes, slides, ball pool, bridges, log climbs, bash bags, talking trees and much more. It is well maintained and very clean and the facilities are very good, lots of high chairs and excellent baby changin facilities. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the centre is well run with good supervision of the play areas. The centre is divided into three separate areas, a specific area for babies under the age of one that has play mats and toys. There is a toddler area for children aged under three that offers loads of fun with its log climb, slide and selection of toys and shapes. The large soft play area is for the older and more intrepid children it has lots to keep them entertained with log climbs, crawl nets, rope bridges and slides. There is a cafe are where you can relax and keep on eye on the children as they play, they serve a nice selection of hot and cold food that is all freshly prepared by them and the cakes and scones are homemade and are delicious and all reasonably priced. The Treehouse is a safe and fun soft play where younger children can have a great time in a safe environment and you can relax whilst they do this.
Whitley Bay Skatepark is also known as the Panama Skate Park and is located on The Links, an area of green space that enjoys views out over the North Sea at Whitley Bay, it is an area that is part of a huge regeneration programme. The park covers an area of 1000 square metres and young skateboarders helped in the design of it. The park offers loads to space in addition to two bowls, ramps, driveways and walls, a hubba, a jersey barrier, a wall ride, taco and pier 7 so there is lots of opportunity to test your skills on a skateboard, skates, bike or scooter. Some of the participants are really good and have a lot of spectators, it can be fun to just watch as they twist and turn and fly around the concrete bowls. Whitley Bay Skatepark is a major attraction for the young people of the area offering them a dedicated and fun environment to use, with skating and biking a great way and fun way to keep fit.
Playhouse - 28.8 Miles (46.1 KM)
The Playhouse has underwent a complete restoration to turn it into a modern facility with state of the art amenities, it is part of an extensive transformation project in Whitley Bay to re-energise this renowned coastal resort. This intimate venue is home to a 630 seater luxurious auditorium, in addition to a corporate viewing suite, there are nice bar areas, with a good selection of drinks, perfect for pre show and interval drinks, with a lively atmosphere. The first floor lounge are has the most amazing sea views. The Playhouse hosts a diverse and packed programme with everything from local to touring west end productions, comedy to drama, music recitals to concerts and much more, there will be something to appeal to everyone. The staff throughout are really friendly and most helpful and he theatre has a lovely friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The seating is roomy and very comfortable and all seats have good views of the stage, the lighting and acoustics are very good. The Playhouse is a lovely venue, showing a great range of professional productions and shows at great prices, can't recommend a trip here enough, you won't be disappointed.
Inside a stunning early 19th century seed merchants' warehouse, work previously exhibited only in Edinburgh or London hangs next to well known local artists such as Linda Hatrick and Tom Bromley. There's also a spectacular display of ceramics by John Marjoribanks Edgerton.
The finest quality knitwear is available at The Mill Shop, and at The Hawick Cashmere Visitor Centre you can watch Shima Whole garment machines at work and browse round the extensive range of knitwear.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Craigside House and Gardens are unique in that it was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. It enjoys an enviable elevated location close to the village of Morpeth in the stunning countryside of Northumberland. This beautiful historic house was renovated by Lord Armstrong a Victorian inventor and landscape genius, it was a phenomenon of its time having a number of creative and innovative gadgets with many of them still working today. The interior is luxurious and has many original features, stunning intricate plaster work furnishings and furniture, the craftsmanship is superb. The gardens are equally amazing, they are home to one of the biggest rock gardens in Europe that takes you down to the Iron Bridge, this then takes you to the formal garden, there are also woodlands, a river and lake. For children there is an adventure play area and also Nelly's Labyrinth to explore. There are a number of paths and tunnels carved out of a large expanse of rhododendron forest. You can either walk around the grounds or drive your car around the six mile estate drive, or take the shuttle bus. The house and gardens are open from February through November and are open everyday except Mondays, there is a charge for entry and this depends on the time of year you visit. The tea rooms are welcoming and comfortable and offer a nice selection of lunches and snacks sourced from local suppliers. Throughout the year a number of events and activities take place that are entertaining and will appeal to everyone. Craigside House is a truly fabulous house in a fantastic location with stunning grounds, beautiful views and loads of history, there is something to appeal to everyone, a must see if you are in Northumberland.
This beautiful castle will never fail to take your breath away. Packed full of history and used as a location for many favourite films such as Harry Potter and Elizabeth you will be sure of a fabulous time. Take a guided tour and learn about medieval life and keep your eyes out for the brilliant events always on offer.
One of the border abbeys, founded by David I around 1138 for Augustinian canons. The church is built in the Romanesque and early Gothic styles and is remarkably complete. Finds from the excavations of the cloister buildings are on display. (Limited wheelchair access)
Built in 1820 Jedburgh Castle Jail is an important example of Howard Reform Prison architecture. Displays explore the development of the Jail and what it would have been like to be a prisoner and a guard.
Set in peaceful and scenic gardens, the house tells the story of the life of the tragic Queen, who herself visited Jedburgh in 1556, staying in this Bastille House. A good range of souvenirs and books are for sale and audio tours are available.
This great heritage centre is located on the former Waverley railway route at the half way point between Hawick and Newcastleton. Learn about the history of the railway and its local area. The centre is also part of the Waverley Walk, a great route for hikers or cyclists alike.
Awesome castle ruins are all that's left of one of the grandest forts in northern England. They still dominate a lonely stretch of Northumberland's coastline, with great panoramic views from the cliff tops.
A brand new museum is now open which will form part of the Stadium tour! The museum is a wonderful trip down memory lane featuring photographs and memorabilia from across the years.
Discovery is the North East of England's most popular free tourist attraction. Walk though its doors to discover all about life in Newcastle and Tyneside. Attracting an astonishing 467,000 visitors last year, it's well worth a look.
The Centre for Life features a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Human Life through three major themes: Our Origins, Our World and Our Future.
A vast and eerie ruin of the 14th and 15th centuries, associated with the de Soulis, the Douglases and Mary Queen of Scots, it was partly restored in the 19th century. Nearby is the 14th-century Hermitage Chapel.
Heatherslaw Mill is a 19th century water-powered corn mill situated on the Ford and Etal Estate. Still producing wholemeal flour from locally grown wheat, the water wheel, mill stones and gearing are all on show, giving a fascinating insight into days gone by. The freshly milled flour can be purchased from the gift shop along with other country fare.
St Mary's Lighthouse and Visitor Centre is an iconic landmark here in Tyneside, it can only be accessed when the tide is out or at low tide and is reached by a short causeway, it is in effect on its own island. The Lighthouse dates back to 1898 when this area of coast was treacherous for shipping. It continued to operate until 1984 when modern techniques intervened and made it redundant. However, since them it has taken on a new purpose along with the former light keepers cottages it now serves as a museum and visitor centre. The encircling Nature Reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life and sea birds who habitat the rock pools, clifftop grasslands and beach, it is a great place to bird watch and is so tranquil and peaceful here. The ground floor serves as a small museum relating to rich maritime history of Tyneside that is told through displays, photographs and artefacts, you can even find out what qualities were necessary to be a lighthouse keeper. A long climb to the top (137 steps) of the open stairs will reward you with the most fantastic perspectives of Whitley Bay and far beyond. The centre is open most days from May through to September, as well as weekends and school holidays in the winter, although it is dependant on tidal conditions. There is a small charge for entry. There is no cafe here just a small gift shop and a vending machine. St Mary's Lighthouse and Visitor centre is great for a family day out, the children will love crossing the causeway especially at low tide, climbing the lighthouse tower and examining the rock pools, you might even encounter a friendly seal, a fantastic day out for all ages. Just keep on eye on the tide times as you could be stranded here for a few hours.
A great interactive museum which is fun for all ages. Home to George Stephenson's 'Billy', his first attempt before the infamous Rocket design was completed; it also demonstrates the inner workings of train mechanisms.
A great little local museum with an excellent railway memorabilia collection and other interesting artefacts.
Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, is home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. Overlooking the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills, it was designed in 1721 by William Adam, who was both master-builder and architect for the first Duke.(Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds)
A local history museum with a section on the Coldstream Guards, a temporary exhibitions gallery, children's corner and courtyard with fountain and picnic area.
Built as a Peel Tower House and home of the Douglas family, and later the home of Anne, Duchess of Monmouth, and still later the Tower Hotel, the premises now house exhibits showing the history of Hawick and the Tower through the ages.
