Kielder Forest — Attraction in Great Britain

We spent a week at Kielder waterside in a Beech spa lodge. The accommodation was fab, and included great space and facilities for the whole family. The hot tub was fab, although not the most private. The outdoor furniture was sturdy and there was a chimney and space for barbeque on the patio. Each night we saw a fox which seemed to scout round the lodges. There is absolutely no mobile phone signal, but there is a landline in the lodge and the WiFi is adequate to get emails, and check out things on Google. The activities on site were great and kept both our kids (5 & 8) happy. Free swimming, golf, gym and nature tracking as well as paid activities were great. Towels are provided for swimming. The weather was pretty poor all week, we managed a couple of dry days where we went walking and paid a visit to Alnwick Castle. We walked the trails round the lake (only in part) rather than cycled due to our youngest not being the strongest on her bike. But there are cycles with attachments to hire though so you can take the little ones without them pedalling the whole route. There was a PS4 in the lodge and games to swap at reception. Scrabble in the lodge too. The kitchen was well equipped. Parking is not directly attached to the lodges (although unfortunately not everyone sticks to that), there are labelled spaces within a short walk from each lodge. Unfortunately even though we had wet weather, due to the dry summer we've had the lake water level was low so the ferry wasn't running. This would have been free for us staying on site. Be prepared for a drive to get anywhere from the lake, especially if any roads are closed. We ordered a Tesco delivery for food without any problems. If you order in advance of arrival and don't know your lodge number the reception will send the van in the correct direction. Although we booked it once on site and it was delivered without issue. The site shop is 24 hours and sells basic fresh good including lactose free milk (although no soya unfortunately). The uncooked meats are frozen but reasonably priced. There is a small supply of medicines and pantry goods. Nice fresh bread and cakes, including gluten free cakes and biscuits. Smidge can be bought in the shop but 2 bottles were provided in our lodge which was great. The shop also sells gifts too and children's wear. The bar, The Boat Inn, serves food 12-3 and 5-8.30, the bar is open until 10pm. Food is decent and in good portion size. Gluten free pizzas available although they fry everything together so although they say chips etc gluten free we didn't risk it. There is a bouncy pillow in the back garden of the bar, and soft play and pool table in the bar too. We got a table but many tables were reserved so probably advisable to book if you definitely want a space. Staff were friendly and helpful, including offering tasting of food when we weren't sure if it would be ok for...

As far as man made forests go and their real impact on the environment making soil / waterways acidic... let's face it.... We would rather see more diversity ...not just in the trees but in the wildlife too.....kielder is midgie hell for all of the summer and autumn months and also mid spring.

However, what would we do without these green spaces? And if you time your visit just right ...mid afternoon or on a breezy day.... if you're intending to keep moving Or invest in a bushware full face midget suit. Cost around £15.... Then you should be able to smile in the face of the little critters.... And know that you made the wisest choice.

Keep to the paths or the going will get tough... If you don't, make sure you have come prepared, prepared to spend a week out in the abyss if you get lost. Either way, there's much to see.... Ancient listed ruins caves shelters and shieldings. Metholic burial mounds, art sculptures, The second biggest man made reservoir in Europe! Stocked with fish and yes these too have been tampered with by man ... Modified in such a way they cannot breed ....only be caught and ate! But still it makes a boating trip on the lake A lot of fun. And yes, these rainbow trout do taste delicious. Lots of cycle tracks, attractions too....skyspace and some random quarter of a million pounds lottery funded 10m concrete Dome with a hole in it for artistically observing the stars with philosophy and moments to be shared. It's a place where you would visit and like, but it prompts a much more realistic. Wilder and vivid imagination. Free moments all around! And perhaps that's just the point and that's exactly how...

Massive country park set on the northern edge of Northumberland. It encompasses open farm land, forests and villages alike. In the middle is Kielder water which has a great water sports centre on the southern bank, close to Kielder village. There is a visitors centre & cafe there too, with great views across the water. Kielder village has a pub & shop (what more could you ask for) & nearby are several camp sites, as well as the Kielder Observatory. The area us famed for its lack of night time light pollution & is said to be one of the best areas for star gazing in the country. Nearby is Kielder Castle & visitors centre. Unfortunately it was closed when we got there but it certainly looked impressive again the water & forest backdrop. We are thinking of returning there next year for a week at obe of the camp sites, there is so much to do with forest trails for walking & cycling, but are advised to go earlier in the year as the midges can be over powering after May. The forest drive running the the whole way through the park is 12 miles from the northern edge, just off the A68 south of the Scottish border, through to the centre and it's Gruffalo forest all the way! It's a fantastic drive that takes hours if you stop at every breathtaking opportunity, which I'm sure you'll want to. It is an unmade road though, so a bit bumpy & very dusty. It's also a toll road but worth it for the experience. There's a small information centre at the northern end with loos, information boards & picnic tables next to the beautiful river Rede. All in all, a...