Northumberland + Edinburgh

Poppycat

I thinks that what I call it Arbeia, think it was on Time time once. Thanks

mandi

Hi Poppy,

Just wanted to let you know that Holy Island, is very small, and you can cover the whole of the Island in 2 hours on foot, you should choose a very dry day, pref warm and sunny too as theres very little shelter.. If you plan to eat there the "bar meals " are on the pricey side..
The Island can only be approached a Low tide, so best check the times, as you may arrive at high tide, same applys when leaving of course....


Mandi

Hunnymonster

METROLAND!

It's the closest thing to a theme park in the North East. Located at the MetroCentre. Not my bag, and your kids will probably dismiss it as naff - but I knew there was something lol

mandi

Hunnymonster wrote:

METROLAND!

It's the closest thing to a theme park in the North East. Located at the MetroCentre. Not my bag, and your kids will probably dismiss it as naff - but I knew there was something lol

Hi Hunny,

Oh sorry to post this but Metro Land is so like.. :eek: no offence, nice idea though..

Poppycat

I seen a cottage on Holy islsnd to stay out but I thought I didnt want to be stuck there with nothing to do once tide is in, so sea houses clsoe by might be a good place to stay for use

I been to Metroland about 20 years ago and they were still doing the rides, arent they on the top? Think kids may be too old for the rides there from what I seen and shopping at my idea of fun, not with having much money.

We tend to eat sandwiches when out and save on money but like to see the attractions, is hard to make money go further because with entrance fees, ice creams, coke etc. You can easily spend £40+ a day without fuel.

mandi

Poppy,

Wouldnt advise you to stay on Holy Island, just a bit to quiet, children may get really bored, and like you say you have to work around the tides. Seahouses can be quiet too, but depends what you want really, because it is handy .. If you like I can send you some info ?.. Just let me know by Pm



Mandi

Poppycat

Thanks Mandi.

We plan on going out for day every day, never one from stopping in. Get back at tea time 6-7 have tea and watch tv. We have tried caravan camps but we really dont go out much so would prefer a quiter place and decent nights sleep.

Becles

I'd love to stay here http://www.rosscottages.co.uk/ They are quiet as they are in countryside/beach area, and plenty of nice walks and scenary. Not sure where else to stay as we normally drive up for the day.

Holy Island gets busy in the tourist season and mandi is right in saying it's cut off at high tide. I wouldn't like to stay there myself as I think it would be too busy.

We went to Arbeia a couple of years back. They have built up the main gate and some of the front wall, the Commanders house and the soldiers barracks. My boys enjoyed it. There is also a small museum of tools/crockery etc that they have found at the site.

If you like Romans and want to drive further Vindolanda is excellent. Probably about 1½ hours drive from where you are. It's a Roman settlement but a layer of clay fell on top of the site when they left so everything is perfectly preserved. They had masses of stuff including delicate things like hair nets and letters. It one of the best Roman sites we've been too, and highly recommended. My two love Romans - can you tell?

I would avoid Metroland. Mine went to a friends party there and were bored after a couple of hours.

Hunnymonster

Sheesh guys I did say Metroland wasn't my bag! I think the whole Metrocentre's a bag of excrement - but everytime I pass by the number of cars in the carpark tells me that I'm almost alone in thinking that (I hated it even more when I worked there though).

BigDunc

Can I recommend The Cottage Inn in Dunstan Village for a meal out: http://www.cottageinnhotel.co.uk. The food is good and there's plenty of it, the pool table is usually quiet in the afternoon and there is a small adventure playground for the kids out back. The 'tyre on a rope' slide can take the weight of a 13st 10lb man. Allegedly.