There’s fun for all the family when you book a stay with us in Northumberland. So to keep the little ones busy we’ve put together our ultimate list of places to visit within the region when you join us at Wooden Star Cottages.
Cragside (National Trust)
Head to the adventure play area, explore the mystical labyrinth or try your hand at the Trim Trail. There’s plenty of fun outdoor activities for the kids at Cragside. The huge 1000 acre estate is steeped in history and was the first home in the world to have electric lights. You can explore the house, enjoy the many adventure areas or get lost in a child-friendly maze.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/cragside/family-visits-at-cragside
Northumberland County Zoo
You won’t be out spotting the big five, but what you will see is plenty of well-looked after small animals including snow leopards, lemurs, wallabies, and birds of prey. Treat the full family to an experience they won’t forget with some of the zoo’s animal encounters, including the chance to be a zookeeper for the day.
https://www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk/shop/animal-encounters
Puffin and Seal Cruises
Why not explore our famous coastlines and get close to nature with the Farne Islands’ puffin and seal cruises. If you’re staying with us from May – July, pre-book your ticket and head out to see the puffins nesting during their breeding season, or sail all year round to see Northumberland’s famous grey seals.
https://www.farne-islands.com
Alnwick Castle
If your children are Harry Potter fans, you won’t want to miss this one. A filming location for Hogwarts scenes, the stunning Alnwick castle has plenty to keep the kids entertained. Take part in broomstick training, enjoy the film tour around the castle, or complete one of the treasure trails around the site.
https://www.alnwickcastle.com
Go Ape
Set amongst the stunning Northumberland scenery, the Go Ape Treetop challenge is one for the daredevils. Spot local landmarks amongst the trees (including a replica Tyne Bridge) and once you’ve completed the challenge, you can even do a spot of Axe-throwing on site after!
https://goape.co.uk/locations/matfen
Calvert Kielder
Head to Calvert Kielder for even more thrill-seeking in the Northumberland outdoors. Activities include a king swing, zip wires, archery, velcro olympics, laser clay pigeon shooting and so much more. All bookings can be done online here.
https://www.calvertkielder.org.uk/thrill-seekers/
Seven Stories
If you’re heading into Newcastle for a day with the little ones, we’d recommend stopping by Seven Stories on the outskirts of the city. The National Centre for Children’s Books is right next to Ouseburn Farm (so you can stop in to see the animals) and is open every day. Check the website’s events calendar to see what exhibits, experiences and storytimes are coming up. (All activities are free too!)
https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/
Dark Skies
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our incredible Dark Skies. When staying in The Steadings, and The Byres you are based in the International Dark Sky area. Here you are close to the Kielder Observatory that has family events and viewing experiences all year long. They get booked up pretty fast, so make sure to secure your tickets.
https://kielderobservatory.org/
Let us know what you get up to when you stay with us at Wooden Star Cottages, drop us a message or tag us in your instagram stories @woodenstarcottages
Check our availability here: https://woodenstarcottages.co.uk/cottages/
