A spectacular spring is drifting into a bright and beautiful summer here in Northumberland, the hills and dales now a sparkling patchwork of green and purple. Long, light days filled with adventure and warm evenings lit by fiery sunsets make summer the perfect time to visit England’s majestic border county.
And with the school summer holidays twinkling on the horizon, what better time to plan an unforgettable family escape to Northumberland? Wild water-sports, bright beach days and magical time travelling adventures – there’s so much to see and do for all ages this summer.
And, set in the heart of the region, our country house hotel is the ideal base to explore and experience it all in 5 star style. Return from each wild day out to your bespoke family suite, relax in our spa sanctuary, sit down to dinner and let us cater to your every need. From family fun on our 300-acre estate to time spent exploring the region, discover our guide to summer in Northumberland to plan the perfect family stay.
Estate Adventures
Bespoke Luxury
A family holiday is time to spend together. Escaping the concerns and pressures of school, work and everyday life to enjoy each moment to its fullest. And, our 5 star estate provides a haven of calm luxury for all ages with a dedicated team on hand to look after every detail and curate a summer stay that’s perfect for you and yours.
We understand that every family is different, so each of our Bespoke Family Rooms are carefully considered to create an oasis that’s tailor-made for families of all shapes, sizes and ages ranges. With robes and slippers for everyone and in-suite X Box gaming available, choose interconnected rooms to give older children a sense of independence or relax into a large Luxury Suite to unwind together.
Unforgettable Evenings
Our estate is home to a range of dining destinations, each offering a different opportunity to gather around the table and recount the day’s adventures. Drink in the last of the summer sun with a relaxed dinner at The Keepers, set in the beauty of our parkland estate and serving stone-baked pizza and fresh steaks from its outdoor kitchen. Dine by starlight in Cloisters, enjoying seasonal table d’hote menus beneath its luminous glass ceiling. Or indulge in a Children’s Afternoon Tea, with delicate patisserie, scones and finger sandwiches freshly made each day to delight little visitors.
Swimming & Spa Moments
Cool down after a day out with a refreshing splash in our sunlit pool. With family friendly pool times between 8am – 10am and 5pm to 7pm, everyone can dive in to have fun in our 15-metre swimming pool and spend time lounging poolside in a cosy robe. Children aged 14 and over can also treat themselves to a mani pedi at the hands of our skilled spa therapists.
Treetop Adventures
Feeling wild? In the grounds of our country estate, Go Ape offers a wealth of outdoor activities for children aged 10+. Swing into high-rope challenges, zip-wire experiences and axe-throwing contests – a fantastic family day out, within walking distance of your luxury suite.
Garden Games
Home to mature woodland, native wildlife and blossoming gardens, our 300-acre estate is too tempting to leave. Plan the perfect day on the estate with a freshly-made Northumbrian picnic in the garden followed by a balmy afternoon of traditional garden games and time to walk and explore.
Family Golf Days
A trio of top-rated parkland courses and world-class play and practice facilities make our estate a haven for golfers. And with fun games and challenges, the whole family can get into the swing of things this summer. Play interactive golf games using Toptracer technology at our Driving Range or step into our Foresight Hawk Golf Simulator to battle it out over a golf tournament or penalty shoot out.
Northumbrian Magic
Time Travelling Fun
No trip to Northumberland is complete without a day at Hadrian’s Wall – once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk in the footsteps of Roman legionaries and discover 2000 years of history at nearby Chesters Fort and Vindolanda.
900-year-old Alnwick Castle is another must-see. Home to Hogwarts as the set of the first two Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle is also the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Explore with a guided tour, take flight with a broomstick lesson and enjoy its programme of historic events including medieval falconry, jester shows and Napoleonic cannon firing. Or head over in the late afternoon to end your historic day out with one of the castle’s family-friendly outdoor cinema events.
Coastal Adventures
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Northumbrian coastline is unmissable during the summer months. Book children’s surfing and paddleboarding lessons at beautiful Beadnell Bay, taking to the water for a thrilling experience with views of Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.
For a classic beach day, Bamburgh beckons. Its wide, unspoilt sandy beach is perfect for picnics, paddling, a game of rounders or a spot of sunbathing. And if you do need an extra activity, historic Bamburgh Castle is just a few steps away, offering Viking experiences and historic re-enactments throughout the summer.
Forest, Hill & Dale
The landscape of Northumberland is beautiful all year round, but in summer it comes to life with wild, fragrant heather and curlew song. Lace up your boots and put your best foot forward to scale the Cheviot Hills, with a range of walking routes available – including a trail to a wild-swimming spot at Linhope Spout – there’s a route to suit every age and ability level.
Home to endangered red squirrels and osprey, Kielder Forest is the perfect spot for a family walk. Follow the interactive Stick Man Trail, taking part in fun activities and learning about forest wildlife as you go.
And immerse yourself in the heritage of rural Northumberland at Ford & Etal Estates. From the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre to Heatherslaw Light Railway see the landscape from a new perspective with a unique day out in the country.
However you spend your summer holiday in Northumberland, our 5 star estate provides a luxury experience for every member of the family. Plan your next getaway here.