Do not let the cold weather put you off, winter is a wonderful time of year to wrap up and take a stroll with the family. In North East England we have plenty of magical Winter walks to choose from.
- Kielder Forest
- Low Newton
- Tynemouth to Cullercoats
- Cragside
- Wallington Hall
- Bolam Lake
- Belsay Hall
- Hamsterley Forest
- RSPB Saltholme
- Middlesbrough Snowman (2019 only)
This post was first published in 2019 - please check details direct with venue before setting off to check for any changes. Please observe social distancing and local Government guidelines.
Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is a large man-made forest in North Northumberland. A trip to Kielder always feels like you are a million miles from anywhere else in the world and as there is no phone signal, it is the perfect place to switch off.
 |
| Kielder Forest |
I bet the forest looks magical with a sprinkling of snow!
There are a number of walks to choose from including the new Shaun the Sheep Trail which is perfect for little ones. You may also stumble across a Gruffalo or two in the forest.....
If Shaun the Sheep isn't for you, here are 5 other walking trails to try in Kielder.
Parking & Public Transport
We usually park in the Kielder Visitor Centre Car Park to begin with (postcode NE48 1ER). The cost is £5 per day and your ticket is transferable to other car parks in Kielder.
By bus, you can catch the 694 from Hexham on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Where to Stay & Eat
Kielder isn't exactly known for its culinary delights. There are a couple of ok pubs in the area and there is a new pancake house at Kielder Waterside which I have yet to try but I am sure will be a hit with kids. We travelled to William de Percy which is a lovely pub in Otterburn during our last trip and I would highly recommend.
 |
| Carriages Tea Room Bellingham |
 |
| Carriages Tea Room Menu (correct November 2019) |
There is also the Carriages Tea Room in Bellingham which is just outside of Kielder. Dining in an old train carriage is definitely something a little different.
 |
| Calvert Trust Kielder |
In terms of accommodation, we have stayed at Calvert Trust and had a brilliant time - there are lots of inclusive activities available from archery to clay pigeon shooting. There are also luxury lodges with hot tubs available at Kielder Waterside.
 |
| Hesleyside Huts near Kielder |
Low Newton
Low Newton is a secluded beach in Northumberland very popular with walkers. The walk from Craster to Low Newton is super popular and one of the UK's best coastal walks but maybe a touch too long for little legs (it is an 8-10 mile round trip). There is nothing to stop you enjoying just part of this walk though. The views of the coastline and Dunstanburgh Castle are more than worth it.
 |
| Low Newton - Christmas Eve 2017 |
The above photo was taken on Christmas Eve 2017 can you believe!
We park at Boatmans Place (NE66 3EH) which is £1 for 1 hour or £4 for a full day. You can use the same ticket at Craster Car Park too (although check as often regulations change).
The 418 bus (Alnwick to Belford) serves Low Newton.
Where to Stay & Eat
The Ship Inn is right by the beach in the heart of Low Newton. It is a lovely pub with its own microbrewery. Here is a peek at their sample lunch menu (correct as of November 2019).
 |
| The Ship Inn Lunch Menu (correct November 2019) |
 |
| The Ship Inn |
You also have The Joiners Arms just along the road - a lovely (and popular) traditional pub. Their children's menu is pretty good value at £6.95 for three courses and a drink. It is the kind of pub which will be very welcoming in winter with roaring fires and twinkling lights.
 |
| Joiners Arms Children's Menu - November 2019 |
 |
| The Joiners Arms |
 |
| High Hemmel House |
I can also recommend High Hemmel House which is a large family cottage with a hot tub within easy walking distance of Low Newton by the Sea.
 |
| View from Craster Reach Cottage |
Tynemouth to Cullercoats
Tynemouth to Cullercoats is an easy (and flat/accessible) coastal walk which should take you around half an hour. Perfect for grabbing some sea air. There are plenty of cafes to stop and enjoy a hot chocolate en-route too.
 |
| Cullercoats |
Parking & Public Transport
Tynemouth has its own Metro Station, is served by regular buses and has plenty of parking in the village centre or by the seafront. You can check parking information here.
Where to Stay & Eat
In Cullercoats, I absolutely love the Boatyard. It is only a small place and there may be a small wait for seats but their epic toasties are worth waiting for.
 |
| Boatyard Menu - November 2019 |
 |
| Toasties from the Boatyard |
Cullercoats Coffee is just across from the Boatyard and also worth a trip - it is a little larger than the Boatyard and has such a cool vibe. There are board games for kids and I highly recommend their hot chocolates.
 |
| Hot Chocolate from Cullercoats Coffee |
 |
| Rileys Fish Shack |
 |
| Longsands Children's Menu - November 2019 |
 |
| Longsands Lodge, Tynemouth |
Cragside Gardens
Cragside is gorgeous at any time of the year and winter is no exception. The beautiful grounds and gardens offer hundreds of walks - simply pop into the visitor hut and ask the staff for advice and routes. This 2 mile Views of Cragside walk is a good one to get you started.
Cragside is free to visit for National Trust members, a charge applies to non-members.
 |
| Cragside in the snow - credit Cragside |
 |
| Cragside in Winter - Credit Cragside |
Parking & Public Transport
There is no direct bus to Cragside. Parking is free. (postcode NE65 7PX). There are 9 car parks around the Cragside estate - you will be provided with a map on admission.
You can either park in one car park and use a shuttle bus or drive around the estate - the choice is yours. Cragside is so big that sometimes we just explore a little part of it during a shorter visit.
Where to Stay & Eat
There are a few cottages on the Cragside Estate which you can hire for short breaks and holidays - Garden Cottage, Park Cottage and Cragside Bunkhouse.
 |
| Fontburn Reservoir near Rothbury |
If you are looking for things to do nearby, Rothbury Riverside Walk and Fontburn are both worth checking out.
If you are looking for a bite to eat or hot drink, Cragside has its own tearooms near the entrance.
Wallington Hall
Another National Trust spot perfect for a child-friendly winter walk in Wallington Hall. Free for National Trust members or available with admission for non-members.
 |
| Wallington Hall |
There are miles of trails to follow at Wallington and it is quite diverse - perhaps you could take a stroll around the three play areas or try a riverside walk? There are suggestions over on the Wallington website or you can ask a member of staff for ideas and a map on arrival.
 |
| Wallington Hall |
Wallington Hall is magical in Winter with lots of festive decorations around the grounds. We visited in Winter 2017 and loved it.
 |
| Wallington Hall |
Parking & Public Transport
Parking is free, use postcode NE61 4AR. I cannot find any public transport info - let me know if you know of any bus routes nearby.
Where to Stay & Eat
Wallington Hall has its own tearoom by the entrance which is lovely but it can get busy. Morpeth isn't too far away and I would highly recommend popping into the famous Chinese van for a treat on the way home.
If you are looking to extend your visit, you can stay on-site at the Wallington Hall bunkhouse or Bolt Cottage.
Bolam Lake
Bolam Lake is a gem of a walk in Northumberland. The accessible circular route around the lake is just over a mile in length and takes you through woodland filled with wildlife.
There is a cafe half-way around (check opening hours) and toilets in the main car park.
 |
| Bolam Lake |
If you are looking for a short, pushchair friendly magical woodland walk, this has to be it.
 |
| Bolam Lake |
Pin Me
Parking & Public Transport
Parking is free for up to one hour but make sure you get a ticket from the machine. It is £1.60 to park for up to 2 hours or £3 all day.
Bolam Lake Postcode: NE20 0HE
There is no public transport to Bolam Lake
 |
| Bolam Lake Parking |
Where to Stay & Eat
Bolam Lake has its own small cafe serving light bites and cake. The cafe is cash only and open 10am-3pm Thursday & Friday or 10am-4pm Saturday & Sunday in the Winter.
 |
| Bolam Lake Cafe |
 |
| Fenwick House Cottage - Credit Sykes Cottages |
Belsay Hall
Belsay Hall is an English Heritage property, free for members to visit and available at a charge for non-members. I think the gardens at Belsay are probably the most magical in the whole of the North East.
How cute is the below photo from February 2014 - I love that we took Sweep on a trip to Belsay Hall!
 |
| Belsay Hall |
Wander through the formal gardens, the ancient woodland and the quarry before spotting the castle.
 |
| Belsay Hall |
The walk from Belsay Hall to Castle is less than a mile, toddler and pushchair friendly.
Throughout December, you can even visit Belsay Hall in the evening as part of their Enchanted Belsay event (tickets should be pre-booked) which looks even more magical.
Pin Me
Parking & Public Transport
Parking is free, use postcode NE20 0DX.
Belsay is served by the 131 Jedburgh bus from Newcastle and the 808 Bellingham bus from Newcastle - Belsay Hall is around a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
Where to Stay & Eat
Belsay Hall has its own fantastic tearoom - it is one of our favourites, their food is homemade and delicious. Alternatively, you could try Blacksmiths Coffee Shop in the village which comes highly recommended.
The village of Ponteland is not far from Belsay Hall. The Post Box is a cute and cozy cafe in the village, perfect for hot chocolates and if you fancy a treat, Tomahawk Steak House is on my list! It looks lush.
Hamsterley Forest
It is a bit of a tradition for us to wrap up and visit Hamsterley Forest in Winter. It is such a lovely walk and the woodland is filled with play equipment so there is plenty to keep kids entertained. You can try the Shaun the Sheep Glow Trail too.
 |
| Hamsterley Forest |
There are 4 main walking routes around the forest - pop into the visitor centre on arrival and you will find lots of information about the various routes.
Pin Me
 |
| Hamsterley Forest |
Pin Me
Parking & Public Transport
Parking is £2 for one hour, £6 all day or £10 on Bank Holiday Weekends. The forest uses number plate recognition technology and you pay on a machine before you leave.
The postcode is: DL13 3NL
Public transport is not available.
Where to Stay & Eat
Hamsterley Forest has its own cafe (check opening hours before visiting) and I can highly the Cross Keys Pub nearby.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Wear View Cottage in Hamsterley Village looks lovely and cosy with an open fire and is available from £268 for 7 nights.
 |
| Wear View Cottage - Credit Sykes Cottages |
RSPB Saltholme
We stumbled upon RSPB Saltholme earlier this year - what a magical place! There is a play area for children, visitor centre and cafe, various walks around the water, bird hides with lots of wildlife to discover and you might even spot the Mad Hatters Tea Party!
Make sure you bring your wellies as there is a dedicated puddle jumping area which kids love.
Entry is donation or free to RSPB members. Parking is £5 per car to non-members. If you are staying for less than an hour, parking is free but I think you will probably stay longer than this.
 |
| RSPB Saltholme |
Pin Me
 |
| RSPB Saltholme |
 |
| RSPB Saltholme |
Parking & Public Transport
Parking FREE for RSPB members and £5 for non-members (free if staying less than 1 hour). The postcode is TS2 1TU.
There is a bus stop outside of the entrance on the Seaton Carew Road which is served by Number 1 Bus from Middlesbrough and Hartlepool (via Stagecoach).
Where to Stay & Eat
RSPB Saltholme has its own cafe with beautiful views. Open from 9:30am-3:30pm , there are regional dishes available and food is always local/organic/fairtrade where possible. Children's lunchboxes, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
If you are looking to extend your stay, the Premier Inn Wolviston/Wynyard is close by and has brilliant reviews.
Snowman Trail in Middlesbrough Town Centre (2019 only)
From 2 November 2019 - 4 January 2020, Walking with the Snowman is taking over Middlesbrough Town Centre. There are 12 sculptures to find - each decorated by a professional artist and inspired by the 12 days of Christmas.
NB - in 2020, this trail takes place across North Tyneside instead.
You can pick up a FREE trail map from Middlesbrough Town Hall, Central Library and other selected outlets or find out more and download a copy here.
You can read about how Freckled Mum of 2 got on with the trail and see more photos here.
Parking & Public Transport
Middlesbrough Town Centre is well connected by bus and train and this is an ideal winter walk to try if you need to use public transport.
Alternatively, here is a list of car parks & charges in the city centre.
Where to Stay & Eat
We are huge fans of Turtle Bay and love the vibe of their restaurants - they have some brilliant offers available too.
If you are looking for a place to stay, Premier Inn Middlesbrough Town Centre is just 0.2 miles away from the train station.
Phew, that is quite a list! If you enjoyed this post, check out the following posts:
 |
| Credit - Walking with the Snowman |
You can pick up a FREE trail map from Middlesbrough Town Hall, Central Library and other selected outlets or find out more and download a copy here.
 |
| Credit - Walking with the Snowman |
Parking & Public Transport
Middlesbrough Town Centre is well connected by bus and train and this is an ideal winter walk to try if you need to use public transport.
Alternatively, here is a list of car parks & charges in the city centre.
Where to Stay & Eat
We are huge fans of Turtle Bay and love the vibe of their restaurants - they have some brilliant offers available too.
Phew, that is quite a list! If you enjoyed this post, check out the following posts:
- 10 Family Walks with Cafes & Play Parks nearby
- 13 Pushchair Friendly Walks in North East England
- 11 Woodland Walks in North East England
- 10 Magical Kid & Dog Friendly Walks in Yorkshire
Pin me for later
Such a helpful post - love all the food and hotel recommendations!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! Lots of great ideas, definitely going to use it for this weekend when we meet up with friends!
ReplyDelete