5 Great Family Days Out in the Northeast of England
1. The Durham World Heritage Site
The Durham World Heritage Site is a beautiful place to visit, with plenty of things to do. The site is made up of several different attractions, including the Durham Cathedral and Castle, the Lumley Castle, and the Crook Hall.
The Durham Cathedral and Castle are some of the most popular attractions at the site. The cathedral was founded in AD 1093 and built in stages. There are several different museum exhibitions running throughout the year, one of which is an exhibition about life in medieval Durham.
The Lumley Castle is a beautiful castle located near the city centre. It was once home to Lord Lumely, who carried out many renovations on the property. The castle has been open to the public since 1984 and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Crook Hall is a lesser-known attraction, but nonetheless well worth a visit. The hall was built in the 13th century and is now home to the Durham branch of the County Council. The building is open to the public and offers beautiful views over the city.
There is also plenty to do outside of the World Heritage Site. Durham is a beautiful city with plenty of places to explore and things to see. The city centre is home to a variety of different shops, restaurants, and bars, and there are also several parks and gardens located throughout the city.
2. The Northumberland National Park
The Northumberland National Park is a beautiful place to visit, and it's easy to see why it was designated as a national park. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, from hiking and biking to fishing and wildlife watching.
One of the best ways to explore the park is on foot, and there are plenty of trails for all levels of experience. If you're a beginner, consider checking out the Cheviot Trail, which meanders through open fields and over gentle hills. There is also the Hadrian's Wall Path, which follows an old Roman road as it crosses steep cliffs and winds along beautiful beaches on its way from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway.
If you prefer a more challenging hike, the Pennine Way is a 65-mile trail that runs from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. The scenery along this route includes old stone cottages and drystone walls as well as high moors and mountain summits. Experienced hikers may want to try an overnight trek on the Pennine Way, which includes a section that goes right through the Northumberland National Park.
If you're not up for a hike, there are plenty of other things to do in the park. You can go fishing in one of the many rivers and streams or try your hand at birdwatching.
3. The Hadrian's Wall Path
The Hadrian's Wall Path is a long-distance footpath in Northern England. It passes through the villages of Brough-under-Stainmore, Cumbria, Kirkby Thore, Flimby and Crosby Garrett to reach Bowness on Solway. It follows an ancient route that runs from South Shields near Newcastle upon Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway on the Cumbrian coast.
The path is a designated National Trail. The Northeast of England and the Borders in Scotland are rich in history. In 122, Emperor Hadrian ordered his troops to build a defensive wall from Wallsend on the River Tyne near Newcastle upon Tyne to the River Solway Firth near Carlisle. It was built by soldiers of the Roman army and took six years to build. Some parts of the wall still remain today, and it can be seen at many places along its length.
4. Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden is a stunning public garden located in Northumberland, England. It was opened to the public in 2001 and has since become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world.
The garden is divided into several different areas, each with its own unique theme. The gardens feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a number of interesting sculptures and fountains.
The Alnwick Garden maze is a popular tourist attraction in Northumberland, England. The garden maze is the largest in the country, and it covers more than two acres of land. The maze was designed by world-renowned maze designer Adrian Fisher, and it took him more than six months to complete.
There is also a large children's play area in the garden, as well as a restaurant and gift shop. The garden is open every day of the year, and admission is free for all visitors.
5. The Beamish Museum
The Beamish Museum is a great place to learn about Northeast England's history. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the old-fashioned fairground.
The Beamish Museum houses a vast collection of rare Edwardian objects dating from 1900 to the 1950s. There are no set paths through the museum, so you can wander around at your own pace and choose what interests you most.
Visitors start in front of the facade of a large manor house before entering the world of the working class. Here, they can explore a traditional coal mine, a railway station, and a town square.
The museum also has a section dedicated to the lives of children during this period, complete with a schoolhouse, a playground, and a sweet shop. Finally, the museum also features a section on transport, with exhibits on cars, motorcycles, and aircraft.
The Beamish Museum is a great place to learn about the history of everyday life in Edwardian England. It's perfect for families, as there is something for everyone to enjoy. Admission is free for children under 16.
