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Alnwick Garden is surrounded by high walls hiding the landscape within. I had high expectations of this attraction, with a glossy impressive brochure and a tempting web site plus attendance at the RHS Tatton Flower Show I anticipated a real treat. we were up in Northumberland for a week and save the day of best weather to make the most of the gardens.

Set down an unassuming alleyway this hidden gem is run by people who openly like children of all ages. We have a 11 month old baby so turned up with a pram and the usual circus. Once sat down and set up with the excellent high chair the waitress appeared armed with some finger food for our baby which was wonderful. The staff were really welcoming and the food sensibly priced and wholesome, particularly the freshly made fruit smoothies.

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Housed in Alnwick's historic station buildings this fascinating book shop is a must even if you aren't really that much of a reader. Oozing with character this unique rustic book store has literally tens of thousands of second hand books for sale in a wonderful slightly eccentric surroundings. Cast your eye around and your will see model trains running above your head, the carpets are thread bare and the dust lays thick but this is part of what makes Barter Books so special.

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Adjacent to Embleton village golf course in Northumberland is a long sandy beach flanked by rolling unspoilt dunes. The shore gradually slopes so it is ideal for children and the shape of the bay protects from the wind. Add to this the superb aspect of Dunstanburgh Castle ruins and easy access with cheap parking (£1) and you have a superb combination which you would travel far to beat.

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The Policeman's Cottages are 3 self contained self catering cottages opposite the main Dunstanburgh Hotel in Embleton. They are new builds which really surpised us because they were totally in keeping with the old style of the surrounding buildings, really nice. We took a chance when booking because they hadn't been completed and no photos were available online.

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