Family Fun in North East England
North East England stretches from the heather-covered hills of Northumberland southwards to take in the cities of NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland, the historic landmarks of County Durham and the peaceful countryside of Tees Valley.
It is one of England’s best-kept secrets, yet it couldn’t be easier to explore this spectacular and original part of the country. Good news, because you will want to see and do it all, with fun-filled attractions and family friendly accommodation in abundance.
Kielder Water
Tucked away at the top of Northumberland is the beautiful Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in Europe. One of Britain's biggest nature resorts, it is home to red squirrels, deer and rare birds. The lake fringes and forest glades can best be explored by walking, cycling or on horseback, and there are many self-guided trails.
Activities for all the family, a variety of accommodation, easy accessibility and closeness to villages and Northumberland National Park are among the many attractions, making Kielder ideal for holidays or leisure pursuits, including fishing, boating, riding and watersports. For more information go to www.kielder.org
Nearby there is also the Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre, which has more than 35 breeds from all over the world and, weather permitting, there are flights three times daily. www.discoverit.co.uk/falconry
Beamish The North of England Open Air Museum
Beamish The North of England Open Air Museum, is an award-winning open air museum in County Durham, and is a perfect day out for families. There’s so much to see and do and something to interest children of all ages. Explore the shops, houses and workplaces, meet the costumed staff and find out what life was really like in the early 1800s and 1900s. For more information visit www.beamish.org.uk
The Alnwick Garden
Home to the world’s largest tree house, The Alnwick Garden, in Northumberland, was the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland and has lots for kids of all ages to see and do. Pedal around the grounds in little tractors, walk through the cascade fountains, and see the Poison Garden. For more information www.alnwickgarden.com
And at Alnwick Castle a perfect introduction to the chivalrous life awaits your little royalty at picturesque Alnwick Castle’s Knight School. Children can dress up in clothes of the time, learn the art of swordmanship and joust and play games at the castle which was made famous as the setting for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies. For more information go to www.alnwickcastle.com
Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site
A family visit to North East England wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. It is Britain’s longest monument and it stretches across the region. The wall was once an imposing frontier that represented Roman rule across Europe. And now it is a vast network of Roman forts and contemporary museums, offering children the chance to dress as Roman centurion or meet a Roman soldier.
Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum is the only place in the country where you can see reconstructions of a gateway, commanding officer’s house and barrack block. Also at the museum is Time Quest which gives youngsters an insight into how archaeologists unravel the secrets of the past.
Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum was the last outpost of Hadrian’s Wall and for almost 300 years it was home to 600 soldiers. Throughout the year the fort offers a range of activities that will engage children, including a 100-feet high viewing tower.
Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum is one of the finest and best preserved Roman forts in Europe with the remains of granaries, barracks and hospitals. It is this section of wall which gives the most dramatic of views and families can get a real experience of the outdoors in the beautiful Northumberland countryside.
Events run throughout the school holidays and for more information go to www.hadrians-wall.org
Woodhorn
Northumberland’s newest attraction, Woodhorn, has already attracted 41,000 visitors since its opening in October 2006. The £16m project has seen the former Woodhorn Colliery on the outskirts of Ashington transformed into a major heritage centre. Inside there are loads of exhibitions telling the story of Northumberland through its people, it is also home to the county’s archives where you can trace your family tree. www.experiencewoodhorn.com
Locomotion, the National Railway Museum
There is a wealth of railway heritage in North East England and one of the best places to see this is Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham. The award-winning museum celebrates Shildon as one of the oldest railway towns. It has a number of interactive displays/games, including train races, shunting demos and a build a locomotive activity and there is an events programme for school holidays. The museum is home to up to 70 locomotives from the National Collection. www.sedgefield.gov.uk/locomotion
Chillingham Castle
Chillingham Castle is a medieval fortress with Tudor additions. You can explore the furnished rooms and great hall as well as the less inviting dungeon and torture chamber. And in the grounds of Chillingham Park is where the pure-bred survivors of the wild white cattle herd which once roamed the forests of Britain can now be found. Visitors are accompanied by the Warden – they’re not called wild for nothing! – on a fascinating tour and talk. For more information go to www.chillingham-castle.com or www.chillingham-wildcattle.org.uk
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Washington is a great place to view wild birds as they use it as a stopover place during migration. You can expect around 1,000 wildfowl of 85 varieties, including flamingos, curlews, redshank and wild grey heron. There’s a viewing gallery, hides and winter wild-bird feeding station along with picnic areas and a waterside café. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/washington
Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
Follow the life and voyages of Captain James Cook from his early days in Whitby to his great journeys around the world at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. See the new people, land and strange animals that Cook and his crew discovered. Discover the life of a ship’s crewman below decks, with weevil-infested biscuits, salt meat, a hammock for a bed and the pain of being away from home for three years. www.captcook-ne.co.uk
Saltburn Miniature Railway and Inclined Tramway
Saltburn Miniature Railway is a 15" gauge railway running from the seafront to "the Valley Gardens, Italian Gardens, Tea Lawn and Woodland "Centre. The appeal of the railway is irresistible to all ages and this one is a little gem. The railway was first established in 1947, whilst the locomotive 'Prince Charles' was later introduced in 1953. www.saltburn-miniature-railway.org.uk
And nearby is the Saltburn Inclined Tramway. There is no better way to travel from Saltburn’s pier, promenade and beach to its high cliff tops than by the Victorian water-balanced inclined tramway. For more information contact 01287 622528.
Seven Stories, The Centre for Children’s Books
Seven Stories, The Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle explores and celebrates our rich heritage of British children’s books. At the heart of Seven Stories is a treasure trove of original artwork and manuscripts, which records the creative process in making a children’s book, and provides an insight into the working lives of authors and illustrators. There are a number of exhibitions, events and activities at the centre and for more information go to www.sevenstories.org.uk
Centre for Life
Also in Newcastle is the Centre for Life, previous winner of the Best Family Experience Award at the North East England Tourism Awards, which is home to all sorts of fun and interactive exhibits. It explains the origins of life through interactive technology, virtual games arcades and incredible films.
New exhibitions include The Dome, a state-of-the-art theatre which will seat 65 visitors and is capable of screening the very latest Computer Generated Imagery created shows. Using digital technology to present breathtaking images onto a 360° domed ceiling, The Dome is a totally immersive experience. For more information go to www.life.org.uk
The Hamsterley Trailblazers
The Hamsterley Trailblazers, County Durham, offer family activity bikerides on planned routes for all ages and abilities (with guides) over single days or whole weekends with family-friendly accommodation nearby. For more information go to www.hamsterley-trailblazers.co.uk
Diggerland
North East England is filled with family-friendly attractions to suit all tastes and ages. Including Diggerland, in County Durham, which is an activity park based on real diggers and dumpers with rides, drives, static displays and play areas. www.diggerland.com
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum in NewcastleGateshead, which was voted Best Family Experience of the Year at the 2006 North East England Tourism Awards, is the North East’s biggest free museum attracting 450,000 visitors a year. The science maze is sure to educate and delights, and the little ones can explore a model of the River Tyne complete with flowing water, bridges, boats and cranes. www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery
MetroCentre
North East England is also home to Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre – the MetroCentre. As well as a whole host of unique shops in themed areas alongside popular high street names, MetroCentre has an 11 screen UCI Cinema, the MetroLand Indoor Theme Park and the Megabowl entertainment centre. www.metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk
BALTIC
Located on Gateshead Quays, BALTIC is one of Europe’s most exciting contemporary art galleries, converted from a former flour mill. Events and activities for children and their families include fun ways to get creative at BALTIC. Specially designed children and family programmes have been developed which offer opportunities to get involved in group activities and workshops. www.balticmill.com
The Sage Gateshead
The Sage Gateshead is a spectacular Sir Norman Foster and Partners building opened in 2004 as an international home to world music and musical discovery. Families can look out for suitable events in the family friendly concert programme where even the youngest children will be able to enjoy being in the audience for these events. www.thesagegateshead.org
The Farne Islands
The Farne Islands in Northumberland are a great place to explore and discover and you can take a boat trip around Coquet Island with the Puffin Cruises, to see the puffins, eider ducks and seals. www.puffincruises.com
Blue Reef Aquarium
And for more information on sealife head to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth.
Experience more than 30 living displays exploring the North Sea and the beauty of a spectacular coral reef, and take a walk along the aquatic tunnel where you can see the sea overhead. www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience
Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience is an authentic reconstruction of an 18th Century naval seaport. Step back in time to a remarkable period in British history. Regular musketry, cannon firing and sword fighting displays bring the past to life. There is also a Children's Adventure Centre and Playship. Experience life onboard a warship in our newly refurbished audio visual tour 'Fighting Ships' before exploring the real thing - HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship afloat in the UK. www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com
The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum in County Durham is a hidden gem, which was designed as museum and contains one of the country’s greatest private collections of fine and decorative art. The new Streatlam Galleries, which opened on March 31, are planned for a family audience and offer an introduction to the museum and its collections using child friendly interpretation and activities. The museum also offers a range of Family Fun Days as well as an annual lantern making and parade event. www.bowesmuseum.org.uk
Teesside White Water Course
There are also a number of activity centres throughout the region offering a range of opportunities for youngsters to try something new.
Teesside White Water Course, Stockton is one of only 2 courses in the UK, this purpose-built course offers canoeing and rafting, from beginners through to international competitors. www.4seasons.co.uk
Middlesbrough’s Nature’s World
And for an environmental experience visit Middlesbrough’s Nature’s World, which includes 25 acres of organic gardens, a working model of the River Tees and a newly refurbished children’s play area. www.naturesworld.org.uk
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum
There are several attractions celebrating the region’s wealth of mining history including County Durham’s Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum. 2004 winner of the Guardian's Family Friendly Museum and 2005 winner of the "Most Welcoming Experience" visitors can discover the lives of Lead Mining families. Children can experience the life of Victorian children including dressing up or work as a washer boy. You can also put on your hard hat and wellies for a guided tour down an original mine. www.durham.gov.uk/killhope
Hall Hill Farm and Newham Grange Farm
There is nothing better than a day on the farm and there are number of places where you can get up close and personal with the animals. Hall Hill Farm in Lanchester, County Durham, is a fantastic place for a day with the family with a daily programme of events which usually includes donkey rides, bottle feeding the llamas, milking demonstrations and with a farmer trailer ride you could spend all day on the farm, www.hallhillfarm.co.uk And to catch a glimpse of some rare farm breeds head to Newham Grange Farm, in Tees Valley where you can enjoy a walk in the fields with a picnic. www.visitteesvalley.co.uk
For more information on any other the activities, attractions or child-friendly accommodation go to www.northeastengland.co.uk