Alnwick Castle  

(19 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  Link 

Alnwick Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK and a brilliant destination for a Scout adventure.   

Over the centuries it has played many roles from mighty medieval fortress and family home to wartime refuge, teaching college and world-famous film set.

Scouts can step back in time as they explore the castle’s rich history and learn about the dramatic lives of the Percy family, discovering who built the castle, why it was needed and how it has evolved through the ages.

Alnwick Castle is also perfect for a touch of movie magic. From Harry Potter to Downton Abbey, the castle and its grounds have featured in many well-known films and TV series. 

Bamburgh Castle

(35 miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)   Link 

Bamburgh Castle is a must-visit destination for Scouts exploring the Northumberland coast. Standing proudly above the sea, this award-winning fortress is known as the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg and offers over 3,000 years of dramatic history, adventure and breath-taking views.

Explore the mighty walls and discover historic treasures as you roam a landscape where every stone has a story to tell. Tales of Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Norman knights and legendary dragons bring the past to life, making Bamburgh an inspiring place for Scouts to learn, imagine and explore.

The castle’s story continues into more recent history. In 1894 it was bought by William George Armstrong a visionary inventor, industrialist and philanthropist who restored the castle and filled it with artwork, ceramics and objects he loved. Today, his legacy lives on through the castle’s charitable foundation.

Bamburgh is also rich in myths and legends. With thousands of years of occupation, the site is said to be home to ghost stories and ancient folklore, and is even linked to the legendary Sir Lancelot’s castle, Joyous Garde.

From its beginnings as an Anglo-Saxon citadel to an impenetrable Norman stronghold, Bamburgh Castle has been home to kings, witnessed key moments in British history, and was the first castle in the world to fall to gunpowder during the War of the Rosesm making it an unforgettable stop on any Scouting adventure.

Brinkburn Priory

(8 1/2  miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)   Link 

Brinkburn Priory is a peaceful and atmospheric historic site hidden in a wooded bend of the River Coquet, making it a great place for Scouts to explore and reflect. Founded in the 12th century, this former Augustinian monastery offers a glimpse into medieval life, with its beautifully restored church, cloister ruins and surrounding countryside. The quiet riverside setting is ideal for gentle walks, nature spotting and learning how monks once lived, worked and worshipped in harmony with the landscape. Brinkburn Priory is a calm and inspiring stop that combines history, nature and a sense of adventure off the beaten track. 

Cragside House and Gardens

(15 miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)   Link 

Cragside is arguably Northumberland’s most fascinating historic estate and a brilliant destination for Scouts who enjoy a mix of history, innovation and outdoor adventure. 

Located near Rothbury and not far from Selby Wood, it offers plenty to explore both indoors and out.

Cragside was built in the 19th century by Lord William Armstrong, a pioneering Victorian inventor and engineer. The main house is famous for being the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power, using water from the estate’s lakes and streams. As Scouts explore the house, they can discover early electrical lighting, water powered machinery and ingenious inventions that made Cragside a Victorian marvel far ahead of its time.

A key part of Cragside’s story is how Armstrong generated and stored power. The Battery House and associated power systems show how water and hydraulics were used to produce electricity, providing a fantastic real world example of science, engineering and sustainability that links well with Scouting skills and badges.

Beyond the house, Cragside is set within an extensive estate of gardens, woodlands and lakes. The impressive grounds offer miles of well marked walks, ranging from gentle routes to more challenging woodland trails. Scouts can enjoy exploring forests, spotting wildlife, walking beside lakes and waterfalls, and taking in wide ranging views across the Northumberland countryside.

A visit to Cragside makes an excellent Scout day out, combining hands on history, inspiring engineering and plenty of opportunity to get outdoors and explore together.

Bamburgh Beach 

(35 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  

Set beneath the dramatic backdrop of Bamburgh Castle, this wide sandy beach is perfect for classic seaside adventure. It offers plenty of space for games, exploration and coastal walks, with great opportunities for spotting seabirds and enjoying views across the Farne Islands. 

Druridge Bay  

(15 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  

Stretching for seven miles, Druridge Bay is one of the longest beaches in Northumberland and ideal for a full day of outdoor activity. Backed by dunes and nature reserves, it is a great place for beach walks, wildlife spotting and learning about coastal environments. 

Alnmouth Beach

(20 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  

Located at the mouth of the River Aln, Alnmouth Beach combines sand, dunes and estuary views in a more sheltered setting. It is well suited to younger sections, offering gentle walks, rock pooling and a picturesque village nearby for a relaxed but adventurous visit. 

The Farne Islands

(The harbour town of Sea Houses is 30 miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  

Farne Islands lie off the Northumberland coast and form a special wildlife haven managed as a National Nature Reserve, known for huge seabird colonies, grey seal populations and historic sites including old lighthouses and St Cuthbert’s Chapel. 

Boat trips from nearby Seahouses let you experience this spectacular archipelago up close, with options ranging from wildlife cruises around the islands to trips that land you on the shores to see puffins and seals at close quarters. Many tours also include expert commentary on the natural history and human stories of the Farnes, including Grace Darling’s heroic rescue heritage. 

Here are two popular operators where you can book your Farne Islands boat adventure:

Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
Golden Gate Farne Islands Boat Trips 

Northumberland Zoo

(10 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  Link

Northumberland Zoo is a family-run, not-for-profit wildlife park in the heart of Northumberland that’s perfect for a Scout day out filled with learning and adventure. The zoo is home to more than 80 different species, from tiny harvest mice to fluffy snow leopards, and offers plenty of opportunities to see fascinating animals up close while learning about their habitats and conservation.

There’s lots to keep Scouts engaged beyond just looking at animals. You can join keeper talks and animal displays, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, and even take part in special animal experiences like bird of prey sessions or fruit bat encounters.

The zoo also has picnic spots and a café, so it’s a brilliant choice for a full day out, where everyone can explore, learn about wildlife and enjoy the outdoors together

Whitehouse Farm

(10 Miles from Selby Wood Scout Campsite)  Link

Whitehouse Farm Centre in Morpeth is one of Northumberland’s largest and most family-friendly farm attractions, perfect for Scouts and youth groups looking for a fun, hands-on day out. The farm spans 40 acres where you can meet, feed and handle a wide variety of animals from traditional farm breeds like goats, sheep and pigs to more unusual and exotic species, plus enjoy daily interactive experiences with birds of prey and small critters.

There’s plenty to keep everyone active beyond the animals, with indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides, adventure playgrounds, soft play and plenty of space to explore whatever the weather.

The centre is ideal for Scouts because it combines learning about nature and animal care with lots of opportunities for teamwork, curiosity and outdoor fun that suits all ages.

Hadrians Wall

Marching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Discover the remains of the forts, and towns that once kept watch over the Wall. See rare Roman artefacts and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape.

The Housesteads Trail

Pack up the car, put the dog in the boot and make more of your visit to Hadrian's Wall by taking in some of the less well-known historic sites along the way. We've put together a Housesteads Roman trail for you to try out, including spectacular spots such as Cawfields and Walltown Crags.

The Chesters Trail

Chesters and nearby sites offer a relaxing and tranquil section of Hadrian's Wall country, located next to the North Tyne River. Six miles from the market town of Hexham, the Chesters Roman Fort area is a picture-perfect heritage location on the line of Hadrian's Wall nestled in the valley of Chollerford next to the North Tyne River. You can also rest your weary legs in Chesters Tearoom. 

The Corbridge Trail

This section of Hadrian's Wall leaves the countryside and heads into Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The mix of remains in a rural and urban setting makes the eastern section of Hadrian's Wall a fascinating heritage trail. Starting from Corbridge Roman Town, travel east towards Heddon-on-the-Wall before exploring Newcastle suburbs Denton and Benwell.