Top 30 Family Things to Do in Northumberland This Summer (2025)

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If you're staying at Herding Hill Farm near Haltwhistle this summer, you're perfectly positioned to explore the very best of Northumberland with your family whatever their age. From castles and coastlines to museums, wild adventures and rainy-day fun, there's something nearby for all ages.

To help you plan your holiday, we’ve rounded up 30 fantastic things to do with kids near Northumberland including free activities, wet weather ideas, and days out to the north, south, east and west of our award-winning campsite. And what’s more they are all within a 45-minute drive from our Northumberland campsite.

Haltwhistle is known as the centre of Britain which means there are attractions in all directions! So, if the weather is wet on the West head East in search of the sunshine!!

What's nearby in every direction?

• North: Kielder Forest, Bellingham, Border Reiver country
• South: Hexham, Corbridge, Tyne Valley, Derwent Reservoir
• East: Hadrian’s Wall, Roman forts, Alnwick and Northumberland Coast
• West: Brampton, Talkin Tarn, Carlisle the Cumbrian border
  
  

Top 30 family activities in Northumberland near Herding Hill Farm

North of Herding Hill Farm

• Kielder Water & Forest Park – Miles of family-friendly hiking and biking trails, wildlife hides, the interactive Minotaur Maze, and Osprey viewing until late August.
• Kielder Observatory – Book a stargazing session under Europe’s darkest skies – unforgettable for older children and teens.
• Bellingham Heritage Centre – Small, interactive museum that’s perfect for a quieter afternoon. There’s a unique café outside too in a disused railway carriage. You can also do a history walk around Bellingham village.
• Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Walk – A gentle woodland walk with stepping stones and a magical waterfall at the end. Why not stop off at the First and Last Brewery taproom for refreshments at the start or end of the walk?
• Kirkharle Courtyard - A collective of distinctive businesses and artisans, housed in converted farm buildings set in an historic landscape. 
  
  

South of Herding Hill Farm

• Hexham Abbey & Market Place – Historic abbey, kids’ trails, and a lively market. Don’t miss Sele Park playground nearby. Great Saturday Farmers Market in the town centre.
• Go Ape at Matfen Hall – Tree-top high ropes adventure for adrenaline-seeking families (great for older children).
• Tyne Green Country Park – Flat, riverside walking and cycling routes with picnic benches and space to play.
• Derwent Reservoir Waterside Park – Family-friendly waterside walks, paddle sports, and picnic spots.
• Corbridge Roman Town - Find out how people lived, worked and worshipped near Hadrian’s Wall. Afterwards visit Corbridge with its pretty square and selection of cafes and independent stores.
  
  

East of Herding Hill Farm

• Vindolanda & Roman Army Museum – A must-do! Walk among real Roman ruins and learn through interactive exhibits.
• Chesters Roman Fort – Explore the Roman bathhouse and riverside remains of a cavalry base.
• Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei – Enchanting magical play village, cascading fountains, poison garden and treetop walkways. Separate entrance fee for Lilidoeri.
• Alnwick Castle – Broomstick training, knight school and film history (Harry Potter was filmed here).
• The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre – Family activities, exhibitions, café and walking trails. From 11th July see the re-purposed trunk of the famous Sycamore Gap tree that was chopped down in September 2023. You can walk along Hadrian’s Wall from The Sill to the site of the famous tree.
• Housesteads Roman Fort – Amazing views, ancient history, and a great place for young explorers.
  
  

West of Herding Hill Farm

• Talkin Tarn Country Park – Walk, row, paddle board or picnic beside the lake. Ducks to feed and playgrounds to enjoy. Café.
• Lanercost Priory – Ruined priory with a lovely tearoom and a peaceful setting.
• RSPB Geltsdale – Free bird-watching walks in peaceful countryside – spot curlews and skylarks and if you are lucky hen harriers.
• Walby Farm Park - Farmyard favourites and rare breeds, with meet and greet sessions. Indoor adventure play barn.
  
  

Rainy day activities in Northumberland

• Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham – Indoor pool with family-friendly sessions and fun floats. Bowling alley.
• Woodhorn Museum – Fascinating mining history, indoor exhibitions and craft activities.
• Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick – Small but brilliant hands-on history museum for children.
• Twice Brewed Planetarium – Combine lunch with an indoor stargazing experience – family-friendly and fun. On site brewery.
• Old Gaol, Hexham - One of England’s oldest prisons with hands-on exhibits for kids.
  
  

Free & farm-style fun (on and around the site)

• Meet the Animals at Herding Hill Farm – Feed the goats, say hello to our donkey, Shetland pony and alpacas, and collect fresh eggs from our hens.
• Play Area at Herding Hill Farm – Roman fort climbing frame, swings, and safe space to burn off energy.
• Campfires & Stargazing – Toast marshmallows under some of the darkest skies in the UK – all from the comfort of your glamping pod, touring pitch or lodge.
  
  

Tips for planning family days out in Northumberland

• Always pack for changeable weather – waterproofs and wellies are a must.
• Many attractions offer discounted family passes – especially Roman forts and castles. Enquire at Reception for a discount pass to Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.
• Download the English Heritage app for interactive trails at historical sites. If you are visiting a few sites it might be cost effective to get an annual family membership.
• Book key attractions like Alnwick Garden, Kielder Observatory, or Go Ape in advance during school holidays.
• Ask our reception team for up-to-date info, maps, or local advice – we’re always happy to help! We’ll also have our favourite tips.
  
  

Everything within 45 minutes

From the wild forests of Kielder to the majestic Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall, every attraction in this guide is within a 45-minute drive of Herding Hill Farm – making our campsite the perfect central base for family exploration. If you extend the driving time to 1 hour you’ll be able to reach attractions in the North such as Cragside, Wooler and the Cheviot Hills, Druridge Bay Country Park and beaches of the Northumberland coast, including Warkworth Castle and Beach. In the South Beamish Living Museum of the North is worth a visit, especially with children. To the West lies the Northern Lake District and the historic city of Carlisle where the Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is an interesting rainy day out, whilst the Lost Castle Play Area at Lowther Castle is a huge adventure playground hidden in castle gardens.

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-aged children or teenagers, you’ll never run out of things to do nearby – rain or shine.

Ready to explore Northumberland?

Book your summer family holiday at Herding Hill Farm and experience the very best of Northumberland.