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Writer's pictureNorthumberland Luxury Stays

Family friendly attractions in Northumberland

Updated: Oct 19, 2023





Lilidorei at Alnwick Gardens, is a magical kingdom based on Northumberland and perfect for kids! The largest play structure in the world! Lilidorei which is pronounced (Lilly-Door-Ree) is the home of 9 clans that all worship Christmas! There is some clans that are friendly and some that aren’t so friendly but the thing they all have in common in their love for Christmas! Despite the clans having a huge presence at Lilidorei, they can not be seen by us humans! But don’t worry, there is a team of secret keepers that know lots of secrets about them, giving you clues and a chance for your kids to explore, be imaginative and create their own little story about them. Lilidorei gives a fun and imaginative experience to kids, as well as a huge structure to play on! We highly recommend taking your kids to this attraction whilst staying in Northumberland.



White House Farm is a popular destination for many locals and tourists who want to enjoy everything that the Northumberland countryside has to offer. This family-run farm, located just a few miles from the town of Morpeth, boasts over 40 acres of land, including fields, woodlands, and a pond. The farm is home to a variety of animals, and visitors can see cows, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, ducks, and chickens, among others. There are also opportunities to interact with some of the animals, such as goat walking, feeding lambs, and collecting eggs from the henhouse. Apart from the animal encounters, the farm offers several activities and facilities that cater to all age groups. There's a large outdoor play area for children, complete with trampolines, a zip wire, and a giant sandpit. They can also ride on a tractor or a pony, depending on the day's schedule. The farm shop sells local products, including fresh produce, meat, and handmade crafts. One of the main attractions at White House Farm is the Maize Maze, which is open during the summer months. The maize maze is a popular activity for families, and visitors can get lost in the maze while enjoying the beautiful countryside views. Overall, White House Farm is an excellent place to visit if you are looking for a family-friendly day out in Northumberland. The farm offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, with plenty of activities, animals, and events to keep everyone entertained. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make White House Farm a must-visit destination in the North East of England.



Northumberland Zoo is a delightful zoo located in the fascinating town of Morpeth, Northumberland. The zoo is a magical place that draws tourists from different corners of the UK and beyond. It is a perfect place for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Northumberland Zoo has numerous animal species, including monkeys, snakes, big cats, exotic birds, and many others. The enclosures for these animals are well-crafted and designed to mimic their natural habitats. This reduces stress on the animals and ensures they are healthy and happy. One of the unique features of Northumberland Zoo is the Animal Encounters Program. Here, visitors get a chance to have up-close and personal encounters with animals in the zoo. It is an educational program that allows visitors to learn about the animals' behavior, their diets, habits, and much more. The Animal Encounters Program is ideal for families and school groups, providing a unique learning experience to students. Northumberland Zoo is also home to a wide range of birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and many more. The zoo has its own bird of prey center, where visitors can see these birds soaring through the air and swooping down to catch their prey. The bird of prey center also offers visitors educational sessions, where they can learn about the birds of prey's distinctive features and specific characteristics. Another one-of-a-kind feature of this zoo is the meerkat house. Visitors can see the adorable meerkats playing, sleeping, and hunting for their food. They are cute, engaging, and visitors will surely leave with a smile on their faces. Northumberland Zoo is also dedicated to animal conservation and welfare. The zoo is actively involved in conservation programs to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats.



Nestled inside the spectacular Alnwick Gardens in Northumberland, England is an intriguing attraction known as the Poison Garden. Upon first glance, it looks like any other garden with vibrant flora, but upon closer inspection, visitors will notice something peculiar―every plant in this garden is poisonous. The Poison Garden is not for the faint-hearted, but it has become a popular destination for visitors looking for something unique. The Alnwick Poison Garden was opened in 2005, aiming to educate people about the harmful effects of different plants and the importance of responsible use of herbs and drugs. The garden comprises over 100 different poisonous plants, from hemlock and deadly nightshade to opium poppies and cannabis. Plants like Datura, also known as the Angel's Trumpet, are in the garden, which is known to cause hallucinations, disorientation, and even death. The garden also has a section for medical plants containing some of the essential plants used in medicine today, like opium, used to produce morphine. What makes the Poison Garden unique is that all of the plants are genuine and labelled with a brief description and cautionary notes on their dangers to humans and animals. The guide for the Poison Garden Tour explains the many negative impacts of consuming an excessive amount of toxins and discusses how different chemicals in these toxic plants have proved useful to humans. Visitors are also made aware of the hazard from toxic plants which are often grown in gardens or eaten unknowingly during a hike. The garden aims to educate the visitors about the potency of nature and how some plants can be deadly if consumed, used topically, or inhaled. The eye-catching garden was designed with a sense of danger and excitement, and visitors are not allowed to touch or ingest any of the plants, and touching them could lead to illness. The garden attracts visitors worldwide who are interested in the history of the poisonous plants and the essential use of plants in society today. Overall, visiting the Poison Garden in Alnwick is an unforgettable experience, provided one is brave enough to enter. The garden is not only unique but is also a great learning experience for people to understand the danger and importance of the harmful plants around us. In the end, being surrounded by amazing gardens is always a pleasure, and the Poison Garden at Alnwick Gardens is a particularly exciting addition.


Are you a nature lover? Do you fancy watching cute and colourful birds up close? Then you must go on a Puffin Cruise in Northumberland. Located on the north-east coast of England, Northumberland is famous for its rugged landscapes, historic castles, and stunning beaches. But it's also home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the UK, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Puffins are adorable and funny-looking birds with a distinctive colourful beak. They spend most of their life at sea but come to land to breed and rear their chicks. The best time to see puffins in Northumberland is from April to July when they return from their winter migration to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland. During this period, they nest in the cliffs and on the islands of the Farne Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Northumberland. To get a close-up view of the puffins, you can take a Puffin Cruise from Seahouses or Amble. Several boat operators offer Puffin Cruises, ranging from one hour to two hours, depending on the route and the weather conditions. The Puffin Cruise is not just about seeing puffins. You'll also encounter other seabirds, such as the graceful Arctic Tern, the majestic Gannet, and the comical Guillemot. You might even spot some seals and dolphins, as well as the historic lighthouses and the rugged coastlines that make Northumberland so famous. The Puffin Cruises depart from Seahouses Harbour, where you'll find plenty of amenities, such as cafes, fish and chips shops, and souvenir stores. You'll need comfortable and warm clothes, waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes, as the boat can be bumpy and wet. You'll also need a camera or binoculars to capture the stunning scenery and the wildlife. The Puffin Cruise is suitable for all ages, and children will love watching the puffins waddle on the rocks and dive into the sea. However, please note that the boats have limited accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. If you're planning a trip to Northumberland, make sure to add a Puffin Cruise to your itinerary. It's an unforgettable experience that will make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature.



Chain Bridge Honey Farm: A Sweet Escape to Nature If you want to experience the sweetest attraction in the North East of England, then you shouldn't miss visiting Chain Bridge Honey Farm. Nestled in the beautiful countryside in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Chain Bridge Honey Farm provides a unique and inspiring environment where you can learn about bees, honey, and the environment. Established in 1948, Chain Bridge Honey Farm is a family-run business that became a tourist attraction in 1960. Since then, it has been teaching people about the importance of bees and how to care for them. Moreover, it produces premium, award-winning honey that has been recognized around the world. When you visit Chain Bridge Honey Farm, you'll have the chance to tour the museum, explore the observation hives, watch honey extraction, and enjoy a range of bee-related products in the shop. You can also experience the beauty of nature by taking a stroll around the farm's nature trails, allowing you to see the bees in their natural habitat. One of the significant benefits of visiting Chain Bridge Honey Farm is that it is open all year round. Therefore, you can enjoy this attraction even in winter. If you want to taste and buy some products, the on-site shop offers honey, beeswax candles, skincare products, and other bee-related items. The farm's staff is also friendly and informative. They are more than willing to answer any questions you have and provide you with their wealth of knowledge about bees and honey production. They also organize educational courses for those interested in beekeeping, which can be perfect for budding beekeepers. In summary, Chain Bridge Honey Farm offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. It would be best to visit this place if you're interested in nature, honey, or simply want to learn something new. It's a unique place where you can get up close and personal with bees and explore the fascinating world of honeybees. A sweet escape that will leave you wanting more.


The Heatherslaw Light Railway is a charming narrow-gauge railway located in Northumberland, England. The railway has a gauge of 15 inches and covers a distance of 2 miles from Heatherslaw to Etal Castle. Operating since 1989, it has become a popular attraction in the area, drawing railroad enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Heatherslaw Light Railway offers visitors an opportunity to experience a slice of railway history. The railway operates during the summer months, with special events taking place throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas. Riding on the Heatherslaw Light Railway gives passengers a chance to see the beauty of the English countryside from a different perspective. You can take in the lush greenery, fields of flowers and grazing sheep while enjoying the gentle chug of the narrow-gauge train. One of the other highlights of the Heatherslaw Light Railway is the station at Etal Castle. The station has been designed to replicate a typical Scottish Highland station from the 19th century, complete with a ticket office, signal box and waiting room. The Heatherslaw Light Railway is operated by the Ford and Etal Estate, which owns the train as well as the surrounding area. Visitors can take a ride on the train, visit and explore Etal Castle, and stop at nearby attractions such as the Heatherslaw Corn Mill. Overall, a trip on the Heatherslaw Light Railway is an enjoyable and eye-opening experience that all railway enthusiasts and tourists should take. It is a chance to see the beauty of Northumberland in a unique way and transport back in time to the golden era of rail travel.



Druridge Bay Country Park is a hidden gem located on the stunning Northumberland coast in England. The park offers miles of golden sand beaches, freshwater lakes, meadows, woodland, and dunes steeped in natural beauty. The beach is the star of Druridge Bay Country Park, with its long stretch of sand spanning seven miles. The beach is perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, surfing, paddleboarding or a picnic. Stroll along the bay, and you will come across the Wildlife Discovery Centre, where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. It's an excellent opportunity to take a guided walk, birdwatch, and get close to the animals, reptiles, and insects residing in the area. If you fancy a break from the beach, the park offers various other activities to enjoy. Yarrow Watersports is located in the park and offers kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing lessons for all abilities. The park also offers walking trails, cycle routes, and fishing; even if you've never fished before, this is an excellent chance to "catch your first fish." The park has secure parking, toilets, and a refreshment kiosk, or if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the Drift Cafe overlooks the bay and provides an excellent spot to enjoy some lunch after a long walk. Druridge Bay Country Park is a beautiful area of outstanding beauty and a haven for wildlife, nature, and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s management is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural environment through education and practical conservation techniques, making a visit to Druridge Bay Country Park an experience not to be missed. Broomstick training - Alnwick Castle


Are you a Harry Potter fan who always dreamed of flying on a broomstick like Harry and his friends? If so, your dream might just come true at Alnwick Castle, the location where the broomstick training scenes were filmed for the Harry Potter movies. At Alnwick Castle, visitors can take part in broomstick training sessions led by qualified instructors. The training involves learning the basics of flying a broomstick, including how to mount, dismount, and control your speed and direction. You'll also get to participate in some fun exercises and games, such as trying to catch a magical flying ball. But it's not just for Harry Potter fans. Broomstick training is a great activity for anyone looking for a unique and exciting experience. It's also a great opportunity to explore the magnificent Alnwick Castle, which has been the home of the Percy family for over 700 years. The broomstick training sessions take place in the same historic location where Harry Potter and his fellow students learned to fly. You'll get to see the exact spot where Harry had his first flying lesson and try your hand at some of the same moves. Overall, broomstick training at Alnwick Castle is a fun and memorable experience that's suitable for all ages. Whether you're a Harry Potter fan or just looking for something different to do, you'll love the thrill of flying on a broomstick at one of England's most impressive castles.







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