St Cuthberts is the perfect base for families both with younger and older children. We have young children of our own, so we are particularly attuned to the packing and logistical nightmare of going on holiday with babies and toddlers. Accordingly we have kitted the house out with lots of gear, both practical and to keep the littlies amused, which is available to our guests on a request basis. We like to think we've thought of it all, but if you have any suggestions for additions, please do let us know!
Download the PDF of equipment list
For the older kids, we have a wonderful climbing frame, slide and swing set that will keep them entertained for hours. Indoors, the house is really spacious with beautifully proportioned rooms, and we have the full Sky package as well as a number of board games that will keep kids amused on rainy days.
St Cuthberts is perfectly located within striking distance of a huge amount of family-friendly activities, some of which we have listed below to provide inspiration for outings during your stay.
All driving times are approximate and are calculated from St Cuthberts to the specified location.
Wooler, Northumberland, NE71 6JH 01668 216283
www.kimmerston.com
At Kimmerston, one of the best known horse riding centres and stables in the North East of England, near the breathtaking Cheviot Hills and the enigmatic Holy Island in beautiful Northumberland, you can experience exhilarating horse riding you will never forget. From meandering along the banks of the nearby River Till to galloping in the heather on the stunning Cheviot Hills and cantering along the clean, white beaches of Holy Island they have a full range of rides and instruction to excite those of all skill levels.
West Fenton, Wooler, NE71 6JL 01668 216216
www.fentoncentre.com
During the day, water voles graze the banks close to their burrows and in the evening, otters play and fish. Kingfishers, nesting in holes on the sandy banks, sand martins and sandpipers can all be regularly seen feeding along the River Till. Red squirrels visit the woodlands where roe deer and woodcock shelter.
Billy Shiel's Boat Trips, 4 Southfield Avenue, Seahouses, NE68 7YT
01665 720308
www.farne-islands.com
The Farne Islands lie two to three miles off the Northumberland coast midway between the fishing village of Seahouses and the magnificent Castle of Bamburgh. As well as being the most famous Sea Bird Sanctuary in the British Isles they also have a large colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. Join one of the many year-round trips and explore this most wonderous of British archipelagoes on one of the fleet of seagoing motor vessels.
3 James Street, Seahouses, NE68 7XZ 07904 800590
www.farneislandsboattrips.co.uk
Explore Grace Darling's Lighthouse on Longstone Island, the Inner Farne Bird Sanctuary and Staple Island Bird Sanctuary and see grey seals, puffins and shags.
Loughend Farm, 1 Mile North of Berwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1UT
01289 308000
www.conundrumfarm.co.uk
Includes a farm trail plus indoor and outdoor play areas for children. Plenty of farm animals including The Pet Barn also Pedal Tractors.
Mervinslaw Estate, Camptown, Jedburgh, TD8 6PL 01835 840364
www.jedforestdeerpark.co.uk
Nestling in the Jed Valley with views over the Cheviot Hills, Jedforest Deer & Farm Park is set in the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders.
Flodden Edge Farm, Mindrum, Northumberland, TD12 4QG 01668 216287
E-mail: carriage@freeuk.com
www.floddenedgefarmequestriancentre.com
Well schooled riding and driving horses. Shared or private riding lessons (shared never more than 3 pupils). All driving tuition is one to one. Hacks out (experienced riders only).
Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2XT 01289 386362
www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk
On the banks of the River Tweed, learn more about bees, bee keeping and how beeswax products are made.
Harbourside, North Berwick 01620 890202
www.seabird.org
Find out about the seabirds of the Firth of Forth and watch the nesting birds with the camera links to the Bass Rock, Isle of May and Fidra.
Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2SH 01289 389244
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-lindisfarnecastle
Perched on top of a rocky island crag, accessible only by causeway, this charming castle with Getrude Jekyll walled-garden and fantastic views of Farne Island and Bamburgh Castle is great for exploring.
www.chillingham-castle.com
Chillingham, Alnwick, NE66 5NJ 01668 215359
This 12th century stronghold, just twenty minutes from the Seaside, became 'base-camp' for the 1298 conquering attack on William Wallace by “Hammer of the Scots", King Edward 1st. Tours available (including Ghost Tours and events all year.
Bamburgh, NE69 7DF 01668 214515
www.bamburghcastle.com
One of the most imposing castles in England, Bamburgh castle sits on a basalt crag dominating this part of the beautiful Northumberland coast - perfect for exploring with the kids.
Alnwick, NE66 1NQ 01665 510777
www.floorscastle.com
Alnwick Castle is a glorious medieval castle, used as a film location for Harry Potter and Blackadder. Children can take part in activities including Knight's Quest and Dragon's Quest.
Roxburghe Estates Office, Kelso, TD5 7SF 01573 223333
www.floorscastle.com
Floors Castle stands in thousands of acres of beautiful grounds overlooking the River Tweed. There is also a great adventure playground, making it a great idea for people looking for family days out in Scotland.
Duns, TD11 3PP 01361 882636
www.manderston.co.uk
Manderston is a supreme country house of the Edwardian Scottish era. It stands in 56 acres of formal gardens, with magnificent stables and stunning marble dairy.
Between Ford & Etal villages 01890 820244
www.ford-etal.co.uk
A 15" gauge railway which runs from Heatherslaw Mill to Etal Village.
Start point outside the Tourist Information Centre, Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1BN 01904 491549
www.huntfun.co.uk
Treasure hunts are great fun! Kids will enjoy beating adults to solve the clues! No prior knowledge required - all clues are solved by observation. Visit somewhere new or try a local one. You'll be surprised what you have walked past and never noticed! Available by post, or to download. Buggy friendly where possible.
Borewell, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2RJ 01289 307107
www.potadoodledo.com
Great fun for all age groups - can use sponges, stencils and brushes to create a masterpiece! Starting with primary colours in acrylic paints children can mix several colours for any secondary colours they may want to use.
Willowburn Trading Estate, Alnwick, NE66 2PF 01665 606860
www.lionsdenalnwick.com
The Lion's Den is an indoor playcentre cram-packed with fun and adventure for kids of all ages. There is a toddler and baby area and bouncy castle, a giant activity area for 4-10 year olds and a junior play frame which boasts a giant slide and ball canons.
Denwick, Alnwick, NE66 1YU 01665 511350
www.alnwickgarden.com
One of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century, is a magical landscape of unique gardens, features and structures, and a fantastic place for all the family. Home to one of the worlds largest wooden tree houses, with rope bridges, walkways in the sky and a fantastic place to eat in the tree tops. There is also the Bamboo Labyrinth and Poison Garden with dangerous plants and their gruesome stories.
Nr Paxton, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1XQ 01289 386111
www.fishwickmaze.com/maze
An amazing maze with three miles of intricate paths through the maize crop. Last year's was based on the 400th Anniversary of the Union of the Crowns (open July to September only)
14 Bailiffgate, Alnwick, NE66 1LX 01665 605847
www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk
The people and places of North Northumberland are brought to life in lively, interactive style, through an exploration of six engaging themes. A mixture of traditional displays and exciting hands-on activities makes the Museum suitable for all ages.
Huddersfield Street, Galashiels, TD1 3BA 01896 752091
www.galashiels.bordernet.co.uk/lochcarron
Weavers of the world's largest range of Pure New Wool Tartans. Working mill, museum and visitor centre.
The Hirsel, Coldstream, TD12 4LP 01890 882834
www.hirselcountrypark.co.uk
Museum and Arts and Crafts Centre, Cottage Tearoom and Crafthouse Gallery. Small children's play area and picnic site. A variety of walks through the grounds of the Estate.
High Street, Galashiels, TD1 1RZ 01896 758327
info@singletrackbikes.co.uk
Bicycles for everyone from Mountain Bikes to Road Bikes based in the centre of the Tweed Valley which is cycle heaven.
Eastcote, Hawick, TD9 8SZ 01450 870008
www.eastcote-archery.co.uk
Archery centre with indoor and outdoor ranges and equipment shop. Ideal for holiday makers. Suitable for people 7yrs upwards. Able bodied and disabled welcome.
Whiteburn Farm, Abbey St Bathans, Duns, TD11 3RU 01361 840244
www.ronniedale4x4.co.uk
Off-road adventure driving for groups or individuals using 4X4 vehicles, plus quad bike trekking for adults and children.
Milfield, Wooler 01668 216284
www.bordersgliding.co.uk
We offer visitors the opportunity to experience gliding with one of our qualified instructors who will take you soaring in one of our modern gliders. You can learn to handle the controls or just sit back and enjoy the views, most of our visitors tell us its an experience they will never forget.
The Visitor Centre, Cornhill-on-Tweed, TD12 4TJ 01890 820338
www.ford-and-etal.co.uk
A selection of adult and children's bikes are available for hire, as well as a baby seat and a tandem. With quiet roads and off-road tracks, including a section of the Route 68 long distance cycleway, exploring Ford & Etal on bicycles is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. With cycle hire, helmets are provided along with maps and suggested routes available to suit all levels of ability and interest. Refreshments are on hand at various outlets in the surrounding villages.
Berwick-upon-Tweed 07941 450064
www.active4seasons.co.uk
Active4seasons has been running guided trips and training in the area for the last 7 years and have fully qualified and insured instructors to make sure you are safe and have fun. Open canoe trips on the River Till or Tweed, rock climbing on the local sandstone crags, mountain biking in the Cheviots, sea kayaking along the fantastic Northumberland/ Berwickshire coast – book early to avoid disappointment. From beginners to experts, we will find something to suit you!
Kielder, NE48 1BT 01434 250294
www.visitkielder.com
Whether you'd like to hire a row boat, take a canoe trip, have a kayaking lesson, go sailing, take a trip on the ferry or brave slalom and jumps on water skis or a wakeboard, there really is something for everyone.
Market Street, Galashiels, TD1 3AF 01896 752767
www.pavilioncinema.co.uk
4 screen multiplex cinema
Northumberland Road, Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2AS
01289 330603
www.northumberland.gov.uk
25m swimming pool, bubble pool and soft-play area
Mansfield Road, Hawick, TD9 8AG 01450 379605
www.bslt.org.uk
Teviotdale Leisure Centre is a wet/dry facility that caters for all the family. The large free-form pool has a separate area for youngsters and the flume is open on weekends and school holidays. The steam room is an excellent place to relax and unwind while the kids play in the pool.