Things to Do in Northumberland

Do Something Different!

You’ve chosen the perfect cottage in the ideal location… now it’s time to make memories

 

Whilst some holidays are relaxing – and due to the hectic nature of everyday life, some have a strong desire to just do nothing – there’s also lots of different things to do around Northumberland if you’re feeling adventurous! We’ve chosen some fun, different and wacky things to do whilst on holiday to help you make the most out of your holiday and for the ones who have itchy feet!

Feeling Active?

Go Ape at Matfen Hall

A one for all the family, Go Ape is a tree top adventure of zip lines, tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings – something to get everyone outdoors. Matfen is just 15 miles west of Newcastle and very easy to get to. Their classic tree tops adventure high ropes course features a number of crossings depicting the bridges over the River Tyne. Clamber, climb and conquer the famous Tyne Bridge, Millenium Bridge and High Level Bridge 30ft up in the tree tops!
See the website for more details.

 

Eyemouth Rib Trips

This is something that will definitely raise the hairs on the back of your neck! The Eyemouth Rib Trip is the key to exploring the stunning Berwickshire coastline of the Scottish Borders. With a highly experienced powerboat skipper at the helm, they will show you the cliffs and coves, the seabirds and the seals. For the adrenaline junkies, the Fast Blast is not one to miss and is as every bit as quick as its name suggests. For guests who prefer a calmer experience, the Coastal Exploration offers a relaxing sea safari and scenic trip along the Berwickshire coastline.
See the website for more details.

 

Flight Experience with Purple Aviation

Based at Eshott Airfield just off the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick, Purple Aviation is one of the most popular flight experience provides in the UK. Combine their enthusiastic pilots with a large fleet of modern aircraft and it makes the perfect flight experience. They have a range of flight experiences to choose from all along the Northumberland coast, ranging from 30 mins to 3 hours. For a small additional charge they can record the entire flight in HD. Flying along the Northumberland coastline and seeing all of our beautiful beaches, villages and castles from the sky is something very special indeed.
See the website for more details.

 

Clay Pigeon Shooting & Wine Tasting (in one!)

We should firstly be clear that the wine tasting follows the clay pigeon shooting, otherwise it could be a rather risky event! Fowberry Farm offers the chance for both experienced shooters and beginners to try/better their hand at clay pigeon shooting in their 200 acres of woodland, amongst their 900 acre farm. For £50 (subject to change) you can enjoy a full day of shooting with expert guide, Lance Strother, the farm’s owner, which includes coffee and ‘elevensies’.

Fowberry Farm are also a wine merchants and offer wine tasting too. For £90, you can arrive at the farm and enjoy coffee and biscuits before heading out for your first 2 standard. You will enjoy elevensies at a beautiful view point which includes a small sample of some local liquers. Your next 2 stands of shooting will follow then you will head back to the farm for a local light lunch. This is then followed by wine tasting, which comprises of 3 glasses of red and 3 glasses of white. If you’re the designated driver, you can take the bottles home to enjoy instead in your cottage. Sounds like a jolly afternoon to us!

Click here to read a recent article about the farm, otherwise contact Lance on 01668 281234 or 07968 349440

 

Castle Three Hire

Fancy exploring Northumberland in something different? Castle Three Hire offer Morgan 3 Wheeler and Land Rover Series 3 for self-drive hire in Northumberland. From full and half-day hires to the full weekend – you’ll love discovering all of Northumberland’s fantastic areas with Castle Three Hire. Plus, if you quote “Coquet Cottages” when booking, you can enjoy 10% off! Click here to discover more, or email info@castlethree.co.uk today.

Feeling Creative?

Pots and Paws Pottery Painting

Perfect for kids (and those who love to get a paintbrush out!). Pots and Paws is located in the centre of Rothbury and is not only a gorgeous and unique gift and furniture shop, it also offers pottery painting, hand-print designs and acrylic ceramic painting. Prices for pottery painting start from just £6. They use a kiln to seal some of the pottery and it’s fantastic fun for children to take home a memory of their holiday to Northumberland. It’s advised you call before hand but they also cater for drops-ins too.
See their facebook page for more details.

 

Pot-A-Doodle-Do

Another great place for kids to get creative and located at Scremerston, just before you reach Berwick. This great centre focuses around pottery and ceramic painting but also has a great restaurant, play area and local produce shop selling lots of tasty Northumbrian goodies. There’s no time limits at Pot-A-Doodle-Do so you can make a full day of it. They’re always shut for January and most of February and always shut on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the year.
See the website for more details.

 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in your very own Cottage

Introducing Benny Blues Vintage Afternoon Tea, available to be at any north-east location – including your very own cottage! This is perfect for larger parties, and even better for celebrations to offer something different and interesting. Marie Turnbull-Davison runs the mobile business and it’s becoming very popular!
See her Facebook page for further details.

Don’t mind travelling a little further?

Visit York or Edinburgh for the Day

Whilst up in the North, don’t miss out on an opportunity to visit the capital of Scotland or historic York which is easily reached by train. Edinburgh takes just 1 hour on the train from Alnmouth and from Berwick it takes around 40 minutes. The journey up there alongside the coastline is breathtaking, passing Holy Island and the whole of the east coast. Once you reach Edinburgh, the train station is in the very centre of the city – exit onto Princes Street and you’re in the heart of the hustle and bustle. There are regular trains running up to Edinburgh every day of the week so it makes a great day out. Check out their Christmas markets which run from mid-November through till early January.

York can be reached from Alnmouth or Berwick in around 1 hour 45 mins (when catching the train from Alnmouth you need to change at Newcastle). York is a fantastic city which not only has great shopping and places to eat, but also has some really interesting tourist attractions. Walk the York Wall or visit the York Dungeons. The National Railway Museum is also based in York which is very popular.

 

The Victoria Tunnel, Newcastle

Love to get to know the heritage of the North? Not many people know about The Victoria Tunnel – even the locals – which runs beneath the city from the Town Moor down to the Tyne. It was built in 1842 to transport coal down from Leazes Main Colliery to the riverside staithes, ready for loading onto the ships. In 1939 it was converted into an air-raid shelter to protect hundreds of Newcastle citizens during World War II. The tunnel is now open to the public for guided tours which include fantastic sounds and visual effects.
See the website for more information.

 

Go up the Durham Cathedral Tower

Durham is one of the North’s most beautiful and ancient cities – almost like a smaller version of York with just as impressive of a cathedral. You can visit part of the way up the tower and take in the amazing views of Durham. You can reach Durham from e.g. Alnwick in about 80 minutes in the car. On the train, it takes around 45 minutes from Alnmouth.
See the website for more details.

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