Looking at doing Northumberland next year, early July, for a break, want to try and do Hadrian's wall, Alnwick, Bamburgh castles etc with the kids, I would imagine the metro centre will attract my kids as well. Trying to decide the best place to base ourselves with a AirBNB etc. wouldn't mind access to the sea aswell. anyone got experience of the area can give ideas?
Last edited by Chewitt13; 29th November 2024 at 09:20.
For convenience, I’d probably go for somewhere close to Alnwick as that’s pretty central for doing Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and you are close to the A1 to take you towards Newcastle when you when you want the shops. It’s also got a Morrisons for your food shop.
I'd second Christian's recommendation - Alnwick's a nice place and although it's a decent stretch down to Newcastle, the roads are surprisingly quick.
You can't go wrong, mate.
If you don't know Northumberland, you are in for a real treat.
I am very jealous.
I live in Northumberland and agree that the Alnwick area is a good base for the things you want to do. From Alnwick you're straight on the A1 and around 30 minutes into Newcastle or the coastal areas of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. Forty minutes max will get you to the Metro Centre. You should also consider places like Craster, Warkworth, Kielder Observatory (although that's a bit of a trek on A roads), the national park (Northumberland National Park • Now & Forever) and have a look at Join English Heritage | English Heritage for ideas too.
There's so many places and things that I've not seen yet and I'm making 2025 the year of getting to as many of them as possible.
Have a great time.
I was born in Rothbury, grew up in Whitley Bay, went to school in Newcastle.Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli
Work means that I now live in showbiz London suburbia, but I'd move back North in a heartbeat if only I could persuade my wife.
Can you swim in the sea in Northumberland? In summer, I mean. We've happily swam in the Channel off Dorset, Devon and France, and the North Sea off Suffolk and Norfolk, but never ventured further up the coast.
We're always talking about doing the same things as the OP. My wife seems obsessed with the area, so watching this thread with interest.
Yes you can but it's bloody freezing. These days with cold water swimming being so popular there's more people doing it. There's loads of places where you can surf and use other water sports facilities. When I say cold, I mean cold.
For people our age it's an amazing place to live or visit.
I've swum on Whitley Bay beach more times than you can believe possible and I'm not dead yet.
That said, it's never warm. Average temperature in the peak summer is around 15C, more like 7C at this time of year.
I swim/seadip at cocklawburn beach from April-oct which is a gnats ballhair south of berwick.
Alnwick is a good shout for central so you can get to everywhere.
Personally i prefer north northumberland where it bleeds into the borders.
Worth taking a drive over the Lammermuirs to Haddington - theres a German cafe there called Falko which is excellent.
Chillingham is good for kids if they want to spook themselves.
Rothbury and the Cheviots also v scenic and nice for a wander and the beach south of Bamburgh is gorgeous.
The Apple Inn at Lucker does great food.
https://www.barterbooks.co.uk/html/A...20Bookshop.php
And you have to visit Barter Books in Alnwick - a huge second-hand bookshop in an old train station. Coal fires, decent coffee, lots of decently-priced books ... I always come away with some real gems.
I live near Corbridge , which is about 20 minutes west of Newcastle, near Hadrians Wall, Hexham etc.
I agree that Alnwick area is very central to explore the best of the coast and countryside and not too far from Scottish Borders. Lots of holiday cottages and Airbnb’s within a 10 mile radius of Alnwick. Some great village pubs serving fantastic food too. Happy to help further, just drop me a DM.
In August 2022, on our first visit to Northumberland, we stayed in an AirBnB in Morpeth as we were happy to drive over to the various points you mentioned, as that allowed us to see more of the county. We were "blessed" with wonderful weather, so were able to see Alnwick, Bamburgh at their very best.
To explore Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick, Bamburgh castles, and the Metro Centre with your kids, you might want to consider basing yourselves in a central location like Newcastle upon Tyne. It offers a mix of city vibes, access to the sea, and it's close to many attractions in Northumberland.
You've received lots of great advice, Chewy. One place not mentioned is Warkworth, make sure you spend some time there. One of my favourite places in Britian.
Thanks guys
Surprised by how much I'm looking forward to it.
We try and go abroad every October for winter sun.
But when I reflect on our best holidays they are mostly uk based - Skye, Cornwall, London and my favorite place aviemore.
Having worked abroad for 20 years I hate airports with a passion
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Hadrians wall visit Vindolanda (get on one of the free guided trips) and the Roman museum about a mile away. My mother lived in Whitley Bay and I have many relatives in the area. Would move up there for countryside and sea shores but generally a bit too cold for me.
I've rented this house in Amble which is lovely and a great base to explore from https://www.vrbo.com/en-gb/p8147369
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