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.
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
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.
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.
As well as being voted the country's most tranquil spot, this park is truly is a haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
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!
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.
The centre operates with families in mind and children can meet hundreds of parkland animals in a parkland setting. Lots of children's activities are run in the school holidays.
This 15? gauge steam railway runs over 2 miles from Heatherslaw to Etal Village - a return journey of 50 minutes.
Beach
Embleton Bay Beach - 21 Miles (33.6 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.
Tynemouth Beach - 24.2 Miles (38.7 KM)
Tynemouth has two beaches boasting excellent long stretches of golden sands that are very popular all year round. King Edwards Bay and Longsands are regular award winners. Sit and relax or play some beach sports on either stretch of sand at Tynemouth before getting a Mr. Whippy and some fish and chips!
Marsden Beach is a wide sandy bay that is sheltered by limestone cliffs. It is overlooked by the 139ft high Marsden rock that is well known for being home to a number of seabird colonies. Children will love playing in the sand and exploring the rock pools and the caves in the rock when the tide is out. It offers lovely walks along the cliffs with gorgeous views. Access is via about 130 wooden uneven steps or you can take the lift. The beach is immaculate and very clean and well maintained. There is a cafe at the bottom of the lift that serves refreshments. Marsden Beach is very scenic with its rugged coastline of pillars, arches and caves and does not get too busy so makes for a great place to come for peace and quiet, or to bird watch.
Biking & Hiking
Rothbury Town Walk - 5.6 Miles (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.
Whitton Hillhead Walk - 11.4 Miles (18.2 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 - 11.4 Miles (18.2 KM)
A beautiful walk with impressive and dramatic views of Rothbury. The route takes the walker along the old carriageway of Cragside Estate.
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.
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.
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.
Golf & Sports
Offering adrenaline fuelled outdoor adventure across the board, including abseiling, climbing, kayaking and canoeing.
Clay pigeon shooting for all ages in a carefully controlled environment with fully qualified instructors, where safety is of the utmost importance.
Coquet provide water based activities for all ages from windsurfing to sailing, canoeing and power boating. RYA registered.
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.
A splendid 18-hole golf course set in undulating parkland with fine views over the Tyne Valley.
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.
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.
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.
Perched on the basalt outcrops overlooking the ancient fortress from which it takes its name, this fine and beautiful course lies in the heart of Bamburgh.
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.
Gardens & Woodlands
Bolam Lake - 7.1 Miles (11.4 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.
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.
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.
A moorland country park on the banks of the Derwent Reservoir, ideal for that country walk with the dog or cycling by the river.
Roker Park Conservation Area is a municipal park that first opened to the public in 1880, it is found in a deep natural ravine close to the centre of Sunderland. It is a beautiful park that extends to six hectares of shrubland, flower beds, woodland, manicured lawns and wide open green spaces, a garden for the blind and a boating lake, as well as bowling greens, basketball area, football courts and tennis courts. Amongst the ancient oak trees is a network of caves and tunnels that were used by Smugglers in the past. The park is well designed and maintained and showcases its many fine features. Located in the park is a charming Victorian bandstand that dates to 1880 and is often used by local bands, in addition there is a large water fountain that dates to the same time. Children will love the play area and the miniature railway, that takes them on a ride through the park, or fishing with nets and buckets in the lake or sailing a boat here, or even feeding the ducks. There are plenty of walks and cycle trails to enjoy, with some walks taking you down to the beach at Roker Rocks and the promenade along the sea front. Roker Park has loads to offer and doesn't cost anything, there is not many places that can offer this, regardless of the time of year you visit there is lots to see and do for everyone.
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 - 22 Miles (35.2 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.
River escapes and sightseeing cruises offer an unrivalled way to experience one of the North's great cities and its evolving industries, taking you from past to present.
The Beacon Shopping Centre offers a wide range of high street brands, conveniently located in the centre of North Shields.
Tynemouth - 24.2 Miles (38.7 KM)
Tynemouth boasts two great beaches, a flea market, The Blue Reef Aquarium and lots of historic stories about this neat little coastal town.
Customs House is located in South Tyneside and serves as a premier arts centre that extends fantastic arts and entertainment productions and events to everyone. You will find it in a lovely location on the South bank of the River Tyne in the historic Mill Dam area. It is home to a cinema, theatre and gallery, You will find a diverse programme of events here with dramas, comedies, dance, musicals, bands and much more there is something to appeal to everyone. The cinema is not very large but shows all the latest releases and big blockbusters as well as independent films. The facilities are excellent and you can not fault the acoustics, lighting or seating which is very comfortable and roomy with excellent views of the stage. The Gallery is a bright modern space that showcases the very best of national, international and local contemporary arts methods, there is no charge for entry and you will see a frequently changing collection of exhibits from a broad range of highly skilled and accomplished artists. Customs House has a lovely friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the staff are great so amicable, helpful and polite. The Green Room is where to go to eat and drink whilst here, it is lively and bustling with a great vibe, they serve a great selection of drinks and a a menu that changes weekly with a lovely selection of dishes made from fresh local produce, well cooked, presented and great value too. It is possible to take a tour of the Customs House by phoning and arranging in advance, full details are on the website. Customs House is a real asset to the community, they showcase a fantastic range of productions at great prices, in a beautiful venue that is so convenient a real gem.
Bowes Railway was originally a colliery railway built to carry coal mainly from pits in North West Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow. See website for public open days and events.
South and North Marine Parks each offer their own attractions and have been a prominent feature of the area for many years, South Marine Park dates back to the 1890's. South Marine Park benefits from two lovely walks, two children's play areas, one is home to a giant sandpit compete with diggers and running water wheels, there is ample open green spaces for running around in or playing sports, an ornamental boating lake with ducks and pedalos, beautiful gardens are next to a Victorian bandstand that hosts a brass band performances during the summer months giving a nostalgic summertime beach feel. There is also a cafe that serves a nice selection of drinks and snacks, as well as the most delicious ice creams. Or take a ride on the miniature steam train around the park, these run during the summer months. Nearby is North Marine Park and it offers a sanctuary of peace and quiet with amazing views, the pace is quieter here with more subtle pastimes like bowls, petanque and pitch and putt. There a a number of walking trails that take you through the park, several take you to an raised point where you are able to see for miles along the coastline. There is no admission to either park but some of the activities will incur a charge namely the miniature railway, boats and mini golf. Both parks are open daily, North Marine remains open and does not close however, South Marine park closes at dusk. Both parks are excellently maintained and are very clean. Through the summer lots of events and activities take place so it worth looking out for these. There are lots of benches to sit on in both parks where you can sit and admire the views or just watch the world passing by whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity. South and North Marine Parks offer something for everyone as well as a cheap but fun day out for all, they can be enjoyed whatever the season and are a credit to South Shields.
Herrington Country Park is one of the biggest parks in Sunderland and offers its visitors lots to do, with a number of walks, cycle trails, environmental sculptures, large pond and a modern childrens play area as well as a skate/bmx park. It also hosts a number of impressive events such as the "Sunderland Festival", "The Race for Life" and "Pretty Muddy" that everyone can get involved in. The park also hosts one of the biggest open-air concerts in the North East in the amphitheatre. The park is clean, well maintained and laid out with plenty of different walking paths to take in the many features of the park whilst enjoying its peacefulness. The Penshaw Monument overlooks the park, it is a nice walk to the top and you get really good views. Don't forget to take bread to fed the ducks and swans, always plenty of them on the pond. Cafe in the park is small but cosy and serves a selection of beverages and snacks. Herrington Country Park is a lovely country park and perfect on a cold or dry day to enjoy the many features of the park, no real shelter if it rains, everyone will enjoy a trip here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
