May, the gateway to summer, and time to shed the big coats and get back outdoors. And in our little corner of the world, the outdoors is something very special indeed.
Open skies, rolling green fields and ancient hillsides blanketed by purple heather greet you from the doorstep of our Northumbrian stable suites. Unspoilt, peaceful and yours to explore – it’s the perfect location for a family May Half Term break.
During the school holidays, Northumberland comes alive with family activities, exciting events and wild adventures. And, set in the centre of the region, Chesters Stables offers the best of all worlds. A peaceful, private and relaxing base within easy distance of everything Northumberland has to offer. Browse our guide to May Half Term in Northumberland to plan the perfect country escape for your family.
All The Fun Of The Fair
With a proud farming heritage, the biggest date in everyone’s diary is the annual Northumberland County Show on Saturday, 24th May. A huge celebration of all things Northumbrian, head to nearby Bywell to meet native livestock, watch equestrian events and agricultural demonstrations and experience the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the region. And with live music, shopping, food, and funfair rides – there’s something to entertain the whole family.
Dreaming of blue seas and sandy beaches? Head to the charming coastal town of Amble on the 24th and 25th of May for their annual Puffin Festival. Nearby Coquet Island is an RSPB seabird sanctuary and home to a colony of 30,000 puffins – and May is the best time to see them! A celebration of these charming and endangered birds, Amble Puffin Festival features bird watching opportunities and guided nature walks as well as a craft fair, water sports, live music and more.
Time Travelling Magic
If your little adventurers are feeling bold, then it’s time to venture north to a 950-year-old, medieval fortress – Alnwick Castle. Home to the Duke of Northumberland (and Harry Potter!) it’s open to the public so you can storm the ramparts, walk the walls and enjoy tours of its opulent state rooms.
And from the 27th to the 30th of May, the Silly History Boys will be inviting you to travel back to the medieval era with their interactive (and silly) performances.
2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Enjoy a family day out to Brocksbushes Farm to immerse yourselves in its 1940s War Weekend from the 24th to the 26th of May. Get up close to military vehicle and watch gun-firing shows, reenactments and displays before burning off energy in the play barn and picking up something for dinner in its farm shop and deli.
Blue Sky Days
The last days of spring are your invitation to get out into the great outdoors to walk, run, jump and cycle your way around our majestic countryside.
Wallington Hall offers beautiful trails and woodland walks around its expansive estate, with a huge adventure playground and ice cream parlour as a well-earned reward. You can hire bikes for the whole family (including the pooch with a special dog trailer!) to embark on the Dragon Cycle Trail together. And if you’re feeling particularly brave, you can get hands on with creepy crawlies during its Bug Fest during the half term holidays. Meet creepy crawlies, join Moth Mornings with the Rangers and take part in bug spotting and pond dipping.
And over at Belsay Hall fun-filled days await. Join in their May Half Term Fun And Games from the 24th of May to the 1st of June to enjoy fresh air and family fun with giant lawn games, space hoppers, sand and water pits and plenty of hands-on activities.
However you spend your May Half Term holiday in Northumberland, Chesters Stables provides a relaxing, 5 star haven. Return each day to gather around the table, enjoy a family film night and a peaceful night’s sleep. Our luxury self-catering suites sleep up to 8 people, and with pet friendly options and luxury extras, you can bring the entire family for a break to remember.
