Rainy Days

Rainy days can happen wherever you holiday but as we know holidaying in any part of the UK isn’t really about lounging by the pool and topping up your tan, but more about getting out there and seeing just how beautiful this country really is. The offer in Northumberland is staggering and you will never be short of things to see and do whatever the UK weather has in store. Rainy days most definitely don’t have to stop play when you holiday in Northumberland and here’s our top tips for where to head if the weather isn’t quite what you ordered.

A day trip North has plenty to offer and could include the delights of Berwick Upon Tweed and surrounding area. Paxton House just west of Berwick offers guided tours of the 18th century country house with impressive galleries and furniture collections. A short drive then takes you to Chainbridge Honey Farm with their lovely visitor centre and shop, you’d ‘bee’ daft not to visit! A drive further south would take you to Heatherslaw Mill where you can experience the sight, sound and smell of a working mill.

The market town of Alnwick is always a popular choice with it’s retail offering, and absolutely no trip to Alnwick would be complete without a visit to the impressive Alnwick Castle which offers plenty of indoor delights with so many artefacts and history to enjoy. Whilst in Alnwick be sure to drop into Barter Books which is an absolute Aladdin’s cave for bookworms and with warming fires and a cafe it’s the perfect place to indulge in on a rainy day.

The beaches are stunning on the North East coast and can be enjoyed all year round and in any weather, perhaps a bracing or even cathartic walk along a sweeping shoreline followed by a few gentle hours taking in the various exhibitions and treasures at the iconic Bamburgh Castle. The village of Bamburgh itself is small but perfect for a saunter or a stop off for coffee and cake. The village is also home to the RNLI Grace Darling museum which tells the story of this famous and courageous lady.

Nearer to home the local town of Hexham with it’s impressive Hexham Abbey and interactive visitor centre is perfect on a day when the elements are against you. Take in the lovely old streets with plenty of retail therapy and a trip to the Britain’s oldest purpose built jail, The Old Gaol. Oh and be sure to check out what’s on at The Forum Cinema in Hexham, they have a fantastic programme of films and live streams.

Newcastle and Gateshead are only a 25 minutes drive away and hold gems such as The Hancock Museum and the Discovery Museum or if you fancy a spot of culture head down to the Quayside and see the current exhibitions in The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Further afield in Sunderland is the Glass Centre with various galleries and the opportunity to watch the art of glass blowing.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary there are plenty of experience days to choose from, a dairy tour or cheesemaking experience at Northumberland Cheese Company, a spot of falconry with Falconry Days , learn about bee-keeping at Northumberland Honey, or how do you fancy sitting at a potter’s wheel and trying your hand at throwing a pot at Obscuria in Hexham.

It goes without saying that these North East delights don’t just have to be enjoyed on rainy days and can be enjoyed whatever the great British weather has in store!

Of course, if the weather really is doing it’s worst, you may be tempted to not go anywhere at all, a lazy day of relaxing in Heavenfield Cottage might just be what’s in order. Light the log burner, switch on the fairy lights, wrap up in a fluffy robe, and settle down in front of Netflix or enjoy that long anticipated book or maybe you’d prefer a warm bubbly soak in that extra deep tub! Whatever you choose to do, rainy days on your next staycation may just become a very big bonus!

If we can help to plan your stay or if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch and as always our prices and availability are all on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you here, in any weather!