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

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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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Allen Banks & Staward
Gorge
Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7BU
Tel: 01434 344218
E-mail:
allenbanks@nationaltrust.org.uk
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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. |
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Allen Banks near Hexham -
Photo:
Tammi
CCL |
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Exploring Northumberland's
Rock Art
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Rock Art - Photo:
John Watson
CCL |
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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... |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Farne Islands
2-5M off North Northumberland Coast, Farne
Islands, Northumberland
Tel: 01665 720651
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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. |
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Puffins Farne Islands -
Photo:
Hugh Venables
CCL |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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