Autumn has settled in the valley now, the mornings crowned by the mist and the afternoons drawing in with a crisp chill to the air.
School is back and October Half Term is drawing closer, a time to get out and enjoy the beauty of autumn together.
And, nestled in the heart of majestic Northumberland, our stable suites provide a perfect base for a family break like no other.
Cosy stoves, country kitchens and modern luxuries create a 5 star home from home, with the wild adventures of Northumberland waiting at your door. Explore our guide to what’s on in Northumberland for October Half Term to plan an unforgettable family holiday.
Blow away the cobwebs
World-beating walks are just a stone’s throw from your stable suite. Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just steps away – the perfect invitation to lace up your boots and get out into the countryside. Walk in the footsteps of Roman legionaries to follow the trail of this 2,000 year wall, breathing in cold, clear air and spectacular views as you go.
For littler legs the gentle forest paths of Kielder beckon. Follow the Stick Man Trail to complete fun activities and games – or simply keep a keen eye out for the endangered red squirrels who call this woodland home.
Half-term harvest
Get into the spirit of the season with a spot of pumpkin picking at Brocksbushes Farm. Pick your own pumpkins and bring them back to your stable suite to turn them into spooky jack-o-lanterns.
Home to expansive cycling trails and adventure play parks, Wallington Hall has a full harvest of half-term fun on offer, from Little Leaf Collectors and autumn-themed craft sessions to a broomstick trail through their grounds.
Pick up some local treats at Hexham Farmers’ Market on Saturday, 25th October and make sure to pay a visit to Hexham Abbey home to the spectacular Gaia installation until the 16th November.
Frightening fun
This year, Halloween falls during the half-term school holidays – perfect timing for your little monsters to have some frighteningly good fun!
At nearby Belsay Hall, monster taming workshops and spooky woodland walks take place regularly from late October to early November.
Slightly further north, a trip to Alnwick will reward you with treats galore. From the 8th October to the 2nd November, Lilidorei, the world’s largest play structure will be transformed into Spookydorei! Dress up in your scariest costume, solve riddles and find hidden objects to win sweet treats.
And on Saturday, 25th October, Hexham Spook Night comes to town. Just minutes from your stable suite, a whole day of hair-raising fun awaits. Enter the hotly contested fancy dress competition, take part int pumpkin carving and lantern-making workshops and sit down to spooky storytelling and family films together.
However you choose to spend your October Half Term holiday in Northumberland, our self-catering stables are a relaxing and luxurious base for your family. Pet-friendly and with room for up to eight people, it’s your invitation to enjoy the best of the season in style.
