AFFORDABLE fun can be found in every picturesque corner of the North East with a windswept coastline that is perfect for scenic walks and bargain grub from markets.
If you want to be close to those coastal walking paths and sandy shores, Parkdean Resorts’ Creswell Towers in Northumberland is close to a sandy shore.
For something a little more off-grid, Parkdean’s Whitley Bay further north along the coast is ideal for a rural getaway, tucked away near a quiet beach but still within driving distance of the buzzing hubbub of Newcastle.
FUN FOR UNDER A FIVER
JUST north of Newcastle city centre, Parklands Golf in High Gosforth Park has an 18-hole mini golf course with synthetic putting greens, obstacles and water features that even experienced golfers will love getting stuck into. It costs just £15 per family for one game (see newcastle-racecourse.co.uk).
A 40-minute drive from Parkdean’s Creswell Towers is Alnwick Gardens with a magnificent bamboo labyrinth intricate sculptures and mighty trees.
Entry to the garden is from £12.10 per adult, but with that you can bring up to four children under 16 in for free — which works out as under £3pp (see alnwickgarden.com).
CHEAP EATS AND DRINKS
AROUND Whitley Bay you are spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap grub.
Dil & The Bear in Tynemouth serves homemade bagels, cakes, salads and tarts in a charming setting. Adults can tuck into Cuban pulled porked ciabatta for £9.25, served with pickled cabbage and mustard mayo, while little ones can nibble on sandwiches and crisps for £4.25.
Those nearer Creswell won’t want to miss Mykonos At The Drift, a Greek restaurant which opened only in spring last year and has had rave reviews.
Sample lots of small plates or from £25pp you can treat yourself to a seriously huge platter of mezze goodies like chicken souvlaki, courgette fritters and spanakopita.
BARGAIN BEACH DAYS
THE picturesque Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland probably offers more fun than any other stretch of sand in the North East.
That is partly down to the mighty Bamburgh Castle, on a grassy hill overlooking the sands and backed by dunes.
This blustery shoreline is ideal for playing beach games and its waves attract surfers each summer.
A visit to the castle is a must while you are there. It hosts events during the year, including an exhibition of the props and costumes from Netflix hit The Last Kingdom, which reopens on February 10.
Entry to the castle is £8.50 per child aged five to 16 and £17 per adult, while under fives go free (see bamburghcastle.com).
AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS
THERE is something for all at Go Ape Newcastle (goape.co.uk). Axe throwing? Sure. Tree-top obstacle courses? Absolutely. Exhilarating zip lines? You bet.
There is also a picnic area — so remember to bring a packed lunch so you can soak up the scenery.
FREE FOR ALL
NEWCASTLE’S Discovery Museum (discoverymuseum.org.uk) has free entry and is packed with exhibitions the kids will love.
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How do I book Hols From £9.50?
There are THREE ways to book our Holidays from £9.50:
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- Book online: Collect FIVE codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, January 6 to Thursday, January 25. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
- Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect FIVE Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, January 6 to Thursday, January 25. Then enter or scan the code on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
- Book by post: You can also collect FIVE of the tokens printed in The Sun each day. Cut the token out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, January 6 – or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Terms and Conditions: Price per person based on four sharing. Multiple token/code collect. Subject to availability. Price guarantee based on four people sharing, excluding extras/upgrades . Date restrictions apply. See full Terms & Conditions here.