Playgrounds to visit in Northumberland
Now that the evenings are getting longer and the days are getting sunnier (on the whole), there is more time to spend outdoors. We love getting out in the countryside or on the amazing beaches, but sometimes, if you have only have an hour or so, a playground is the answer.
I think Northumberland has some of the most picturesque playgrounds in the country — whilst you’re pushing the swings, you can get a chance to breathe in the views!
Here are just a few ideas — let me know other good ones I haven’t included.
Longframlington playground at King Georges Playing Field, NE65 8HU
Apparently modelled on the Simonside Hills this is a great playground for all ages. Swings, slides, sea-saws, an obstacle course and monkey bars. Adult get-fit equipment has also just been added and there is a concrete and grass football pitch too. Maybe a good idea to take wellies along as sometimes it does get a bit muddy (especially if you fall in one of the moats!).
The delicious Running Fox bakery and the brilliant David Carr village shop are handily only a minutes walk away — so you can stock up on hot drinks and snacks. Be warned though that there aren’t any toilets in the park.
If you head there on a Tuesday night, you’ll find the fantastic Flying Fryer in the car park serving fish and chips between 4pm and 7pm.
Swarland Playground at Vyner Park NE65 9BQ
This is a great playground for all weathers and all ages. It’s got a zip wire, swings, big and small slides and even a little house you can serve pretend ice-cream from. And even better, it’s next to Nelson’s cafe, so you can buy actual ice-cream (and drinks and amazing food) — and pop to the toilet.
It’s covered in wood chip so handily doesn’t get muddy — very useful if you’ve got a crawler. Oh and those views — when you’re pushing the swings you can see the sea!
There are also tennis courts (lessons for children on a Friday), a big field for running or kicking a ball and some adult get-fit equipment.
Nelson’s is closed on a Tuesday but open every other day from 10am until 5pm.
Rothbury Park Playground by the river
So this playground wins best view! Gorgeous views of the Simonside Hills and of the river Coquet. The playground is lovely too — perhaps better for smaller children. There are swings, a lovely double slide area for small ones and some balance beams, as a well a climbing net.
There are toilets but these are closed over the winter months so always a good idea to stop off at Tomlinsons Cafe and Bunk House first to stock up on drinks and snacks and use facilities. After visiting the playground head up the river for a lovely riverside walk or stand on the bridge to play pooh sticks or feed the ducks.
Morpeth playground in Carlisle Park NE61 1PR
There are lots of play areas in Carlisle Park — so something to suit all ages. There’s a giant slide, roundabout, swings, a sandpit and even a paddling pool in the summer (opens end of May).
There are pop up cafe kiosks and handy toilets nearby and the rest of the park is lovely to wander around on a sunny day.
Paddlers Park, Gordon Villas, Amble NE65 0AU
This is a sweet playground right next to the sea — so once again one with wonderful views. It’s fairly recently had a complete refurbishment so all the equipment is lovely and there are sprinklers in the summer so make sure you come prepared with swimming costumes and towels. Handily the very delicious Spurrelis ice cream parlour is nearby or pop into Dolly’s and Daisy’s tearoom on Queen Street. There are toilets on the harbour.
Pond Field play area nr Alnmouth station (Hipsburn) South View, NE66 3PZ
This is a great playground — with equipment to suit all ages, a lovely stream (Hipburn) that you can paddle in and even rope swings over the stream. You can also wave at the trains going past! It’s easy to miss and parking can be tricky — but it’s less than a 5 minute walk from Alnmouth train station so very handy if you’re picking up or dropping off.
There are picnic tables and places to put picnic blankets out — best to bring your own food as there isn’t really a cafe nearby — there is a tea/coffee kiosk at the station or head to The Station Buffet at Barter Books in Alnwick or head down to The Old School Gallery in Alnmouth if you’re after food.
