Northumberland Points of interest
Whether you’re staying in the Wigwam Village at Pot-a-Doodle Do, or in the surrounding area, you’ll be delighted to discover and explore the true beauty and glorious history of North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
On site activities
Our Arts centre is for all ages whether you are arty or not. Choose an item to paint whether it be a plate or a fairy, you can spend an hour making it unique. Other crafts include mosaics, decopauge or foam clay. Making memories is what it is all about, hand or foot prints on a plate or cup are great keepsakes and awesome gifts. Items can be painted in acrylic paints which can be taken away on the day, items done with glazing paint need fired in our kiln and there may be a few days wait for collection.
Enjoy some fun on our pedal karts or on the climbing wall – challenge your siblings or friends!! See who can go highest on the swings or play king of the castle in our playpark.
Visit the historic town of Berwick upon Tweed
Did you know that the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed has changed hands between England and Scotland at least 13 times? Things are peaceful today but Berwick has a dramatic history to be discovered on the circular walk exploring one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe or why not follow in the footsteps of LS Lowry on The Lowry Trail. LS Lowry was especially fond of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and his first oil painting of Berwick is dated 1935. Another great way to explore the town is to follow the trail of the blue butterfly shaped boards. The boards are updated with the seasons so no two visits will be the same, learn new information throughout the year. https://www.visitberwick.com/
Holy Island
Cross over the sands and causeway to Holy Island and prepare to enter another world. Lying just a few miles off the Northumberland coast, Holy Island is cut off twice-daily from the rest of the world by fast-moving tides. Both an island and a picturesque village, Holy Island carries a wealth of history within its tidal walls. Holy Island remains a place of pilgrimage today. ‘St. Aidan’s Winery’ the home of ‘Lindisfarne Mead’ is situated in the centre of Holy Island village adjacent to the market place. Lindisfarne Mead is a unique alcoholic fortified wine manufactured on the Island of Lindisfarne from fermented white grapes, honey, herbs, the pure natural water from the island’s artesian well-fortified with fine spirits. The island is the final destination of long-distance walking route and one of Scotland’s Great Trails, the St Cuthbert’s Way. Be sure to check for safe crossing times. https://lindisfarne.org.uk/
Bamburgh Castle
Dominates this part of the beautiful Northumberland coast and is perfect for exploring with the kids. There are 14 public areas to tour, live archaeological excavations to watch and loads of fascinating history to learn! www.bamburghcastle.com
Alnwick Castle & Gardens
A worthwhile experience from several angles: historically significant and luxuriantly furnished with antiques plus art and artefact exhibits on the one hand, and an adventurous Knight’s Quest adventure full of immersive interactive activities from the dress up through to the dragon! www.alnwickcastle.com
Paxton House
Learn about Paxton House and its rich history on a house tour, and discover a collection of local exhibiting artists in the Hayloft Gallery. Explore 80 acres of grounds, gardens, riverside and woodland, including an adventure play park complete with zip wire and scenic boat trips down the River Tweed. Or, treat yourself with an indulgent afternoon tea in the Stables Tearoom and a trip to the Regency Gift Shop. https://paxtonhouse.co.uk/
Ford & Etal
Ford & Etal Estates a visit to Ford and Etal is a journey. There is no set trail, no prescribed route and – even – no need to spend any money. The journey is yours. There are so many hidden corners to discover, so make sure you don’t miss a visit to the historic Flodden Battlefield, the award-winning exhibition at Etal Castle or the nature reserve at Ford Moss. https://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk
Heatherslaw Light Railway
A weatherproof or sun loving 15 inch gauge steam rail ride, with fully enclosed, partly glazed, and fully open carriage options! Travel alongside the River Till and do some otter spotting or jump off at the station to explore. https://www.heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk/
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre Hay Farm
Is now the only Rare Breed Conservation Centre in the Country, which is dedicated to the Heavy Horses. Not only will visitors see the Great Clydesdale Horses, but also other animals which would have been common place in the era of the working horse. https://www.hayfarmheavies.co.uk/hay-farm
Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Family friendly working bee farm, with a great visitor centre from which you can learn and observe the foundations of the work. A most popular display is the observation hive where a living colony of bees can be viewed behind glass. https://www.chainbridgehoney.com/
Berwick Boat Trips
Take a trip on The Border Belle out to the estuary where you will see seabirds, seals and possibly dolphins. Learn some history of Berwick upon Tweed from the captain. Other trips include Seafari, Sunset tour, 3 Bridges up the River Tweed. Dogs welcome. https://www.berwickboattrips.co.uk/
Farne Island Boat Trips
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. From April until the end of July, these islands are dominated by one of the most exciting seabird colonies in the United Kingdom with unrivalled views of 23 species, including around 43,000 pairs of puffins. Truly, the sight of such numbers in the natural and wild habitat of the Farne Islands is a beauty and joy to behold. The islands are also the permanent home for a large, and inquisitive colony of Atlantic or Grey Seals. This is one of the top grey seal pupping sites in England, with more than 2000 pups born out at the islands every Autumn/Winter. Historically, the islands have strong links with Celtic Christianity and St Cuthbert, who lived here in the 7th Century. https://www.farne-islands.com/
Northumberland Coastal path
Is best known for its wide, sweeping beaches, backed by high sand dunes that are punctuated by dark whinstone outcrops. The path follows this stunningly beautiful coastline for 100 kilometres (62 Miles) from Cresswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north. https://www.northumberlandcoastpath.org/
Hirsel Country Park
Hirsel Country Park this well signposted walk explores Dunglass Wood on the Hirsel estate before passing near the Hirsel Lake – home to swans, ducks, geese and many other types of birdlife – on the return. The walk passes the front of The Hirsel itself – a magnificent country house – and you may see the Estate’s herd of Douglas pedigree Highland Cattle. There is a Museum and Tearoom along the way and there are public toilets by the play park. https://www.dandaestates.co.uk/visitor-facilities/hirsel-visitor-facilities.php
Whitehouse Farm Centre
With indoor and outdoor play facilities; hands on animal petting and feeding sessions; loads of creatures to visit with and lots of it under cover, this is an all-weather treat that ticks all the boxes! https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/
Eastlinks
Eastlinks The ideal family and children’s day out where the adults have as much fun as the kids! Situated just outside Dunbar in East Lothian. A great day out for all. http://www.eastlinks.co.uk/
Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre
Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre includes 25m swimming pool featuring splash area, slides and general swim plus 3 storey soft play, spa, gym and lots more. Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre (activenorthumberland.org.uk)
Northumberlandia
Explore the 4 miles of trails around the body of an enormous lady reclining on the countryside, sculpted from 1.5 million tonnes of ground! With visitor centre, cafe and friendly experts to chat with, this is a walk you simply won’t forget. Unique! https://www.northumberlandia.com/
Foxlake Adventures
Is Scotland’s first cable wakeboarding park along with the UK’s only ropes course constructed over water. Located in the heart of East Lothian, nestled in a beautiful woodland on the edge of the John Muir Way. Whether you want to give wakeboarding a try, take on the challenge of FoxFall Rope Course, Zip from tree to tree above the forest floor on ZipTrail, explore our woodland trails on Off-Road Segways or just chill out on the lake side with a coffee from the award winning Boardside café, Foxlake will have something for you. https://www.foxlake.co.uk/
Golf Courses
Situated on the beautiful north Northumberland coast are just a couple of golf courses in the area, Goswick Links is among the to 50 courses in England and Magdalene Fields with 18 holes with panoramic views. https://www.goswickgolfclub.com/
http://magdalene-fields.co.uk/