Half-Term: 5 fun things to do with the kids in the north of England

Finding something to keep children occupied over half-term can be a challenge. Whether they’re your own kids, grandchildren, nieces or nephews or you’re just doing a good turn for a friend, you’ll probably be trawling the internet for ideas as well as asking others for advice. Here are a few suggestions for those of you living, or on holiday, in the north of England: Merseyside, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, Lancashire and Cumbria.

5 fun things to do in the North over Half-Term

Liverpool: Albert Dock

Albert Dock

What a fab city Liverpool is for kids. There are loads of exciting, fun, cultural and quirky things to do here. My favourite place is Albert Dock; with its historic connections to the city’s sea-faring past, Tate Modern, The Beatles Story, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum. The newest attraction is Mattel Play! Liverpool where ‘… you child’s creativity and natural curiosity will bring their favourite characters and stories to life.’ There are loads of restaurants, bars and cafes, galleries and shops to keep everyone happy. If you get time, go over to Crosby and find Another Place, where British sculptor Antony Gormley has placed 100 naked men in the sea …

Newcastle: National Centre for Children’s Books

If you want to capture the magic of reading with your kids then visit Seven Stories – the National Centre for Children’s Books in the Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. This quirky museum and visitor centre gets its name from the theory that there are only seven basic plots in literature, and the fact that the renovated Victorian Mill in which it is housed has seven levels. During my visit there was an enormous stuffed tiger waiting for his tea and a black cat called Mog flying across the wall. They were part of famous author Judith Kerr Exhibition. The exhibitions change throughout the year and there are plenty of activities including story-telling and creativity workshops. After you’ve been here, cross the River Tyne to Gateshead for more cultural enjoyment at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Northumberland: Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle and village

Most children love castles and you can’t get more dramatic than Bamburgh Castle, set up on a rocky outcrop overlooking beautiful Bamburgh Beach in the charming village of Bamburgh. In 1464 during the Wars of the Roses, it became the first castle in England to be defeated by artillery. Extended, ruined and brought to majestic splendour in the 19th century, the castle, owned by the Armstrong family, is now a historical treasure trove. As well as the many rooms furnished with unsual artefacts and quirky memorabilia, it houses the Armstrong and Aviation Museum. There are plenty of activities to keep the children happy over half-term (my son loved the archery practice) and a gorgeous stretch of beach to run off excess energy.

Morecambe: the Bay and Promenade

Stroll along Morecambe Promenade and take a selfie with Eric Morecambe. You’ll find more play areas, bars and cafes all along the Bay. The town also has Jump Rush Trampolines. Kids love the quirky puzzles and Tern Project artworks on the Stone Jetty, which has stupendous views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District.  Pop into the the Art Deco Midland Hotel for a meal or afternoon tea alongside the stunning artworks by Eric Gill.

The Lake District: Cockshott Point

Sunset from Cockshott Point

Going for a walk in lovely countryside is a great way to get kids some exercise and away from their electronic playthings. Once you get them out, you’ll find they’re perfectly happy to run around and enjoy the fresh air. The Lake District gets VERY busy at half-term so I’d suggest you search out lesser known places in Cumbria. However, if  you are only visiting for the day, have limited time or want to be somewhere with plenty of shops and things to do, Bowness-on-Windermere ticks all the boxes. There’s an easy walk to National Trust Cockshott Point with grassy mounds and a little wood to explore. You’ll see yachts bobbing about on the lake and the Windermere Ferry gliding over to Hawkshead side. There’s a cafe that may or may not be open and a pebbly beach called ‘Pirate Bay‘.

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