OUT AND ABOUT
Whether you’re staying in the Wigwam Village at Pot-a-Doodle Do, or in the surrounding area, you’ll be delighted to discover and explore the true beauty and glorious history of North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
Of course with so much to do at Pot-a Doodle Do you’re already spoilt for choice with lots of activities for all the family, including; creating unique personalised ceramic, glass and mosaics in our Art Studio; having fun outside in the safe enclosed children’s play area; browsing for goodies, essentials and souvenirs in the shop; or just relaxing with good food and good company in the licensed Café Bistro.
Start your day of exploration and discovery in the Pot-a-Doodle Do Café Bistro with a cooked breakfast and delicious coffee as you plan your itinerary for the day. There really is so much to see and do locally that you’ll need several days to fit it all in! For history and architecture buffs Northumberland is a true gem, dotted with ancient castles and Georgian houses of great standing and grandeur.
Here’s a fantastic video to show you what to expect when you visit Berwick.
History
Shopping
Leisure/activities for all
Did you know that Northumberland boasts more castles and fortified houses than any other English county? Many of these are open to visitors and make a great day out.
One of the most photographed icons of the region is Lindisfarne Castle on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and within a 15 minute drive, you can be greeted with the magnificent Bamburgh Castle with its links to Arthurian Legend and it’s very own dragon legend, the romantic cliff-top ruin of Dunstanburgh and not forgetting Alnwick Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland and made famous as the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Alnwick is also the location of the Alnwick Garden, open to the public every day except Christmas day.
Here you will find the largest treehouse in Europe, a poison garden, a spectacular grand cascade and numerous other things to delight the green fingered can be greeted with the magnificent Bamburgh Castle with its links to Arthurian Legend and it’s very own dragon legend, the romantic cliff-top ruin of Dunstanburgh and not forgetting Alnwick Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Northumberland and made famous as the location of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies.
As well as things to see and visit, there are also plenty of things to do – angling, golf, walking, cycling and of course – bird spotting..
If you wish to do some regional shopping or are stuck on what to do on a rainy day then there are plenty of places for you to undertake some retail therapy!
Berwick upon Tweed is our closest town which is less than 5 minutes drive from the site and has a whole host of amenities including a retail park next to McDonalds which includes an Aldi, Morrisons, Greggs, KFC and Costa coffee. Alternatively if you head slightly further South you will reach Alnwick which is a country market town well worth visiting.
Further afield and heading south on the A1 is Metrocentre – Britain’s best and Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centres which has everything you could possibly need for the perfect day out. With almost 330 shops including major department stores such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer, Metrocentre has something for everyone all under one roof. From top European retailers offering unique brands to price conscious stores to suit all pockets, Metrocentre has it all
As well as free parking, late night shopping and 7 day a week opening times, Metrocentre is home to 50 restaurants, many open late into the evening, and also leisure attractions – ensuring complete enjoyment for all! All with free parking, late night opening and open seven days a week.
In Newcastle itself as well as a busy and vibrant High Street you have Eldon Square which is the heart of shopping in Newcastle featuring an impressive list of over 150 high street names and specialist shops including Debenhams, Fenwick, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, world famous brands including Apple, Guess and Hollister and flagship stores for New Look, River Island and Topshop. You will also be spoilt for choice when deciding where to eat, drink and relax during your visit with an exciting choice of cafés and restaurants including Esquires Coffee, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Starbucks Coffee, Strada, Wagamama and more
Market days in Berwick upon Tweed
There are many local markets where you could find a wide range of items for sale. You can visit a local market on the following days.
WEDNESDAY – Berwick at Marygate Charter Market, Morpeth at the Market Place
THURSDAY – Alnwick located at the Market Place, Haltwhistle at the Market square
For lovers of the great outdoors and all things sporting, Northumberland is the perfect holiday destination for you!
There are many brilliant local golf courses, notably at Berwick, Bamburgh, and Alnwick, where the scenery is breath-taking. The region is crossed by many well-marked walks including The Cuthbert Way, and is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all levels of fitness. You can even take a ride on horseback across the sands to Holy Island when the tide is out; for the more adventurous there is quad biking as well.
If you want to spend your precious holiday time relaxing try trout and salmon fishing in the world famous Tweed river, bird and wildlife watching, or just chilling out with a picnic on one of the many golden sandy beaches.
Berwick Leisure Centre The new centre features a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and leisure pool and spa facilities. There is also fitness studios, indoor bowls hall, a cafe and a sensory room. Outside features a 3G full-size playing pitch, play park and trim trail.
Berwick Boat Trips Take a trip on The Border Belle out to the estuary where you will see seabirds, seals and possibly dolphins. Learn some history of Berwick upon Tweed from the captain. Other trips include Seafari, Sunset tour, 3 Bridges up the River Tweed. Dogs are welcome.
Greystones Activities Are a family-run business based in Berwick-Upon-Tweed running fun activities from rock climbing to beach adventures.
Active 4 Seasons Canoe and kayak guiding and coaching in North Northumberland run by Ollie.
Eastlinks The ideal family and children’s day out where the adults have as much fun as the kids! Situated just outside Dunbar in East Lothian. A great day out for all.
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre Hay Farm is now the only Rare Breed Conservation Centre in the Country, which is dedicated to the Heavy Horses. Not only will visitors see the Great Clydesdale Horses, but also other animals which would have been common place in the era of the working horse.
Whitehouse Farm Centre with indoor and outdoor play facilities; hands on animal petting and feeding sessions; loads of creatures to visit with and lots of it under cover, this is an all weather treat that ticks all the boxes!
Chain Bridge Honey Farm Family friendly working bee farm, with a great visitor centre from which you can learn and observe the foundations of the work. A most popular display is the observation hive where a living colony of bees can be viewed behind glass.
Berwick Leisure Centre The new centre features a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and leisure pool and spa facilities. There is also fitness studios, indoor bowls hall, a cafe and a sensory room. Outside features a 3G full-size playing pitch, play park and trim trail and parking for 175 cars.
Alnwick Castle A worthwhile experience from several angles: historically significant and luxuriantly furnished with antiques plus art and artefact exhibits on the one hand, and an adventurous Knight’s Quest adventure full of immersive interactive activities from the dress up through to the dragon!
Bamburgh Castle dominates this part of the beautiful Northumberland coast and is perfect for exploring with the kids. There are 14 public areas to tour, live archaeological excavations to watch and loads of fascinating history to learn!
Heatherslaw Light Railway A weatherproof or sun loving 15 inch gauge steam rail ride, with fully enclosed, partly glazed, and fully open carriage options! Travel alongside the River Till and do some otter spotting or jump off at the stations and explore!
Cocklawburn beach Is the closest beach near to our glamping site. A very beautiful and quiet beach.
The Alnwick Garden One of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century, it is a magical landscape of unique gardens, features and structures, with walkways in the sky, rope bridges and a Woodland Walk.
Bamburgh Beach Miles of sandy beach looking up at Bamburgh Castle. Swimming, surfing and windsurfing permitted but no lifeguard cover. A walk to the south may reveal seals!
Northumberlandia Explore the 4 miles of trails around the body of an enormous lady reclining on the countryside, sculpted from 1.5 million tonnes of ground! With visitor centre, cafe and friendly experts to chat with, this is a walk you simply won’t forget. Unique!
Eyemouth Whether you’re visiting for a few hours, a day, or longer, there are plenty of things to do especially at the harbour, and the nearby scenic countryside. A great place to visit if you’re going on a Scottish road trip or visiting the Scottish Borders.
Edinburgh With its grand castle, dungeon and world famous festival, Edinburgh is a big tourist attraction. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.
