I'll be visiting relatives near Hadrian's Wall (which we have visited often in the past) between Christmas and the New Year when 2 of my daughters will celebrate their birthdays (they'll be 10 and 7). Any suggestions for a great day out for Harry Potter fans who are tom-boyish and like history-they like knights/ castles/ climbing/swimming. We are coming from Ireland so have lots of long walks in wild places at home and Alnwick castle is closed.

Check out the Life Science Center in Newcastle, it looks fantastic, (although have yet to visit). 'LIFE - It's fun learning about it . Discover just how truly amazing LIFE is. Meet your 4 billion year old family, explore what makes us all different, test your brainpower and enjoy the thrill of he crazy motion ride. Experience it yourself and have the time of your life!'Plus there is an open air iceskating rink. www.lifesciencecentre.org.uk Hope this helps, Take the Family Team

My mother recently visited 'The Alnick Garden' in Northumberland, which is near the Alnick Castle. It is a charitable trust, who have made the most amazing garden with incredible things in it!. http://www.alnwickgarden.com/ It would be fantastic for kids. Amongst other attractions it has the worlds largest treehouse, (which you can also arrange to have Christmas dinner in from 1st-24th Dec!), the grand cascade (amazing fountains and massive tiered structure with 7,260 gallons of water per minute), poison garden, woodland walk, bamboo labyrinth and loads more. From what I heard it has all kinds of things for those interested in science and nature, (adults and kids), is a real feat of engineering, and a gobsmacking day out. Have a look....I hear even the toilets are amazing! There are loads of things on over Christmas, Carol singing from ENORMOUS choirs, father xmas, special screenings of the Snowman, lantern making or Boxing Day Jazz brunch! and lots more. If you visit, please post how you get on, as I am desperate to go myself, with or without the kids!

By the way...DO take a change of clothes to Alnick Garden for the kids, (and yourselves if necessary), as they are likely to get wet! There is a lovely Cafe there too, as well as the Treehouse, both of which would be perfect for a birthday brunch, lunch or tea! Why not email them to see what they are able to organise for you?