Experience new passions on your Northumberland holiday

We’ve always said that holidays are precious, a chance for some downtime and to escape to something special, where time with family or friends, away from life’s humdrum or hecticness, could actually make a refreshing difference.

It is also an opportunity to discover experiences you may have always wanted to try but can’t find the time. Maybe you’d love to fly a plane or want to hone your horseriding skills. Here are six Northumberland experiences that could stay with you long after your holiday has ended.

Take to the skies and see Northumberland from the air

‘Learning to fly is the ultimate freedom’, according to Purple Aviation, a flight experience provider in Eshott, Northumberland. Flight experiences range from 30 minutes to three hours and all include the opportunity to take control of the aircraft with the instructor safely at hand. It’s also a chance to see Northumberland’s fantastic coastline and magnificent castles from above.

Try stand-up paddleboarding in Beadnell

Beadnell Bay is known for it watersports and you may be familiar with kitesurfing and kayaking, but have you thought about trying stand up paddleboarding. An offshoot of surfing that originally started in Hawaii, stand up paddleboarding is becoming more and more popular and can be enjoyed easily with family or friends. KA Kitesurfing runs sessions around the Beadnell coast or on Northumberland’s rivers.

Learn to cook like a gourmet chef and then dine on the fruits of your labour

From bread and pasta-making to three course meals, with Mary Wilkins Cookery School you can enjoy a cook-off with friends or family in the comfort of your Retreat before sitting down to dine on your achievements. She also runs private classes for individuals who want to take their cooking to the next level.

Get crafty at a weaving workshop

Learn how to work a traditional loom to make a mat, cushion cover, wall hanging or table runner at one of Cornhill Crafts workshops. Using different kinds of wool, including local and rare Northumberland breeds, you can be inspired by the beautiful natural landscape of this county to create one-off pieces as a souvenir of your holiday.

Take to the sandy shores for some exhilarating horseriding

For experienced horse riders, Kimmerston Riding Centre will take you across the causeway to Holy Island (depending on tide times) where you can gallop across the white sands. This is a truly unique experience and definitely something for those who don’t normally get to ride at the coast.

Swim like a fish on an underwater scuba adventure

Whether it is your first time, or you are an experienced diver, there are some wonderful trips to undertake in Northumberland. Boards and Bikes run novice two-hour diving sessions with PADI-qualified instructors around Beadnell. Learn how to breathe underwater as well as some basic skills and safety rules. For more experienced divers, Farne Island Divers will take you out to the Farne Islands where you can dive with seals or see numerous wrecks on the seabed between Bamburgh and Beadnell.