Northumberland has been classed as one of the best areas in Britain for child-friendly nature trips.
A study, by childcare and education expert Little Ones London, looked at Tripadvisor ratings and reviews of the UK’s top outdoor locations with the best green spaces for youngsters.
The research showed that Cumbria was the greenest outdoor area for children, with the most natural venues – 15 in total, including lakes, hiking trails, nature and wildlife areas as well as a national park. Devon in Southwest England was second on the list, followed by the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall and Kent.
Read More: Top 20 parks in the North East according to Tripadvisor ratings
Northumberland comes in at number six with eight outdoor sites highlighted as being good for children, including the Northumberland National Park, the Northumberland coast and birds of prey centres.
Praising the Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre at Haggerston, one reviewer said: "We visited the bird of prey centre as a family with our four-year-old and one-year-old daughter. The staff are friendly and make you feel relaxed."
And a visitor to the Northumberland coast added: "What a fabulous place for the holiday with our granddaughters and two Labradoodles."
A spokesperson from Little Ones London said: "The UK is home to so much beautiful nature, and it’s great to see so many areas that offer families with little ones the opportunity to explore beautiful parks, wildlife areas and nature trails. In an increasingly tech-obsessed world, these spaces are a great way to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with nature."
Britain's best child-friendly nature outdoor areas
(Rank, green outdoor area, total number of child-friendly green outdoor venues)
1. Cumbria - 15
2. Devon - 13
3. Scottish Highlands - 13
4. Cornwall - 11
5. Kent - 10
6. Northumberland - 8
7. Hampshire - 7
8. North Yorkshire - 7
9. Shropshire - 7
10. Gloucestershire - 6
The 8 Northumberland sites highlighted in the study
- Northumberland National Park
- Embleton Bay
- Ferny Rigg Alpacas
- Andy Howeys Birds of Prey Centre
- The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Kielder Water Bird of Prey Centre
- Falconry Days
- College Valley Estate
