DESTINATIONS FAMILY HOLIDAYS |UK
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Suggest clients with kids take a boat trip to the nearby Farne
Islands, home to puffins, seals and Arctic terns
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Sycamore Gap; Atlantic puffins, Farne Islands; Housesteads Roman Fort; writer
Cathy with children May and Zac PICTURES: Shutterstock/David Steele, Riska Parakeet, Droneworksnortheast
Northumberland, making this year a fantastic time for clients to visit. Family events being held include a Roman-themed summer explorers’ quest, outdoor theatre and even a Roman army school as part of a Big Birthday Bash at Vindolanda.
OPEN SPACE Despite this anniversary and the fascinating historic attractions, nowhere on our family trip to Northumberland is busy. And that’s one of the joys of visiting England’s quietest county with children. We relish having Vindolanda,
one of Europe’s most important Roman archaeological sites, practically to ourselves. May marvels at the sheer size of it saying, “We’ll never get around this, mummy, it’s huge.” But soon enough, she’s darting around every corner, peeking into the spot where archaeologists and volunteers are hard at work (excavation work is taking place here on weekdays until September 23). The Vindolanda writing tablets are a standout discovery: the
34 26 MAY 2022
thin pieces of wood are some of the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.
OWLS AND RABBITS As dusk sets in and we arrive at our accommodation in nearby Kielder Forest, we really begin to appreciate the natural setting, with its wide-open, wildlife-filled spaces. Rabbits scamper on the banks and owls hoot above us in the tall, spindly trees as we drift off to sleep. “I’ve spotted 33 rabbits so far,” Zac boasts on his way to bed. And sightings continue the following morning as we stroll along Kielder Water’s Lakeside Way. Bird-obsessed May is impressed with how close pink-breasted chaffinches and sunshine yellow siskins dare to perch. “Wait until I tell granny,” she says gleefully. Here we walk to Freya’s Cabin, one of several art and architecture installations dotted around the man-made lake. A fantastic spot to visit with children, the golden hut has been constructed like a flower press and looks across
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FAMILY EVENTS IN 2022
E Militaria Exhibition Until October 31 Roman Army Museum Marvel at this range of well-preserved Roman military equipment never seen in public before, including decorative brooches that belonged to soldiers and a complete legionary helmet.
E Hadrian’s Wall Summer Explorer Quest July 23 to September 4 Chesters Roman Fort This Roman-themed quest, perfect for families, has children following a trail around Chester’s Roman Fort, cracking clues as a team.
E Roman Falconry July 26-27 Chesters Roman Fort This one is for animal lovers – a chance to witness majestic falconry displays while learning just why birds were so important to the Romans.
E Roman’s Return: Big Birthday Bash August 27-28 Roman Vindolanda, Hexham Vindolanda Trust’s 50th anniversary celebration has something for everybody. From dressing as a Roman soldier to witnessing military displays, families can step back in time to the second century AD to experience Roman life in Britain.
E Festival of Saturnalia December 17-23 Expect Saturnalia-inspired performances along the wall, inspired by the Romans’ December festivities. Saturnalia, which marked midwinter and honoured agricultural god Saturn, influenced how we celebrate Christmas today.
Discover more events:
1900.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk
By Bryony Gooch
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