The last half term before the summer holidays is almost upon us and with the warm weather, Northumberland is a great place for families to explore.
The week off may include the four day bank holiday weekend and all the events that come with that, but that you still have Saturday to Wednesday to keep the kids entertained. Though some of the events have a royal slant, there's still plenty on which isn't centred around the Jubilee across the county.
Here are some ideas for things to do during the May half-term in Northumberland.
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Walltown Warrior in Northumberland National Park
This Saturday and Sunday, a challenge event designed to be fun for all the family, the two-day Walltown Warrior 1900, celebrates the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival and offers spectacular views and access to the best-preserved sections of the most northerly frontier of the Roman Empire. The 3km obstacle course includes the 'Quarryman's Sandbag Shift' and 'The Town Tunnel Crawl,' and it's said to be suitable for all fitness levels aged 6 and over.
Northumberland National Park also has pond-dipping at Walltown Country Park, e-mountain bike tours of Hadrian's Wall, guided walks, and nature trails. For more information, visit the Park's What's On page.
The Big Fat Alnwick Garden Party and more
Alnwick Garden has a five-day programme of events set up, ahead of the long weekend to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Big Fat Alnwick Garden Party kicks off the celebrations, while there's Character Weekend where kids will be able to meet superheroes, princesses and Stormtroopers - and they'll be able to get their faces painted.
Enchanted Cramlington Woodland Trail at Northumberlandia
There are 12 'Faerie' doors to be found at the base of trees in the woodland surrounding Northumberlandia as part of an interactive audio trail designed to spark children's imaginations around the themes of folklore and nature. The events take place between May 29 and June 5 between 10.00 and 15.30, with a phone necessary to scan the QR codes and listen to the characters that live in the woods.
The trail will be officially opened at midday on Sunday by the Mayor of Cramlington, whilst Enchanted Cramlington chair and local writer Lorna Windham will host a free story-telling session between 11 and 11.45
Where's your favourite place to take the kids during the school holidays? Let us know!
Kids Rule Emperor at Chesters Roman Fort
Find out what life was like for Emperor Hadrian and the Roman soldiers when they were stationed at Hadrian's Wall. Take part in military training, practise sword skills, and try on the armour.
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A similar event is taking place over the border at Birdoswald Roman Fort. There are a whole host of activities which are running spring through until autumn as part of the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival that you can visit this half term too, which you can check out in our complete guide here.
Kids Rule at Belsay Hall
Another English Heritage property, Belsay Hall, is hosting a Kids' Rule event but it's got a very different theme to that at Chesters Roman Fort. There are medieval activities, including castle building and how to stage a siege, while there's also a chance to enrol into sword school and learn the tricks of the trade.
There's also celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with historic performers, hands-on activities and outdoor family fun. You can also wander through the gardens or take the Belsay Awakes tour - where the highlight is a ride down the 6 metre slide from the scaffolding on the side of the historic hall! A similar event is going ahead at Warkworth Castle.
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Have-A-Go Historical Siege Artillery at Alnwick Castle
From May 28 - 31, take part in an immersive experience demonstrating the ferocity of several medieval weapons whilst explaining the advantages and drawbacks of each at Alnwick Castle. Families can handle said weapons and come up with creative ways to enable their army to take siege of the castle.
There's no extra charge on top of the admission fee, though if you manage to successfully break down the fortified walls of the castle, you might be in for a hefty bill.
Dress to Impress and Hope the Dragon's Platinum Jubilee Trail at Bamburgh Castle
From May 28 to June 5, Bamburgh Castle is hosting two half-term events, both of which are connected to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. First is a Dress to Impress event, where children can dress up as kings, queens, princes, princesses, knights, warriors or even fairies.
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There's also Hope the Dragon's Platinum Jubilee Trail, where kids can follow clues to work out the special word. Those who complete the trail get a treat in the café, with activity books priced at £2.95 each.
What else can I do with the kids in Northumberland this May half-term?
This list is a selection of specific What's On events and by no means a complete overview of everything that's on in Northumberland over the half-term. Several museums have ongoing exhibitions which are continuing to run such as Beside The Seaside: 150 Years of Northumbrian Beach Holidays at Alnwick's Bailiffgate Museum and a Northumberland Menagerie at Woodhorn Museum, Hexham Old Gaol, Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum and Berwick Museum and Art Gallery.
And remember, with the cost of living crisis showing no let up any time soon, those looking for a free/cheap day out can head to miles of stunning coastline, or to one of the many walking trails across the county. With us coming into summer, there's bound to be some good weather
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