Top Ten Days Out Part 2: The North & Scotland

Quick loans from Loans 2 Go can help you enjoy days out this summer.

In our mini series “Top Ten Days Out” we are looking at fun days out this summer in different parts of the country.  Having covered the Midlands in our previous post, today we look at what’s available in northern England and Scotland.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but should give you some wide-ranging ideas about exciting things to do this summer!

National Railway Museum, York

This is one of the best free museums in the country!  Highlights include Queen Victoria’s railway carriage, Mallard – once the fastest steam train in the world, a Chinese locomotive and a Japanese bullet train. There is also a model railway, outdoor play area and train-ride simulator.  There is also a sister site in Shildon which has a Stirling Single from 1870 and also family train rides.

Both sites are open 10:00-17:00 during the summer, and admission is free.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

This 14th-century castle is perhaps best known as one of the locations for the Harry Potter films.  Many of the events and activities that are included in the admission price – such as broomstick training workshops – therefore reflect this.  Visitors can also participate in medieval dressing up sessions and tours of the state rooms and grounds.

Opening times are 10:00-17:00 and prices are £25.10 for adults and £10.40 for children.

Chester Zoo, Cheshire

This zoo houses over 11,000 animals in 110 acres of gardens.  It’s newly opened Islands section recreates the habitats of six south-east Asian islands.   Newest arrivals are two incredibly rare Eastern black rhino calves who were born within days of each other and are thankfully boosting global numbers of the critically endangered species.   Summer activities include guided tours of the zoo and Play dates organised by the rangers.

Summer opening times 10:00-18:00.   Ticket prices from £20 adults, £16 child, but cheaper online.

National Media Museum, West Yorkshire

This museum celebrates the world of photography, cinema and television.  It features seven floors of interactive galleries and offers a range of family events, including drop-in sessions and guided tours.  It also has a unique “Life Online” gallery, dedicated to the development and cultural impact of the internet.

Open daily from 10:00-18:00, admission free.

Crathes Castle and Gardens, Aberdeenshire

This magical turreted 16th century castle boasts an intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings.  It is set within glorious gardens and also features an Adventure playground, Go Ape tree top course, family trails, children’s quizzes and picnic areas.  You will be able to see a rich variety of wildlife along its several trails, including roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons.

Open daily from 10:00-17:00.  Ticket prices £12.50 per adult or £29.50 for a family

Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Lancashire

One of the UK’s oldest theme parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach now spreads over 42 acres and includes Nickelodeon Land, home to 12 amazing rides.   Popular rides include the Avalanche, Big Dipper, Grand National and The Big One – Europe’s tallest roller coaster at 235 feet.

Summer opening times: 10:00-17:00.  Day’s wristband prices £32.50 for adults, £29.50 for children – but discounts available for advance and online booking.

Beamish Museum, County Durham

Beamish covers 300 acres of rural land and contains reconstructed houses, shops and heritage buildings showing what life was like in north-east England between the 19th and 20th centuries.  A particular highlight is the colliery village complete with pit cottages.   There are plenty of interactive activities and visitors can get around the site by tram.

Summer opening times are 10:00-17:00.  Ticket prices are £18.50 for adults,  £10.50 for children

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

This 150 mile stretch of wall features some superb Roman forts and museums, particularly between Brampton and Hexham.  There are also fascinating findings along the way such as shoes and jewellery at Vindolanda.  Also look out for the Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum and the Roman Army Museum.

Price: combined ticket family £32. Opening times for Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum are 10:00-18:00 daily.  Combined ticket prices for Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum are adults £10.50 and children £6.  Tickets for Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum are £4.95 for adults, under 16s free.

The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Stirling

This centre was opened in 2014 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.  It uses 3D technology to recreate the sights and sounds of medieval battle.  Visitors can participate in the Battle Game –  an interactive test of strategy –  and Battle Show, a demonstration of how the battle was won.

Summer opening times 10:00 till 17:30.  Ticket prices are adult £11.50; child £8.50.  It is essential to  family £30.50. It is essential to pre-book if you want to participate in the game or the show.

Honister Slate Mine, Cumbria

This is one of the Lake District’s last working slate mines.  It features the “Infinity Bridge” gorge crossing – at a height of 1,200 feet – and also various mountain activities including a Via Ferrrata climb using the original Miners track up the steep outer incline of Fleetwith Pike.

Opening times 9:00-17:00.  Ticket prices for Infinity Bridge are £11.95 for adults, £8.95 for children:  Via Ferrata prices £35 for adults, £25 for children.  You need to pre-book for tours and activities.

Enjoy the summer and – if you are in northern England or Scotland – why not visit one or more of the above attractions?   If funds are a little short you could consider a quick loan from Loans 2 Go.  When we say quick we mean it – our aim is to have the money in your account within 60 minutes of your loan being approved: so you will then be all ready to enjoy a fabulous day out!