When it comes to family trips, Northumberland is a goldmine. There is something for kids of every age group to enjoy and I wanted to share some of them with you. From wildlife and educational trips to swimming and play parks, these are my top 21 places to visit with kids in Northumberland.

1) Kielder Water and Forest Park - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

This is a great location if you want to take the whole family for an adventure. The forest and water in this beautiful park make it a fantastic low cost day out for families with kids. A day out to Kielder water and forest park can be completely free! As there is no admission cost. However there are also a range of fun family friendly activities and organised events such as zip wires, archery and snorkelling!

2) Bluebell Woods Morpeth - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

I strongly advise you to save this activity for the month of May as it is exceptionally beautiful when the bluebells are in bloom! The walk route is approximately 2.6 miles long and circular so you will arrive back at your starting point when you finish.

3) Chillingham Castle - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

This 13th century stronghold is another great educational and fun day out for the whole family. Known for seeing many battles, Chillingham has a rich history to explore which makes it the perfect place to let the kids run around while you explore. If you’re feeling brave, you can even visit England’s most haunted dungeon!

4) Bolam Lake - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Bolam Lake and its surrounding country park have some of the best woodland and lake view walks in Northumberland. There is also a fully accessible path that goes all the way around the lakeshore. If you visit in the breeding season (spring & early summer) you have a chance to see swans, deer, red squirrels and more!

5) Wicked Wizard of Alnwick Treasure Trail - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Explore Alnwick and its beautiful surrounding areas whilst solving mysteries and having fun with the whole family. You can buy a booklet for up to 5 people and then head off on your treasure trail which will lead you through Baliffgate, St Michael's Church and Pottergate.

6) Northumberlandia - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Northumberlandia is one of the most spectacular locations on this list. Northumberlandia’s main attraction is “The Lady of the North”, a human landform sculpture of a reclining lady, scaling 100 feet in height and spanning a quarter of a mile. Standing 100 feet tall and with four miles of footpaths, this is a massive spectacle for all ages to enjoy.

7) Alnwick Castle and Gardens - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Be amazed by Anwick castle and its stunning 12 acres of garden space and woodland. This location is famous for featuring in the first Harry Potter film when Harry is learning to fly a broomstick for the first time!

8) Seaton Delaval Hall - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

There is so much to do at this venue depending on what of the year you attend! With beautiful fragrant rose gardens, outdoor theatre/music spots and summer family activities the possibilities for a fun family day out at Seaton Delaval Hall are endless.

9) Farne Islands - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Farne Islands is a trip that requires slightly more planning since it is highly recommended that you visit during the nesting season to get the best experience. But if you're willing to wait for the nesting season you will  be rewarded with a fantastic array of seals and seabirds to observe in their natural habitat. This is a great way to get kids excited by nature in Northumberland and the kids will love the boat ride! You will however need to purchase a boat ticket after arriving by either train or car.

10) Simonside Hills - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

These hills are extremely popular with walkers and known well for its rugged and dramatic scenery. The climb is 430 metres to the top and hikers are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Cheviots and the Northumbrian coastline.

11) Heatherslaw Railway - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

A simple yet wholesome experience that the whole family can enjoy. With festive themed events throughout the year and very modest ticket prices, Heatherslaw railway is the best place to get an authentic steam train railroad experience.

12) Bamburgh Beach - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Situated just outside Bamburgh castle, Bamburgh beach is perfect for long breezy walks at any time of the year. Despite the water never really getting warm at any time of year this beach is always populated with children playing in the waves and making sandcastles.

13) Bamburgh Castle - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Home of the Armstrong family since 1894, Bamburgh castle is a historical hotspot for Northumberland and will be adored by budding historians of all ages. They also host a range of entertaining historical re-enactments with their next being a Saxon re-enactment in July!

14) Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

Kids love animals and I promise you their little faces will light up when they see the owls, eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures and pelicans of Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre. This venue is perfect for kids because it is thrilling but also educational! There are various talks and experiences where families can learn all about birds of prey and have fun doing it.

15) Blyth Beach South - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

This gorgeous golden stretch of beach makes for the perfect scenic family walk. This beach is popular for many reasons including good surf, potential to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins and there is even a dedicated area for water sports.

16) Ingram Village and Breamish Valley - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

There is so much to see in Breamish Valley you could get lost there all day! With bronze age settlements, stunning waterfalls and picturesque hidden waterfalls. A great outdoor day out for all age groups.

17) Treasure Island Morpeth - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland 

This is a great option for rainy days as its main attraction is an indoor pirate themed play centre. There are also some organised events at this venue where kids can go to do arts and crafts and other fun activities.

18) Plessey Woods - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

This delightful country park is the perfect place to see beautiful flowers in the warmer months. Plessey Woods is a 100 acre woodland stuffed full of wild flower meadows and enchanting nature trails. This location is perfect for walkers, cyclists, picnickers or horse-riders.

19) The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

This 39 mile coastline stretches from Berwick to the Coquet Estuary and provides some of the most jaw-dropping views in Northumberland. The cliffs and beaches to be seen here are genuinely stunning and will leave you spoiled for choice when it comes to picnic spots!

20) The Cheviot Hills - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

These beautiful rolling hills are situated just between the Scottish borders and Northumberland. With high peaks, sloping valleys and breathtaking waterfalls the Cheviots are a must visit for families who like a scenic walk.

21) Wallington Hall - 21 Places to visit with kids in Northumberland

A historical house that intertwines with the beautiful rolling hills of the countryside, Wallington is the largest country estate in the care of the National Trust. With a beautiful walled garden and plenty of woodland to explore this is a great destination for a family walk.

Visit Northumberland for your next family day out 

There is no shortage of fun family outings in Northumberland. Many of the activities and locations on this list are either free or very low cost, they are perfect for families and they won’t break the bank. I hope that these suggestions will be more than enough to keep you and your kids occupied on your next family outing.

Many of the places on this list have inspired my new illustrated alphabet book that celebrates the beauty of the North East countryside through a child’s eyes - join the book waiting list here.