Bellingham / Cambo
Wallington · Photo: Stanley Howe
A Kielder-country alternative: follow a wooded gorge from Bellingham over footbridges to a 9-metre waterfall, keeping an eye out for red squirrels. Then drive to Wallington for a zip line, play fort and dragon cycle trail in a big National Trust estate.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:30 (2h30m)
Woodland gorge walk to the waterfall; picnic snacks along the way.
A woodland walk from Bellingham up a wooded gorge, crossing several footbridges to a 9-metre waterfall, with a chance of spotting red squirrels. It is free and suits school-age walkers; some sections are steep and muddy.
Photo: northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
Landmark · 13:05–16:30 (3h25m)
Late lunch at the cafe, adventure play area with zip line, and the dragon cycle trail.
A large National Trust estate in rural Northumberland with a historic house, walled garden, riverside and woodland paths. Families get four play areas, including an adventure play area with a zip line and play fort, plus a dragon-themed cycle trail with short and longer loops.
Photo: Stanley Howe
North EastBishop Auckland
A morning in the former palace of the Prince Bishops, with its walled garden and free viewing tower, then out to County Durham's biggest forest for picture-book trails, a play area and gentle bike routes.
Auckland Palace → Hamsterley Forest
North EastBelsay / Prudhoe
Two very different castles: a medieval tower castle in the grounds of Belsay's Greek Revival hall, with a quarry garden of rocky ravines and a Wild Man play trail, then the gatehouse and keep of Prudhoe above the Tyne. Finish with a run-around at a riverside country park.
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens → Prudhoe Castle → Newburn Riverside Country Park
North EastTynemouth
A classic North Tyneside coast day: a ruined priory and castle on the headland, a sandy horseshoe bay with rock pools for the afternoon, then fish and chips under the white dome at Whitley Bay. Short hops keep little legs fresh.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle → Northumberland Park → Cullercoats Bay → Trenchers Spanish City
