Crisp, golden and spectacular – autumn is a time to catch Northumberland at its best. And with October Half Term on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to get away for an unforgettable family holiday.
Get out into the great outdoors to walk the heather-draped moors and sparkling shores of our border region. Step back in time to explore castles, swoop through the trees on high-rope challenges and enjoy spooky Halloween fun for all ages.
Explore our guide to October Half Term in Northumberland to plan your ideal itinerary. And at the end of every day, return to relax together at our estate, Northumberland’s only 5 star hotel and your sanctuary of calm luxury.
Fun On The Estate
Set in 300 acres of private parkland, there’s plenty of space for little ones to blow off a bit of steam. But if it’s indoor weather, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained.
Family-friendly pool times at The Retreat spa sanctuary invite children to enjoy a splashing good time while grown ups relax in the poolside thermal suite. Play classic board games, enjoy a hot chocolate or simply curl up with a book by a crackling fire in The Snug.
Or head down to The Keepers to battle it out in our state-of-the-art Simulator Studio. With multi-sport options you can enjoy a family golf tournament or fun penalty shoot out. Opt to have food and drinks served to your studio or treat yourselves to a spot of lunch with a view in The Keepers’ panoramic restaurant.
When night falls, it’s time to snuggle up in your bespoke family suite. Tailor-made to your family, with the option of large suites or interconnected rooms – enjoy in-suite gaming and every modern convenience to settle into a 5 star home from home.
Spooky Season
Good news for your little monsters, this year Halloween falls during the October Half Term Holidays!
And there’s plenty of treats in store on the estate. Step outside to complete our ghostly garden trail, scanning QR codes hidden in the grounds to solve riddles, learn frightening facts and earn yourself a sweet treat. Inside, we’ve transformed the Drawing Room into a spooky cinema. Settle in for an evening of family-friendly films and frightening fun.
Northumberland goes all out for Halloween. At Belsay Hall, monster taming workshops and spooky woodland walks will take place regularly from late October to early November.
The world’s largest play structure at Liloidorei in Alnwick will be turned into Spookydorei from the 8th October to the 2nd of November. Go wild in your scariest Halloween costumes and find hidden objects to win a prize.
And Saturday, 25th October is Hexham Spook Night. Just minutes from the estate, this charming market town is totally transformed for the day. Take part in pumpkin carving and lantern making workshops, enjoy spooky story telling and films and enter the fancy dress competition to enjoy a whole day of hair-raising fun!
Autumn Magic
It’s not October without a pumpkin or two! Take a trip to nearby Brocksbushes Farm to spend an afternoon picking your own pumpkins, surrounded by Northumbrian countryside.
Treat yourself to a flavour of Northumberland at Hexham Farmers’ Market on Saturday, 25th October. Stalls are laid out in the shadow of the town’s ancient abbey, offering local produce, artisan crafts and fresh food.
Blow away the cobwebs with high-ropes challenges and axe throwing competitions at Go Ape – just steps away from the estate.
For a gentle afternoon, head to Wallington Hall to take part in their autumn-themed craft sessions, follow a broomstick trail and enjoy huge and popular adventure play parks.
Time Outdoors
In Autumn the landscape that surrounds our estate is truly spectacular. A patchwork of copper, soft purple and forest green – beckoning you outside to explore.
A must-see is Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just minutes from Matfen Hall. Follow its 2000-year-old route to walk in the footsteps of Roman legionaries and watch the landscape fall away to reveal panoramic views.
If you’re looking forward to some peace and quiet in the country, Kielder is for you. Gentle trails weave into tranquil woodland, as endangered red squirrels skitter across the forest floor – hunting out acorns and food to prepare for hibernation.
With bespoke chauffeured tours available however you spend your October Half Term holiday in Northumberland, our 5 star estate provides a luxury experience for every member of the family. Plan your next getaway here.