Riverview Retreats

When you fancy a quick potter down to somewhere nice, Oak Tree Animals' Charity (35 minutes’ walk) is just the place close by. There’s a woodland and play area for kids to do what kids do, with cake and tea available in the tearoom for afterwards. Of course, with the Lake District National Park half an hour’s drive away, day trips to lakes, waterfalls and mountains might be on your radar already. Perhaps you’ll want to zoom down to Aira Force Waterfall (40 minutes' drive) or to Ullswater (40 minutes) for sailing, kayak tours or the canoe trail. Mountains are ready for hiking here, from Helvellyn’s (50 minutes) scenic Striding Edge walk to the steep ascents up Skiddaw (an hour) and the Jenkin Hill Path on this mountain, once used by Victorians and their ponies. Hadrian's Wall (35 minutes) dates back much further, as this 73-mile coast-to-coast wall was built by the Romans. Housesteads Fort (40 minutes), just one of the remaining turrets and towns along the way, has Roman barrack blocks and a hospital to seek out. You may also like to check out Lowther Castle & Gardens (40 minutes), medieval ruins that now have gardens, an adventure playground and bicycle hire.