Northern magic
Go wild and have fun exploring Northumberland
SPELLBINDING SITES
The North is notorious for wetter weather but even this can’t dampen the stunning sights Northumberland has to offer.
Joining the Great Barrier Reef and Yellowstone National Park as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall is one of England’s greatest landmarks.
Rain or shine, you can explore the Roman treasures by foot or board the Hadrian’s Wall Country Line train.
The magic doesn’t stop there with a visit to Alnwick Castle. Eagledeyed Harry Potter fans will know it’s where the first two films were shot.
To celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter, you can enjoy a Potter-inspired Wizard Week with Broomstick Training from August 28 to September 1.
AN EDIBLE ADVENTURE
The coastline from Amble up to Holy Island is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the food along the way isn’t bad either.
Sample the best seasonal produce at one of many award-winning farm shops or make a day of it at a Pick Your Own shop like Brocksbushes.
From farms to fish, the delightful village of Craster is the official home of kippers (best served with a chunk of home-made buttered bread). If a cup of tea is more to your taste, a trip to Howick Hall is a must. Once the home of Earl Grey, this was where his tea variety was developed.
Then there’s The Treehouse Restaurant at The Alnwick Garden (alnwickgarden.com). With trees growing throughout and delicious locally-inspired food, it’s one of the most magical and unusual restaurants in the world.
ACTION-PACKED OUTDOORS
Northumberland’s wild outdoor spaces are not only a walker’s paradise, but they’re ideal for indulging in adventure activities. There’s clay pigeon shooting, flying and gliding, water sports, paintballing, ballooning, quad biking and even coasteering.
Extreme sports aside, families can make their way to Kingswood Family Adventures (kingswoodfamilies.co.uk) at their unspoilt Dukeshouse Wood resort, just outside the leafy suburbs of Hexham.
There you can embark on a day of adventure in the 18-acre activity park. Enjoy activities such as the zipwire and abseil tower, archery and obstacle games for just £29 per child and £39 per adult.