Days out for a range of ages.
Plus things you need to be booking NOW for the summer holidays.
Good morning friends and a happy Sunday to you!
This comes to you while I am sat trying to eat my breakfast and drink my coffee before it goes cold, but the toddler is climbing on my lap and requesting a story while she eats her toast. Mum life eh? (The more observant of you will see that this is now being sent out on Sunday evening because mum life really did take over today…)
This week I have been thinking about the impending summer holidays and planning a few days out that will satisfy my ten, six and two year old. As we discovered on our recent France holiday, keeping that range of ages entertained and happy can be tricky. A ten year old isn’t interested in soft plays and farm parks anymore, and the the tow year old can’t be trusted to sit still for longer than a few minutes and eating out is still a rushed ordeal.
So I thought I would share a few ideas for days out that will *hopefully keep every family member happy, no matter their age.
You can’t go wrong with a National Trust property or English Heritage site.
I LOVE these for a day out (how British of me). Usually there is space for little ones to climb, explore and run around. There is more often than not a play park, a cafe of some sort and these places usually put on a trail over the summer holidays.
Sometimes we will get a “aww noooo I don’t want to go there” from the ten year old, but as soon as we arrive he has changed his mind and usually isn’t then ready to leave!
Some of our favourite places in the north east are:
Cragside (National Trust)
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (English Heritage)
Gibside (National Trust)
Wallington Hall (National Trust)
Warkworth Castle (English Heritage) combine this one with the riverside walk in Warkworth and a visit to a coffee shop in the village. The beach is also a short drive away!
Seaton Delaval Hall (National Trust)
If you are willing to travel a little further we also love Beningbrough Hall and Fountains Abbey both in North Yorkshire.
The Beach.
It’s free and definitely a people pleaser; you can’t wrong with a day out at the beach. And we are so lucky to have over forty miles of beautiful coastline here in Northumberland from Berwick all the way down to Cresswell.
Head out of Northumberland and you have Whitely Bay, Seaton Sluice, Tynemouth, Saltburn and Scarborough.
Pack a picnic, towels, spades and a football and you are all set for a day at the beach.
Life Science Centre - Newcastle.
We haven’t been for a while but this is a fab day out and suitable for all ages. They have a full programme of events on over the summer so definitely worth checking the website to help plan your visit. Newcastle Central Station is a five minute walk away so easily reached by public transport.
For a free alternative try the Discovery Museum which is also just up the road from the train station. I personally don’t think you would spend as long here but still a good couple of hours and they have a cafe.
Book ahead for the summer holidays - below is a list of places/events you will need to book ahead of your visit (and probably best to start booking now).
Brocksbushes Pick Your Own fruit farm.
Watch an outdoor theatre production of Wind In The Willows at Alnwick Garden. More info and discount code here. (ad)
Boat trips to the Farne Islands.
Ranger Jane beach school, Seahouses.
Hullabaloo in the park, Darlington. (There are also drop in events so don’t panic!)
Signing off now as the kids are all fast asleep and I need to wash my hair.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
Beth x
P.S - If you are a north east business and would like a mention in this “Days Out” newsletter, please email: bethaniewardell@hotmail.com