Rainy Days

Even if there are a few rainy days, there are still some great activities to keep you entertained such as:

Art Classes

Coquetdale Arts Centre- Couquetdale Arts Centre is based in Rothbury. They host a range of classes for artists of all abilities on Fridays and occasional Saturdays. Places are limited and the classes are popular so ensure that you pre-book to avoid disappointment. They also have a studio which can be hired out by any artist or group of artists for any art activity. Information can be found at: http://www.coquetdalearts.co.uk 

Castles, Galleries and Museums

Dunstanburgh Castle provides iconic and romantic castle ruins for all to enjoy. The castle dominates one of the most beautiful stretches of Northumberland coastline. The castle is managed by English Heritage, and National Trust members can enter for free with a valid membership card, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstanburgh-castle/.

Bamburgh Castle is fully restored to it’s original glory and boasts amazing sea views. Bamburgh Castle has also been the royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria since 1894. The castle is steeped in history which never fails to enthral its visitors. Coquetdale customers can now get 10% off admission at Bamburgh Castle by collecting a voucher from the Coquetdale reception, http://www.bamburghcastle.com.

Alnwick Castle is famous for many reasons, but most recently because it was used in the Harry Potter films.  In addition, it is the second largest castle in England after Windsor Castle. Notably, Alnwick Castle is one of England’s most iconic and it is perfect for a day of adventure,  http://www.alnwickcastle.com.

Chillingham Castle- Chillingham Castle is a 13th century, Grade 1 star-listed stronghold that is famed for its action and battles. Rumour has it, Chillingham Castle has some of the highest levels of paranormal activity in the country, so if ghostly ghouls and haunted castles interest you, it’s definitely worth checking out, http://www.chillingham-castle.com.

Cragside House, Gardens and Estate- Cragside is a national treasure which is only a stones throw away from Coquetdale, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside/.

Wallington Hall- Wallington is the much-loved home to generations of the Trevelyan family. A visit to Wallington allows visitors the chance to discover more about Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan and his some what unconventional family. The house is surrounded by nature, with lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland just waiting to be explored, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington/.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead– The Baltic has gained an international reputation for its commissioning of cutting-edge temporary exhibitions. Housed in a landmark industrial building on the banks of the River Tyne the Baltic is a contemporary art lovers dream, https://www.balticmill.com.

Woodhorn Museum– If you want to know more about the heritage of Northumberland and the North East then why not pay a visit to the Woodhorn Museum in Ashington. Northumberland is famed and proud of its mining heritage, Woodhorn Museum celebrates this with many popular exhibitions so you can learn about the coal mining industry that once thrived in this area. They also house special exhibitions throughout the year so you can learn about other aspects of past life in the North East. For more information to find out what exhibitions, activities and events currently available, visit http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com.

Newcastle City Centre

Shopping, cinema, theatre, bowling and so much more.

Take a look at Newcastle’s infamous bridges… pop along to the quayside on a Sunday and have a stroll along the Quayside Sunday Market where you will find many local traders with a bargain to be had between 9.30am and 4pm, http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/business/newcastle-markets/visit-a-market-in-newcastle.

Gateshead Metrocentre

For shopping until you’re heart’s content at http://www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/.

The Metrocentre also houses a cinema, food court and arcade.

Blue Reef Aquarium Tynemouth

The Blue Reef Aquarium houses an array of exotic sea life. They also host a variety of shows and feeding opportunities throughout the calendar year, making a visit here a fun day out for all the family that is great value for money, for more information visit http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth/.

Other Useful Links:

Tourism Links:

Visit Britain is the hub for British tourism. The website gives useful information about many of Britain’s tourist attractions, as well as providing travel and transport advice so you can easily navigate your way around. The site can also be used for booking event tickets, (www.visitbritain.com)

To find out more about Northumberland, including all you need to know about the tourist hotspots and events that are coming up, visit http://www.visitnorthumberland.com.

For information about whats going on in North East England, including events, attractions and walks at many North East locations visit (www.visitnortheastengland.com)

Local Attractions:

The English Heritage website provides information about many English tourism hotspots. The site celebrates the rich heritage and history of England. If you are passionate about English heritage, you can become a member and gain access to over 400 historic locations. Up to 6 children in your party can access these places completely free of charge if you are a member. (www.english-heritage.org.uk)

The National Trust provides you with information about many tourism hotspots in Britain that are owned by the National Trust. Here you can also find information about nature, heritage, land and food so it is a useful guide for when you are wanting to explore, whatever your interests. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)