Orchard Stables

Fly through the woods on a mountain bike or take a slower woodland stroll at Plessey Wood Country Park (10 minutes' drive), a 100-acre wildlife haven with nature walks, riverside meadows and plentiful picnicking spots. There's an art-themed trail here, but those into their sculpture should make a detour to see Northumberlandia (10 minutes), a huge sculpture of a reclining female figure carved out of 1.5 million tonnes of grass and earth. Other stretches of well-maintained turf can be admired (and played on) at Arcot Hall Golf Club (10 minutes). Kids left bemused by the prospect of playing caddy for the day can instead be taken to Mr Mulligan's Newcastle (20 minutes), an indoor miniature golf course with kooky decor. Other family-friendly attractions in town include the Newcastle Discovery Museum and Great North Museum (both 20 minutes). Northumberland stately homes like Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (30 minutes) and Bamburgh Castle (an hour) are also likely to get top marks from visitors young and old, as are boat trips from Seahouses (an hour) out to the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve.