Fun Days Out For All The Family in Northumberland
There's so much to keep the whole family entertained in Northumberland
Go Ape
Kids and big kids love Go Ape, where you can push yourself to your limits with the Tree Top Challenge tackling swings, rope ladders, zip wires and a range of obstacles, or try your hand at axe throwing and channel your inner warrior. This is the first Go Ape to be built within the grounds of a country house hotel so it’s not only the perfect place to challenge your adventurous side, but there are stunning views over the surrounding countryside too.
Matfen NE20 0RH
01603 895500
goape.co.uk
The Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei
Whether you’re watching your step in the The Poison Garden, marvelling at the magnificent Grand Cascade or finding your way through the Bamboo Labyrinth, there’s so much to explore at The Alnwick Garden. There are also fun-filled events taking place across the summer including The School of Poison (where children will learn about poisonous plants from a wacky professor), a musical workshop with local star of stage and screen Chelsea Halfpenny and a summer scavenger hunt. And don’t miss Lilidorei – the magical, mysterious village full of play and imagination, where it’s Christmas every day. Your children will love peeking through the windows of the clan houses and listening to the immersive sounds throughout the village – the key is for them to create their own story about Lilidorei.
Denwick Lane NE66 1FJ
01665 511350
alnwickgarden.com
Northumberlandia
This huge land sculpture in the shape of a reclining woman is set in a 46-acre community park. Made of 1.5 million tonnes of rock, clay and soil, she’s 100 feet high, a quarter of a mile long, and is a living part of the countryside which changes with the seasons. There’s a visitor centre and café as well as a woodland trail, and regular family events take place here too. Four-legged friends are of course welcome.
Near Cramlington, just off the A1
northumberlandia.com
Northumberland Zoo
This family-run, not-for-profit zoo is a hub for wildlife conservation and home to a wide range of animals, from wallabies and racoons to pigs, ponies and donkeys in the farm section, and snakes and fish if you prefer more cold-blooded creatures. Take the kids to the lemur woods walk-through and the Tractor Museum, before heading to the Bear Falls Soft Play and Café to refuel. Make sure to visit the new white-faced saki monkeys and stop in to see the Livingstone fruit bat babies.
Eshottheugh Farm, Felton NE65 9QH
01670 787778
northumberlandzoo.co.uk
Kielder Observatory
Under some of the darkest skies in the world, Kielder Observatory is where to observe and engage with the night sky via talks, activities and telescope observing sessions. Don’t miss the stunning views of the Milky Way from the observing deck or the observatory which hosts an extensive selection of exciting events (booking is essential). This summer you can join The Secret Lives of Stars and Origins of the Universe, while your children will love the ‘Space Kids’ events. In Aurora Night you can learn more about the Northern Lights as well as having a tour of the observatory and meeting the team of astronomers.
Black Fell, Off Shilling Pot, Kielder NE48 1EJ
0191 265 5510
kielderobservatory.org
Alnwick Playhouse
Originally built in 1925 as a 700-seat cinema and occasional music hall, today Alnwick Playhouse is home to live theatre, music and cinema alongside a café, bar and library – and they also host fun activities and workshops. This summer Easington Colliery Band will be performing, there’ll be a Pop Party for the kids and the cinema will be screening new films including The Fall Guy and If, and from 27th–30th June don’t miss What A Wonderful World Festival, which will bring together the arts and sciences to raise awareness of the climate emergency.
Bondgate Without, Alnwick NE66 1PQ
01665 660550
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
AllOut Adventures
From quad biking to clay pigeon shooting and axe throwing to archery, as well as a Segway safari, there is so much to do at AllOut Adventures. Perfect for a family day out this activity centre has something for every adventurer, and it’s a great way to spend an adrenaline-fuelled day by going ‘all out’.
Slaley Hall, Hexham NE47 0BX
01434 676980
alloutadventures.co.uk
