By Jenny Brownlees

Waterside Wonders

There’s nothing quite like a vast, still expanse of water to calm the mind. For a truly scenic walk, we love Bolam Lake Country Park in the heart of the Northumberland countryside. Take in the sights and sounds as you wander among the trees, looking out for wildlife such as red squirrel, roe deer, great spotted woodpecker and nuthatch. Better yet, the lakeside walk is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so your whole household can come along.

Hella Halls

For history buffs, nearby Belsay Hall and its vast 30-acre, Grade-I listed gardens are a stunning sight. While the house itself remains closed due to COVID, the grounds, gardens and shop are open as usual, with takeaway food available from the café.

And if it’s culture you’re after, continue on to the historical house of Wallington Hall. As with Belsay, the stunning interior of this historical house is closed due to Tier 3 restrictions, but you can still while away a winter’s day walking (or cycling) around the surrounding woodlands with its ornamental lakes and pretty walled gardens.

Zoo with a View

Aiming to reopen on 5th December, Northumberland College Zoo at Kirkley Hall is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike. Over 100 species of animals make their home in the 400 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside here, including ring-tailed and ruff lemurs, meerkats, coatis, marmosets and capybara. And while the daily animal encounters and Become A Zookeeper experiences may currently be on hold, there’s still plenty to keep your little monkeys entertained.

**Please note that ticket sales are currently limited and must be purchased online in advance.