Despite some predictably hit-and-miss weather, Summer is officially here! To help you make your summer holidays extra special, us lovely people at Maguires Country Parks have put together a handy guide of things to do and places to go, just a short drive away from our parks.
No matter which of our parks you are visiting, there is no shortage of attractions to keep you and your family entertained! In June’s blog, we are looking at things to keep you and yours busy at Forget Me Not and Ord House.
Sanderson Arcade
The ideal location for the shopaholics amongst you with big names such as Waterstones and Marks and Spencer, nestled alongside smaller businesses such as Oxleys of Morpeth and the Corbridge Larder.
Carlisle Park
The park is the location of the remains of Morpeth Castle, built in the 13th and 14th Centuries, though the main reason for visiting is to relax in a beautiful open space and enjoy the scenery. Facilities include bowling pavilion, tennis courts, toddlers play area and rowing boats.
Whitehouse Farm Centre
Situated just outside of Morpeth and a great place for the whole of the family to see handle and feed a variety of animals including meerkats and baby goats. Most of the farm is under cover so you can enjoy whatever the weather.
Eshott Heugh Animal Park
Another one for animal lovers! The small family-run park is home to animals such as donkeys and raccoons and features a lovely tearoom and a gift shop.
Northumberland Cheese Company
Based in Blagdon, the company offers dairy tours where their cheese makers share the story of the cheeses from the moment the milk is delivered until the great moment that the cheese is in your hand – or on your cracker!
Wallington Hall, House & Gardens
A beautiful National Trust Property and Estate with a remarkable pre-Raphaelite central hall and a series of paintings of Northumbrian history by William Bell Scott. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful walled garden, parkland and woodland.
Spittal Beach
Northumberland’s beaches are legendary in their beauty, and Spittal is most Northerly of them all, situated on the South of the River Tweed. The beach is popular for walkers wanting to enjoy the sea air.
The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre
Presenting over 250 wide-ranging live events and over 300 film screenings ever year, from opera and ballet to pantomime and cinema, The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre is also the centre of the annual Berwick Film Festival.
Town Centre Circuit Walk
The most famous walk in Berwick is undoubtedly the circuit of the ancient town walls and is one and a half miles long. The walk takes in the spectacular views of Berwicks bridges, river, estuary, coastline and barracks.
Conundrum Farm
Just north of Berwick the farm features a trail full of interesting animals to meet and feed, as well as a pet barn, pedal tractor circuit and a restaurant serving home cooked food.
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Just outside of Berwick in the village of Horncliffe, the honey farm sells a variety of products and has a fascinating visitor centre complete with an observation hive so that you can watch the bees go about their daily routine!
Do let us know if there is anything we’ve missed. And don’t forget – the staff at our parks will be happy to offer you their local tips too, so just ask. Next month we’ll be looking at the area around Swainby and Newbus Grange.
Wishing you a wonderful Summer,
The Maguire Family.
