For many of us, family holidays make up some of our earliest childhood memories. Whether building enormous, elaborate sandcastles on white, sandy beaches or exploring fairy tale castles and relishing in the undivided attention of our parents, these are often the memories that stay with us for a lifetime.

They are a chance for your tots to delve into a world of fantasy and adventure and, with an abundance of unique and exciting activities on offer, Northumberland, the Scottish Borders and East Lothian are perfectly placed to make your family getaway truly magical.

With half term just around the corner, we’ve pulled together a few of the most unforgettable family experiences alongside exquisite family friendly properties, which combined are sure to evoke fun-filled memories for years to come.

  

Follow in the footsteps of Giants

For fun on a grand scale, visit The Alnwick Garden, where your little ones can follow in a virtual giant’s footsteps and help water the plans in the Roots and Shoots garden using a watering can of epic proportions! Stop for a spot of lunch (and feed some cheeky animals) at one of world’s largest tree houses, which could have been taken straight from a fairy tale, before tee-time beckons you to a mystical game of adventure golf to top-off your visit.

And the fun doesn’t need to stop when you get home (from-home): return to The Shieling, our exquisite beach-front property in Bamburgh, and the fantastic games room will keep everyone entertained right through until bedtime.

Oh, and did we mention sandcastles? Enjoying an incredibly sought-after position on the edge of the dunes with iconic Bamburgh castle as the stunning backdrop, The Shieling is perfectly placed to inspire your little one’s next masterpiece. Even on cooler, damp days the miles of white sugary sand make it the perfect beach playground in wellies and waterproofs!

Explore The Shieling | Bamburgh, Northumberland | Sleeps 10

  

Explore the galaxy

Wrap up warm and prepare to be dazzled with a star-gazing treat under the outstanding dark skies of the Northumberland National Park. Based in a designated Dark Sky Discovery site, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre hosts a breadth of interesting and engaging themed events for slightly older children (11 and older). 

For example, the fascinating Space Marvels session on 19 February will induce dreams of interstellar exploration as you’ll be guided through space travel, the International Space Station and the Hubble telescope – just the ticket to inspire the budding astronaut in the family.

When the official part of the night is over, retreat to Croft House, near Rothbury, where you can continue your star (or space station) gazing until your heart is content in the complete privacy of the fully enclosed, lawned garden. With patio doors right out from the games-room, the kids will be entertained 24-7!

Explore Croft House | Rothbury | Sleeps 7

  

Swing through the treetops

Nestled high in the hilltops of the magnificent Glentress Forest, Go Ape in Peebles offers a jaw-dropping backdrop for another big adventure with the kids!

Not for the faint-hearted… high up in the canopy, the tree top obstacles are the ultimate test of balance and nerve, with high-speed zips, free-fall Tarzan swings, and daring crossings.

Get their blood pumping with 2-3 hours of action-packed adventure and soak up amazing views of the reservoirs below. It’s a whole new way to take in the Scottish countryside!

And when everyone is thoroughly exhausted, make your way back to The Mill in the captivating surroundings of the Yarrow Valley for a well-deserved hot chocolate, snuggled next to the roaring open fire. Once the kids are off to bed, top off your evening of relaxation in the luxury steam room and sauna, which will set you up for your next fun-filled day, possibly on the all-weather tennis court which guests are welcome to use anytime, or dabbling for wildlife around the nearby mill pond – the options are endless!

Explore The Mill | Selkirk | Sleeps 8 + 2