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Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

Attractions - General

Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

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Attractions - General

Northumberland, Tyne & Wear - Tourist Attractions, Amusements, Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc

This section covers general Tourist Attractions such as Amusements Parks, Boat Trips, Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, Guided Walks, Country Parks, Viewpoints, Zoos etc.















 

Not all the attractions in an area are listed. If you know of an activity provider who does not yet have an entry, please submit the information here.

Scottish Borders Cumbria

 

Attractions

General

BILLY SHIEL'S FARNE ISLAND BOAT TRIPS

4 Southfield Avenue, Seahouses, Northumberland, NE68 7YT
Tel: 01665 720308
E-mail: ENQUIRIES@farne-islands.com
Web: www.farne-islands.com

Boat trips to Farne Islands from Seahouses. Visit the grey seal colonies whilst listening to the commentary.

 

All-day bird-watching trips during the breeding season. Licensed by the National Trust to land on the Bird Sanctuaries.

 

 
INNER FARNE BIRD SANCTUARY:
This tour lasts approximately 2½ hours including one hour spent on Inner Farne. The tour includes a cruise around all the Farne Islands, viewing the sea birds on the cliff faces, visiting the Grey Seal colonies and also follows the route Grace Darling and her father took during their heroic rescue in 1838. A full commentary is given en-route. For further details see our website.

THE GARDEN STATION

Langley-on-Tyne, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 5LA
Tel: 01434 684391
E-mail
: welcome@thegardenstation.co.uk
Web: www.thegardenstation.co.uk

We are open from 21st March to December, 10a.m. - 5p.m. The Leaning Shed café and the Woodland Garden are open to visitors 7 days a week. Main cafe open Fridays - Mondays March - December but Thursdays- Mondays from May 1st until the end of August. The Garden Station is a very pretty, restored Victorian railway station in a woodland garden. It is a small centre for gardening, writing and arts courses and a magical and unique place to visit. You can buy perennial plants (northern grown), work by local artists, and an excellent selection of gardening books. For full details of our many courses, ring for our brochure or visit our website.


THE BOWES RAILWAY CO LTD

Redhill House, Springwell Road, Springwell Village, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 7QJ.
Tel: 0191 416 1847
Web:
www.bowesrailway.co.uk

Free parking. Guided tours of the Springwell and Blackham's Hill sites. Demonstration of rope haulage (when available). Entrance fee includes unlimited steam hauled train rides in converted brake vans (when operating) - except on special event days which require pre-booking, e.g. Santa Specials, Children's Day, etc.

Refreshments and souvenirs available in the Kip and Dish cafe. Rope haulage will only be demonstrated if enough volunteer staff are available. When not operating, a guided tour of Blackham's Hill is normally provided. For operational reasons, the steam train service may also occasionally be suspended or reduced. If this happens, a full guided tour service of the main Springwell site will be maintained. A reduced admission charge will be made in these circumstances. See our website.

PATH HEAD WATER MILL

Summerhill, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE21 4SP
Tel: 0191 414 6288
E-mail
: pathheadmill@aol.com
Web: www.gatesheadmill.co.uk

PATH HEAD WATER MILL offers a great day out for all the family and also schools who can benefit from cheap entry to the mill and the wealth of information and experiences which provide a key link-in with the current National Curriculum. Come along and see the changes and amazing progress made to date in restoring this once derelict site in Blaydon, Tyne & Wear into a local educational and community resource. We're just 10 minutes from the Metro Centre. We currently have the following facilities: Student visits with National Curriculum a speciality. On-site parking. Disabled toilets. Single level for prams and wheelchairs. Renewable energy projects on-site. Picnic areas. Superb wooded walks. Refreshments available. Pole Barn - Housing two rack saw benches. 20ft high Flywheel & Crankshaft display. Victorian Patent Derrick crane. Stand-on Sun Dial. Wind Pump and Hydraulic Ram Pump.


CONUNDRUM FARM TRAIL & FISHERIES

Loughend Farm, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1UT
Tel: 01289 308000
E-mail: info@conundrumfarm.co.uk

The Farm Trail... A working farm and visitor centre that's lots of fun for the family. There are loads of friendly farm animals to meet, pedal tractors, outdoor play area, and a fun packed barn with interesting and exciting things to do. Learn while you are having fun, all about farming and how our food is produced.

Farm shop. Restaurant. Also a four and a half acre trout fishing lake stocked with best quality rainbows, blues and browns offering great sport for beginners and experienced fly fishermen alike.

ART CHAIN

Blaydon Trade Park, Tollbridge Road, Blaydon, Tyne and Wear NE21 5TR
Tel: 0191 414 4014
E-mail
: info@artchain.co.uk
Web: www.artchain.co.uk

Art Chain are a business selling a diverse and one of the largest ranges of art under one roof by local and international artists including:
   - Original Art
   - Limited editions from many of the worlds leading publishers

   - Open edition prints from one of the largest choices available

   - Sculptures and glassware

   - Moisannite jewellery as seen on TV and dress jewellery too
   - Photography including your own personal photographs put onto canvas

   - Gifts and much more


CENTRE FOR LIFE

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 4EP
Tel: 0191 243 8210     Fax: 0191 243 8201
E-mail: info@life.org.uk
Web: www.lifesciencecentre.org.uk

The Centre for Life is an innovative science centre that uses interactive displays and hands-on exhibitions, showing visitors exactly how amazing human life is. From exciting science exhibits and family activities to lively lectures and serious scientific debates focusing on contemporary science issues, Life offers something for all ages and interests.


KIELDER CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE

Northwest Northumberland
Enquiries Tel: 01434 250209
E-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.forestry.gov.uk

Kielder Castle is a seventeenth century hunting lodge set in the heart of England's largest forest. Facilities include visitor centre and shop, cafe, Minotaur Maze, cycle hire, pony trekking and miles of beautiful forest walks and cycle routes.

Mountain bike training loop single track trails and mountain bike hire centre on-site. The Bike Place in Kielder - Tel: 01434 250457. Facilities for less-abled visitors such as toilets and wheelchair accessible trail.

PUFFIN CRUISES BOAT TRIPS

21 Broomhill Street, Amble-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, NE65 0AN
Tel: 01665 711975
E-mail: beth.gray@virgin.net

Take a boat trip around Coquet Island to see the puffins, terns, ducks and seals. Home to 20,000 pairs of nestings birds including roseate terns and sandwich terns. Also a lighthouse, built by monks and ruins of a monastery window is visible. Trips available throughout the summer (weather permitting) aboard the ''G Fisher II''. Live commentary on the history of the Island and the birds. Group bookings and parties welcome by prior arrangement. Departures from new quayside steps at the beginning of the pier Amble harbour. Member NNTA and NTB.


Hadrian's Wall

Web: www.hadrians-wall.org

HADRIAN'S WALL is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall ranks alongside the Taj Mahal and other treasures of the great wonders of the world. Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, dramatic and wild landscapes, towns and cities, a visit to Hadrian's Wall is a must for anyone living in or visiting the North of England. Forts, museums and events bring Roman history to life, walks lead you through spectacular countryside. Time spent exploring this unique Roman heritage in its ever changing setting will leave you with an unparalleled sense of awe and wonder.


Whitehouse Farm Centre

North Whitehouse Farm, Stannington, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6AW
Tel: 01670 789998    Fax: 01670 789113

For a great day out in the country come to Whitehouse Farm Centre. We are an all-weather fun attraction. There's loads to do, whatever the weather. Meet a wide range of animals, large and small. Make friends and learn all about them. Indoor & outdoor play areas. Free car and coach parking. Disabled access & facilities. "Nelson's Pig Trough" - licensed restaurant/cafe. Feed and handle most of the animals. Guinea Pig World. Rabbit Village. Chick Nursery. Duck & wildfowl ponds. Piglets, lambs & kids from Feb / March. Adventure Playground. Straw play area with Giant Slide (Summer only). Tractor & trailer rides. Farm walks. Seasonal Events. Candle making & Face Painting by Best Kept Secrets. Silk Painting & Embroidery. Blacksmith. Stone Mason. Woodturning & Joinery. Quality Furniture.


Marine Life Centre & Fishing Heritage Centre

8-10 Main Street, Seahouses, Northumberland, NE68 7RG
Tel: 01665 721257
E-mail: marinemuseum@seahouses.org

The Marine Life & Fishing Heritage centre includes aquarium tanks containing examples of local marine life, a reconstruction of a fisherman's cottage and a museum about the Northumbrian fishing industry. Plus the newest attraction: Northumbria's Haunted Kingdom.... Be scared as you walk through the dark, creepy, smoke filled passages. Coming across the gruesome, macabre, and the downright spooky settings. Oh, and watch out for some nasty surprises!! For you are in Northumberland, a place with so much history and so many tragic stories in its legends, that there are bound to be many Ghouls and Ghosts roaming through the countryside and its many houses and castles.


Brocksbushes Farm Shop and Fruit Farm

Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge, NE43 7UB
Tel: 01434 633100
E-mail: acd@brookbushes.co.uk
Web: www.brocksbushes.co.uk

A quaint farm shop that sells its own produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, hampers, organic produce, fire fuels and more. They hold events all year round. They show exhibitions, and have a pick your own fruit section. Wheelchair access to all areas of the attraction.


Chain Bridge Honey Farm

Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1DQ
Tel: 01289 386362
E-mail: info@chainbridgehoney.co.uk
Web: www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk

Established in 1948, the farm numbers over 1500 colonies of bees and is able to produce many different types of flower honey, although the farm specializes in traditional comb heather honey. The visitor's centre at the farm documents the different types, biology, and history of bees and beekeeping with many interesting displays. There is also a glass tank where visitors can watch the bees at work. Open 1 April-31 October, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm. 1 November-31 March, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.


Fishwick Mains Amazing Maze

Fishwick Mains, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1XQ
Tel:01289 386111
E-mail: info@fishwickmaze.com
Web: www.fishwickmaze.com

The maze itself is made out of maize and is over 3 miles in length. It is themed around an adventure puzzle, which must be solved before leaving the maze. Visitors are provided with a book of clues when attempting to navigate the 8ft tall crops, the average solving time being approximately 2 hours. There is also a bouncy castle and a small straw bale maze for young children. Refreshments are available on site and there is wheelchair access to all areas of the maze and grounds.


Morwick Dairy Ice Cream

Morwick Farm, Acklington, NE65 9DG
Tel: 01665 711210
E-mail: howie.morwick@btopenworld.com
Web: www.royaldouble.com

Ice cream parlour that makes it own natural, quality ice cream fresh from its own prize winning cows. Striving for traditional farm house methods of production, the dairy make 34 different flavours of ice cream, with more being added all the time. Also serves fruit beverages. Visitors can view the ice cream being made and there is also a safe play area for small children. Wheelchair access available.


Derwentcote Steel Furnace

Forge Lane, Hamsterley, Rowlands Gill, Tyne And Wear, NE39 1BA
Tel: 01207 562573

Once at the centre of the British Steel Industry, 18th Century Derwentcote is the earliest and most complete authentic steel making furnace to have survived. It dates from about 1720 and was one of a number of steel manufacturing works along the banks of the River Derwent. This area, along with neighbouring Tyneside, produced nearly half of Britain’s steel output in the 18th Century. ‘Newcastle Steel’ as it became known, enjoyed an international reputation for excellent quality. Production ceased in the 1870’s and the furnace soon fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1985 it was taken into the care of English Heritage and carefully restored.


National Glass Centre

Liberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne And Wear, SR6 0GL
Tel: 0191 515 5555    Fax: 0191 515 5556
E-mail: alison.atkinson@nationalglasscentre.com

Based in a new building on the banks of the River Wear the National Glass Centre has all the ingredients for a fun day out for people of all ages. The Glass Tour: Start your journey in the Sunderland Room where you can follow the history of our local glass industry on stained glass panels. Emerge into the interactive world of the Kaleidoscope Gallery with its video walls and touchscreen's telling the story of how glass relates to everyday life. Then feel the heat as you enter the heart of the NGC. The Glass Factory gives you a birds-eye view of the glassmaking process performed by students of the University of Sunderland’s Glass and Ceramics departments. And finally, take your seat in the Glass Studio to watch our team of glassmakers perform special demonstrations throughout the day. Spoil yourself after the Glass Tour in the Glass Shop and Throwingstones Restaurant.


Otterburn Mill

Otterburn, NE19 1JT
Tel: 01830 520225
E-mail: enquiries@otterburn-mill.demon.co.uk
Web: www.otterburnmill.com

Retailers of quality woollen goods, the mill also contains a tourist information centre, a coffee shop, a display of milling techniques, a nursery, walking routes and areas for fishing, a tea garden and is home to the Otterburn festival. The mill is dog friendly and has disability access to all areas of its grounds.


Roseden Farm Shop

Roseden, Wooperton, Ainwick NE66 4XU
Tel: 01668 217271
E-mail: enquiries@roseden.com
Web: www.roseden.com

A traditional farmer's shop which has been operating since 1984. It is an extension of a mixed farm that has been producing quality sheep, cows and crops since 1931. The shop sells the home made goods, including speciality cakes and pies. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.



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Theme Parks

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

23 The Foreshore, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE33 2JZ
Tel: 0191 456 1617    Fax: 0191 427 9087
E-mail: info@oceanbeach.co.uk

Come to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, the only funfair on the north east coast. Guaranteed new attractions every season. A great day out for all the family.



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Walks & Viewpoints

Tyne Valley Walking

E-mail: tim@tynevalleywalking.co.uk
Web: www.tynevalleywalking.co.uk

Tyne Valley Walking is a free resource for walkers who wish to explore the beautiful Tyne Valley in south Northumberland.  The site contains suggestions for walks from all the Tyne Valley towns with full route descriptions, which are free to download.

KIELDER CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE

Northwest Northumberland
Enquiries Tel: 01434 250209
E-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.forestry.gov.uk

Kielder Castle is a seventeenth century hunting lodge set in the heart of England's largest forest. Facilities include visitor centre and shop, cafe, Minotaur Maze, cycle hire, pony trekking and miles of beautiful forest walks and cycle routes.

Mountain bike training loop single track trails and mountain bike hire centre on-site. The Bike Place in Kielder - Tel: 01434 250457. Facilities for less-abled visitors such as toilets and wheelchair accessible trail.

Allen Banks & Staward Gorge

Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7BU
Tel: 01434 344218
E-mail: allenbanks@nationaltrust.org.uk

Wooded ravine of the River Allen.



This extensive area of hill and river scenery has many miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woodland.



On a high promontory within Staward Wood are the remains of a medieval pele tower.

 

Allen Banks near Hexham Photo © Tammi
Allen Banks near Hexham -
Photo: Tammi CCL


Exploring Northumberland's Rock Art

Rock Art - Photo © John Watson
Rock Art - Photo: John Watson CCL

 

We climb a sheep-dotted hillside, past bluebells and dandelions, our destination a grey boulder indistinguishable at a distance from the dozen or so others in view.


A closer inspection, however, reveals why this rock is worth a 3000-mile journey, plus a stiff walk up the hill.


On it, carved half an inch or so deep, is a cup-like hole, surrounded by a series of concentric rings, carved, it is believed, between 5000 and 7000 years ago by members of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer culture, or perhaps early Neolithic farmers. More...


Leas and Marsden Rock

South Shields, Tyne and Wear, SR6 7NH
Tel: 0191 529 3452
E-mail: ntlpcx@snnp.ntrust.org.uk

Spectacular coastline stretching 2.5 miles from Trow Rocks to Lizard Point. Famous bird colony of kittiwakes and cormorants on Marsden Rock. Open grassland.


Northumberland Coast

Various locations, Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, NE66 3EH

Beautiful beaches, dunes and grassland. National Trust also owns almost all the square at Low Newton and Newton Pool Nature Reserve, a freshwater lake, home to many birds.


Beadnell Beach

Web: www.beadnell.org/activities/beach.htm

Located in the coastal village of Beadnell, is a picturesque beach that runs for miles along the coast. The impressive sand dunes and the golden sands are a ideal place for small children, couples, family outings and even dog walkers. On a fine day it sports a good view of Dunstanburgh Castle. It is also a popular place for water sports, and looking around its stunning views, you will also be able to spot a wide variety of bird life.


Hareshaw Linn

Bellingham, Hadrian's Wall, NE48 2DA
Tel: 01434 611521
E-mail: duncanwise@nnpa.org.uk

Comfortable walk which leads past sites of industrial archaeology, woodland, ancient cobbles, old bridges and a waterfall. Disabled parking available.



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Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Farne Islands

2-5M off North Northumberland Coast, Farne Islands, Northumberland
Tel: 01665 720651

Rocky islands, habitat for seals and many species of seabird.

One of Europe’s most important seabird sanctuaries, the islands are home to more than 20 different species, including puffins, eider ducks and four species of tern; there is also a large colony of seals.

Many of the birds are extremely confiding and visitors can enjoy close views.

 St Cuthbert died on Inner Farne in 687 and the chapel built in his memory can be visited.

 

Puffins Farne Islands Photo © Hugh Venables
Puffins Farne Islands -
Photo: Hugh Venables CCL


Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre

Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 1BT
Tel:01434 250400

The Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre offers our visitors an opportunity to share in a direct 'hands on' experience during which they will meet all northern region's indigenous owls as well as birds of prey and other owls from around the world - all within a professionally supervised environment. We have one of the largest and most fascinating collections of Birds of Prey in the North of England - over 60 birds and 28 species. The Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre is located within the magnificent forest and lakeside surroundings of Kielder Water at Leaplish Waterside Park. For fun day out for all of the family, try its host of leisure facilities - Leaplish Lodge Restaurant, Ferry Cruises, Picnic Areas, Bike Hire, Sculpture Trail, Forest Playground, Water Sports, Guided Walks and Fishing.


Blue Reef Aquarium

Grand Parade, Tynemouth, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE30 4JF
Tel: 0191 258 1031

Blue Reef Aquarium is part of a new generation of wildlife attractions which aim to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The sights, sounds and smells of the sea are vividly recreated by more than 30 living displays.


The Sanctuary Wildlife Care Centre

Crowden Hill Farm, Ulgham, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3NH
Tel: 01670 791778
E-mail: eileenwelsh@totalise.co.uk
Web: www.wildlife-sanctuary.co.uk

This unique attraction was short-listed for the North East of England 2005 Tourism Awards and will appeal to children (and grown-ups) of all ages. Meet over 200 animals including foxes, badgers, snakes and lots more rescued animals. Feed goats, donkeys and chickens, then try the bird’s nest swing in the outdoor play area or enjoy a pony ride (weekends only). Whiz around on a toy tractor and run off steam in the indoor play area. Why not celebrate with a ‘wild’ children’s party? Children’s craft activities and gift shop also available.


Cresswell Pond Nature Reserve

Blakemorr Farm, Cresswell, Morpeth, NE61 5EH
Tel: 0191 284 6884
E-mail: mail@northwt.org.uk

This pond is an excellent site for bird watching, as there are a number of roosting waders and wildfowl all year round. The pond itself is a lagoon with with several reed beds and a bird watching hide.


Scotch Gill Wood Local Nature Reserve

Mitford Road, Morpeth, NE61 1RG
Tel: 01670 535185
E-mail: Colin.Marlee@castlemorpeth.gov.uk

Scotch Gill Woods is a 20 acre ancient area of woodland on the north bank of the River Wansbeck. Visitors can walk around the river banks and woods, glimpsing the local wildlife, such as Red Squirrels, Otters, Kingfishers and Crayfish.



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