Things to do
Ideas for days out with or without children
DOG FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS
Walk in the footsteps and hear the stories and memories of people who have lived, worked and played high up in the Coquet Valley
The Out of Town Museum (OOT ) has been collecting memories and photographs to capture the stories and tales told about how life used to be in the valley and has combined them with the chance to experience the landscape and routes that the people telling the stories used.
These unique experiences will take you up from the starting points up to view the surrounding countryside offering panoramic views of the landscape while hearing stories and memories from people who have lived in the most beautiful part of Northumberland along the way before completing a circular route back.
They have teamed up with the Northumberland National Park Rangers who will lead the walk along with members from the OOT team. All of the walks are between 3.5 and 6 miles (see each walk for more details). All the walks have some steep sections but the stunning views more than make up for the climbs. We will be walking on footpaths and some forest tracks which may be muddy in places so walking boots and gear is required. Sorry no dogs on any of the walks.
For more information or to book follow this link
River walks from Alnwick see. Here
ALNWICK
Alnwick is an historic market town with many areas to explore. There is a very comprehensive and useful Heritage Trail Guide which you can find here.
It is the family seat of the Duke of Northumberland. The Duke and the Estate currently owns around 100,000acres of land in Northumberland and the Borders as well as a large property portfolio. The Estate has its own website with information on the walks and trails which are accessible to the public. Most allow dogs but sadly, Hulne Park does not. You can find the information here.
LOCAL SHOWS
The the country show season starts in late Summer and runs to October. Each local community has it's own annual show usually with competitions for best animals, vegetables and flowers plus classes for baking, arts and crafts. Most have a dog show which takes entries on the day. There are marquees full of local produce and crafts for sale.
Here is a list of those within an easy drive and a link to a guide to all from 2024 here. The dates for 2025 are not available yet but we have included those for 2024 with their websites so that you can see roughly when they all happen.
AUGUST
03 August POWBURN SHOW
10 August GLANTON SHOW
11 August SIMONSIDE SHOW
17 August WHITTINGHAM SHOW The one closest to your cottage. A very friendly show.
26 August GLENDALE SHOW Further North on the A697 just south of Wooler. Well signposted. This is the largest in the area with over 200 trade stands.
26 August ELSDON SHOW Held on the village green.
SEPTEMBER
07 September HARBOTTLE SHOW In Upper Coquetdale, Stunning scenery. Live music, Cumbrian wrestling, terrier racing and lots more.
14 September INGRAM SHOW In the Breamish Valley. North up the A697 and take the left turn North of Powburn. It is a wonderful example of a small, traditional country event.in a lovely location.
21 September THROPTON SHOW A typical village show.
OCTOBER
12 October ALWINTON SHOW This is the last show of the year, and one of the largest in the valley. With splendid views of the Coquet valley and river, It has various organised activities for visitors to either participate in or watch.
CASTLES
A local photographer, Jim Scott, has undertaken a project to list and photograph all 70 of the castles of Northumberland. The link to his site is HERE. It is worth a look.
You can also click on the headings below to go to the individual websites of some of the castles for more information.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is where Harry Potter himself learned how to fly a broomstick and you can follow in his footsteps and take your very own lesson (most weekends and school holidays - included with admission). Lessons are fun and suitable for the whole family. Don't forget your camera! You will need to book in advance as it is very popular. The Castle itself is still a family home and is the family seat of the Duke of Northumberland. It is steeped in history and has fine collections of porcelain and armaments and stunning ramparts with magnificent views.
Play in the fountains at The Alnwick Garden; visit the poison garden; try the maze; explore the gardens; use the tractors to scoop up water; have a meal; or the whole family can play golf in their 13-hole adventure golf course.
Lilidorei The Duchess's latest venture. A magical place for children
Chillingham Castle
Privately owned by Sir Humphry Wakefield Bart. Reputed to be the most haunted Castle in Britain! It has a fascinating torture chamber and lots to see and do. Lovely walled garden with interesting topiary. While there you could also visit the famous Chillingham wild white cattle untouched since medieval times.
A small detour about half a mile off the road from Chillingham to Alnwick, Old Bewick Church is worth the journey. Look for the signpost and old Saxon cross at the roadside on the left and turn onto the lane. Parking is on the grass verge. There is a great history here. Look inside the strange hut by the gate and be very surprised!
Warkworth Castle
This is an English Heritage property. Be king or queen for the day in this mighty Northumberland fortress crowning the hilltop above the River Coquet. Enjoy a day out and see how the powerful Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family lived. Explore the floors and rooms in the magnificent cross-shaped keep which was once home to 'Harry Hotspur', immortalised as a rebel lord by Shakespeare, and bane of Scottish raiders. See spectacular river and coastal views from the castle walls.
A Knight's Tournament takes place in front of Warkworth Castle. It's an event that should definitely be on your calendar. With lots of live action from Knights and horses, re-enactments, a Medieval village and its very own jester, the tournament is lots of fun for the whole family.
Bamburgh Castle is the king of Castles. The historic capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. Believed to have been occupied for over 10,000 years the castle has evolved from a wooden palisade to the formidable fortress it is today. The first castle in England to fall to canon fire as the Wars of Roses drew to a close.
It was also one of the world's first 'coastguard' stations and the site for the development and testing of the World's first 'lifeboat'. Under the ownership of the Crewe Trustees it housed a school, hospital and was the centre of its own mini 'welfare state'. Bought by the First Lord Armstrong in 1894 it is still owned by the Armstrong family who play an active part in its operation and maintenance.
Bamburgh Castle is a beautiful and amazing location to visit. Steeped in history, the castle is a destination that any intrepid and curious traveller would certainly enjoy.
The beach is situated next to the castle and is a wonderful and worthwhile walk if visiting the castle. The scenery and views are memorable and mesmerising.
There is a car park situated near the site that allows access for visitors.
The grounds are impeccably kept. All rooms are well laid out and the exhibits labelled clearly.
A fab gift shop and a nice wee tea shops. Things for the kids to do. And of course THAT view over the beach - stunning, even on a cold day.
This is the nearest attraction to the cottage. Turn right out of the drive then take the right hand turn to Rothbury. The entrance to Cragside is down the hill on your left. It is a National Trust Property. It belonged to the Armstrong family and is famous for being the first house to have electricity and electric lighting, a lift and many other 'modern' aids. It used a hydroelectric system based on two lakes created within the grounds. There is an extensive play area by the top lake and a carriage drive which is about 7 miles long. Lovely walks abound. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. It is also renowned for its collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are magnificent in June. The house, shop, tearoom and grounds are open seven days a week from 10am - 5pm with last entry 1 hour before closing.
Wallington Hall and Grounds
Another National Trust property. It has a large and interesting collection of dolls houses. The house is surrounded by an informal landscape of lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland, just waiting to be explored. Don't miss the hidden walled garden, nestled in the woods. Enjoy being active outdoors on the Dragon cycle trail with cycle hire available. There are many scenic walks including the river walk, and explore more of the wider estate on foot. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. Enjoy wild play in the West Wood with four play areas, visit the family-friendly wildlife hide and look out for red squirrels.
Whitehouse Farm
Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland's largest family run Farm attraction spread over 40 acres, located south of Morpeth and just a mile off the A1.
Whitehouse is a great place for families, school and group visits of all ages enabling visitors to see, handle and feed a wide variety of animals from traditional breeds to more unusual and exotic species.
There really is something for everyone, as well as animals & activities, there's indoor & outdoor play areas to discover and explore, so it's always fantastic fun whatever the weather!
Wheelbirks is a working dairy farm that regularly has open days and craft markets - check their website for more details.
Woodhorn Museum
Experience life as a miner at Woodhorn museum. Located in what was once the largest pit village in the world, the former colliery is now home to the popular visitor attraction. The museum also houses the famous collection of pitman paintings. There is a Cafe. You can take a small train to the Queen Elizabeth II Park lake and have a walk around the water or see and feed the wildfowl. There is a pub and restaurant, the Woodhorn Grange, here too.
Strawberry or pumpkin picking at Brockbushes.
Brockbushes is a family run fruit farm with a farm shop and tea room. They also have a kids' fun zone. Check their website to make sure you go at the right time.
Spot seals and puffins on a boat trip. The most popular is to the Farne Islands
Catching a boat from Seahouses (A pretty seaside town) and setting sail to the Farne Islands or Holy Island is an unforgettable experience. If you time your trip right, you'll get to see an abundance of seals and puffins who will swim right up to your boat. .
Holy Island
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is home to a 12th century Priory and a 16th century castle. It is cut off from the mainland twice every day by the sea so be sure to check the tide times. It may look safe to cross but the tide comes in very quickly and every year people have to be rescued and their cars are written off. There are refuge towers on the causeway and on the walking route but a four hour stay crouched in one is not to be recommended! There is further useful information here. While on the Island, a trip to Lindisfarne Castle and Priory is an absolute must and if you're lucky, you'll spot some seals basking in the sunshine too. This is the home of Lindisfarne Mead and there is an interesting shop for all things bee. There are several pubs and cafes to cater for all. For more information click here
Enjoy a luxurious milkshake in a 1950s diner in Wooler.
Home to lots of different animals, including Snow Leopards, wallabies, capybaras, lemurs and marmosets. There is also an indoor playground, pedal tractors, café, a tractor museum and an outdoor playground. Be sure to book your visit in advance.
Learn about the conservation projects and meet the animals, including amphibians reptiles, invertebrates, aquatics, birds and mammals.
Ford and Etal
Plan a day out to these two beautiful small villages. While there, visit the Lady Waterford Hall at Ford. This was the village school until 1957and was painted by Lady Waterford with biblical scenes to encourage the children. She used the locals as models and some family members who attended the school still live in the village.
Carry on to the magnificent water mill at Heatherslaw Mill where you can explore the mill and take a miniature steam train to Etal, there, explore the ruined castle or have a drink or a meal in the thatched Black Bull and return by the train.
While there also visit the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre.
Hadrian's Wall.
Hadrian's Wall is both the best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire and one of Britain's most awe-inspiring historic landmarks. Tracing an unlikely coast-to-coast path across some of northern England's most rugged terrain, its enduring presence on the British landscape serves to remind us of a time when Britannia was the northern outpost of a mighty, continent-straddling empire. Drive along the B6318 (known as the Military Road) and experience the journey the Roman soldiers would have found familiar. There are several sites and museums to visit and there is a walking / cycle path for those who want to explore more closely.
