How to spend four nights at Slaley Hall

Joining us for our Four-Night Family Escape? Or just fancy a longer getaway? You’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Northumberland.
Read on for our itinerary suggestions. 

Fast-paced fun
Perfect for families who want to see and do everything while still sneaking some relaxation.

Day 1 – Romans, walls & family fun

Morning
Break up your journey with a stop at Hadrian's Wall. You can walk along the UNESCO World Heritage Site and pay a visit to Vindolanda Roman fort or the Roman Army Museum to learn more about this fascinating period of history. Fancy both? Save with a combined ticket.

Afternoon
Arrive at Slaley Hall and check in. There’s plenty of time to explore your room and the grounds before heading for a refreshing swim.

Evening
Head to the bar in time for Family Happy Hour with games and mocktails available.

Then it’s time for dinner, where you can pick from our summer menu. Afterwards, unwind at our family film showing or make the most of light nights for a play in the grounds.

Day 2 – Alnwick adventure day

Morning
Today is all about exploring stunning Alnwick – home to the famous Alnwick Castle – or Hogwarts, as it is sometimes known  –  and the gorgeous Alnwick Garden. Fuel up at breakfast first, including plenty of waffles from the make-your own station.
Then it’s on to the castle where you can enjoy broomstick training and the interactive Dragon Quest adventure. You’ll recognise the exterior from the Harry Potter films.

Afternoon
Just next door to the castle you’ll find The Alnwick Garden. Kids will love playing on the mini tractors in front of the impressive fountains, playing the water maze and exploring the spooky Poison Garden.

Evening
You’ll be ready for dinner in our restaurant after a busy day. If you don’t want to head straight to bed after, join us for film night – some evenings in the summer we’ll be hosting outdoors under the stars.

Day 3 – Adrenaline & activities

Morning
You don’t have to travel far to get a dose of dopamine - the exciting Allout Adventures is based in our grounds. Choose from an array of adrenaline-pumping activities including archery, quad biking and axe throwing.
Or, if you want to try something different, why not have a go at geocaching – a real-world treasure hunt where you can find hidden caches at specific coordinates. There are plenty hidden around Northumberland, with some in Slaley Forest itself. Sign up for a free account here and get hunting.

Afterwards, relax with a picnic lunch prepped by our chefs.

Afternoon
The afternoon is all about making use of the hotel facilities. Explore the vast hotel grounds including forests and trails, take on your fellow family members at the TrackMan driving range, and head for a swim.

Mum or dad may even be able to sneak in a spa visit…

Evening
We’ll be hosting special pizza nights across the summer – perfect for relaxed family dining. If the kids want to run wild why not enjoy dinner alfresco so you can unwind while they play?
Later, grab a spot around our firepit - s'mores anyone?

Day 4 – Coast & castles

Morning
Beat the rush and be early for breakfast – you’ll want to set off early for a day visiting Bamburgh. In the morning, enjoy a slice of history at Bamburgh Castle, climb the battlements for impressive views and crack clues on the Castle Quest. 

Afternoon
It’s time to head to the dunes and spend the afternoon on the beach. The wide flat sand is perfect for cricket and sandcastles while the water is very tempting. Don’t miss the ice cream shop in the village for a mid-afternoon snack.

Evening
After dinner, why not challenge the family to a board game tournament in one of our cosy lounge spaces.

Day 5 – One last adventure

After one last breakfast it’s time to squeeze in an adventure on the way home.

If you’re northbound, Kielder Forest is the perfect place to blow off steam with a Gruffalo Trail, bike hire and woodland sculptures. 
Heading south? Raby Castle and The Plotters' Forest is a great option, with a giant adventure playground and deer park to explore.

Rainy day options

Perfect for when the weather doesn’t get the memo. But don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor options you can swap into your itinerary.

Beamish Museum – with plenty of covered areas this living museum is the perfect place to escape sudden showers. Walk through historic streets, interact with interesting characters from times gone by and learn traditional skills.

BattleKart Gateshead – Ready, set, go. Like real-life Mario Kart, this is the perfect activity for teens or older children who are prone to saying “I’m bored”.

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre – Learn about the stunning landscape from the inside. The Discovery Centre houses exhibitions and more, plus there’s a playground for when the sun comes out. 

Life Science Centre, Newcastle - Kids can enjoy exciting hands-on science experiments and interactive exhibits. They can explore the amazing planetarium, discover fascinating facts about the human body and space, and have fun learning through play.

Roman Army Museum – Perfect for getting your Roman-fix if it’s too wet for a long stroll along Hadrian’s Wall. There’s even a classroom with a holographic Roman teacher.

Old Gaol, Hexham – Just minutes from the hotel. Step back in time and discover what life was like in one of England's oldest purpose-built prisons.

Woodhorn Museum - Explore the old pit buildings, see the huge mining machinery, and discover what life was like for mining families in Northumberland.