The school summer holidays are nearly here, six weeks of freedom for little ones and time to plan ahead for the grown ups
If you’re looking forward to a family break in Northumberland, you’re in luck. The most peaceful national park in the country, our border region offers space and freedom to relax and run wild on blue sky beaches and beautiful, untamed countryside.
And there are fun family activities and events to keep your adventurers occupied all summer long.
Follow treasure hunts to storm ancient castles, dive into wild watersports, sit down to outdoor theatre and enjoy all the fun of the fair.
And, our luxury self-catering suites offer a peaceful haven at the heart of all the action. An easy distance from Northumberland’s attractions, return each day to relax and recharge in your own space, at your own pace and in 5 star style.
Explore our guide to the school holidays in Northumberland to make summer 2025 your best yet.
Outdoor Adventures
With pet-friendly options available, our stable suites the perfect base for the whole family – four-legged members included. And there’s miles of wild countryside, waiting to be explored.
2000 years of history is almost literally a stone’s throw from your door. Hadrian’s Wall is Northumberland’s icon and an unmissable part of any visit. 73 miles long from coast to coast, choose the perfect walking trail for your family, taking in dramatic views and marching in the shadow of Roman soldiers.
A more gentle route and perfect for younger families, is the the Stick Man Trail at Kielder Forest. Pick up your activity pack to follow an interactive family trail through woodland, taking part in fun activities, learning all about life in the forest and completing your adventure passport.
If your little monsters need to burn off some pent-up energy – Go Ape at nearby Matfen Hall offers the perfect challenge for the brave at heart. Swing from the tree tops with high-ropes challenges and zip wire experiences.
Wild Watersports
Northumberland’s coastline is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its host of beaches provide a peaceful haven for a classic beach day.
But, if you’re looking for something a little more high-octane than rounders on the beach, Beadnell is the perfect choice. From coasteering and kitesurfing to paddle-boarding and surfing, its gentle harbour is an idyllic spot for wild watersports.
Get out into the peace of Europe’s largest man-made lake, canoeing and kayaking your way around vast Kielder Water. Meet endangered native birds of prey with an Osprey Watching Cruise to the heart of the lake.
Or get wet on dry land, battling it out over daily water pistol fights at Alnwick Gardens – part of their season-long Summer of Play.
Summer In The Country
Northumberland in summer means one thing – country shows. Immerse yourselves in an authentically Northumbrian experience to meet native cows and sheep, watch horse jumping, fell running and dog agility contests and browse tents packed with local produce. From vintage tractor and classic car displays to funfair rides and live music – there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Events close to Chesters Stables include Slaley Show on the 9th, August, Falstone Border Shepherds’ Show on the 23rd August and Bellingham Show on the 30th August.
Get a taste for nature at Brockbushes Farm near Hexham. Get out into the sunshine to pick your own strawberries and have a mad half-hour in the play barn before returning to tuck into your strawberry harvest in the comfort of your stable suite.
Family Events & Activities
Dive into a Summer of Fun and Games at historic Belsay Hall. A new themed adventure will launch each week from the 19th July to the 31st of August. Little ones can roam the grounds to join the Beast Explorers Club, hunt for fairies and discover the Wild Man Play Area. And, on the 26th-27th July the hall’s Jurassic quarry will host a Dinosaur weekend.
The history of Hadrian’s Wall is yours to discover this summer at Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum. Follow the site trail, to search for clues, solve puzzles and become an Archaeology Detective . Or, take part in regular Hands on History events to meet the site’s archaeologists and learn all about the treasures they uncover.
Head to the high seas to join the Ahoy Academy Pirate School at Bamburgh Castle. Take part in a treasure hunt, kids’ pirate crafts and meet the pirates of Bamburgh for a swashbuckling summer.
Magical Summer Nights
Warm, dusky evenings spent out of doors. Al fresco dinners and time to chat, relax and watch the sunset drift gently from fiery coral into a soft, twilit blue. Our stable suites offer the perfect setting for the perfect summer evening.
But, if you’ve got energy to spare – Northumberland is alive with evening entertainment. Settle in to enjoy a family favourite by starlight with outdoor cinema events at Alnwick Castle. Watch Harry Potter from the grounds of Hogwarts itself or sing a long with the Greatest Showman to make new, magical memories together.
Or, lose yourselves in the magic of the night skies at Kielder Observatory. Space Kids Events take place throughout July and August, inviting young astronomers to learn all about the solar system with fun activities and a chance to try the observatory’s enormous telescope.
However you choose to spend your summer in Northumberland, make our stable suites your 5 star home from home for a family holiday to remember.
